The Cloister at Sea Island

The Cloister is the flagship of Sea Island Resort and the only US hotel holding four simultaneous Forbes Five-Star awards: the hotel itself, the spa, the Georgian Room restaurant, and The Lodge.

The property

265 rooms ranging from standard guest rooms to multi-bedroom suites, all maintained to a standard that justifies the $500 to $1,200 nightly rate. The 65,000-square-foot spa runs 23 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, cold plunges, and an indoor pool, and it operates as a destination within the destination. The four-star designation has held for more than twelve consecutive years, which speaks to consistency that most luxury properties aspire to but few sustain.

What to expect

For golfers, the essential fact is access. A stay here unlocks tee times at the Seaside, Plantation, and Retreat courses, which are not available to the general public. The golf concierge coordinates tee times, and proximity to all three courses means no round begins with a significant drive. Beach, pools, and multiple dining options fill the hours between rounds without requiring a car.

Rates and booking

$500 to $1,200 per night. Spa treatments run $115 to $410 with a 25% service charge. The Cloister serves golfers who want the complete Sea Island experience without compromise, at a price reflecting its position at the top of the American resort market.