The Cloister at Sea Island

We chose the Cloisters on Sea Island to have a very special celebration. It was a perfect stay from beginning to end. This was the most professional and well trained staff we have ever encountered.

We had a fantastic anniversary stay at the Cloister! It was our first time and after reading mixed reviews, I wasn't sure what to think. It was a perfect 65 degrees almost every day, we were able to be outside, ride bikes and explore the island. I will say, I could see if it was summer or on Christmas versus just close, I could see crowds being an issue! The pools were open and heated, the decorations were next level! Our service everywhere we went was great, everyone was so friendly from the valet crew, cleaners, bartenders, all of it - we felt so welcome! Drinks from Sean at the river bar in the cozy living room were fantastic, could have stayed all night! We took a shuttle over to the Lodge and had drinks during the bagpipe player then dinner at the bar - incredible all around. Rhett, Grace and Valarie were incredible. Spa - Great amenities, the outdoor mineral pool may have been my fav! good massage, really nice experience - numerous pools saunas and things to do, could stay all day! festive cocktail offered as well Gym - awesome workout classes! make sure to sign up but really nice facilities Overall, it's a luxe getaway - while family-friendly, it has a high price tag! everything you need is there but there is a premium and you pay for it all. We didn't know we'd be charged for the bikes when we took them out, same with the cost for valet - I think they just assume people are ready to fork over the money! Wouldn't have changed what we did but prices weren't listed at the bike stand, the way we got them very much felt it was included (and frankly should be!) I would recommend leaving the resort, we had great meals at La plancha, the porch and Tramici.

I have been a guest 20+ visits over 40 years with my family. This visit for Christmas was our 3rd in 10 years and we won’t come again for a busy holiday based on our experience. Best- live music, food, luxurious room, gorgeous Christmas decor and common spaces. Shuttle service was prompt and easy even though it is no longer on a schedule. New challenges- crowded, lack of info on programming, especially music, buffet and self serve options instead of 5 star service. Many large dogs, over 50 lbs, through the Cloister including in dining and lounge areas. bowling looks fun but fully booked before we arrived. The prices are high for current level of experience- as other guests said, why do we need to fight for food? High Tea in the Georgian rooms was a buffet so there was a constant line of people next to our table- felt like a cruise ship experience, not Sea Island as I remember it. Recommendations- limit crowds so hotel guests can participate and book popular events and dining - the members seem to be the priority so the hotel needs to decide if they want to be exclusive- no longer feels that way. Add more evening programming such as trivia, music in the Spanish Lounge (miss that!) and dueling pianos. provide daily list of live music- on website and in Cloister Lobby.

The resort would not match an offer we received from them after we booked our reservation. Cleaning standards have definitely declined. The spa is beautiful but my husband's service was completely unsatisfactory. The resort seems to work in silos and we had difficulty getting a complete itinerary of our activities including golf and the learning center.

Few resorts achieve the lofty heights of the Sea Island hotels but fewer still consistently maintain the standard year after year. Excellence in service, comfort, quality and hospitality mark this incredible resort. The highest quality food is wonderfully prepared and beautifully presented. The menu is always innovative and varied yet the hallmark Southern specialties are carefully preserved. Of course the seafood is wonderfully fresh. Every employee consistently recalls your name and pair that with thoughtful service. This is one of the few resorts that can honestly say, “We are world class!”.