The Beach: Sea Island, Georgia
The Cloister
Since The Cloister at Sea Island opened its doors in 1928, four generations of many families have thought of it as a second home. It's easy to see why: Located on a lovely, sandy barrier island about an hour south of Savannah, this resort has a genuinely warm, down-home feel. Started as a small inn by the same family that owns it today, the property became an architectural hodgepodge of additions over time. This year, though, the owners are unveiling an impressive new 100-room addition built in the Mediterranean style of the 1920s, with all the details and craftsmanship of the period. The activities have stayed true to the era: Shuffleboard games break up languid afternoons by the pool, and every Tuesday and Thursday evening, bingo attracts both the over-70 and under-15 crowds, all dressed to the nines (because it's a sleepy island, planned events tend to bring everyone together). Then there's the Friday-night Plantation Supper, a cornucopia of fried chicken, shrimp, and other southern comfort fare served outside, family-style, accompanied by live a cappella music. Big George, the hotel's ambassador for 39 years, is a regular fixture at every event, telling stories of the old days.
Best for: Golfing at the Davis Love-III course (one of three courses on the property); biking on oak-shaded lanes; sipping tea in the Spanish Lounge, an opulent 1928 room that was reconstructed in 2006 piece by piece. From $650 for a double room in low season to $5,000 for a two-bedroom suite in high season, seaisland.com or (800) SEA-ISLAND.
You May Also Like…
Congress Hall (1816)
Cape May, New Jersey
A Jersey-shore landmark, brimming with original Victorian details, that has just had a contemporary redesign.
Best for: Kids' origami classes, taught by local professional artists; fish-and-chips at the Blue Pig Tavern. From $125 for a double room in low season to $1,325 for a two-bedroom suite in high season, (888) 944-1816.
The Breakers (1896)
Palm Beach, Florida
A sprawling Italian Renaissance-style resort set on 140 palm tree-studded acres.
Best for: The 28,000-bottle wine cellar; Friday-night bonfires on the beach (in the winter season); unusual kids' activities, like fossil digs. From $380 for a double room in low season to $1,510 for a one-bedroom suite in high season, thebreakers.com or (888) BREAKERS.
Four Seasons Biltmore (1927)
Santa Barbara, California
Impeccable service and graceful hacienda-inspired architecture on a secluded beach just a couple of hours from Los Angeles.
Best for: Croquet with ocean views; the Grape de Vine body treatment at the newly revamped spa. From $550 for a double room in low season to $4,600 for the Ty Warner one-bedroom cottage with roll away beds and cribs for children, (888) 424-5866.
Next Page: A railroad tycoon's Pasadena resort is lovingly restored.
