The Cloister

What a spectacular Forbes 5 Star resort The Cloisters is. As first time guests we were greeted with amazing holiday decorations from the drive in, hotel grounds, and lobbies. The Christmas trees and decorations were simply gorgeous. From the car park, valet, to our check-in -- wonderful welcoming staff. Our visit improved with each staff member we encountered. Day One - Check-in and room arrival was splendid. We opted for the River View suite (north wing) which did not disappoint. The gorgeous, vaulted ceiling (3rd top floor) and veranda overlooking Black Bank River at sunset was spectacular. We enjoyed the adult pool and steamy hot tub at the beach club prior to dinner in the River Bar. Our first day at The Cloisters was epic with sumptuous surroundings, gorgeous landscaping, and superb staff. Day Two - We enjoyed the gorgeous Cloisters Spa which had excellent staff, amazing facilities, and wonderful indoor lap pool and hot tub. Both Men's and Women's locker rooms were excellent. The afternoon was spent at The Lodge at Sea Island Club (25 minutes away by hotel driver) with golf, sunset bagpiper, and delicious dinner in the Oak Room. Day Three - spent off resort exploring St. Simon's Island and the Georgia Sea Turtle Rescue Center on Jekyll Island. Another wonderful visit to the Spa followed by the best dinner yet in Tavola. We had an amazing last night dinner, wine, and Sorbet dessert to celebrate our successful trip. Special kudos to the following Cloisters staff who made our stay fantastic; Alvin - valet car park Bruce - bell hop extraordinaire Morgan & Nicole - Beach Club Paul, George, Valencia, Carl, and Ashley - River Bar staff. Viego and Cericka - Oak Room. Ashawnie - Tavola. Jacquetta, Ada Rosa, and Stefany - room attendants. I give The Cloisters Sea Island the highest recommendation possible. We cannot wait to return in 2025.

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.

An outstanding experience. Wonderful decor, great dining, and first-rate friendly staff. I highly recommend this if you want a great, relaxing get-away