Although Sea Island opened in 1928, the resort has undergone such a complete makeover during this century as to seem new. And in many respects it is. The original Cloister, the Moorish-influenced pink palace designed by Addison Mizner, which had long been the centerpiece of the resort, has given way to a larger and more opulent Cloister, this one situated scenically on the shore of the Black Banks River. Razing the old hotel made room for a 65,000-square-foot spa and fitness center and a neighboring complex of eight Har-Tru tennis courts, one of them a sunken stadium. Add an expansive Beach Club on five miles of private beach, three championship golf courses and a state-of-the-art golf teaching facility, a second eight-court tennis center, three squash courts, a shooting school, a nature and watersports center, horseback riding on the beach, fishing charters, and highly rated children’s programs and you have one of the most complete resorts in the country.
Yet for all that is new at the resort, it remains wedded to tradition. Jackets are still required for dinner at the five-star Georgian room in the Cloister and at Colt & Alison, a steakhouse, in the Lodge at the Sea Island Golf Club on neighboring St. Simons Island. Returning guests look forward to the corn bread with bacon at Southern Tide in the Beach Club (as a new managing director, Rick Riess suggested to the chef that the dish would be healthier without the bacon only to be told that if he tried to remove it, he’d have “a riot on his hands”). Huge crowds—as many as 500 people—show up for, of all things, Bingo on Thursday nights in summer, an evening that requires jackets for men and boys and dresses for women and girls. But guests also return eager to see their favorite members of the staff, more than 100 of whom have been with the resort more than 25 years, long enough to see kids grow to adulthood (veteran tennis pro Dickie Anderson among them).
The Sea Island Tennis Academy caters to all levels, from Quickstart kids to advanced adults. Social tennis, not surprisingly, reaches its zenith during the busy summer months though there are clinics and drill sessions on the schedule every day during spring and fall.
Court Complex: 8 Har-Tru courts—one of them a sunken stadium—at the Cloister, another 8 at Retreat.
Off Court
Beach: Five miles of salt-and-pepper beach extend along the Atlantic Coast of Sea Island, much of it bordered by low dunes and sea oats.
Golf Courses: The resort has three 18-hole courses, each recently redesigned, and its own golf school.
Seaside Course: Tom Fazio redesigned these 18 holes, 9 of which date to the 1920s, to make the most of its natural setting of tidal creeks, salt marshes and St. Simon’s Sound. Ancient oaks and cedars, sandy dunes, and native grasses border the perfectly manicured fairways and greens, while ocean breezes add to the challenge.
Plantation Course: Rees Jones took 9 holes from the original 1927 Plantation course and married them to 9 hole from the original Retreat Course to create a parkland feel complemented by ocean views.
Retreat Course: The last of the courses to be reconceived, Retreat got the attention of the resort’s touring pro Davis Love III. He lowered the profile and opened up the fairways to create a course that everyone could love playing, regardless of their handicap.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Spa and Fitness center has 65,000-square-feet of space comprising 23 treatment rooms, lockers with sauna and steam, an indoor lap pool, a full range of fitness equipment, four workout rooms (yoga, Pilates, traditional fitness, and personal training), and three squash courts, the last under the direction of Steve Hall, a personable Canadian with numerous Top 10 finishes in the Canadian National Squash Championship.
Among the other recreation is a shooting school, horseback riding stables, bicycle rentals, sea kayaking, a nature center, and fishing charters.
Children's programs: Now offered year-round, Sea Island’s children’s programs divide kids into as many as five groups: ages 3 to 4, ages 5 to 6, ages 7 to 8, ages 9 to 12, and when appropriate teens. These organized activities go on all day and some evenings and include turtle nest patrols, manners courses, survival skills, adventure outings (kayaking, beach eco-labs, gyotaku fish printing), scavenger hunts, swim parties, and tennis and golf clinics.
Dining: All of the restaurants on Sea Island and those at the Lodge are exclusively for the use of guests and members. Options range from the Snack Shack and Flip Flop Bistro at the Beach Club to the elegance of the five-star Georgian Room and numerous options in between.
Accommodations
There are 175 rooms and suites in the new Cloister Hotel and those are supplemented by 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites in the beachfront Ocean Villas. All of that lodging clusters together near the Beach Club and spa. The alternative, and it is an elegant one, is to opt instead for the 40-room Lodge at Sea Island, which is not on Sea Island at all but 5½ miles away on St. Simons Island. And finally there are the Sea Island Cottages, which are privately owned and range in size from 3 to 8 bedrooms.
Getting there
Travel Instructions: By Air: Sea Island is roughly 80 miles from either Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida to the south or Savannah International Airport (SAV) in Georgia. There’s also the regional Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), 30 minutes to the west.
Sea Island has something for everyone. It’s extremely upscale, but it’s still a beach resort. The tennis is located right near the beach club, fitness/spa, and the hotel, the Cloister. It truly is a magical place.
BB
My wife and I had a wonderful time staying at Sea Island and playing tennis. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the teaching and coaching and learned a lot during both drills and private lessons. They went out of their way to arrange 4.5 level game each day primarily made up of teaching pros who were willing to stay late and play in order to ensure their guests were happy. The tennis facility is spectacular with all courts isolated to the point where errant balls will never stop play. The rooms at Sea Island are those of a world class resort and the resort oozes luxury at every turn. The hotel is spread out into many buildings and requires a golf cart ride to and from the tennis facility so be prepared to have the hotel shuttle you back and forth to the tennis center (or anyplace else you might want to go). The shuttle guys were all great, friendly and just a phone call away. If your looking for a tennis vacation with a luxurious, healthy heaping of Southern Hospitality – go to Sea Island now.
MW
Sea Island is an amazing resort that has something for everyone. They have a great tennis facility & can accommodate all playing levels. They have outgoing instructors, fun clinics & round robins. They are flexible to tailor to your desires. You can go with friends, a group or a single and have a blast! Just make sure to sign up early during the holiday seasons. I give Sea Island an A++++
GN
Great tennis resort but hot and humid in June.
SM
I recently was approached by a friend about summer plans. She asked me if I would be willing to take her daughter with me to Sea Island, just so that she can work with the tennis pros. Well, it is a true testament to their program. A resort has people come and go of all ages and abilities. It can’t be easy to hone in on these individuals and their abilities. However, there is ALWAYS an exception. The Sea Island Tennis facilities are the exception. Therefore making them, EXCEPTIONAL! They are so in tune with the individuals, that the experience we have on the courts, follows us back home. So much so, that others evidently have taken notice. You can see the attention to detail in everything they do both on the court, in planning, and strategizing. I can only say wonderful things about the teaching staff, the pro shop staff, and the facilities.
CL
Great tennis programs for all ages, overseen by Luke Jensen who is extremely involved in all of the day-to-day activities. Highly recommend!
KC
Kudos to a full service, luxurious tennis venue. Excellent staff and instructors, fabulous kids program and most welcoming of players returning from a hiatus or injury.
TS
Best Tennis place ever. Only negative is all outdoor courts
BM
Access to courts exceptional. Highly engaging tennis staff. Clinics tailored to individual.
TL
Fantastic high energy and talented team. Hard to beat, and a huge improvement on recent years. They should have some all weather courts too though as rain puts the courts out of action for too long.
KS
The site and the staff were incredible. We had a wonderful time both on the court and off. The coaches were well qualified and seemed to love what they did for a living.
RE
Fantastic resort for families or couples. First class
KO
We thought the lesson we had was wonderful! Ou pro gave us tips that were different from our home pros and really made a difference. The drills were very engaging and high energy. No weaknesses with lesson at all. My only complaint was that I really wanted to do some match play and was never called. I gave y name to the tennis concierge in the hopes that they would arrange something. We were there 7 days, so there was ample opportunity.
RS
One of the best tennis resorts I have ever visited! They offer drills that anyone will be challenged and have fun at the same time. We will definitely return!
MM
Most beautiful and well groomed tennis courts I have ever played on. Experienced and nice pro’s. A lot of different activities for all levels. A tad pricey, even for a high-end resort.
WS
Great facilities for both serious tennis training (well maintained har-tru, very high end and extensive exercise facilities) and recreational play. Staff is the best I have encountered at this type of resort. Add to that 3 incredible golf courses, varied excellent dining options, the Cloister and wonderful rental homes and southern charm and you really have everything you could want for a serious vacation for serious tennis enthusiasts.
SG
Sea Island Tennis is a top destination for the tennis enthusiast. I have just returned from my 3rd visit there and it is a great place to play tennis. The staff in the Pro Shop make is so easy to book a court and to hit with a pro. The courts are meticulously maintained and they have a variety of pros to hit with. Each pro challenged me and helped me bring my game up to the next level. I would not hesitate to recommend this outstanding resort.
CP
Great staff!!! Gorgeous facilities! Everyone should visit
JS
Sea Island is the most outstanding tennis resort. Murphy Jensen has infused his passion for the sport throughout every aspect of the tennis program. His many talented pros run intense cardio and drills each day. You’ll have some of the best tennis workouts of your life here. Taking lessons with Luke Jensen definitely elevates your game to the next level. My teenager’s set aside sporting clays and riding to get more time on the court. The atmosphere is exciting and fun amidst the live oaks and southern charm of The Cloister’s.
MC
the facilities are first rate with the har tru courts in pristing condition without divots and hard spots. They water and add calcium to maintain a perfect court. THe setting is absolutely gorgeous with semi private courts that have shaded resting carousels between courts, with cold water and ice. Ball machines are first rate and work without a hitch. The staff are friendly and engaging and the instructors are friendly and happy to teach. Very positive and with a ton on info to dispense. The weekly tennis calendar has something for everyone, including the social tennis players. There are demos from the teaching pros given once a week. While the place has dozens of kids around, you don’t even notice as they are well taken care of by the staff and engage them away from the serious hard core players. The only draw back is the small pro shop with limited clothing, racquets and sports clothing. This could be expanded
LP
Awesome program and great staff. Very accomodating friendly and good for all levels of tennis.
CC
We had an incredible experience at Sea Island. I am a strong 4.0 player, and joined their drills and cardio tennis classes almost every day. I found them competitive and fun. I have 5 kids (age range 14 – 5, skill level from advanced / tournament player to beginner) who all did the Murphy Jensen Tennis Academy and they all had a great experience. They couldn’t wait to go back. The staff did a terrific job of matching competitive levels in the drills, and arranging competitive matches for the kids outside of the classes, which was fantastic. My daughter, who had high school tryouts soon after our return, played 3-4 hours a day and had a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend Sea Island tennis – we travel alot, and I play most places we travel. This is by far the best resort tennis around.
CT
Sea Island has fantastic instructors, luxurious facilities, and beautiful, well maintained clay courts. I am a beginning player and I took a couple of individual lessons with Frank Solana. His instruction was very clear and I experienced improvements in my game right away.
AM
It is a beautiful facility with a family friendly feel. Expert tennis instruction done in an energetic uplifting way. The tennis here is our favorite way start our day!
DM
I loved the tennis staff at Sea Island ! Everyone from the pro shop staff to the pros where courteous and professional. I did cardio tennis and clinics. I enjoyed both . They made sure they remembered your name and that your needs were always met. I hope to return in a couple of months .
LS
We specifically went to Sea Island on vacation for its tennis program for our daughter who is an elite junior player. She found the programs to be excellent and not at all “resort” tennis. It is hard to find great junior programs on vacation and Sea Island fulfilled our daughters needs.
BW
Great facility and attention from pros. Helpful instruction, staff helpful in booking lessons, etc. Nice tennis shop and locker room. A little on the pricey side, but nevertheless, a great overall experience.
EF
The tennis program at Sea Island, GA is top notch. Everyone in our family plays tennis – my husband, myself, and our three kids (ages 10, 8 and 6). Our children play USTA junior tournaments. The tennis program at Sea Island offers incredible options for adults and children. A high performance elite junior program, cardio tennis, doubles clinics for adults, a beginner clinic – and so much more. The staff is impressive. The pros are some of the best we have encountered. Luke and Murphy Jensen bring a passion and energy to the program. The brothers compliment each other well. The cost for private lessons is steep, especially with the Jensen brothers. With that said, the quality of teaching is very high. The new Head Pro is very organized and runs the tennis program well. The tennis facility and courts are the best I have played on. Beautiful setting and so many options for great tennis with match play, clinics, lessons and court time.
AF
We had a terrific time at Sea Island this April. My husband and I played clinics every morning, and the kids program at 4:30 is full of energy and is just great. They get the kids moving! Special thanks to Kyle and Alex who took great care of us all week, including a few private lessons. But everyone at Sea Island was just so enthusiastic – a great atmosphere and tons of just making tennis fun. This is particularly great for me, as the #4 tennis player in my family now. This resort also has endless activities, so it was hard to pick what to do sometimes. But note that the kids grandparents invited and hosted us. Sea Island is a pretty upscale resort. You get a lot of value and so much you can do, but it also seemed that the costs can add up.
BS
Just returned from a weekend of tennis camp. Best ever! Murphy Jensen is an amazing instructor and has an outstanding staff. Everything is first class. I didn’t want to go home. Can’t wait to return. Left with many new skills and better understand of the game. Thank you it was great and would highly recommend. The facilities are beautiful.
HM
Thank you Jenson brothers!!! Yall brought tennis back to our island!!!
LS
Relaxing…quality….southern hospitality…tennis program only so/so…not geared to arranging games…pro shop closes at 5…bring your own group……sort of like a clinic machine for the money (fine if that’s what you want)…Jensen Bros need to get involved on daily/weekly basis.
EW
Absolutely the finest tennis resort in the county/world. IF GOD HAS A TENNIS COURT IN HEAVEN, THIS IS WHAT THEY WOULD LOOK LIKE,,,,,,,. The greatest teaching/hitting pros anywhere. Do not let the entire tennis world find out about this resort because I do not want to share the courts!!!! PS I do not work for the resort. This has been my favorite tennis resort for the past 10+ years.
JS
Sea Island is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have at a resort. Its history and tradition is unrivaled. The resort is not as cheap as others but you get what you pay for. You won’t be dissapointed.
JW
Tennis in Sea Island is an experience I never imagined was possible. The instructors are incredibly helpful for every level, and the head of the center could not be a better person and professional. Stepping onto the courts, you forget about the incredible exercise that tennis demands. The courts are extremely well maintained and the surroundings bring a sense of calming and serenity. I highly recommend the tennis center and the resort overall. Nothing is better than a vacation in Sea Island.
SY
Excellent service and accommodations. Many activities for all ages!
36 Reviews on “Sea Island Resort”
Sea Island has something for everyone. It’s extremely upscale, but it’s still a beach resort. The tennis is located right near the beach club, fitness/spa, and the hotel, the Cloister. It truly is a magical place.
My wife and I had a wonderful time staying at Sea Island and playing tennis. My wife thoroughly enjoyed the teaching and coaching and learned a lot during both drills and private lessons. They went out of their way to arrange 4.5 level game each day primarily made up of teaching pros who were willing to stay late and play in order to ensure their guests were happy. The tennis facility is spectacular with all courts isolated to the point where errant balls will never stop play. The rooms at Sea Island are those of a world class resort and the resort oozes luxury at every turn. The hotel is spread out into many buildings and requires a golf cart ride to and from the tennis facility so be prepared to have the hotel shuttle you back and forth to the tennis center (or anyplace else you might want to go). The shuttle guys were all great, friendly and just a phone call away. If your looking for a tennis vacation with a luxurious, healthy heaping of Southern Hospitality – go to Sea Island now.
Sea Island is an amazing resort that has something for everyone. They have a great tennis facility & can accommodate all playing levels. They have outgoing instructors, fun clinics & round robins. They are flexible to tailor to your desires. You can go with friends, a group or a single and have a blast! Just make sure to sign up early during the holiday seasons. I give Sea Island an A++++
Great tennis resort but hot and humid in June.
I recently was approached by a friend about summer plans. She asked me if I would be willing to take her daughter with me to Sea Island, just so that she can work with the tennis pros. Well, it is a true testament to their program. A resort has people come and go of all ages and abilities. It can’t be easy to hone in on these individuals and their abilities. However, there is ALWAYS an exception. The Sea Island Tennis facilities are the exception. Therefore making them, EXCEPTIONAL! They are so in tune with the individuals, that the experience we have on the courts, follows us back home. So much so, that others evidently have taken notice. You can see the attention to detail in everything they do both on the court, in planning, and strategizing. I can only say wonderful things about the teaching staff, the pro shop staff, and the facilities.
Great tennis programs for all ages, overseen by Luke Jensen who is extremely involved in all of the day-to-day activities. Highly recommend!
Kudos to a full service, luxurious tennis venue. Excellent staff and instructors, fabulous kids program and most welcoming of players returning from a hiatus or injury.
Best Tennis place ever. Only negative is all outdoor courts
Access to courts exceptional. Highly engaging tennis staff. Clinics tailored to individual.
Fantastic high energy and talented team. Hard to beat, and a huge improvement on recent years. They should have some all weather courts too though as rain puts the courts out of action for too long.
The site and the staff were incredible. We had a wonderful time both on the court and off. The coaches were well qualified and seemed to love what they did for a living.
Fantastic resort for families or couples. First class
We thought the lesson we had was wonderful! Ou pro gave us tips that were different from our home pros and really made a difference. The drills were very engaging and high energy. No weaknesses with lesson at all. My only complaint was that I really wanted to do some match play and was never called. I gave y name to the tennis concierge in the hopes that they would arrange something. We were there 7 days, so there was ample opportunity.
One of the best tennis resorts I have ever visited! They offer drills that anyone will be challenged and have fun at the same time. We will definitely return!
Most beautiful and well groomed tennis courts I have ever played on. Experienced and nice pro’s. A lot of different activities for all levels. A tad pricey, even for a high-end resort.
Great facilities for both serious tennis training (well maintained har-tru, very high end and extensive exercise facilities) and recreational play. Staff is the best I have encountered at this type of resort. Add to that 3 incredible golf courses, varied excellent dining options, the Cloister and wonderful rental homes and southern charm and you really have everything you could want for a serious vacation for serious tennis enthusiasts.
Sea Island Tennis is a top destination for the tennis enthusiast. I have just returned from my 3rd visit there and it is a great place to play tennis. The staff in the Pro Shop make is so easy to book a court and to hit with a pro. The courts are meticulously maintained and they have a variety of pros to hit with. Each pro challenged me and helped me bring my game up to the next level. I would not hesitate to recommend this outstanding resort.
Great staff!!! Gorgeous facilities! Everyone should visit
Sea Island is the most outstanding tennis resort. Murphy Jensen has infused his passion for the sport throughout every aspect of the tennis program. His many talented pros run intense cardio and drills each day. You’ll have some of the best tennis workouts of your life here. Taking lessons with Luke Jensen definitely elevates your game to the next level. My teenager’s set aside sporting clays and riding to get more time on the court. The atmosphere is exciting and fun amidst the live oaks and southern charm of The Cloister’s.
the facilities are first rate with the har tru courts in pristing condition without divots and hard spots. They water and add calcium to maintain a perfect court. THe setting is absolutely gorgeous with semi private courts that have shaded resting carousels between courts, with cold water and ice. Ball machines are first rate and work without a hitch. The staff are friendly and engaging and the instructors are friendly and happy to teach. Very positive and with a ton on info to dispense. The weekly tennis calendar has something for everyone, including the social tennis players. There are demos from the teaching pros given once a week. While the place has dozens of kids around, you don’t even notice as they are well taken care of by the staff and engage them away from the serious hard core players. The only draw back is the small pro shop with limited clothing, racquets and sports clothing. This could be expanded
Awesome program and great staff. Very accomodating friendly and good for all levels of tennis.
We had an incredible experience at Sea Island. I am a strong 4.0 player, and joined their drills and cardio tennis classes almost every day. I found them competitive and fun. I have 5 kids (age range 14 – 5, skill level from advanced / tournament player to beginner) who all did the Murphy Jensen Tennis Academy and they all had a great experience. They couldn’t wait to go back. The staff did a terrific job of matching competitive levels in the drills, and arranging competitive matches for the kids outside of the classes, which was fantastic. My daughter, who had high school tryouts soon after our return, played 3-4 hours a day and had a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend Sea Island tennis – we travel alot, and I play most places we travel. This is by far the best resort tennis around.
Sea Island has fantastic instructors, luxurious facilities, and beautiful, well maintained clay courts. I am a beginning player and I took a couple of individual lessons with Frank Solana. His instruction was very clear and I experienced improvements in my game right away.
It is a beautiful facility with a family friendly feel. Expert tennis instruction done in an energetic uplifting way. The tennis here is our favorite way start our day!
I loved the tennis staff at Sea Island ! Everyone from the pro shop staff to the pros where courteous and professional. I did cardio tennis and clinics. I enjoyed both . They made sure they remembered your name and that your needs were always met. I hope to return in a couple of months .
We specifically went to Sea Island on vacation for its tennis program for our daughter who is an elite junior player. She found the programs to be excellent and not at all “resort” tennis. It is hard to find great junior programs on vacation and Sea Island fulfilled our daughters needs.
Great facility and attention from pros. Helpful instruction, staff helpful in booking lessons, etc. Nice tennis shop and locker room. A little on the pricey side, but nevertheless, a great overall experience.
The tennis program at Sea Island, GA is top notch. Everyone in our family plays tennis – my husband, myself, and our three kids (ages 10, 8 and 6). Our children play USTA junior tournaments. The tennis program at Sea Island offers incredible options for adults and children. A high performance elite junior program, cardio tennis, doubles clinics for adults, a beginner clinic – and so much more. The staff is impressive. The pros are some of the best we have encountered.
Luke and Murphy Jensen bring a passion and energy to the program. The brothers compliment each other well. The cost for private lessons is steep, especially with the Jensen brothers. With that said, the quality of teaching is very high. The new Head Pro is very organized and runs the tennis program well. The tennis facility and courts are the best I have played on. Beautiful setting and so many options for great tennis with match play, clinics, lessons and court time.
We had a terrific time at Sea Island this April. My husband and I played clinics every morning, and the kids program at 4:30 is full of energy and is just great. They get the kids moving! Special thanks to Kyle and Alex who took great care of us all week, including a few private lessons. But everyone at Sea Island was just so enthusiastic – a great atmosphere and tons of just making tennis fun. This is particularly great for me, as the #4 tennis player in my family now. This resort also has endless activities, so it was hard to pick what to do sometimes. But note that the kids grandparents invited and hosted us. Sea Island is a pretty upscale resort. You get a lot of value and so much you can do, but it also seemed that the costs can add up.
Just returned from a weekend of tennis camp. Best ever! Murphy Jensen is an amazing instructor and has an outstanding staff. Everything is first class. I didn’t want to go home. Can’t wait to return. Left with many new skills and better understand of the game. Thank you it was great and would highly recommend. The facilities are beautiful.
Thank you Jenson brothers!!! Yall brought tennis back to our island!!!
Relaxing…quality….southern hospitality…tennis program only so/so…not geared to arranging games…pro shop closes at 5…bring your own group……sort of like a clinic machine for the money (fine if that’s what you want)…Jensen Bros need to get involved on daily/weekly basis.
Absolutely the finest tennis resort in the county/world. IF GOD HAS A TENNIS COURT IN HEAVEN, THIS IS WHAT THEY WOULD LOOK LIKE,,,,,,,. The greatest teaching/hitting pros anywhere. Do not let the entire tennis world find out about this resort because I do not want to share the courts!!!! PS I do not work for the resort. This has been my favorite tennis resort for the past 10+ years.
Sea Island is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have at a resort. Its history and tradition is unrivaled. The resort is not as cheap as others but you get what you pay for. You won’t be dissapointed.
Tennis in Sea Island is an experience I never imagined was possible. The instructors are incredibly helpful for every level, and the head of the center could not be a better person and professional. Stepping onto the courts, you forget about the incredible exercise that tennis demands. The courts are extremely well maintained and the surroundings bring a sense of calming and serenity. I highly recommend the tennis center and the resort overall. Nothing is better than a vacation in Sea Island.
Excellent service and accommodations. Many activities for all ages!