When plans were announced a few years ago for a complete recreation of the venerable The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia, there was considerable concern among the many faithful devotees of the seaside resort. After all, this is the iconic Atlantic coast property designed in 1928 by Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner that has hosted generations in refined style. Surrounded by arching live oaks cloaked in Spanish moss, the Mediterranean-style inn, with its terra cotta roof and surrounding buildings, quickly became an international destination known for luxury, fine service, and genteel seclusion. Surviving the Depression, the resort went on to host presidents, royalty, and celebrities from around the world, all the while managed first by founder Howard Coffin and then by his cousin, Bill Jones.

For the last 15 years Bill Jones III, the fourth generation of his family to lead the company, has ably overseen Sea Island’s stewardship, balancing a deep respect for the grand traditions of the past with an eye toward carefully transforming Sea Island into a cherished community for the next generation of visitors and residents. The renaissance began in full when Rees Jones and Tom Fazio redesigned Sea Island’s four, nine-hole courses into two world-class 18-hole courses, the Seaside and the Plantation. Next came The Lodge at Sea Island in 2001, essentially a $50 million five-star, five-diamond private manor with 40 guest rooms and suites for those who wish to relax in a room overlooking the ocean and enjoy what Golf Digest deemed the “Best Golf Resort in North America.”

Still, new structures, courses, and amenities aside, the heart of Sea Island remains The Cloister, and many guests were waiting with baited breath to see how the mighty challenge of remodeling the historic building was met. Reborn in 2006, the new Cloister not only passed the litmus test, but surpassed even the most skeptical visitor’s expectations. And for that, extra credit is due to Jones and his team.

“Recreating The Cloister was key to Sea Island’s complete transformation and to working toward our vision of being known as the finest resort and resort community in the world,” says Jones, Chairman and CEO of Sea Island Resorts. “Since we opened the new main hotel building last year, our guests have been telling us that we have successfully brought long-time Sea Island traditions to new generations of guests and members. We are pleased to be able to celebrate that as we begin our 80th year.”

Indeed, for first-time visitors, walking through the “new” Cloister can be disconcerting. Warm cypress beams are interlaced with heart pine on the lobby’s ceiling. Hundreds of Turkish rugs crafted specifically for the property line the floors, an Eastern opulence that contrasts with old European motifs found throughout the building. Photos of Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower, as well as a host of other vintage photographs, line the walls, evidence of its venerable history. The inevitable first question new visitors ask is, “What exactly is the new part of The Cloister?” It is a testament to the vision and abilities of Bill Jones, architect Peter Capone of Capone and Associates, Michael Ramsey of Architectural Design Group, and interior designer Pamela Hughes that nearly everything one sees is new, yet looks original.

Although well known by the 40,000 honeymooning couples that have stayed at The Cloister since the resort began keeping records in the 1940s, the stately destination now appeals to corporate business travelers and groups interested in a host of facilities and services geared toward their interests. First among those in many people’s minds is a meeting room housing the massive pine table used during the 2004 G8 Summit at Sea Island, where President George W. Bush and the world’s major industrial powers sat. There are an additional 17,000 square feet of conference rooms and open floor plans such as the ballroom that holds up to 800 attendees, as well as terraces and rooms on the beach itself. The Spa and fitness club, with wellness programs, a salon, and numerous other activities, offers many possibilities for groups, large or small.

From a catering staff, florist, design team, technology desk, even an archivist and historian for those groups wanting to appreciate the full scope of Sea Island traditions, no detail is overlooked. The Georgian Room—listed among the Best New Restaurants 2006 by Esquire—with its grand fireplace and gold-and-crystal chandeliers, also has a private room for secluded dining. For even more private gatherings, The Wine Cellar is available for lunch or dinner and serves eight to 14 guests (if one gets a chill, no worries: cashmere shawls are provided for the ladies).

But beyond all accolades—and the heavy expectation history places on special destinations such as The Cloister—perhaps the ultimate test is simpler. Sitting in Adirondack chairs enjoying cocktails as the sun sets over the Black Banks River, several guests watch a family of kayakers silently glide by in their red, green, and blue crafts. At Sea Island, apparently, even exercise is done with grace and charm. 

Details

The Cloister
1-888-SEA-ISLAND
Sea Island, GA
info@seaisland.com
www.seaisland.com