Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / United States / Sea Island / The Cloister at Sea Island
The Cloister at Sea Island
Sea Island, Georgia, United States · Sea Island · Apex Luxury
The Cloister at Sea Island opened on October 12, 1928, designed by Addison Mizner in Spanish Revival style for auto magnate Howard Coffin on a private Georgia barrier island, and President Calvin Coolidge was among its first Christmas guests. George H.W. and Barbara Bush honeymooned here in 1945, and the 2004 G8 Summit met here. The original was razed in 2003 and rebuilt in 2006 in the same Mediterranean style, with five miles of private beach.
- 250 rooms
- Opened 1928
- Architect: Addison Mizner; Peter Capone
- Interiors: Pamela Hughes; Hughes Design Associates
About The Cloister at Sea Island
- The original 1928 hotel was designed by celebrated architect Addison Mizner in Spanish Revival style for auto magnate Howard Coffin, with President Calvin Coolidge among its first Christmas guests.
- George H.W. and Barbara Bush honeymooned at the property in 1945, and it later hosted the 2004 G8 Summit.
- The original building was razed in 2003 and rebuilt in 2006 in the same Mediterranean style, with a 65,000-square-foot spa added that same year.
- Guests have five miles of private beach and an exclusive Beach Club, a Sea Island signature since the resort's earliest decades.
History
Opened October 12, 1928 on a private Georgia barrier island, designed by Addison Mizner in Spanish Revival style for auto magnate Howard Coffin — with President Calvin Coolidge among its first guests that Christmas.
The setting
5 miles from Fort Frederica.
Restaurants and bars
- Tavola — Restaurant · Italian with Southern charm
- River Bar — Restaurant · French flair or Southern twist
- Sea Strike & Pub — Restaurant · Gastropub-style
- Southern Tide — Restaurant · Seafood
Experiences
- Sea Island Beach Club and five-mile private beach — Five miles of private beach across the street, with three swimming pools, water sports and activities at the Beach Club.
- The Spa at Sea Island — Forbes Five-Star spa with a water-inspired wellness journey, massage, body treatments, hydrotherapy, cold plunges and hot pools.
- Fitness Center — Classes, personal training and yoga, Pilates, strength, cycle and cardio studios, indoor heated lap pool, squash courts, sauna and cryotherapy.
- Complimentary BMW driving — Complimentary BMW test drives on Sea Island and St. Simons Island, pre-registration required, up to two hours of driving.
- Tennis Center — Tennis Center on the property.
- Sea Island Nature Center and Coastal Experience Center — Nature center and coastal experience center among the amenities and activities.
Amenities
- Spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Kids' club
- Tennis
- Private beach
- Golf course
- Horseback riding
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- AAA Five Diamond (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
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