Florida is a group of stunning barrier islands off the coast of Georgia that extends from Savannah to Jacksonville. These islands, sometimes known as the Golden Isles, are distinguished by breathtaking expanses of marshland, imposing Spanish moss-covered oak trees, and unbroken vistas of breathtaking Atlantic beaches. The nicest beach resorts in Georgia can be found on these islands, which are open to tourists.
Throughout the early 20th century, the islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island enjoyed a particular place in the upper class Georgian hunting circles. The Golden Isles are now a popular vacation destination for both Georgians and tourists, who come for the area's historic sites, museums, art galleries, restaurants, golf courses, and top beach resorts.
The Golden Isles provide accommodations for all price ranges, from luxurious historic hotels like The Cloister at Sea Island to inexpensive coastal lodgings like the Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island.
Read on to learn more about Georgia's top beach resorts if you're ready to experience the best of the Golden Isles.
1. Sea Island's Cloister
In a word, the Cloister on Sea Island is lavish. another way to say? Grand. This five-star, storied hotel comes to mind when you think of Southern opulence.
The property is a sprawling expanse of white stone cloistered corridors, balconies, manicured gardens, and stone archways that is spread out over a massive, 50-acre complex that is divided into three distinct areas. The first part is the arrival road, which is flanked by enormous oak trees covered with Spanish moss on both sides. From that point on, every little thing is thoughtful, regal, and elegantly understated.
The Cloister's accommodations are dispersed across three structures: The Cloister Main Building and Wings, The Cloister Beach Club, or The Cloister Ocean Residences. Although each has a distinctive mood, they are all quite sophisticated and exquisite. The Cloister Beach Club accommodations are the greatest for the simplest beach access. There are three swimming pools in this structure, which is close to the five miles of oceanfront.
The Cloister has everything you need to make your trip a wonderful and restful one, whether you're traveling in a couple, with your family, or even by yourself. Activities range from tennis and wellness services to dock fishing and horseback riding. The hotel boasts its own movie theater, bike and water activity rentals, three championship golf courses, and other amenities.
Additionally, dining is dispersed among the three areas. The Cloister offers fine dining options, from the intimate River Bar to the Italian Tavola.
2. the Sea Island Golf Club's Lodge
On the grounds of a former cotton plantation, the luxurious Lodge at Sea Island, which has 40 rooms, is surrounded by tall oak trees covered in Spanish moss and has red terra cotta roofs. The hunting lodges of the 1920s, which were common in the Golden Isles at the start of the 20th century, are reminiscent of The Lodge at Sea Island.
The Cloister, which is close by, has a sister property called The Lodge. Even yet, The Lodge seems like a different planet, especially for golfers who will be surrounded by the magnificent greens. If golf is not your thing, The Cloister in the neighborhood includes a beach, spa, and pool.
The Lodge has a very Scottish vibe, especially with the hunting lodge decor and daily piper performance at twilight. Golf is one activity, but there are also skeet shooting and trap shooting. The spacious area is warmed with antiques, luxurious couches, and a sizable wood-burning fireplace.
The Oak Room offers Southern cuisine on-site, and Colt & Alison serves grilled steaks.
3. Jekyll Island Club Hotel,
Although Jekyll Island became an exclusive hunting club for the nation's wealthiest citizens before Jekyll Island Club formally opened its doors in 1888, the club's history goes back even further. The present-day resort maintains its original Southern charm while exuding an air of exclusivity that would have pleased its founders.
Whether it's a game of croquet or a peaceful afternoon reading in an opulently furnished chamber, the expansive grounds offer nooks and hideaways to suit every interest. There is always a spot to play at the Jekyll Island Club, from bright atriums with nautical color schemes to expansive verandas dotted with rocking rockers and greens upon greens.
Although the hotel is on Jekyll Island's river side rather than right on the beach, visitors can use the complimentary shuttle to travel the seven minutes to the seaside club.
The rooms have a Victorian aesthetic but a contemporary feel thanks to amenities like functioning fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and private patios and balconies. Five dining options, a pavilion on a private beach, a pool, a spa, and a salon are among the resort's attractions.
4. Jekyll Ocean Club
The Jekyll Ocean Club, a hotel within a hotel, is situated right on the ocean in contrast to the Jekyll Island Club, which is technically a component of the Jekyll Island Club Resort complex. The most captivating views of the Golden Isles may be seen from the small hotel's 40 suites.
A King Suite or a Double Queen Suite are available to guests. Double Queen rooms have two beds, a big living room, and a patio or balcony with seaside views. The King Suites are identical, however the king bed is different.
Eight Ocean Kitchen & Bar, a restaurant owned by The Ocean Club, offers a modernized take on Lowcountry cuisine.
Of course, the beach access is the resort's most noticeable feature. The Atlantic coastline of Jekyll Island's pristine sand is just steps away from the Ocean Club. However, visitors can use the free shuttle to travel to the Island Club portion of the complex to take advantage of all the events and dining options available there.
5. The Westin Jekyll Island,
On Jekyll Island's eastern coast, The Westin Jekyll Island is located. The seaside hotel, which is built in an antebellum Plantation style, includes 187 guest rooms and 13 suites. Imagine a two-story lobby that is spacious and bright, with wooden wall panels.
From beachfront hotels to quaint B&Bs, you can relax in style in Georgia's Golden Isles https://t.co/3ZzUyyCRBe pic.twitter.com/QpGAb4In8Y
— Golden Isles (@Golden_Isles) March 23, 2018
As a part of the Beach Village complex, which has restaurants, shops, and the island's conference center, the amenity-rich hotel offers an outstanding position. The Great Dunes Park and the Ocean View Trail are also nearby, putting visitors right in the middle of the island's diverse natural beauty.
Many of the rooms have ocean views and are roomy and comfortable. Private balconies with views of the beach are available in some rooms. Flat-screen televisions, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, and White Tea toiletries are available as amenities.
Visitors can walk to adjacent eateries, but there are also a lot of dining alternatives at the hotel, including The Reserve Steak House. Imagine a restaurant where guests may eat either inside or outside with a view of the ocean, with dark wood interiors and touches of golden yellow. Salty's Seasonal Poolside Bar & Grill is a more laid-back choice and provides casual fare including grilled sandwiches.
A seasonally open outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness facility are additional features. A tailored three-mile run around the island is also available through the Westin brand's RunWESTIN program, which offers guided runs or both.
6. Saint Simons Island's King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
What began in 1935 as a dance club on a seashore island has grown to become one of Georgia's most popular beach destinations. On Saint Simons Island, there is a historic coastal resort called The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. It has around 200 rooms and a ton of amenities.
The King and Prince is among Georgia's most exquisite and illustrious structures. The hotel really obtained a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. With wrought-iron chandeliers, a stone fireplace, high ceilings, and an atrium that floods the space with natural light, the lobby exudes classic Southern splendor.
Standard rooms, suites, villas, and holiday apartment units are just a few of the many different room kinds that are available to guests. Villas are ideal for extended visits or families since they feature separate kitchens, patios outside, and washers and dryers.
Although the resort has a golf course, visitors should be aware that it is off-site. The distance is roughly 30 minutes by car. A fitness facility, tennis courts, a gift store, and multiple pool areas are all on the site for visitors' use. Of course, there is also the easy access to the beach.
ECHO, the hotel's featured restaurant, is the only oceanfront restaurant on the island. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and diners may enjoy stunning ocean views while they eat.
7. Ocean Lodge Resort
The magnificent Spanish-Mediterranean architecture of the Ocean Lodge is what first draws tourists. When you add that to the property's numerous fountain-like palms (as well as genuine bubbling fountains), it's simple to think you've been transported to Barcelona rather than the Georgian islands. There is no doubt that it is still in Georgia, so expect all the Southern ambiance and friendliness.
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The 15 rooms at the Renaissance-style villa on St. Simons Island are all one-bedroom suites with a full kitchen, living room, and bedroom, as well as individual balconies. The warm color scheme of the suites, together with the stone accents, oil paintings, and ornate throw rugs, really contributes to the European feel. Even so, there are plenty of contemporary facilities, such as complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
One of the two bathrooms in the majority of suites contains a whirlpool bathtub. For a greater view of the ocean, make sure to reserve a room on a higher floor.
The resort's main restaurant, The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge, which has the greatest views, appears to be the hub of all activity. The food is traditional Southern fare with a touch of French seaside cuisine. Additionally, breakfast is included in the hotel fee.
8. Little Saint Simons Island's Lodge
This beach resort might be the one for you if you've ever wanted to experience life on a private island. More than 11,000 acres of breathtaking natural space can be found on Little St. Simons Island. It is the ideal island hideaway off the coast of Georgia, putting tourists right in the middle of nature, with seven miles of beaches. The fact that the island can only be reached by boat contributes to its distinctiveness and seclusion. One of Georgia's top beach resorts, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island is the only lodging option on the island.
The Lodge has cottages and guest rooms. The main lodge was constructed as a hunting lodge in 1917. Two guest rooms with private bathrooms are now located there. The Cedar House and River Lodge, two other homes, all feature four bedrooms. The property provides a variety of one, two, three, and four-bedroom cottages for people who desire more seclusion.
The Lodge's visitors are outdoor enthusiasts who value tranquility and beauty in nature. Bird watching, fishing, and boating are among the activities. Additionally, visitors can use the seven miles of Atlantic Ocean beach and go on guided animal exploration trips.
9. Hotel Simone
The Hotel Simone is the first newly built, independently owned hotel on the island in decades. The exclusive, adults-only boutique hotel is a few feet from the beach and close to some of St. Simon's greatest dining and entertainment options.
Only 24 apartments total, each with an island theme. The brightly colored furniture and bed frames are wonderful. There are four different room layouts available, some of which have balconies.
The suites can sleep up to four people—two in the king bedroom and another two on the pullout sofa in the living room—so if you're looking to save some money, you may make a reservation with another couple. An additional mini-kitchen with a full-sized fridge and a sink is located in the living area.
Dogs are welcome at the hotel, so you don't have to leave your furry family member at home even though it isn't kid-friendly.
There are free breakfasts each morning, beach bikes for exploring, special rates and charging privileges at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, as well as a fitness facility.
Additionally, there is free parking, a rooftop pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, and a personal concierge.
10. Jekyll Island's Holiday Inn Resort
The Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island offers one of Georgia's nicest locations, despite the fact that it is a Holiday Inn. The low-cost hotel chain has commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean and is located on Jekyll Island's beach.
The majority of the guest rooms are ocean-facing and have light, roomy interiors. Even larger than regular rooms, suites all have living areas with views of the beach that are separate from the beds.
The Holiday Inn includes a large outdoor pool and a fitness facility that is more than 1,000 square feet in size in addition to having access to the beach. Even the seasonal restaurants The Anchor, which serves lunch and supper, and the Beach House, which offers seafood, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and salads, are available on-site.
11. DeSoto Beach Hotel,
Tybee Island, one of Georgia's most adored sea islands, is renowned for its elegant mansions, buzzing restaurants, and breathtaking expanses of white sand beach. Oddly, only one hotel—the DeSoto Beach Hotel—is situated directly on the beach.
The DeSoto Beach Hotel, a historic, family-run hotel, was established in 1939 and rapidly gained notoriety as one of the fanciest hangouts for Savannah socialites. There are currently 37 guest rooms available, ranging from Grand Deluxe Ocean Front accommodations to DeSoto Beach Garden Suites. There is an outdoor pool and a central common garden in the resort.
For exploring the island, hotel guests can also hire bikes, beach chairs, and umbrellas.