Treasure Island

By Matt Ginella
Photos By Stephen Szurlej May 2008

Sea Island's founders had grand plans. Not content to build just another resort on the Georgia coast, cousins Howard Coffin and A.W. Jones imagined a destination unlike any other -- a "seaside nirvana," as Coffin put it. Nearly 80 years later, that remains Sea Island's reputation.

Needless to say, I had high expectations as I prepared for my first visit. I'd heard the buzz about the luxurious accommodations at the Lodge and the Cloister. Pebble Beach had a contender in its weight class of great golf resorts. I wanted to see the Cloister's $500 million renovation by A.W. Jones' great-grandson, Bill Jones III. It has 149 rooms and hosted a G8 Summit in 2004.

I decided to stay at the Lodge, a 10-minute drive from big brother Cloister on neighboring St. Simons Island. Jones III invested about $50 million into building the Lodge, which opened in 2001. It has only 40 rooms and is a better fit for a buddies trip or for couples. Most family activities are in and around the Cloister. All three courses open to resort guests are near the Lodge.

The golf learning center is within walking distance of the Lodge, and Jones III hired a property-proclaimed "dream team" of professionals to make sure all aspects of the game are covered. They include teachers Jack Lumpkin, Todd Anderson and Gale Peterson; fitness expert Randy Myers; putting expert Mike Shannon and sport psychologist Dr. Morris Pickens.

Sea Island's peak seasons are March 1 to May 31 and Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. The room rates during these times are $650 to $2,000 a night. Off-peak rates are $450 to $2,000. Look into seasonal package deals, which include golf, food, spa and shopping gift cards (seaisland.com, 888-732-4752). The danger in staying and playing at the Lodge is that the experience and service might ruin every resort trip you take for the rest of your life. Five-star Southern hospitality is like chocolate-chocolate cake: a lot of a very good thing.

The rooms have high ceilings and hardwood floors and are filled with dark-wood furniture and oriental rugs. The bathrooms have whirlpool tubs, oversize showerheads, heated towel racks and no-fogging mirrors. You have personalized stationery at your desk, you're served milk and warm cookies before bed, and there's a button on the phone marked BUTLER.

It means just that: butler service 24/7. He's the one who gives you the resort tour upon arrival and checks you into your room. He'll even press your wardrobe if you want him to. During the room tour, Ron, my butler (which is weird to type), mentioned he runs a mean bath (even weirder to admit). I told him I might need a shirt ironed, but the bath nozzles would be staying in the "off" position this trip. A bath wasn't a priority -- I was there to play golf.