Today I want to tell you a little bit about an amazing spot for destination weddings and even domestic honeymoons too! I recently had the chance to stay at The Cloister at Sea Island during the Engage!16: Sea Island wedding industry summit and I was delighted to discover a sweet southern property ideal for destination weddings. You can see all the parties they put on throughout the conference featured in our stories earlier in the week – their catering department sure knows how to give every guest a great time!
The hotel, The Cloister, is part of a larger resort, one that encompasses the small island it sits on – complete with a sister lodge property, golf, shopping and fine dinning and lots of natural wonders to explore. Located in the south east of Georgia, on the Atlantic Ocean, the property boasts a big beautiful beach, a dock overlooking the marsh lands and epic sunsets every night.
For couples tying the knot, there’s a beautiful ivy-clad chapel on property to host your ceremony within. Surrounded by small pathways and old, inviting trees, this spot is idyllic to say “I do” in. Every turn at The Cloister, indoors and out, has a romance to it that can only be found in this part of the world, and their wedding spaces have it in spades!
We also had the rare chance to celebrate in the lobby of the hotel, this beautiful two-story space was perfect for cocktail hour, following a would-be ceremony.
But my favorite part of the property wasn’t the actual hotel itself, though my residence suite was spectacular! The natural surroundings of The Cloister at Sea Island were absolutely breathtaking. The serenity around you finds its way within you as a feeling of peace falls over everyone who steps foot on the island. Nature walks, romantic sunset strolls, and even a kids club to get the little ones in your group out into nature are some of the delightful activities you’ll experience here. And for groups who like a little more action, there’s also biking, boating, beach and water sports at the beach club, hunting, horseback riding, and fishing too! The outdoor activities at Sea Island are endless; your group will certainly have a great time, no matter their speed.
Despite all the modern amenities, the hotel has a nostalgic feeling to it, one rich in tradition (past presidents have stayed here) and an air of formality that is effortless, not stuffy. The top-notch service, superb food and beverage program, formal (and not-so formal) restaurants give you the opportunity to experience incredible luxury with any style, from pool-side drinks to black tie dinners, and of course outdoor adventure in between.
But the hotel rooms are so delightful, you might find yourself skipping the expansive spa and fine dinning and ordering in instead! My residence came complete with a full kitchen, fireplace-clad living room, wrap around balcony, two full bathrooms and possibly the most delightful and cozy hotel room bed I’ve ever slept in. The rooms at The Cloister at Sea Island are so inviting, you really don’t ever want to (or need to) leave! …But when you do, you’ll find details, like these monogrammed loaves of bread, that really do dazzle you throughout your stay. Sea Island may not be the traditional barefoot in the sand destination wedding, but we like it that way.
Photography: Laura Dee Photography, John Cain Photography, Love Life Images, Joel Callaway Photography, Carla Ten Eyck, Paul Morse Photographs, Genevieve De Manio Photography
