Craving a festive getaway? Experience a holiday to remember at Sea Island, Georgia.

Words by Angela Caraway-Carlton
Photos courtesy of Sea Island

Crossing the bridge to The Cloister at Sea Island, a host of heralding angels dazzle in white and gold illuminations, echoed by lights glimmering in the sprawl of moss-dressed oaks. It’s a small foretaste of the magic that awaits, and, like a giddy kid who can’t sleep on Christmas Eve, my excitement builds. “It’s like visiting Disney during Christmas with an elegant Southern touch,” coos the shuttle driver, as she drops me at the resort’s entrance.

With roots dating back to 1928, Sea Island is a triple Forbes Five-Star private resort located on the southern coast of Georgia, where generations repeatedly return to relive and create cherished traditions. Walking into the Spanish Mediterranean-style lounge for the first time, I can’t help but release an audible “Wow.” The lofty room’s chandeliers and banisters are festooned in garlands, and a giant Christmas tree magnificently stretches skyward. Every inch of the property drips in holiday fanfare, from The Cloister’s carpeted hallway dotted with festive trees, to the Beach Club’s trees that call to its seaside surroundings.  

While there are various accommodations at Sea Island, The Lodge, where I stay, steals my heart. A 15-minute shuttle ride away from the main Cloister property, it’s a secluded hideout beloved by couples and golfers for its stunning waterfront locale and surrounding golf course. The grand lobby living room draped in rich woods and antiques encourages lingering by roaring fireplaces in winter, with hopes of catching the sounds of holiday carolers in the evenings. Every evening before sunset, guests dressed to the nines congregate on the waterfront putting course to play and let the kids run free, as a bagpiper serenades the crowd. But it’s the complimentary perks exclusively offered at The Lodge that really elevate Southern hospitality. I eagerly await the nightly turndown service, when a butler delivers a plate of warm, house-made cookies and milk. One night, after hearing my dog in the room, they graciously return with dog biscuits served on a silver platter. And for couples seeking romance, a butler will also transform your bathroom into a candle-lit fantasy and draw a bath sprinkled with rose petals. Those special touches are all I want for Christmas.

Sea Island uniquely surveys the Atlantic Ocean, the Blackbank River, and salt marshes, and the crisp, salt air, mixed with the sounds of the waves and nature, casts its own distinct spell that erases holiday stress. Because of the area’s mild weather, the resort’s winter activities also remain robust. Tranquil walks on the beach became a daily ritual where I kept my eyes trained on the water to spot dolphins. One day, I mark off a bucket-list activity by saddling up on an easygoing horse, ambling down lush paths to the beach as crabs scatter underneath. Even with the whipping wind, the slow parade along the beach is a moment to remember. Another day, I try my luck at fishing with captain Rob. I haven’t fished since my daddy took me when I was a little girl, and he used to tease me that I’d want to leave when he snagged more fish than me. But this day, there is no sulking: Thanks to Rob’s knowledgeable help, I reel in several small sharks and a redfish (which are all released). The most thrilling experience, though, is the Hawk Walk on Rainbow Island. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of witnessing a taloned raptor swoop in and land on your gloved arm. Just as fascinating is hearing from the resident falconer—yes, that’s a real job—about training and hunting with these predators. 

When it comes to holiday revelry, there are endless complimentary and paid experiences, such as photos with Santa, story time with elves, high tea and wine tastings for adults. One of the most beloved traditions is the life-sized gingerbread installation in The Cloister’s beautiful solarium; the pastry team starts planning for the next year’s holidays the day after Christmas. “Everything is still fresh in our minds, and we spend time every day from December 26 on preparing to top what we did the previous year,” says executive pastry chef Adam Thomas. I’m already preparing for my next holiday visit to Sea Island, regularly stalking the resort’s website for pop-up winter deals—a gift that lasts beyond Christmas.