🌴 Why The Cloister at Sea Island Stands Out
Nestled on Sea Island, Georgia—a private barrier island in Glynn County—The Cloister offers a rare blend of coastal sophistication, family-friendly amenities, and Five-Star luxury, making it one of Georgia’s most esteemed resorts in 2025
Award-winning excellence: Forbes Five-Star for 15 consecutive years
- Exclusive beach access: Five miles of pristine private shoreline
- Tailored for all guests: Ideal for families, couples, and luxury travelers
🛏 Accommodation Options
Main Building & Cloister Wings
Elegant rooms and suites featuring Mediterranean-inspired decor, beam ceilings, Turkish rugs, balconies, and river- or garden-view options.
Beach Club Units
Beach-adjacent suites with pool access and proximity to child-friendly zones like Camp Cloister and Sea Strike & Pub .
Ocean Residences
Private gated enclaves with 1–3 bedrooms, infinity pools, and ocean views—perfect for family retreats .
🍽 Dining & Culinary Experiences
- Tavola: Rustic Italian dishes—fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, regional wines in a lively setting.
- River Bar: Laid-back brasserie with river views, jovial atmosphere, and Southern-French fusion bites .
- Southern Tide: Beachfront dining offering seafood, relaxed ambiance, ideal for families.
- Georgian Room: The only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in Georgia—fine Southern cuisine in an elegant setting
- Sea Strike & Pub: A fun entertainment hub with bowling, cocktails, and casual bites .
🏖️ Resorts & Recreation
- Private Beach & Water Sports: Five miles of exclusive sands, SUP, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and beachside lounging .
- Camp Cloister & Family Fun: Kids’ programs for ages 3–14, creative crafts, playgrounds, splash zones, and evening bowling .
- Golf & Tennis: Three championship golf courses, top-tier performance center, and tennis/squash facilities .
- Spa & Wellness: The Forbes Five‑Star Spa offers hydrotherapy gardens, cold-plunge pools, saunas, cryotherapy, and custom aromatherapy .
🌟 Service & Guest Feedback
- Warm and intuitive hospitality: Common feedback praises the welcoming staff and “treating guests like royalty”.
- High guest satisfaction: Booking.com ranks The Cloister at 9.4/10 overall, with perfect marks for location and Wi-Fi .
- Small drawbacks: A few recent reviews note mild wear in older wings and slightly dated HVAC systems .
✅ Pros & Cons
✔ Pros
- Unrivaled coastal luxury with diverse accommodation styles
- Exceptional facilities: private beach, spa, golf, tennis, bowling
- Designed for all traveler types—kids, couples, and groups
✘ Cons
- Premium pricing and exclusive programming may not suit budget travelers
- Some older rooms may benefit from refresh upgrades
🧭 Best Time to Visit & Insider Tips
- Walking tip: Adult guests seeking solitude should choose suites in the main building or ocean residences, away from beach-club bustle.
- Dining tip: Make reservations early for Tavola and Georgian Room; both frequently sell out at peak times.
- Visit timing: Fall and spring bring mild weather ideal for beach and golf; summer offers full kids’ programming.
📝 Final Verdict
The Cloister at Sea Island remains an icon of Southern luxury hospitality in 2025. Its private coastal access, award-winning spa and dining, and family-first amenities make it a standout among Georgia resorts. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a multi-generational family getaway, or a golf and spa retreat, The Cloister delivers a five-star experience across the board.
