Virtuoso Life - March/April 2009 - (Page 48) QUICK ESCAPES dot the perfectly smooth sand, and we spot a few ospreys and other wildlife along our route. After our ride, we head directly to The Cloister Spa. Part of the renovation, the new 65,000-square-foot spa offers everything from Japanese Basu bathing to exercise classes. We, of course, laugh off any notion of a workout and go straight for a soak in the outdoor hot tub followed by an hour-long massage. Afterward, there’s plenty of time for chatting over magazines and cups of hot tea in the spa’s indoor relaxation room, which features natural stone floors, a waterfall, and plenty of cushioned lounge chairs. An incredible indoor pool, steam room, and dry sauna are also available to hotel guests. You could easily spend the whole day in the vast spa sampling its numerous treatments. But we decide to explore Saint Simons Village, a quaint little town on an island just minutes away, where mom-andpop boutiques and eateries line the main street. Hungry for some Georgia shrimp, we stop at a local favorite, the Sandcastle Café & Grill. The restaurant is casual, decorated with a mishmash of wall hangings. The sassy waitresses seem to know everyone by name, and the service is quick and snappy. You can’t go wrong with the shrimp po’boy, a perfect combination of crispy fried shrimp and crusty-chewy bread. Though it was a tough choice between Sandcastle and the more famous Barbara Jean’s (known for its crabcakes), one bite of our po’boys and we know we’ve made the right decision. To burn off lunch, we walk over to the historic Saint Simons Lighthouse. Built in 1872, the still-functioning lighthouse offers a 360-degree view of the island (though not for those afraid of heights). We climb the wrought-iron spiral staircase 129 steps to the top, then tour the lighthouse museum, where docents spin ghost tales that reveal much of the local folklore. We cap off the weekend with an incredible meal at The Cloister’s five-star Georgian Room: Palmetto squab with foie gras and date bread pudding; seared redfish with braised radicchio and smoked butter; and sweet potato pie with a pecan crust, toasted marshmallows, and praline sauce – a kicked-up Southern classic. It’s at once luxurious and simple, much like our experience here. While the sheer decadence of Sea Island, with its no-request-is-too-large approach and lavish accommodations, made us feel like princesses, the opportunity to enjoy the silence – punctuated by some serious girl talk – made the trip a true getaway. Sometimes all you need is a break from the ordinary to gain a new perspective. Quiet time at The Cloister Spa. Manor-style stay at The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club. outside for a spectacular sunset and a few glasses of wine – we’re off to a good start. Sea Island Resorts comprises two hotels, each with a different draw for guests. Avid golfers flock to The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, a 40-room hotel and clubhouse located near three 18-hole championship courses. (There are also furnished three- to ninebedroom cottages ideal for families or those looking for a longer stay.) For our girls’ weekend, we chose The Cloister at Sea Island, a Mediterranean-style, 175-room hotel whose three-year, $500 million renovation added, among other amenities, a wine cellar with 10,000 bottles and handmade Turkish rugs in every room. The lobby boasts soaring ceilings, Spanish candelabras, oversize velvet furnishings, and a massive stone fireplace, the perfect place to cozy up with hot chocolate and a great book. We spend our first morning horseback riding on the beach with a guide from the resort’s equestrian center. Whole sand dollars GEORGIA GETAWAY Where to stay and dine on Sea Island. STAY The Cloister at Sea Island: Guest rooms and suites are appointed with luxurious bed linens, hardwood floors, and stone-clad bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs. Doubles from $475, including breakfast for two and a $100 resort credit. The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club: English manor-style rooms and suites have rich wood furnishings, exposed-beam ceilings, and hardwood floors. Marble baths reveal deep-soaking tubs and rain-head showers. Butler service is on hand 24 hours. Doubles from $450, including breakfast for two and a $100 resort credit. eAT Sandcastle Café & Grill: This no-frills local hangout serves big breakfasts and hearty lunches. 117 Mallory Street, Saint Simons Island; 912/638-8883. Barbara Jean’s: A family-run restaurant specializing in seafood (famed for the she-crab soup) and home-style cooking (think meat loaf, pot roast). 214 Mallory Street, Saint Simons Island; 912/634-6500. Georgian Room: Five-star dining at its finest, with chef’s table and tasting menus available. Make sure to ask for a tour of the wine cellar. 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island; 800/732-4752 ext. 4347 48 VIRTUOSO LIFE
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.