Rained in at Sea Island

I know, I know, rained in sounds like a bad thing, but it isn’t.  Can you imagine just sitting in lush, green surroundings, enjoying the stillness as the sound of trickling, okay occasionally down-pouring rain falls outside?  Your view is perfect and it is so peaceful, regardless of the gray outlook?  One of the activities I had been looking forward to was canceled due to the heavy rain, but I’m okay with that.  I haven’t been on a horse since my 20’s and I was a little apprehensive about the temperament of the horse I would get.  I have fond memories of my cousin’s horse who would take you straight back to the stables whenever the whim hit him, whether you wanted to or not.  I was on him one time for that full gallop back home because he got tired of wandering around the hills of Saddle Brook, NJ.  But, I was going to give it a try.   Sea Island has a way of giving you that extra little bit of courage.

We were staying at the very seductive, very historically-drenched hotel just above Brunswick, about an hour south of Savannah on a little piece of heaven called The Cloister.  It’s beautiful.  Just a few miles after crossing the bridge, you wind down little tree covered roads dripping with moss.  Then you drive slowly into the compound on the cobblestone roads and exit your car into buildings reminiscent of old Spanish mansions, decorated with tapestries and paintings of southern charm. 

When we arrived at our room, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the room was as big as the pictures online.  Pleasantly surprised, I say, because I have felt cheated on many occasions.  So many hotels use panoramic pictures to display their rooms and lobbies.  Sadly, when I had arrived at those other hotels, I found I barely had enough room to turn around.  Not here.  The bedroom with its cathedral ceiling was more than enough room with a sitting area and an ample patio.  I have taken pictures, but they don’t do it justice.  We have a view of Black Banks River, but can walk to the beach in less than five minutes.  Something I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, though walking in the rain did sound romantic and adventurous, just like riding horses.  But, it was a little too cold for that walk in the pouring rain, though it is normally warmer this time of year in Sea Island.  So off I galloped happily to the restaurants, and then to the spa.

I ate heartily a nice shrimp omelet laden with spinach, gruyere, and other stuff that was absolutely delicious at the Georgian.  But, I didn’t stop there.  After exploring St. Simons Island, the neighboring paradise, I went for my Stone and Scent massage.  Ladies and gents, I think I had an out of body experience!   I don’t ever recall being so relaxed before.  Perhaps my surroundings helped, but the masseuse was the best.  I have been to massage establishments in Atlanta.  Some with very big names, and very big promises, but they didn’t have ‘Roderick.’  This man has an absolute gift to relax every muscle in my body to the point that I felt like a drunk when I tried to stand up.  My body said lay back down; your muscles aren’t in the mood to walk right now.  So guess what?  I obeyed. 

My pleasures didn’t stop there.  Of course not!  The Cloister has more than one excellent restaurant. Later I would enjoy a grilled red snapper that melted in my mouth at the Tavola, its charming Italian restaurant.  Need I go on?  The food was fabulous, even from the limited menu at the River Bar.  I can highly recommend this five star hotel on the beautiful Sea Island. It deserves every star.  The staff is incredibly solicitous.  They make it a point to make you want for nothing.  Kudos all the way around, I can grant them a five star review for my stay at The Cloister.  So, in the famous words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll Be Back.”