Drawn Bath & Warm Cookies: Two Nights at The Lodge on Sea Island
Less than a two hour drive from where we live in Florida and tucked along the Georgia coast between the salt marshes and the Atlantic is The Lodge on Sea Island. It’s so close but yet feels so far…unhurried, breathtaking and gracious.
We spent two luxurious nights at The Lodge last weekend with good friends Mark and Mercedes and our Tampa friends, Carlos and Dorothy.
It has me hoping to go back. And that’s appropriate as it’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
First Stop: St. Simons Island
We didn’t go straight to the resort since check-in time was later. Instead, we spent our first afternoon on neighboring St. Simons Island.
On St. Simons Island, we had lunch at The Half Shell at the Pier. Everyone enjoyed the oysters and local shrimp. Then we did a little shopping. The standout stop for me was Heritage House. Beautifully curated and full of character.
Arriving at The Lodge
Be sure to check the rates of this five star hotel. My friend Dorothy noticed that the rates doubled from the time we were looking at to a few days later. It was still a splurge but worth it for premium luxury.
We had a huge room with beautiful textiles. I loved the interiors so much that I didn’t care our view was of the hotel entrance instead of the ocean.
Our butler introduced himself when we arrived. He suggested that we might enjoy a scented drawn bath and the bedtime cookies. Sold.
I just had to let him know when I wanted the bath drawn and it was a highlight for me.
Evening One: The Terrace & Dinner at Colt & Alison
Before dinner, we settled into the Lodge’s terrace for cocktails at golden hour. The light was beautiful and they even had a bag piper playing as the sun set.
Dinner that night was in the hotel at Colt & Alison, an elegant but classic steakhouse. It did not disappoint. But what made the evening truly memorable was our server, Jeffry. Great food made even better with with great service.
Resort Wear
This is the Farm Rio dress (with pockets) that I bought with my daughter the week before in Los Angeles. It’s not lined but not see-through and easy to pack. The carved wooden bead necklace is from a vintage store bought years ago in Dania Beach, Fl.
I have always wanted a pair of “blue suede shoes” and these new Talbots flat espadrilles go with pants and skirts. They come in a pretty olive color, too.
Day Two: The Cloister’s Private Beach Club
The Lodge has access to Cloister’s Private Beach Club. So we headed over there to grab seats on the sand overlooking the the same ocean we have (except at home I don’t take the time to fully relax on the beach). Mercedes and I were saying that that has got to change!
Lunch was at Southern Tide, right there at the beach club, and I got the crab cake.
Then back to more relaxing and reading…
A Good Book: “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman
It is a funny, moving story of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.
Evening Two: Dinner at La Tavola
Our last dinner on Sea Island was at La Tavola an Italian-inspired restaurant in The Cloister Hotel. We enjoyed it, however, it wasn’t as good as the night before. But I definitely liked checking out the hotel’s lobby and interiors.
Here we are at sunset before dinner. Nice to have friends that are easy to travel with!
I bought the flattering Soelle skirt at our private Sézane sale in SF last week and it’s already sold out. This Soelle skirt has the same cut (pricey but beautiful in person). My denim shirt is several years old by J. Crew. Sézane has a similar one.
When we got back to our room…the warm cookies and chilled milk were waiting.
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
I had a bubble bath drawn last week at a resort I stayed at. A little self-love goes a long way! Made me feel like a million bucks. Love the new look!
Christine
Your new blog looks beautiful ! I really enjoyed this travelogue as I don’t know anything about that area. Sea Island looks gorgeous. What a great room too. And then the bath and warm cookies!! I am putting it on my list. Your FarmRio dress is so good on you and so is the Sezane skirt. Perfect with the denim shirt! So glad you bought it. xo
Thanks so much, Kim. That was a fun time in Sezane!
I like your Farm Rio dress on you so well that I have ordered it for myself! (2 sizes to see which will fit🤞). The sweater you have over your shoulder matches the dress so well, what color/brand is it? I really enjoy your fashion style!
Thanks, Holly. That sweater is old from J. Crew, a light cashmere wool in ivory. There are so many colors in the dress, you probably have something that works!
Hi Mary Ann! First, I love your new website design! It’s really beautiful and easy to navigate!
Love your looks on your trip! The dress, and the gorgeous skirt from Sézane! Sounds like a lovely trip! Especially the bath and warm cookies! Couldn’t say no to that!
Xx
You look gorgeous in your Farm Rio dress! I also love the blue and white skirt and dark blue shirt. You are tiny like me but dresses and skirts look terrible on me. Your lux friends weekend looks like a great way to get together.
I can’t believe that dresses and skirts don’t look good on you if you are petite. Get a second opinion!
Hi Mary Ann,
Until recently my family had a “cottage” on Sea Island and we have so many memories of spending summers and holidays growing up there and then bringing our children. The Island is truly a magical place no matter where you stay but I am happy you and your friends spent some time on St. Simon’s. It, too, is very special. I’ve seen a lot of big sharks caught off the pier! Both places are the jewels of Georgia’s Golden Isles.
I really love it, Susan.
Hi Mary Ann,
That Farm Rio dress is just so fabulous on you and i love the Szane skirt too! Such a shame it is sold out next time i am in a Sezane store i will have to ask the name of it and if it is coming back. I think you can never go wrong with blue and white! Love the friends’ weekend. Have a wonderful week!
They might still have the skirt in some Sezane stores, Francesca.
You and Mercedes look so elegant in your long dresses. I’m a fan of maxis and wear them often, even at home.
Isn’t it wonderful to spend time with good friends. Always lots of laughter!
Love your blue suede shoes! Do they fit narrow?
My feet are medium…and starting to get wider and these fit, Joanna.
Would you recommend St. Simon’s or Sea Island for a 5 day trip for my husband and I and maybe 4 adult kids?
Yes, if you really want to relax on the beach. You can also golf, shop, etc.
My husband and I stayed at both the Lodge and the Cloisters for business meetings in the early 2000’s. Wonderful places! Stunning settings and exceptional hospitality. Happy memories.
Your friend, in the first group picture on your right with the dark hair. Can you tell me where she purchased her beautiful long sleeve maxi dress?
I think it was on Tuckernuck but it’s a couple of years old. It’s beautiful.
Sea Island sounds fantastic and I love your skirt from Sezane. It looks fabulous on you!! And I love Mercedes dress! Any shopping hints!!
Love what you did to your place (your newsletter, blog…..what exactly do you call it??). You’re always working to make things better! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Kandy!!