Fairytale Destination: Sea Island, Georgia

As you drive onto Sea Island, weaving through marsh land, admiring the overgrown oak trees and low hanging moss, water views, you truly feel the southern charm of Georgia.The Cloister - Sea Island, GA

The Cloister at Sea Island is something out of your favorite childhood storybook. Remember being captivated in a love story with the prince and princess in a fairytale setting? The Cloister at Sea Island is just that, a fairytale (and our friends had a fairytale wedding too). The architecture and design of the entire resort and island is the classic southern romantic charm of your dreams.

The Cloister - Sea Island, GA

As we pulled up under the porte-cochere, we were greeted by the friendly and abundant staff. Walking in there were fresh floral arrangements, stone like walls, charming brass chandeliers, elaborate tapestries, high ceilings with a wall of windows, and a staircase (the same staircase my dear friend would see her father for the first time prior to the wedding). I was in awe! Looking directly ahead at a wall of windows I was able to look out over a marble patio to the water. Similar to the main  lobby, our suite was equally stunning with similar features.

My husband and I had the opportunity to spend some time at their spa, visit The Beach Club, and golf their championship course. The spa forever has a little piece of my heart. Upon arrival, we were each greeted with a Peach Bellini (FRESH Georgia peaches, yum!). In the middle of the spa is an atrium filled with sky lights, man-made river-like features, and naturally growing trees. We found a little nook and sat curled up in our Ugg blankets (SO comfy).The Cloister - Sea Island, GA

That evening we went to a Welcome Party at The Retreat at Sea Island. Another gorgeous indoor/outdoor venue surrounded by the rich Georgia foliage and warm breezy air.The Cloister - Sea Island, GA

The ceremony took place in the garden under picturesque trees where chandeliers hung like earrings from their branches. The reception followed within the Mizner Ballroom at The Cloister. It within itself was an extravagant, black tie, event full of love and hope for the future. The service staff was incomparable and added so much to the overall event. An evening I will not soon forget. (For my events & catering folks out there, I have included a few photos below of the ceremony and reception. Enjoy!)

At the end of the day, hospitality is what we live for and work to deliver everyday. When a hospitality professional experiences true hospitality & kindness, they know it. Now, I am going to sit here and reminisce of the breezy air, the loveliest Peach Bellini and the joy of Southern Hospitality.

P.S. Just for fun. Here is my favorite pic from the wedding…The Cloister - Sea Island, GA

 

Cheers!

Lauren

 

The Cloister - Sea Island, GAThe Cloister - Sea Island, GA

 

 

Southern Charm at South Eden Plantation

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

To be honest, I knew very little about the trip that we were embarking on. My mother-in-law took care of all the details and I was just along for the ride (and to be a bridesmaid), which was great! To my pleasant surprise South Eden Plantation is registered as one of the Historic Hotels of America.

 

As we drove from the airport admiring the lush green scenery, the resort popped up and we made a left turn onto a pebble road, where we entered between pink and brick security stands under a white trellis.

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

The winding pebble road was lined by overgrown willow trees and hanging Spanish moss, just like every picture you can imagine of Georgian charm (at night all of the trees were perfectly lit with white lights). As we approached the Main House, which is where our whole family stayed, I was giddy! It was all pink, brick, and white with hanging outdoor chandeliers.

 

We gathered our luggage and made our way to the front door, up a few stairs and through a large wooden white door. Taking just a few steps in we looked ahead at a grand room with a three-tier original light fixture hanging from the vaulted ceiling.South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

To the left was a magnificent lounge with copper ceiling tiles, large red tufted booths, and sparkling chandeliers. (Fun Fact: The lounge is called Scarlett’s after Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind. The theater that sits on the grounds was the first theater to show Gone with the Wind when it came out in 1939!)

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

Our parents were whisked away to their suites and then we were led to ours. We entered through a separate wooden white door and climbed up hardwood steps to where we would be staying. The original hardwood floors had a perfect sheen to them throughout the entire Main House. Our room’s décor was classic with gray walls, white trim, a white four post bed frame, and of course, a chandelier!South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

Since our family was occupying all the rooms, we were able see each room. One of my favorites was where my parents stayed, it was called The Bird’s Nest Suite, and the name fit the room. Dark walls with white accents, a bird carved into the headboard, and actual bird cages fit snuggly over crystal light fixtures. The other suites boasted bright colors such as hot pink and Tiffany’s blue. Each room had its’ own style.

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

The parlor area where we were able to meet for coffee in the mornings was just as lovely as the sleeping rooms. Long white curtains, classic furniture, and original woodworking around the fireplace boasted the Southern charm that I have always related to the South. Our trip was far too short as I wish we had more time to explore the historic theater, the greenhouse-like indoor pool, and take in the historic significance of this location.If you ever find yourself in Georga, don’t forget to take a moment to visit South Eden Plantation, you won’t regret it!

P.S. She was a beautiful bride! (Photo taken at neighboring Pebble Hill Plantation by Andrea Z Photography.)South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, Georgia

 

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

South Eden Plantation - Thomasville, GA

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren