A home in one.
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Welcome to our seaside enclave, nestled against the southern coast of Georgia. Whether this is your rst time or one of your many returns, this is where you can escape the bustling distractions of everyday, to connect and celebrate with each other, against a landscape of wondrous natural beauty. Welcome to the Golden Isles.
is is a place many have long cherished, visiting time after time, spanning generations. It’s why we’re so proud of what makes this a destination dream come true.
ere are discoveries steeped in stories and cuisines, both of traditions old and new. Wander along miles of serene beaches turning golden at sunset. Immerse in the footsteps of yesterday’s giants, and relish in timeless experiences. All that you seek can be found, and we are always there to elevate your respite.
e Golden Isles is the quintessence of Southern leisure and and the place where your summer fun never ends.
Welcome home.
It’s not uncommon to see multiple generations enjoying Sea Island together or meet members and guests whose families return year after year, for decades. Whether it’s the graciousness of our team members or the abundance of activities, once people discover Sea Island they simply never let it go. Read about one such family in our Meet the Members spotlight (page 40), as well as two more in our Then and Now department — which explores the long-standing history of honeymooners at Sea Island (page 98).
There is much to enjoy in our fall/winter issue of Sea Island Life Railway enthusiasts will be fascinated by our feature on luxury train travel (page 72), while discerning gentlemen will appreciate our look into the resurgence of barbershops across the nation, including one right here at Sea Island (page 76). Golfers can learn about the latest tech advancing the game (page 42), as well as how amateur and junior tournaments help aspiring golfers on their journey to the pros (page 34). Architectural aficionados can discover the story behind some of the most iconic building blocks of Sea Island, such as red tile roofs, cut coral and pecky cypress (page 50).
For those who appreciate the value of a hand-written note, you won’t want to miss our feature on handwriting (page 66) and what yours might say about your personality. We also delve into the important roles bees play in agriculture and how pivotal landscaping can be to their overall population (page 62).
To help you make the most of your Sea Island visit, this issue also takes you deep inside the Nature Center (page 20), introduces you to two pairs of our resident lovebirds (page 37) and uncovers the fascinating history of Broadfield preserves — complete with a recipe to try at home (page 18).
This has been an exciting year at Sea Island, including the revamping of two of our signature restaurants, the reopening of Davis Love Grill at Retreat Clubhouse, launching our collaboration with Creature Comforts Brewing (page 82) and celebrating our 95th anniversary. We look forward to welcoming you home for many more years to come.
Sincerely,
Scott Steilen President and CEO, Sea Island
Chosen by the finest hotels in the world. Discover their luxury collections at The Lodge and The Sea Island Shop. moltonbrown.com
42 TOOLS OF THE GAME
A stunning world of technology helps golfers reach the next level.
BY DALE LEATHERMAN
50 BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE SOUTH
Architectural elements give the region its distinctive look and feel.
BY LAUREN FINNEY HARDEN
56 THE BENEFITS OF COOKING
Home cooking provides many more perks than just tasty cuisine.
BY NANCY DORMAN-HICKSON
62 THE BEAUTIFUL BEE
From honey to harvest, bees are little creatures with a big impact.
BY NICOLE LETTS
66 POWER OF THE PEN
Our handwriting conveys a wealth of meaning.
BY DEBRA BOKUR
72 RIDING THE RAILS
America’s love affair with train travel continues to chug along.
BY AMBER LANIER NAGLE
76 A CUT ABOVE
Today’s barbershops offer a mix of tradition, comfort and camraderie.
BY LISA SHERRODD
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!
PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE CALL OR TEXT 912-689-7708
1806 FREDERICA ROAD, STE. A SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GA 31522 MARIMAXSSI.COM
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FALL/WINTER 2023/24
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BY ASHLEY RYAN
24 LIBATIONS: PERFECT PAIRINGS
Sommeliers create a curated food-andbeverage experience one never forgets. BY
MICHELLE FRANZEN MARTIN
26 SOUTHERN STYLE: TREND WATCH
Before you purchase your next timepiece, consider these timely watch trends.
BY EMILY L. FOLEY
28 FAMILY: WITH FLYING COLORS
New Sea Island and The Broadmoor coloring books allow artists of all ages to immerse themselves in the hidden treasures of their visit.
BY ALLISON EMERY
32 MIND & BODY: AN EXERCISE FOR INNER PEACE
Labyrinths provide the perfect space to practice walking meditation. BY
SUE G. COLLINS
34 IN THE SWING: JOURNEY TO THE PROS
While many young golfers dream of going pro, it takes dedication, experience and expert coaching to get there. BY
DALE LEATHERMAN
36 HISTORY: FEATHERED FRIENDS
The Cloister Solarium’s lovebirds delight visitors of all ages.
BY MICHELLE FRANZEN MARTIN
40 MEMBER: MEET THE MEMBERS Kevin and Stacey Semtner BY
MICAELA MYERS
82 NEWS: WHAT’S NEW?
From renovations to anniversaries, there’s a lot to celebrate.
86 CONNECT: ULTIMATE RELAXATION
Check out members’ and guests’ favorite spots to relax at Sea Island.
88 SEA ISLAND STYLE: RESORT SHOPPING
Find the latest looks from your favorite brands, plus sporting gear, gourmet goods and more at our wide variety of resort shops.
90 EXPERIENCE THE BROADMOOR: CELEBRATING SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Learn about our sister property, The Broadmoor.
98 THEN AND NOW: THE HISTORY OF LOVE
Behind each autograph in the Sea Island honeymooner registry are stories of romance, forever etched in time.
BY ALLISON EMERY
EDITORIAL AND DESIGN EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Micaela Myers
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Debra Bokur, Sue G. Collins, Allison Emery, Emily L. Foley, Lauren Finney Harden,Nancy Dorman-Hickson, Dale Leatherman, Nicole Letts, Michelle Franzen Martin, Amber Lanier Nagle, Ashley Ryan, Lisa Sherrodd
SALES
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER NATIONAL ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR
Carrie Robles carrie@firebrandmediainc.com 305-431-5409
SALES EXECUTIVE
Yolanda OHern
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Steve Zepezauer
PRESIDENT & CEO
Scott Steilen
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Parra Vaughan
MARKETING ANALYSIS AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Tyler Forrester
BRAND AND CREATIVE MANAGER
Drew Mailloux
PRODUCTION AND VISUAL ASSETS MANAGER
Eliot VanOtteren
PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Scott Sanchez
CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Tiffany Thompson
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Tina Leydecker
TO OUR READERS: Sea Island Life invites you to share with us your reactions to our magazine. Send your correspondence to Editor, Sea Island Life, 900 Glenneyre Street, Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 or to editor@firebrandmediainc.com. The magazine accepts freelance contributions; however, unsolicited materials cannot be returned, and Sea Island Life accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. ADVERTISERS: For inquiries, please contact Carrie Robles at carrie@firebrandmediainc.com. Sea Island Life, 900 Glenneyre Street, Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; 949-715-4100.
| BY ASHLEY RYAN |
Preserving fruit and vegetables started as a way to extend the life of produce and transformed into something delicious and versatile that can be found in homes and restaurants around the world. Canned produce not only lasts longer than fresh, it packs a nutritious punch, is minimally processed and adds depth of flavor and convenience.
The process of canning to preserve food, relying on sealing and heat sterilization, was invented back in the early 1800s in France and has been used ever since. In recent years, canning has gained popularity.
“Canning is an art that’s come back and is trending now, and it’s a good way to get people into gardening,” says Paula Garrett, chef de cuisine at Broadfield, A Sea Island Sporting Club and Lodge.
Garrett comes from a family that has preserved fruits and vegetables for as long as she can remember. “I was raised in southern Illinois,” she recalls. “Growing up, we canned everything.” Living on a farm, her family canned the produce that grew in the garden and sometimes meat as well.
Now, she has turned these childhood lessons into a skill that benefits diners at Broadfield, where she cans produce, pickles vegetables and creates sweet jams and jellies, chutneys, barbecue sauces and more.
Much of the produce she uses comes from the Broadfield garden. Once she learns what will soon be ready for harvest, she starts planning whether it will be blanched and frozen, canned or made into a brine, marinade, sauce or preserved in olive oil. Her vast knowledge of these techniques allows her to make use of everything and ensure nothing goes to waste.
“I love the creative side of it,” Garrett comments. “Being able to create something with fresh ingredients and the fact that people delight in it — I think that, to me, is the best part.”
One of her most popular creations is a pineapple-jalapeño chutney that is served with Southern quail at Broadfield; it is also sometimes layered over brie on charcuterie boards. Other favorites include Garrett’s hot honey, blackberry jams and jellies, black and blue barbecue sauce, mayhaw jelly, chowchow and pickled peppers, though she also incorporates wild blueberries, pears and figs into her creations.
Many of the jellies are served during breakfast at Broadfield, but are also available for guests to purchase and take home. This makes them especially desirable, as they’re able to use them in their own at-home creations after enjoying them with meals around the table.
With all of the benefits that canning offers, it’s no surprise that it’s a pivotal part of the Sea Island culinary tapestry — and it enhances the taste of the dishes even more, knowing that they feature fresh, local and homegrown ingredients.
Paula Garrett, chef de cuisine at Broadfield, A Sea Island Sporting Club and Lodge, shares her recipe for pineapplejalapeño chutney, which can be served over a variety of dishes, including quail, baked brie, pork, and fish or veggie tacos.
INGREDIENTS (YIELDS 6, 8-OUNCE
JARS): 6 cups fresh pineapple, chopped; 1-1/2 cups sweet onion, finely chopped; 2 cups chopped, seeded jalapeños; 1 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped; 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-3/4 cups granulated sugar; 1-1/2 teaspoons pickling or canning salt; 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes; 1 cup white vinegar; 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 3 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried ginger powder; 1/4 teaspoon curry; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric.
DIRECTIONS: In a Dutch oven or large pot, bring all ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes or until pineapple is translucent and mixture is thick enough to coat a spoon. Ladle into sterilized jars to within 1/2 inch of rim. Remove air pockets and adjust headspace if necessary by adding hot chutney. Wipe rims, then apply prepared lids and rings. Tighten rings until tight. Process jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Turn off canner and remove lid. Let jars stand in water for 5 minutes. Using canning tongs, transfer jars to a towel-lined surface and let rest at room temperature until cooled, then check seals. Refrigerate any unsealed jars for up to 3 weeks.
| BY ASHLEY RYAN |
Avisit to the Sea Island Nature Center is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the animals that live in this area. The Nature Center is located at the Sea Island Beach Club and gives members and guests the chance to explore species that are native to the Georgia coast in a welcoming, exciting and educational way. From meeting the wildlife and learning about their habits to enjoying immersive programming, there is so much to see and do at this popular wildlife playground. Meet some of the main residents and fan favorites.
Cob is a friendly, bright orange corn snake with a black and white pattern on his belly that aids in camouflaging. Cob is nonvenomous like all of the Nature Center’s snakes. At around 4 years old, he is not yet full-grown, so those returning year after year can watch him continue to grow. “Kids often ask why he likes to hide under his rock enclosure,” says Haley Rogers, lead naturalist at Sea Island. “This is because snakes are cold-blooded and must regulate their temperature by basking in the sun or hiding in the shade.”
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These 3-year-old American alligators came to the Sea Island Nature Center as tiny hatchlings and have grown to be a couple feet long. They are named for St. Simons Island and the Satilla River. Still rather young, they have classic yellow and tan stripes on their scales for camouflage purposes, and guests are often invited to touch their skin and tail. “Eventually, they’ll outgrow their home here in our Nature Center and move to a larger center in Florida,” Rogers notes.
Adorned in vivid orange and red hues, the Nature Center’s Eastern box turtle, Carlton, is a stunning sight to behold. At 9 years old, this landdwelling creature has been at the resort for most of his life, where he spends his time munching on fruits and veggies and interacting with guests. “His favorite snacks are tomatoes and bananas,” says Rogers. “When the Camp Cloister kids visit the Nature Center, we often let them feed Carlton and watch him emerge from his shell.” The species is named for a hinge on the belly side of the shell that allows these turtles to box up for protection against predators. “He’s very different from a lot of the other animals in the Nature Center because the majority of our species are aquatic,” Rogers adds.
These small diamondback terrapin turtles — about the size of the palm of a hand — have comparatively large jaws, speckled skin and ring patterns on their shells. While sea turtles live exclusively in saltwater, the diamond terrapin turtles spend most of their time in brackish water, so they’re often found in the salt marsh wetlands where they feast on shrimp, mollusks and bivalves. “They’re rare in nature, and their population is in decline, so it’s a really unique experience to get to see them and even potentially touch them here at the Nature Center,” Rogers adds. Both of these turtles are upwards of 6 years old, though the Nature Center is also home to two other younger terrapin turtles, giving guests the chance to see them at different stages of life.
These popular Sea Island Nature Center programs offer more in-depth looks at each of its residents.
Coastal Encounters: This 45-minute program for all ages gives families the chance to meet the Sea Island Nature Center residents. “We offer a presentation about the different ecosystems of the Georgia barrier islands and we’ll take out many of the animals at the center,” explains Haley Rogers, lead naturalist at Sea Island.
Sea Island Junior Naturalist: Children ages 7 to 14 can learn about local wildlife through the resort’s Junior Naturalist program. First, they visit the Nature Center to meet the animals. “Then, they are taken on an adventure around the island to all the best wildlife viewing spots,” Rogers notes. They often visit the beach or marsh with tools like shelling bags or microscopes to learn more.
Birding Tour: The tour begins at the Nature Center, where visitors of all ages can explore and interact. Next, members and guests set off, binoculars in hand, to view birds around the island. “Fall and winter are fantastic times of year to go birding,” Rogers says, adding that some species you may see include osprey, brown pelicans, bald eagles, piping plovers and great horned owls.
| BY MICHELLE FRANZEN MARTIN |
There are more than 10,000 grape varietals in the world and hundreds of regions where they grow. In each region, factors such as climate and terrain — as well as the time and talent of the winemakers themselves — influence the characteristics of a wine.
Sommeliers not only understand these nuances, but they use their expertise to create a tailored and one-of-a-kind experience for guests.
“Sommeliers provide guests with more in-depth knowledge and a better, more educated wine experience,” says Ryan McLoughlin, head sommelier at Sea Island. “My goal is to get the best possible bottle in front of you and curated to what you like.”
McLoughlin is one of five sommeliers at Sea Island. Although many people think that sommeliers are only focused on making wine recommendations, McLoughlin and his colleagues do far more than that.
“Sommeliers are all-around food and beverage team members,” he explains. Because of the rigorous education and training that sommeliers go through, they understand the flavors of food ingredients in dishes.
The Court of Master Sommeliers offers four levels of certification, including the highest and most prestigious level, Master Sommelier. Only 273 people in the world have achieved the Master Sommelier level.
McLoughlin is working toward the third level, Advanced Sommelier. At these levels, you have to identify wines by sight, aroma and taste, including where it was grown, the vintage, varietal and quality level.
once-in-a-lifetime dining experience for guests,” Dodson notes.
The Advanced- and Master-level exams for the Court of Master Sommeliers require that students demonstrate their ability to service tables — often with very different restaurant concepts.
“One table might be a Japanese restaurant, and you need to demonstrate your knowledge of sake, and the next might be Italian, and it’s all Italian wine questions,” McLoughlin explains. “At one service you might need to make a cocktail. They want to know that you can work a table.”
But becoming a sommelier isn’t only about wine. The Court of Master Sommeliers is service-oriented, so those seeking a certification must also demonstrate their knowledge of table service — how to pour and decant wine, for example — as well as show their understanding of tastings and theory. Sommeliers also must have expertise in beer, spirits and even sake.
Jeremy Dodson, general manager of the Georgian Rooms at Sea Island, has a sake sommelier certification from the The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. The trust also offers a wine program that is more focused on academics.
“Sommeliers are storytellers and play a big part in creating that
The highest level, Master Sommelier, also requires a verbal deductive tasting of six wines in 25 minutes. Students are given a verbal test on theory that includes principal grape varieties, international wine laws and methods of distillation for spirits and liquors. The service portion of the exam requires a demonstration of wine service and salesmanship.
Students must pass the theory portion of the Master Sommelier exam before going on to the tasting and service exams. The pass rate for theory is just 10%, and the exam is only offered once per year.
When McLoughlin started at Sea Island in 2011, the resort had three sommeliers who worked in fine dining. But guests now expect that level of knowledge and expertise even in more casual environments, he says.
“The best thing a guest can do is trust a sommelier,” McLoughlin suggests. “Even if you don’t understand how to explain what you like to drink, tell the sommelier what you like to drink at home. For example, you can say, ‘I like pinot noir and I usually like to drink Merry Edwards.’ Be specific with what you want to spend because my goal as a sommelier is to find the absolute best wine for your price and preferences.”
Sommeliers are a great resource for guests not only because of their knowledge of wine, but also because of their passion, Dodson says: “They have dedicated their life and career around what they are passionate about. Sommeliers are able to take you on a journey. The guests just have to be willing to take a little voyage out of their comfort zones and let the sommelier take them on a journey. ”
| BY EMILY L. FOLEY |
The production timeline to produce a fine timepiece takes roughly three years, meaning watch trends don’t shift as quickly as the rest of the fashion world — a fact that is even more poetic considering a watch’s place in our lives is to track time. But trends having greater longevity doesn’t make them any less compelling.
For 2023, many brands are moving past “men's” and “women's” classifications and simply creating a watch. A direct result of women buying larger watches for a bolder statement and men often opting for a smaller silhouette, these unisex watches make sense for today’s consumer. Technical innovation, such as solar power, and innovative materials are also trending.
While time is everywhere — from our phones to microwaves — watches continue to pull in consumers with new materials, state-of-theart tech, colorful, jewelry-inspired designs and specialty collaborations. So, while we may not be able to control time, we can certainly control how we see it. Here are a few of the latest and greatest watches drawing attention for their innovation and style.
1) An extra-long strap wraps around the wrist twice for a unique style on this Happy Diamonds Icons watch. As for those iconic Chopard “dancing” diamonds: They live at the intersection of playful and luxe. $9,340 (chopard.com)
2) The Solar Classic watch by Solios is made with certified recycled stainless steel and charges with natural and artificial light, eliminating the need to ever change the battery. $305 (solioswatches.com)
3) The Citizen Eco-Drive One is made with Duratect DCL-coated steel, making it incredibly lightweight but also five times as hard as stainless steel. It is also sustainably powered by any type of light, which means no batteries to replace or discard. $3,995 (citizenwatch.com)
4) Bright yellow rubber and fine-brushed steel are combined to create this sporty Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch that perfectly exudes the fast-paced, exciting life it's named for. $1,900 (tagheuer.com)
5) Each watch from the Tom Ford Ocean Plastic line is made from 30-plus plastic bottles retrieved from our ocean’s waters, making this crisp, chic 002 watch much more than a fashion statement. $995 (tomford.com)
6) The Piaget Polo Date Watch — a classic men’s sport watch — is reimagined for the feminine arm with a face surrounded by 60 brilliant-cut diamonds and another 36 brilliant-cut diamonds accented in rosegold at the hour markers. $21,900 (piaget.com)
7) With its white rubber strap and yellow gold dial that both scream “cruise wear” and that iconic Gucci cat head, this Dive watch is a statement that sets any wrist apart. $1,650 (gucci.com)
8) The orange calfskin strap, the unmistakable goldplated “H” surrounding the face — if it’s classic luxury without the fuss you want, this Hermes H watch delivers. $3,400 (hermes.com)
NEW SEA ISLAND AND THE BROADMOOR COLORING BOOKS ALLOW ARTISTS OF ALL AGES TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THEIR VISIT.
| BY ALLISON EMERY |
When the Anschutz family purchased The Broadmoor and Sea Island, they knew that beyond each resort’s storied history and idyllic settings, they are places where families, including theirs, would build memories for generations.
Inspired by the birth of their first child, Fritz, and looking to give members and guests a way to remember their own special visits to Sea Island and The Broadmoor, Jill and Christian Anschutz came up with the idea for a set of coloring books. “We were looking to create something that families could do together,” says Christian Anschutz, businessman, philanthropist and son of Sea Island owner, Philip Anschutz.
The Anschutzes collaborated with awardwinning children’s book illustrator Adam Turner for the project. Working alongside Turner, Jill and Christian developed two coordinating coloring books — one for adults and one for children, each with a unique perspective and illustrations.
“The adult version has more intricate designs,”
Christian says. “So, if a child is coloring one of our scenes, the parent could be coloring the corresponding page, which would have far more architectural details. It’s really meant to be so the parent and child can be coloring together at the same time.”
The books feature more than a dozen architecture-focused designs, from the grand entrance of The Cloister at Sea Island to the mountainous backdrops of Colorado Springs at The Broadmoor. Each page includes fun facts about the scene and highlights a variety of onproperty activities. “It was important to us that these books really embodied the spirit of each resort. Incorporating some of the signature activities that a member or guest could experience during their visit was a great way to do that,” states Christian.
This level of attention to detail, even down to the fabrication of the coloring books, is what sets them apart. The Anschutzes ensured the adult version had a luxury feel, using premium paper and binding. On the other hand, the children’s counterpart was designed to be more durable, standing up to the varying graded force of young artists.
While coloring books are a perfect pastime for both grown-ups and kids, this set calls for something a bit deeper: connecting not only with a loved one but also with the spectacular scenes that make up these iconic destinations.
The coloring books are available for purchase at retail shops throughout each property as well as at shop.seaisland.com.
“We tailored the coloring books to the person who is coloring it, wanting an enjoyable experience for both parent and child.”
—CHRISTIAN ANSCHUTZ
A conversation with illustrator Adam Turner sheds light on the artistic process of creating the coloring books.
What was your initial reaction when you were asked to partner with Sea Island and The Broadmoor for these books?
Turner: Coloring books are something I have quite a bit of experience with, so I felt it to be very much in my wheelhouse. I went into it with confidence and clarity, which is always a wonderful way to start a project. I was also excited by the unknown. I had never visited either property before, so I was excited to see the grounds and the life of the resort.
What was your favorite part of the design process?
Turner: My favorite part was spending time at the properties. I was able to meet with the folks who live it and breathe it daily. I was able to immerse myself into the properties for a short bit, and it was wonderful.
How did Sea Island inspire you?
Turner: As an artist, I really valued the level of detail and love that goes into every aspect of the resort. From the architectural details to the design of the grounds, to the preservation of the local flora and fauna, I was so impressed with the grandeur of it all, and just amazed by some of the unique design decisions throughout Sea Island.
The new coloring books feature a version for adults and another for children.
You don’t come to Death Valley because abundant life flourishes here. Which is exactly why an oasis in the middle of it is so special. Only here can you enjoy two distinct hotel experiences that have undergone a $155 million renaissance – the historic, serene, and peaceful Four Diamond Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly, adventure-focused Ranch at Death Valley – the energetic epicenter of this True American Oasis. Surrounded by the largest national park in the lower 48 with 3.4 million acres to explore.
OasisAtDeathValley.com
| BY SUE G. COLLINS |
For more than 4,000 years, people have turned to labyrinths for a walking meditation practice, directing careful attention to moving the body forward, focusing on an intentional gait and consciousness of the breath while settling into stillness.
Stepping into the labyrinth, a broad grassy stage with a path outlined with stone, one may carry an intention or ask a question. The short winding walk is meant to nourish focus and contemplation, culminating in quiet concord and personal resolution.
A labyrinth is a meandering path, often unicursal, with a singular path leading to a center. Not to be confused with mazes, labyrinths are an ancient archetype used symbolically as a walking meditation, a tool for personal and spiritual transformation, also thought to enhance right-brain activity.
Labyrinth carvings and constructions thousands of years old are found around the world. There are similarities in the designs despite geographic and cultural differences and include a bounded, interior space with a continuous meandering path to the center and back out again, usually by the same path. Stone, tile, grass, sand, earth or carved wood have been used to create the motif. Some labyrinths have more than one opening between the exterior and interior, absence of a center space, intersections and path choices, or dual paths specifically for ceremonies or conflict resolution, according to The Labyrinth Society, an international nonprofit for enthusiasts whose mission is to support all those who create, maintain and use labyrinths.
The labyrinth at Sea Island was created to
connect guests with the surrounding spaces and help them continue their serene and relaxing journey during their stay at the resort. The iconic Spa at Spa at Sea Island was built almost 20 years ago and encompasses 65,000 square feet. The classical labyrinth design is from a simple “seed pattern” with a seven-circuit design that has been suggested to correspond to the seven days of the week, seven visible planets and seven chakras.
“A labyrinth is not a maze or puzzle meant to confuse you, but a space to bring order to chaos where you can have a heart-to-heart conversation with yourself,” says Ella Kent, Sea Island director of spa, fitness and wellbeing. “Our labyrinth rests in a beautiful garden fringed with a koi pond, lush leafy plants and is encircled by an ivy-covered wall — creating the perfect habitat for bees, butterflies and our tiny native, singing frogs.”
Veriditas-certified facilitator Margaret Bosbyshell leads a complimentary monthly guided meditation at Sea Island. “In each experience, guests will begin by setting their intentions with a ‘finger tracing labyrinth’ exercise, followed by guided breath work and an introduction into labyrinth meditation,” she notes.
“While the labyrinth is our favored spot for quiet contemplation, it’s not the only place where you can immerse yourself in nature to relax your mind and refresh your spirit,” Kent comments. “We have a diverse array of mindful activities, including yoga at sunrise and sunset, a guided paddle through tidal grasslands, horseback riding through lush groves of ancient oaks and palmettos and much more.”
The labyrinth is a special place set aside for you to reflect, meditate and perhaps negotiate a new behavior. The rhythm of walking, placing one foot in front of the other, empties the mind, relaxes the body and refreshes the spirit. While there is no wrong way to walk a labyrinth, we suggest four states to organize your journey.
REMEMBER: Before walking the labyrinth, take time to be in gratitude and bless the people in your life. If there is a specific event or situation troubling you, bring it to mind and form a healing question around it.
RELEASE: Walking into the labyrinth. Quiet your mind and release your troubles. Open your heart to feel whatever it might feel. Become aware of your breathing. Relax and move at your own pace, interpreting everything you see and feel as a metaphor.
RECEIVE: Sanding in the center, pause, reflect and open yourself to your inner voice. Have a heartto-heart conversation with yourself and be open to what you discover.
RETURN: Walking the path to leave the center, start the process of integrating your experience. Bring to mind any insights you might have received. Feel the sense of well-being, healing, excitement, calm or peace.
The labyrinth at The Spa at Sea Island features a classic design and the calming sounds of a water feature.
| BY DALE LEATHERMAN |
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work the more I have of it,” the famous quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson goes. Most PGA TOUR professionals would agree that luck has very little to do with success — or even earning a chance to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Involving years of sacrifice and dedication, the journey to the TOUR is not for the faint-hearted. Tiger Woods began imitating his father’s golf swing when he was 18 months old and trained 13 hours a day for much of his career. Scottie Scheffler was given a plastic club and ball at 3 and moved on to real clubs and nine-hole matches when he was 6. Collin Morikawa began his golf training at 5 years old.
Brian Harman, a Sea Island resident and member of the PGA TOUR, was 11 when his mother first brought him to the Sea Island Golf Performance Center (GPC) to be evaluated by the legendary Jack Lumpkin. It was the beginning of a coach-player relationship that lasted until Lumpkin’s death in February 2022. Harman capped a successful amateur career with a win in the 2003 U.S. Junior Championship and was a member of the victorious 2005 and 2009 Walker Cup teams before turning pro. He went on to win the 2014 John Deere Classic and the 2017 Wells Fargo Championship. In July 2023, he won his first major: the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
“Growing up I always knew I wanted to play golf on the PGA TOUR, so when the time was right I searched for instruction,” Harman explains.
“An hour from my hometown of Savannah, Georgia, was a world-class facility with talented coaches. I loved the atmosphere so much that I now call St. Simons Island my home. I don’t know where I would be today without the Sea Island Golf Performance Center.”
In 2017 the GPC launched the Player Development Program (PDP) as a training regimen for competition-minded juniors like Harman.
“The PDP was born out of what we saw as a need for parents to find quality instruction for their competitive juniors on an organized and consistent basis,” says GPC director Craig Allan. “We were seeing too many parents and juniors taking lessons on a reactionary or panic basis, attacking only the current issue rather than creating a long-term plan and building the instruction around that plan. Recognizing that these folks would have to travel to see us, the program has quarterly visits organized around the long-term plan, while also incorporating statistics from events. In between quarterly visits, we hold remote coaching to ensure the player is staying on track.”
Junior golfers who train at Sea Island have the opportunity to test their skills at two dedicated competitions held at the resort: the Jones Cup Junior Invitational held each winter for males under 18 who are not full-time college students, and the Sea Island Women’s Amateur held each summer, which has no age restrictions.
Director of Golf Brannen Veal says the Jones Cup Junior Invitational was a natural progression from the Jones Cup Invitational. Held at Ocean Forest Golf Club, the elite amateur tournament was inspired by the A.W. Jones family, founders of the Sea Island Golf Club and The Cloister.
“The Jones Cup Junior Invitational allows players to compete at a very high level, gauge where they are in their own games, and prepare for college and, potentially, professional golf,” Veal says. The junior champion receives an exemption into the following Jones Cup Invitational.
Similarly, the Sea Island Women’s Amateur now in its third year, has already become a top-tier amateur event for women.
Whether seeking expert coaching or the chance to test their skills among the best of their peers, the coaching and competitions offered at Sea Island help propel many young golfers forward on their quest for college or professional success.
| BY MICHELLE FRANZEN MARTIN |
The Cloister Solarium is a favorite spot for Sea Island members and guests. Bathed in sunlight, live plants and the sounds of lovebirds, the Solarium is a place to enjoy nature indoors. Two pairs of lovebirds — one, the peach-faced variety, and the other, yellowcollared — produce happy chirps and whistles, chatter and endless song.
“As far as back as we can tell, Sea Island has always had the pleasure of keeping birds,” recalls Wheeler Bryan, historian for Sea Island. However, many believe the first housed birds at Sea Island were finches. Those first birds lived in the loggia of the original hotel, which opened in 1928. Designed by noted architect Addison Mizner, the original Cloister was built in Spanish Colonial Revival style — something that was reflected in the bird’s cages.
“The design of the cages is very indicative of Mizner’s architectural style,” notes Bryan. “They’re a natural fit for the design of the old and new hotel.”
It’s believed that the birds — and their cages — were moved to the Solarium when the new Cloister was built in 2006.
One species of lovebirds at Sea Island, known as yellow-collared lovebirds, was discovered in Tanzania in the late 1800s and found their way years later into the United States after becoming escaped pets. The other pair, known as peachfaced lovebirds, didn’t arrive in the United States until the 1930s. Both pairs of lovebirds have monogamous bonds with each other and, as their name suggests, they are lifelong mates.
When properly cared for, lovebirds can live to be around 15 years old. The Sea Island nature team cares for the resident lovebirds every day. The routine starts at dawn. Lovebirds wake up at sunrise — it’s part of their natural instinct to wake up and search for food. The Outdoor Pursuits team helps with the transition to daylight by uncovering the birds’ cage. Lovebirds
need to have their cages covered at night to help them sleep and keep warm.
Of course, the team also provides the birds with grooming and plenty of fresh food and water. Lovebirds not only drink water, but they also bathe in it. And they don’t just eat seed — they also enjoy certain vegetables and fruit. New toys and treats keep the lovebirds feeling their best, so they can continue entertaining and inspiring Sea Island visitors, as they have for many years.
“It’s the lovebirds that make the Solarium come alive,” Bryan comments. “They bring the outside in. People come every year to see the lovebirds. Guests enjoy their morning coffee while watching them. They provide such a calming sense of nature.”
There’s a good reason that lovebirds got their name. The birds, which mate for life, are known for their monogamy and a strong desire to be with each other.
The birds’ relationship begins with a courtship ritual. The male lovebird attracts the female by feeding her. The male will also make a clicking sound with his beak and often will do a dance to attract the female. It’s apparent they’ve become mates when they begin to preen each other’s feathers.
Lovebirds are native to Africa, and they’re actually a species of parrot. They date back as far as 1.9 million years ago. There are nine different species, which include the peachfaced and yellow-collared lovebirds that live in the Solarium at Sea Island.
Peach-faced lovebirds, also known as rosy-faced lovebirds, originate from Africa’s Angola nation. The yellow-collared lovebirds, also known as masked lovebirds, are native to northeast Tanzania and come in a variety of colors including blues and greens. But what continues to fascinate scientists is the lovebirds’ lifelong devotion for each other — something that few species, other than humans, exhibit.
In fact, it’s said that when a lovebird loses its mate, it experiences what could be described as depression. It will call out for its mate, often searching in places where the birds were together. Some lovebirds will even stop eating during their time of mourning.
| BY MICAELA MYERS |
Back in 1975, Kevin Semtner first learned about Sea Island when he took lessons from famed golfer Davis Love Jr. in Florida. When he married his wife, Stacey, in 2003, they visited the resort, looking for a place to make new memories together and bring their family. While they visited many other resorts over the past 20 years, they found that nowhere compares to Sea Island. After their 25th visit, they decided to make the leap, purchase a home on St. Simons Island and become Sea Island Club members.
“It was a dream come true. Sea Island is my vision of heaven,” says Stacey, a sixth-generation Texan. “It’s the people here that make Sea Island so special — the Southern manners, charm and hospitality — plus the beauty, landscaping, activities and the timeless design.”
In fact, they love the architecture so much, they recreated the ceiling of the River Bar & Lounge at their home in Texas.
Their children Robert, Katie and Alexandra visit, along with Katie’s husband Ryan and their children Ruby, age 5, and Oliver, age 3.
“I love the multigenerational aspect, and it’s come full circle for us because we now have little ones coming,” Stacey notes.
She has introduced over 100 friends and family members to Sea Island throughout the years. Stacey takes each of her visitors on a detailed tour of the resort and has educated herself on many aspects of Sea Island and its incredible history.
“I think my favorite thing is seeing friends’ reactions to Sea Island,” she comments. “They hear me talk about it, and they’re so excited to visit. That is what has been very rewarding. It’s not just my personal experience; it’s something I’m sharing.”
“ It was a dream come true. Sea Island is my vision of heaven. It’s the people here that make Sea Island so special — the Southern manners, charm and hospitality — plus the beauty, activities, gorgeous landscaping and the timeless design. ”
—STACEY SEMTNER
Kevin’s 60th birthday party in The Cloister Wine Cellar and Stacey’s 50th birthday at the Georgian Room rank as two of their top memories, but both feel each day at Sea Island is special.
“It’s adult Disneyland here,” Stacey notes. “There is always so much to do. It’s a perfect vacation every day. Sea Island nourishes the soul in many ways with daily new adventures.”
Kevin is a golf professional, so it’s no surprise he loves to golf with friends. The Sea Island Shooting School is another activity he enjoys. Stacey’s favorite is bike riding around the island. However, there’s nothing they haven’t tried, including boating, kayaking, fishing, Rainbow Island cookouts, Pilates, tennis and pickleball.
Last year, Stacey and her Texas friends won the Fourth of July watermelon shootout at the Shooting School. She also co-hosted the opening day festivities for the ladies’ nine-hole group with a fiesta-themed event, bringing her Texas roots to Georgia.
Like many members and guests, the Semtners agree it’s the people who take Sea Island above and beyond — the exceptional, personalized service and the amazing folks you meet all around the island.
Stacey adds, “We are blessed to have made so many new friends in the two years since we became members.”
A legacy you know. A name you trust.
A STUNNING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY HELPS GOLFERS REACH THE NEXT LEVEL.
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BY DALE LEATHERMAN |
While there are no miracle shortcuts that bypass the practice range and putting green, technology can help you improve all aspects of your game from analyzing your shot and the flight of the ball to offering superior clubs.
Of course, technology is nothing new to the world of golf. Manufacturers constantly create new designs and materials to make clubs and balls more efficient and forgiving. Club fitters now have more tools to evaluate golfers’ swings and fine-tune their clubs. Golfers also have access to golf watches and range finders that determine distances more accurately and enable savvy club selections.
But the best tools will only take you so far if you don’t sharpen your skills. That’s where some of the exciting new tech comes in to play.
Artificial intelligence has entered the golf realm with a surprisingly intuitive app. Simply put, Clippd (named for the sound of a crisply hit ball) pulls together information from existing measurement tools such as Arccos, TrackMan and Garmin and generates detailed
graphics and charts on the golfer’s (or coach’s) phone, tablet or laptop. Rounds and practice drills can also be entered directly into the user-friendly app, showing a player’s strengths and weaknesses and suggesting a practice plan. Clippd is being used by top touring professionals and Division 1 college programs as well as everyday club players.
“Clippd is a data-driven performance platform that tracks the golfer’s entire game on course and off course,” explains Piers Parnell, CEO and co-founder of Clippd. “Its proprietary metrics reveal the quality of every shot players hit and their skill levels in each part of their game as well as overall performance. It identifies the skills that have the biggest impact on their scoring and the fastest opportunities to improvement.”
The Sea Island Golf Performance Center (GPC) uses the Clippd platform. According to Craig Allan, director of the Golf Performance Center, he and his team of coaches have begun using Clippd with their Player Development Program students, sharing lesson notes and video, and tracking players’ activity and progress. Coaches can save time by knowing in advance exactly what to work on in each lesson.
“Clippd data is so helpful in coaching,” notes Allan. “It gives you the opportunity through the data to specifically pinpoint opportunities for improvement.”
In 2003, Danish golfers Klaus and Morten EldrupJorgensen and radar engineer Fredrik Tuxen developed a way to use Doppler radar to analyze the flight of a golf ball. The technology was a game changer for instruction and club fitting. Twenty years later, the latest TrackMan system, TrackMan 4, remains the state-of-the-art tool in golf instruction, club fitting and has become a worldfamous course simulator.
The system features dual radar technology and optically enhanced radar tracking, which means it can track the ball from launch to landing with one radar system, with an accuracy of under one foot at 100 yards, while the second radar system tracks the club from the beginning of the swing through impact.
“Being able to accurately measure all of these parameters to the highest level means players can dial in all of their distances and dispersions with every club, driver through putter,” says Matt Frelich, senior vice president of TrackMan sales and business development. “Club fitters are able to use a player’s swing to determine his/her potential with optimal equipment. Accurate club delivery measurements also allow instructors to identify areas for improvement and verify once a player has achieved desired results. TrackMan's Performance Center is a new feature of the free Golf Pro app that uses three testing formats to evaluate shots. Touring professionals and serious golfers are using Trackman technology to put pressure on their practice to produce the best outcomes during tournament play.”
In another bid to improve the game, advanced materials are making clubs lighter, faster and more forgiving. Carbon, in particular, offers lighter weight and design options not possible with steel.
For example, Callaway Golf has replaced titanium with carbon in its new Paradym line of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. The shift to carbon in the driver makes the club head 44% lighter than titanium, weight that has been repositioned forward to increase ball speed and back to
In 2018, when Sea Island Golf Performance Center (GPC) Director Craig Allan was contemplating a state-of-the-art putting studio for the new GPC, he asked Phil Kenyon, Sea Island director of putting and world-famous putting coach, about recreating his England studio setup at Sea Island. Kenyon agreed, and he did, complete with a Zen Green Stage. The moveable putting surface, developed by engineer Nick Middleton based on a concept by the late test pilot and avid golfer U.S. Air Force Col. Horace Templeton, has been a stellar addition to the center’s facilities. And it just got an upgrade.
“The Zen Green Stage, along with PuttView, are incredible tools that allow us to test a player’s putting skills in a controlled environment and then address any deficiencies,” Allan explains. “These technologies are incredibly valuable and allow us to greatly speed up the learning curve.”
According to Andy Hiseman, managing director of Zen, the new Green Stage is bigger — 8 feet wide by 20 feet long — but at just 9 inches high, it is 6 inches lower than the old stage, for easier access
and enhanced stability. This means that the contours are much firmer and more accurate than before, and it can be adjusted in increments of 0.1% of a gradient. It’s also engineered to be quieter and the achievable gradients have increased.
“The putting surface is also dramatically better,” Hiseman comments. “The ‘Zen Master’ turf is New Zealand lambswool, developed exclusively for putting on the new Zen Green Stage. The Sea Island stage stimps at 11.5, which is representative of PGA TOUR speeds (and refers to how fast the ball rolls). Many coaches and TOUR golfers are saying it’s the best indoor putting surface they’ve experienced. It’s also more attractive and lifelike, so that the eye focuses on the gradients. Putts roll in a more ‘grass-like’ way, especially in the ‘decay’ phase when the ball is slowing to a stop.”
According to Hiseman, Sea Island Senior Putting Instructor David Angelotti and his students now have more than 9.5 billion different putts to try on the improved Green Stage, all created on a new wireless touch screen with enhanced controls.
add more forgiveness. The hybrids also have an allnew Cutwave Sole that is designed to cut through turf and heavy rough. Irons have received an upgrade, too. The new hollow body and forged face result in a stable club with a thinner face for enhanced speed.
Similarly, TaylorMade’s Stealth line of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids was fine-tuned for 2023. The new Stealth 2 driver’s carbon gives it greater ball speed and allows for weight distribution in the face to make it more forgiving. The Plus version of the driver features lots of adjustments, including a sliding sole weight. The new fairway woods are also more forgiving, and the high-draw, or HD, model has more loft to get the ball up in the air for those long shots. As the name indicates, it is designed to correct a fade or slice tendency with what is called a “draw bias.” Stealth HD irons promise forgiveness, higher trajectory on approach shots, and a draw bias that increases in the longer irons, where more golfers tend to slice or fade.
“The advent of the 60X Carbon Twist Face paved an all-new runway for driver performance and confirmed our belief that the limits of titanium had been met,” comments Tom Fisher, TaylorMade’s global custom director. “Across our entire product catalog, we explore advanced materials and fearless designs. Carbon faces are only the tip of the iceberg. From 50g movable weights in the Stealth 2 Plus fairway woods to progressive face heights in Stealth HD irons, our willingness to push beyond the norm defines TaylorMade.”
New technology influences every aspect of modern life, including golf. Just when you think the gameimproving choices can’t get any better, innovations such as Clippd can help you determine where to focus your practice and shave strokes off your score. Today’s golf watches accurately measure distances, making your club selection more precise. Club manufacturers have discovered that carbon is better than titanium for drivers, so longer, straighter drives are possible. Irons are now designed to straighten out your slice. Golf balls are so finely tuned they can deliver distance and feel on short shots. New golf shoes are as comfortable as your favorite sneakers — and are attractive enough for street wear, too. New materials in golf clothing wick sweat away from the body. And golf bags are increasingly carry-friendly if you favor the walking game. The sport has evolved immeasurably from the niblick early pitching wedges and hand-rolled gutta percha balls of centuries ago, and the most difficult aspect of golf today may be choosing which tools are right for you.
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS GIVE THE REGION ITS DISTINCTIVE LOOK AND FEEL. | BY
The coastal Southeast is known for many things, including its welcoming demeanor, Spanish moss and distinctive and beautiful architecture. Spanning many styles and types, the homes and buildings of the region are designed to maximize views of the marsh and beach while providing a solid foundation for generations to enjoy. Over time, select materials have made their way into the culture of Southern architecture as a way to highlight the history of the region and beauty of the landscape.
Originally, coastal architecture was mostly fed by the necessity for strong materials using what was around, such as wood, sand and shells, says Gregory Jacobs, co-founder and managing partner at Landmark Preservation LLC. “People needed to build quickly and with limited resources,” he explains.
But once the train system was up and running, design influences began to come from all over. “Trains allowed for styles to proliferate more freely,” notes Clay Rokicki, principal, director of design enrichment at Historical Concepts, an Atlanta-based architectural firm. This is how the United States saw such a spread of what Rokicki says is its first national style: Greek Revival.
Styles evolved thanks to these transportation technologies, resulting in the widespread adoption of once-foreign styles, such as the Mediterranean influence. “It filtered through Florida, through the influence of Addison Mizner in the early 20th century,” Rokicki comments. “And now it just feels right in places like Florida and California.” While overall architectural styles have changed over time with outside influence, some exterior and interior elements have stayed truly Southern coastal, enhancing the region’s signature charm.
While the Southern Coast offers a bounty of organic materials from which to draw visual inspiration and structural soundness, Jeffrey Dungan, a Birmingham, Alabama-based architect, loves working with pecky cypress — so much so that he even created his office foyer out of it. Pecky cypress, also known as swamp cypress and bald cypress, is symbolic of Southeastern coastal style.
It’s naturally resistant to decay, taking on unique grain patterns thanks to the conditions in which it grows, primarily in marsh and swamp. Its “pecks,” or divots, are thanks to a naturally-occurring fungus that disappears after the trees are harvested, often from waterbeds. Architects and designers love using it for paneling, trim work, flooring, doors and accents because of its rustic elegance. “It has what I call a wonderful nonchalance,” says Dungan.
Rokicki adds, “It can feel old, rustic and traditional, but in different contexts, it can feel super modern, clean and be a great counterpoint.”
Bradley Odom, an Atlanta-based designer and owner of Dixon Rye, is currently working on a home where the entire ceiling is made of pecky cypress that had been shellacked. He’s stripping it back to its original beauty and rawest state, and using it to inform the rest of the design. “Pecky cypress is storied in itself,” he notes. “It’s a go-to material if the architect hadn’t already placed it in a home because it has so much character. I love to use it for something unexpected like a daybed paired with a sumptuous covered cushion.”
For a lighter, more Mediterranean element, designers and architects sometimes turn to cut coral, which is very similar in look and feel to limestone; however, it’s light, textural, and extremely porous. It often allows organic material to accumulate in the pores. Rokicki loves the
The Cloister at Sea Island — and many homes in the area — are heavily inspired by the Spanish Mediterranean style. This choice was new for the area at the time, comments Merry Tipton, the former director of marketing communications at Sea Island.
Addison Mizner was a popular Florida coastal architect in the early part of the 20th century, responsible for iconic and exclusive properties such as The Boca Raton and The Everglades Club. He was also the architect of The Cloister, and his style went on to inspire many more structures along the Georgia coast.
“Mizner’s architectural approach was simple, with a few classic elements: offwhite stucco walls, red tile roofs, lots of arches,” says Tipton, talking about the original building. “When blended with gently gurgling fountains, lush green grass and loggias, it was an amazing thing of beauty. There’s a gentleness to the design today, which lends itself to calm.”
A signature of Mizner’s style is a red tile roof, customary in Spanish Mediterranean style. Traditionally, they were used in these climates as a way to reflect sunlight and heat and create ventilation through their overlapping tiles. They also create a nice visual contrast to the off-white stucco, making for instantly recognizable buildings like The Cloister today.
organic nature of it. “Every piece is different, and you can see imprints of plants, shells and fossils in it. It’s suited for a Mediterranean or even Caribbean feel,” he explains.
Perhaps the material most commonly associated with the region is tabby. Manmade tabby comprises a mixture of lime, made from shell middens found along the coast left by indigenous peoples, sand, water, oyster shells and ash. The practice of making tabby dates back centuries. Traditional tabby was used to make walls, bricks and even tabby floors in certain buildings.
Tabby, a labor-intensive material, underwent a revival in the late 1800s. By adding white cement, a readily available and more durable ingredient, it became easier to use. The 1900s brought about pseudo-tabby, which is commonly used today, made from concrete and crushed oyster shells.
The end result is a wonderfully textural and sometimes iridescent finish that’s as strong as it is beautiful. “Tabby is ingenious,” says Jacobs. “It started out as something out of necessity to build quickly for fortification purposes and then later evolved into all sorts of domestic, agricultural and commercial uses.” In interiors, Odom has seen it used in
items as small as concrete planters to larger elements like fireplaces.
These elements are romanticized for good reason, but they should be used judiciously.
“These are all very special materials, and there is such a thing as too much of a good thing,” advises Dungan. “They should be used with restraint and in the right context.”
“Think of them like seasoning for food — a little can go a long way,” Rokicki agrees.
Practicality needs to be weighed alongside beauty. While authentic materials are always top of mind, Rokicki says he looks towards the vernacular architecture for lessons in how to make a building stand the test of time, so that his clients can enjoy their homes for generations to come.
If you’ve ever admired a Southerner’s design approach of having things perfectly askew, you might not have known there was a word for it: wabi sabi. In Japanese culture, wabi sabi means being at peace with imperfection. However you describe it, it’s definitely the current vibe, notes architect Jeffrey Dungan: “I like things that aren’t too perfect. Wabi sabi is the perfectly imperfect.”
Along those lines, Dungan’s been using a lot of antique-grade or character-grade woods in projects, with a particular love of reclaimed oak. “We like it when it has a few more cracks, a little more character. Those imperfections exist in the natural world and bear the mark of time,” he explains. “They’re timeless.”
Clay Rokicki, director of design enrichment at Atlanta’s Historical Concepts has seen a rise in interior plaster finishes, which also plays into wabi sabi. “It enriches the space so much more than painting drywall does. You can see that a human hand has influenced it.” When combined with how it plays with light, it’s an interesting use of texture. Plus, more solid substrates allow for hanging pictures easily in the new application of the old texture.
JEFFREY DUNGAN PHOTO BY WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
| BY NANCY DORMAN-HICKSON |
A great home-cooked meal is one of life’s sublime pleasures. In addition to pleasing the palate, cooking can also enrich the person behind the stove. Cooks gain confidence, focus and calm, as well as all the feel-good emotions of feeding loved ones and enjoying quality time together.
“Culinary art therapy is a wonderful therapeutic skill to practice mindfulness and creative expression,” notes Hector Mañón, a Miami-based chef, instructor and founder of the Association for Culinary Art Therapy.
Maybe that’s why chef Bill Smith Jr. cooks when he feels stressed. Smith retired in 2019 from Crook’s Corner, a James Beard America’s Classic Restaurant, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. While there, Smith was twice named a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef Southeast. He made “millions of cakes” to give away during 2020-21. “It was therapeutic,” he says. He credits cooking for enhanced concentration as well: “You have to pay attention to what you're doing. You definitely learn to do more than two things at a time when you’re cooking.”
Chef Mary Grace Viado agrees: Cooking teaches concentration as well as precision, attention to detail and timing. Viado is the corporate executive chef of the Village Tavern Inc., which features eight restaurants in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. “Cooking is one activity where you have to use all five of your senses, sometimes all at once,” she explains. “It’s an art form on a plate.”
To some extent, cooking for others is always about the food. “When I was in the restaurant all the time, my job was to make a good dinner,” Smith says. “That was also the obligation of the people who cooked for me growing up.” When eating Sunday lunch at his grandmother’s house, he recalls the expectation of sitting at the table until you were so full you were about to fall over.
Beyond good food, the act of cooking also evokes “a sense of selflessness and happiness in accomplishing something for the benefit of others,” Mañón notes. Think of cooking as a form of service, satisfying a need through time and talent. Consider the loving hands that prepare a family favorite or a tantalizing new dish. For most, the tastiness of the food is rivaled only by the fellowship of family and friends.
That’s a powerful feeling — one most find worth emulating. “Eating together around the dining table gives each person a sense of belonging and builds
From Chef Chris Damskey, Sea Island chef de cuisine for the Georgian Rooms
INGREDIENTS (MAKES 4 SERVINGS):
• 2 pounds of butternut (or other) squash that has been peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 ¼ cup crème fraîche (or sour cream)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: Combine the squash (saving a small amount for garnish) and stock in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20-30 minutes or until the squash is very tender. Purée the mixture in a blender. Return the purée to the saucepan and add crème fraiche, along with the butter, some salt and pepper — season carefully. Bring back to a boil and strain then chill and reserve for service.
GARNISH: You will need peeled, diced squash, cleaned hedgehog or other seasonal mushrooms, diced shallots and chives. First, cook the squash in a pan with shallow water, salt and pepper; reduce with butter until tender. Sauté shallots in butter, then add mushrooms; sauté until tender. Sprinkle the top of each bowl with garnish and chives upon serving, or arrange in each bowl prior to adding the soup, as pictured.
The garnish and butternut squash soup are combined just prior to serving.
stronger relationships that remind us of the love we share,” Viado says. “Through food your body is being physically nourished, and through the feeling of love, your soul is being emotionally nourished.”
Camaraderie while cooking together is naturally therapeutic. “By preparing a family recipe, for example, one can maintain, and even strengthen, cultural and family ties,” Mañón says.
Family and friends who cook together enjoy sharing stories and the day’s happenings. Viado notes that parents may find cooking together provides a gateway to communication “to know what’s happening in their child’s life.” She suggests asking relatives to choose their favorite family recipe, then taking turns cooking each recipe together. Or for a group gathering, she proposes hosting a competition in which each person brings a mystery basket of ingredients for exchange; best resulting dish wins. Another idea might be to invite friends from different countries or regions, each cooking a dish from their homeland. The result could be a wonderful buffet of diverse foods.
“The kitchen is typically the heart of the home,” Viado concludes. “People that cook and eat together, stay together.”
The familiar home kitchen is perfect for making mistakes and learning from them as well as fostering boldness.
Smith’s confidence comes from years of practice and the grace-under-pressure requirement of restaurant work. But even home cooks can boost their acumen, leaning into their mistakes as learning opportunities. In fact, kitchen errors may provide therapeutic value. “By practicing cooking and not always succeeding, one's self-confidence can improve through the process of trial and error,” Mañón says.
Creativity can even result from false food forays in the forgiving environment of the home kitchen. You create, test and combine unusual ingredients or flavor combinations without the fear of judgment. Research backs this claim. Results of a 2020 study published in the Journal of Creative Behavior suggest that cooking as a creative endeavor may improve mood, social connections, personal acceptance and individual well-being.
Home cooking doesn't have to be perfect to deliver a plethora of benefits. Sure, simply providing a meal will result in the mutual nourishment of chef and guest. But clearly the act and art of cooking, conversation and conviviality offers a smörgåsbord of sustenance beyond the dishes served.
Chris Damskey, Sea Island chef de cuisine for the Georgian Rooms, offers tips to enhance meal preparation for the home cook. He advises home chefs to buy equipment that suits their needs. “You don’t need 50 different knives for specialty tasks,” he explains. Instead, invest in a good chef’s knife that “feels good in your hand and is properly weighted.” Additionally, consider acquiring a paring knife, a bread knife and a steel to sharpen them.
Useful pantry items include a good olive oil, kosher or natural sea salt, and a pepper mill for fresh cracked pepper. The pepper provides seasoning and balance, Damskey notes.
Many foods can be pre-cooked, pre-mixed or otherwise prepared before serving. When creating a salad, for example, he suggests washing and slicing vegetables ahead of time, using a damp towel to keep the food fresh. “Then it’s just placing items on a plate to make it look nice,” he says.
Buy the best of what you can when you can, he advises. “Buy fresh and what’s in season. Let the market write the menu for you versus writing a menu and then going to the market.” Common fall vegetables include squash, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, parsnips, shallots and sweet potatoes.
The trick to getting everything to the table hot? “Repetition. What chefs strive for everyday is consistency, execution and speed.”
For his own table, Damskey enjoys preparing farm fresh and local. One favorite is “a nice piece of seared fish, steak or shrimp with whatever fresh, local kind of vegetables I can get,” he comments.
Another good choice, especially for larger gatherings, is hearty soups and stews. “Where Sea Island is located, I can prepare a quick seafood gumbo or stew with fresh grouper,” he says. Another easy choice: ready-made rotisserie chicken from the grocer. “You can carve or shred it, add fresh or dried pasta, and make a quick and simple meal,” he explains. What’s most important for a memorable meal is creating a hospitable environment. “Whether it's in a fancy restaurant or cooking for your neighbors, friends, family or loved ones, you're giving something of yourself,” he notes. “You're nurturing somebody. It's a sacred thing.”
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FROM HONEY TO HARVEST, BEES ARE LITTLE CREATURES WITH A BIG IMPACT.
| BY NICOLE LETTS |
Tupelo. Wildflower. Acacia. Orange blossom. The litany of honey varieties continues almost endlessly, each one offering a unique flavor profile or home remedy solution. Eucalyptus honey with its herbaceous, medicinal quality is well-suited for tea. Thick, molasses-esque buckwheat honey coats meats, and its impressive antioxidants are said to calm a sore throat. Some even say a spoonful of local honey keeps seasonal allergies at bay. Regardless of taste or tincture, honey is a highly beneficial natural resource. All thanks to the endless efforts of honeybees.
Honeybees have fascinated humans for thousands of years. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the earliest evidence of beeswax dates to 7,000 B.C. in Anatolia. Those records show beeswax residue on ancient pottery, leading archeologists to believe the discovered vessels could have been used for extracting or even storing honey. Egyptians are credited with the first domesticated hives, and they held bees in high regard. In 3,500 BC, the bee was the symbol of the Lower Egyptian King. From then on, bees remained closely associated with royalty, representing powerful rulers such as Napoleon.
Upon the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, her royal bees were informed of her passing. John Chapple, the palace beekeeper, ceremoniously tied black ribbons into bows onto each hive. Even celebrities such as Martha Stewart and Beyoncé have their own hives. Morgan Freeman owns a more than 100-acre Mississippi farm notably cared for as a bee sanctuary, and Scarlett Johansson reportedly received a honey hive from Samuel L. Jackson as a wedding gift. While it seems as though people have always been enamored by the power of the honeybee, recognizing and protecting the species is more important than ever before.
Bees play a vital role in our agricultural system. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, honeybees alone “pollinate 80%
of all flowering plants, including more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables.” What is even more astounding is that once those crops are harvested, one out of every three bites of our food is created with the help of pollinators.
While apiary advocates exist across the world and country, one of the largest protectors of the bee population does his work from coastal Georgia. Ted Dennard, who grew up in the St. Simons Island area, is the founder of Savannah Bee Co. Dennard has been a beekeeper for nearly his entire life, falling in love with bees and their sweet nectar at the young age of 14. “That led to my love of honey varieties and sparked a fire that would become my lifetime passion,” he recalls. As a young man, Dennard taught beekeeping for the Peace Corps. Eventually, a few friends convinced him to sell his honey as Christmas gifts, and that is how Savannah Bee Co. was humbly born. Today, the company spans 14 retail locations, has an online product inventory of over 170 items and sells about 27 different types of honey, including hot honey, monofloral honeys and flavored whips.
Dennard says the bees along Georgia’s coast flourish largely due to the area’s weather and natural resources. Forests of holly and palmetto are large nectar sources for bees. Even the storied Okefenokee Swamp, a nearly 400,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge, has long been known for its exceptional bee habitat. According to the archives at Valdosta State University, the counties surrounding the Okefenokee Swamp are home to the state's largest commercial honey operations thanks to its gallberry shrubs and tupelo gum trees. These are known by locals as “honey plants.” Dennard, a lifelong coastal Georgia resident confirms, “The Okefenokee Swamp produces the most honeycomb of anywhere in the country.”
Rachael Strickland’s role as a landscape architect at Sea Island goes much deeper than maintaining the beautiful grounds. She’s largely responsible for its colony of pollinators, too. “Bees are the most important pollinators in agriculture and nature, so by planting and cultivating a diverse environment for bees, we enhance the health and well-being of all species, including humans,” she says.
Landscape architecture plays a key role in preserving and supporting native habitats for bees. To aid the island’s pollinators, Strickland and her peers plant a variety of native shrubs, perennials and herbs in a rainbow of enticing colors across the resort. “They’re full of both nectar and pollen,” she notes. Come fall, bees typically stop flying and hibernate around the queen, surviving off of the honey stored during the year. Therefore, choosing the right landscaping is a year-round job, not solely resolved for maintaining an attractive property but for providing a well-fed life for bees, too. When it comes to growing a beefriendly garden, consider planting flowers alongside your fall vegetables. The blooms will keep your bees happy. Strickland recommends the following varieties:
ASTER: These perennial-like daisies can grow up to 6 feet tall and come in shades of white, pink, purple and occasionally blue.
BEE BALM: Also known as bergamot, bee balm is a hardy plant that grows well in the sun, ideal for our warm fall days.
BLACK-EYED SUSAN: These golden and vibrant flowers tend to draw creatures such as butterflies and birds.
CASSIA: Cassia is a part of the legume family and produces cascading yellow flowers.
COREOPSIS: The colorful blooms of coreopsis, also known as tickseed, attract bees and are low maintenance.
VERBENA: Verbena flowers can bloom atop of their own wilted flowers, making it an ideal plant for novice gardeners.
Landscape Architect Rachael Strickland and her team at Sea Island plant a variety of native shrubs, perennials and herbs to create a lush environment for pollinators.
Honeybees themselves are essentially the same worldwide, but the honey they produce tastes different due to their various nectar sources. Tupelo honey, for example, is made from the nectar of those rare flowering trees found in the slow-moving black water rivers. Sourwood honey comes from the north Georgia mountains. “Those two honeys are arguably the best in the world,” Dennard notes.
How does that nectar turn into honey? Let’s just say bees get their reputation as “workers” honestly. Dennard explains that collectively bees have to visit 2,000,000 flowers to make one pound of honey, and every colony will visit over 500,000,000 flowers each year. Of course, it all centers around the queen who gives her hive purpose. She can live 40 times longer than an average worker bee.
Should you envision yourself as a beekeeper, you’re in luck. “It is easy to begin and is a lifetime of learning from there,” Dennard comments. He recommends joining a local beekeeping club, doing ample research and asking as many questions as you can.
Beyond supporting thousands of beekeepers daily, Savannah Bee Co. is doing its part in inspiring the next generation of beekeepers, too. The Bee Cause Project, a nonprofit co-founded by Dennard, teaches school-aged children everything there is to know about bees and honey production. Through the organization, nearly 1,000 hives are now at schools across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
Even large corporations are enhancing the bee population. For example, the Intercontinental Exchange in Sandy Springs, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, hosts three honeybee hives on the campus in partnership with Bee Downtown, which places and monitors honeybee hives in major metropolitan areas, and Sterling Culinary Management, which provides culinary management services. The honey produced from the hives at the Intercontinental Exchange is ultimately used for various menu items at Sterling Spoon, the campus café run by Sterling Culinary Management.
“When a corporation installs hives on its campus, it impacts three miles in every direction, which is the distance a honeybee will fly in search of food,” explains John Metz of Sterling Culinary Management. By adding hives in urban areas, urban plants and vegetables flourish, and the greater community is positively impacted as well.
Bee Downtown’s corporate hives are found on campuses in cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, D.C., Orlando, Raleigh/Durham and Richmond. Companies such as Chick-fil-A, Delta, Pinewood Studios, Georgia Power and AT&T all have Bee Downtown hives.
In addition to these grassroots efforts, large commercial beekeepers also play a pivotal role in apiary growth and protection. According to the USDA, commercial beekeepers are responsible for providing the majority of pollination services to growers, making their jobs some of the most important in the agriculture industry and beyond.
“A commercial beekeeper has at least 1,000 hives. Here in Homerville in Clinch County, Georgia, we are responsible for 2,400 hives,” says honeybee farmer Ben Bruce. Thanks to what we know about bees, the agricultural impact from Bruce’s hives stretches well beyond his farms.
Whether watching bees enjoy a bright flower or tasting your favorite honey, take a moment to reflect on the amazing bee. Without these pollinators, our world would look and taste remarkably different.
| BY DEBRA BOKUR |
Once upon a time (but not so long ago), people eagerly awaited the arrival of the mail, hoping for a note or card bearing the familiar handwriting of a distant loved one. Letters sometimes took months to reach the person to whom they were addressed and often traveled in the holds of ships that braved wild seas. Today, now that email and texting have become instantaneous digital de facto forms of saying hello or sharing news, handwritten letters carry even more intimacy and significance.
Though we recognize writing as a form of communication, it may come as a surprise to learn how much we actually reveal about ourselves through the way we space our words and form letters, and even how those letters are slanted on the page. Our handwriting is as individual as we are. Our careless or artful swoops, scrawls and
flourishes can convey such traits as personal confidence (or its lack), whether we’re secretive or open, and even if we’re accidentprone. The self-imposed versions of latitude and longitude we use to position our words within margins and between lines can even expose us as loners or social butterflies.
Old, handwritten letters and missives from family members and ancestors can offer crucial insight into who they were and impart a powerful link to our past.
Clinical psychologist Donna Whipple is the owner of All Things Handwriting, president of the New England Society for Handwriting Analysis and is a current member and former board member of the
American Handwriting Analysis Foundation. Whipple is also certified as a cursive coach by the New American Cursive Penmanship Program. She has a particular interest in genealogy and has assembled a personal collection that includes letters written by her aunt, who was a nurse during World War II. She explains that like photographs, handwritten cards, journals and letters are treasures that many people count among their dearest possessions.
Much of the work she does in handwriting analysis involves the study and evaluation of old letters, which she uses to develop a personality profile of a document’s author based on features in the writing. She was recently contacted by a young woman whose grandfather had written his own obituary — but no one could read it because it was written in cursive. Whipple was able to translate the letter and provide insight about the writer for the family.
“Handwriting is the only personality assessment method that can be used to gain insight on someone who is no longer alive,” explains Whipple. “We can tell a lot about a person from their writing. A handwriting analysis profile is an excellent addition to a genealogy profile of an ancestor, and genealogy buffs are one of the most common types of people to contact me for an analysis. Authors who are preparing biographies on historical figures are a common seeker of analyses as well.”
As debates continue to rage about whether or not cursive writing should be included in school curriculums, many experts remain adamant that learning cursive writing is essential to optimal brain development in children.
Research and peer-reviewed studies support this stance, including work done by Jane Yank, Ph.D. The conclusions strongly suggest that children who learn to write by hand, particularly in cursive, have better skills in a host of areas. Among these are language learning, spelling, abstract and complex thought processes, cognitive flexibility, information synthesis and retention; and reading — including faster letter recognition, identification, comprehension and retention. Further research shows that children who learn to write words and numbers have better-developed math skills and understanding. Research by Yank and other experts reveals that initiating the use of keyboards prior to the establishment of reading skills reduces the development of literacy; while attaining skills in writing has a positive effect on memory and mental acuity. Whipple adds that writing by hand also improves self-confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills.
“ Your handwriting is as unique to you as your fingerprint. It’s so unique that a person is unable to exactly duplicate their own signature.” —RICHARD L. ORSINI
Multiple areas of study have to do with the art of handwriting: chirography is the study of style and character; diplomatics refers to determining the provenance of written documents; graphonomics is the scientific pursuit of the process of handwriting; and palaeography is the analysis of script. The science connecting an individual to their handwriting is so strong that handwriting analysis experts are often key witnesses in court cases requiring document authentication and in establishing the presence of forgery.
Forensic document examiner Richard L. Orsini is a certified graphologist, document examiner and diplomate with the American Board of Forensic Examiners. He is also a licensed private investigator and the author of numerous books. During his extensive career, Orsini’s expertise as a forensic graphologist has made him the key examiner and handwriting profiler of thousands of documents and an expert court witness on more than 100 occasions.
The professional analysis of handwriting is invaluable in many criminal cases. If you’re considering the possibility of becoming a fabulously successful forger who dashes through
Europe in a vintage Jaguar while evading capture, you may want to worry that Orsini — or someone like him — will be hired to track you down.
“Your handwriting is as unique to you as your fingerprint,” notes Orsini. “It’s so unique that a person is unable to exactly duplicate their own signature. Take a blank sheet of unlined paper and a ball point pen. Write your name 10 times and your signature will always be different; the spaces between letters, the crest line and base line; even the writing pressure will vary. You simply cannot duplicate your own signature.”
Though other variants including writing surface, type of pen, or state of mind can affect an individual’s handwriting from one moment to the next, there’s still a forensic link that connects the written word to a specific person.
“Consider that the purpose of handwriting is to communicate,” Orsini continues. “If the writing is illegible, the person may be uncommunicative or trying to hide something. People who write left of the margin are often accident prone. Smooshing words on the right means the same thing. Wide spacing between words generally indicates a loner who lacks social skills.”
Happily, when you do something to change aspects of your handwriting to make it better, you can shift the negative trait associated with it. According to Orsini, a loner who deliberately works to close up those large gaps between words can subconsciously and psychologically help themselves to be more social.
By now, you should be ready to break out your best stationary and favorite pen. If your supplies are low, stock up before National Handwriting Day on Jan. 23 when penmanship is celebrated. This nationally recognized day was created in 1977 by The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association out of concern that handwriting was becoming a lost art.
It’s an observance that was a long time coming, if you consider that the origin of handwriting dates back to around 3,400 B.C. in Mesopotamia. Back then, writing by hand was a sign of social status, restricted to members of royal families; and later, to trained scribes.
Today, those limits no longer exist. So pick up a pen or pencil, and find something lovely to scribble on. Remember that your letter or card is likely to be saved and treasured, and perhaps re-read many times over the coming years. Ample reasons, if you needed any, to send someone you care about a letter written in your own hand.
The experts agree: Handwriting develops your brain — the more you write, the smarter you become. The physical act of writing something out by hand develops the bridge between the brain’s left and right hemispheres. A handwritten note or card also carries extra emotional significance for the recipient.
Like many people, expert Donna Whipple loves papers, pens and notecards made of thick ivory paper.
“What is better than that?” she comments. “Maybe I am oldfashioned, but I appreciate the time it takes for someone to pen me a letter or thank you note. Seeing someone’s writing on a thank you note feels so much more personal.”
Ready to use your own script to craft a gorgeous, handwritten message? The shops at Sea Island offer a charming selection of stationary and other paper products to help.
• Postcards showcase four different resort images: the Avenue of the Oaks, golf at The Lodge, Black Banks Terrace at The Cloister and the Sea Island Explorer ($3 each at the Sea Island Shop, Surf Shop and at The Lodge Pro Shop).
• One style of notecards displays a color rendering of the front of The Cloister, while additional notecards feature separate watercolor images of Black Banks Terrace at The Cloister, The Chapel, poolside at the Sea Island Beach Club and The Lodge ($6 each at the Sea Island Shop).
A CONTEMPORARY, CREATIVE LOOK AT OUR COASTAL EXPERIENCE
“Moving toward the edge of reality”
Afternoon Get Together…Wood Storks. Oil on canvas. 24x24
Swimming With Sea Turtles. Dimensionalism…3/D painting on multiple sheets of plexiglass. 18x24
and Gallery
Visit Ken in his working studio/gallery 3600 Frederica Rd., Suite 13 • St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Cell: 912-222-6073 • ken@wallinfineart.com www.wallinfineart.com
Tuesday thru Saturday: 12:00pm to 4:00pm Call for an appointment or drop by to explore
Pond. Oil on canvas. 48x48 Also available at Anderson Fine Art Gallery and Anderson Contemporary Gallery
3309 Frederica Rd. and 100 Sylvan Drive, Suite 170 St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Contact: 912-634-8414
Tuesday thru Saturday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
| BY AMBER LANIER NAGLE |
train’s whistle wails in the distance — a distinctive tone that propagates for miles, ricocheting off of rocky hillsides and lingering on the soft breezes. From the clattering locomotives of yesteryear to the sleek luxury trains of today, train travel’s evolutionary journey mirrors the ebbs and flows of progress and the ever-changing preferences of discerning passengers.
In 1804, after a series of rail and engine advancements, British engineer Richard Trevithick built the first full-size steam-powered locomotive to run on rails, pulling a series of cars loaded with 10 tons of iron and 70 people, but it was purely a proof-of-concept demonstration. There were lots of problems to be solved before trains would become a primary mode of transportation.
Progress chugged forward and by 1830, the first commercial passenger railway opened in England. Rail transportation became a reality in North America in 1830 with the opening of the 13-mile Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. By mid-century, more than 9,000 miles of tracks crisscrossed the American landscapes east of Missouri, like veins breathing life into the country, and suddenly, places that once seemed impossibly remote became accessible. Trains moved everything from mail, timber, agricultural products and minerals to people, but in an era before sleeping and dining cars were introduced (George Pullman’s first sleeping car rolled onto the scene in 1865, followed by “hotel cars”), long-distance travel by rail was far from a luxurious experience.
The transcontinental railroad project was considered one of the greatest American technological feats of the 19th century, built at the same time that America battled itself in the Civil War. The tracks of the
Union Pacific Railroad met the tracks of the Central Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory in 1869, and in front of a small crowd, Leland Stanford hammered in the “Golden Spike” which connected the East with the West for both personal travel and commerce.
In 1870, it took about 102 hours and $134.50 to travel first class in a Pullman sleeping car through prairies, mountains and deserts from Omaha, Nebraska, to San Francisco. Second class travelers paid $110 per ticket, and third class paid $65.
For nearly half a century, a period known as the Golden Age of Railroading, no other mode of transportation challenged train travel, as the network of tracks grew from 35,000 to 254,000 miles. Powerful diesel-electric locomotives entered service a few years after WWI ended, ushering in more improvements and capabilities.
In 1920, over a million Americans rode the rails from one location
to another, but travelers soon became more enamored with automobiles, buses and planes. Seemingly overnight, the nation lost interest in building more rails. Opting instead to construct elaborate networks of highways, Americans began dreaming of owning their own vehicles and hitting the road.
Many believed passenger trains had come and gone, but they were wrong. Luxury train travel that first emerged in the late 19th century as a lavish mode of transportation continues to captivate adventure seekers the world over to today. Pioneered by trains like the luxurious Orient Express, these opulent carriages combine unparalleled comfort, gourmet dining, premium service, extravagant amenities and spectacular views. Passengers on luxury trains are treated to almost effortless journeys while enjoying both urban environments and rolling, lush landscapes. Indeed, Agatha Christie wrote that “To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers — in fact, to see life.”
Today, there are several luxury trains rolling the rails across North America — all with different destinations and points of interest.
The Rocky Mountaineer offers four exceptional train journeys. First, Passage to the West takes passengers from Vancouver to Lake Louise or Banff as it traverses through the towering Rockies and untouched wilderness. Two different routes — Journey through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush — take passengers from Vancouver to Jasper National Park as they enjoy endless natural wonders. And, lastly, the Rockies to the Red Rocks line glides past stunning red rock formations in Moab, Utah, crossing the Continental Divide, and enjoying vista views en route to Denver. Travel takes place during the day to take advantage of the sightseeing, and travelers can choose which destination to start in, as trains run both ways. Aside from taking in the mesmerizing panoramic views from elegant glass-dome cars, hosts share stories of the region’s history as passengers devour delicious, three-course plated meals that complement the picturesque views.
The Napa Valley Wine Train travels along a 36-mile round trip route to St. Helena and
back, showcasing the scenic beauty of the Napa Valley and stopping at a few celebrated wineries along the journey for exclusive insider tours. Passengers dine on divine four-course meals paired with local wines in restored vintage Pullman cars showcasing Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions and plush armchairs — a rolling museum of early American train travel.
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has transported passengers from Williams, Arizona, to the south rim of one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. Today, passengers board restored vintage rail cars in the morning light and roll into the Grand Canyon Depot before high noon. Day travelers who prefer an elegant rail experience can book the Luxury Parlor Class or Luxury Dome Class cars and raise a glass to the many influential people who rode these rails through its celebrated history — folks such as Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Clark Gable and Doris Day.
Overseas, luxury train travel captivates travelers with its opulence and charm in countries around the globe. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, is a work of art in itself. Lovingly restored to reflect its 1920s glory days, it features rich wood marquetry panels, Art Deco designs and marble en-suite bathrooms.
The train glides into some of the most alluring cities in Europe — Paris, Budapest, Venice, Amsterdam and beyond. Passengers rave about the full butler service, the freeflowing Champagne, the craft cocktails and the lounge car pianist who plays songs on request until guests feel like falling into their pillows.
For those who want to explore the land Down Under in style, The Ghan (shortened from “The Afghan Express”) celebrates over 90 years of history, harkening back to the 1930s, when the first Afghan cameleers arrived in Australia. Today, travelers are rewarded with a north-south cross-country journey covering 1,850 miles. Spectacular
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs, Colorado, is the world’s highest and longest cog railroad — especially designed to climb steep mountains. The 3-hour round trip takes guests to the top of 14,115-feet-high Pikes Peak — a journey many describe as the “gateway to heaven.” There are only two cog railways in the United States. The “cog” refers to a toothed central rail between the outer bearing rails that engages with a cogwheel located underneath the locomotive, providing superior traction.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway’s history began in 1891, when a ticket cost $5, a considerable fare for a passenger at the time. In 2021, just in time for its 130th birthday, the railway reopened after a $100-million renovation that offers visitors new trains, a new depot and Summit Visitor Center, and a new track.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway charms its many guests as it passes boulder-strewn canyons, waterfalls, pristine forests, historic sites and abundant wildlife including elk, deer, bighorn sheep
and diverse landscapes range from the pastoral hues of the South Australian plains to the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges and the tropical greens of Katherine and Darwin. Passengers enjoy the views from the comfort of spacious, sophisticated cabins with expansive windows for taking in the beauty of the Outback.
India’s Maharajas’ Express also tops the global list of rail travel must-dos with four multi-day journeys. Focal points include stops at the Taj Mahal in Agra and afternoons at Ranthambore National Park, a wildlife sanctuary famous for seeing India’s majestic tigers. The Maharajas’ Express immerses its travelers in ancient culture with lavishly decorated cabins, where guests enjoy cocktails, books, board games and international cuisine beneath hand-painted ceilings.
Train travel leaves an indelible imprint on those who choose to ride the rails. Today’s luxury trains blend opulence, nostalgia and adventure into a truly unforgettable experience.
and yellow-bellied marmots. After the 9-mile ascent, adventure seekers enjoy time to take in the views of the Collegiate and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, the Continental Divide, the mining town of Cripple Creek and more.
To take greater advantage of the amazing views, The Broadmoor Manitou
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
and Pikes Peak Cog Railway began offering a sunrise voyages in 2023. As guests watch the sunrise from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to see why Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write “America the Beautiful” after a trip to the area in 1893.
To learn more, visit cograilway.com.
TODAY’S BARBERSHOPS OFFER A MIX OF TRADITION, COMFORT AND CAMARADERIE.
| BY LISA SHERRODD |
There are two confidants a gentleman can trust with his troubles: his bartender and his barber. With a wink and a smile turning up the corners of his waxed mustache, this sentiment is conveyed by Andrew Martin, owner of Martin Barber Co. Dressed in a meticulously buttoned vest and tie, his shears move a quick clip over the tow-headed crown of a caped young gentleman seated before him in an antiquestyle barber chair.
The resurgence of traditional barbershops has reached every corner of America. To walk into the upscale Martin Barber Co., in Laramie, Wyoming, is to take a step back in time. A vintage barber pole greets clients. Behind a glass garage door inside the shop sits a 1937 Chevy. Originally a butcher shop and meat locker from 1955, exposed copper pipes and hewn countertops add to the ambiance. Mingling among the nostalgia is the buzz of clippers and the chatter of conversation. “You have a head of hair just like your dad,” says Martin as another young man takes a seat.
The oldest of traditional barbershops is commonly understood to be Truefitt & Hill of London, recognized in 2014 by the Guinness Book of World Records. Founded in 1805 by William Francis Truefitt, hairdresser to the Royal Court, and mentioned in literary works by the likes of Charles Dickens, William M. Thackeray and Oscar Wilde; Truefitt & Hill is still in operation today.
While many of today’s barbershops opt for nostalgia in their décor — antique and vintage barber poles and an array of barber memorabilia behind glass cases — some bring forth a combination of old and new.
John C. Christopher of Johnny’s Barbershop Downunder, located in the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania, notes: “Our shop is an old-style barbershop with a new style feel. It is a combination of nostalgic and state of the art.”
Christopher, an executive member of the National Association of Barber Boards of America (NABBA), says he’s ready to change with the times. While his shop offers the current popular array of straight razor shaves, neck shaves and their specialty: beard and mustache trims, Christopher realizes hot-ticket trends are just that. “Everything in this business is cyclical, so who knows, in three years, the flattops might be popular again,” he comments.
Rather than acting as surgeons and dentists, barbers of today master the perfect
fade or the pamper of a hot-towel shave. Yet above all, it’s the recurring theme of trust and comradeship among barbers and their customers that holds prevalence.
Barbershop conversations run the gamut — from sports to family and current affairs. It’s not uncommon to have clients stop by just to ask questions of their barber: I need a plumber or a mechanic — who do you recommend? Barbers tend to know folks far and wide.
“If I were on the other side (of the chair), the conversations and camaraderie as well as the skills, would make me want to return,” Christopher confirms.
Renee Patton, of The Barbershop of Boiling Springs, Inman, South Carolina, likens the bond, trust and stories shared over time to that of a therapist: “What gets said in the shop stays in the shop. We listen.”
Generations of barbers have held this tradition, and some shops are decades in
existence, still run by members of the same family, serving clients whose grandfathers and even great-grandfathers frequented the same shop.
George Robinson of Professional Barber Shop Inc. in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and immediate past-president of the NAABA, is one such multi-generational barber. “We have been continuously serving our area for over 65 years, and we have clients whose grandparents were my father’s clients,” he explains.
Not only the conversation, but also the pampering of a well-done barbershop experience keeps clients returning. It may start with a search for the perfect cut and then expand from there.
Larry Shaw, a professional jazz drummer located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sports a full-head of thick jet-black hair. As a performing musician, working under stage spotlights as well as video and photoshoots, Shaw’s appearance is of paramount importance to him.
“Trust is definitely in the forefront of my barbershop experience,” he says.
Though he has an established relationship with his barber for regular haircuts, it was a gift from his girlfriend of a hot-towel shave that helped him explore the rest of his barber’s menu.
The origination of the safety-razor, attributed to Jean-Jacques Perret in 1762, led to ease of safer home shaves. Well before that, the Romans were known to favor a smoothfaced look. Throughout the middle-ages and renaissance, facial hair, or lack thereof, followed the vogue of the times as illustrated by artworks depicting the royals and other well-to-do subjects. At one point, Peter the
Great even imposed a tax on beards. By the 19th century, sculpted facial hair was once again de rigueur, and many of the gentry sported mutton-chops, handlebar mustaches and the like.
Today’s hot-towel shave begins with a hot towel covering the face and neck, allowing the heat and moisture to swell and soften the beard, opening the pores and relaxing the skin. Next, the barber prepares a soap lather using a traditional shaving brush, which lifts and softens the facial hair, preparing the follicles for a close, irritation-free shave. A massage often adds to the experience.
While laying back in the chair, the client is shaved using a traditional straight razor, allowing for specialty beard angles or a smooth-faced shave. The shave may be followed by another hot towel, then a cold one. After-shave balm then moisturizes the skin further, leaving the client pampered and refreshed.
Some shops will offer a libation to complete the experience, from an ice-cold pilsner to a pour of bourbon.
“It was the ultimate spa-like experience,” Shaw recalls. “After that first time getting a shave, I was hooked.”
Antinette Maestas of Flamingo East Barber Shop, Las Vegas, Nevada, notes: “We have clients that come every week for shaves. I feel like it’s somewhere to come and relax and just enjoy the pampering.”
Whether immersed in the nostalgia of a barbershop decked in vintage décor or enjoying the amenities of a more modernthemed shop, the overall sentiment stays the same. The time-honored experience of the gentleman’s barbershop remains rooted in long-standing tradition.
Speaking to Sea Island Master Barber Eric Main, his zest for what he does comes through with enthusiastic joie de vivre.
“I had never picked up a set of clippers in my life, but once I went to barber school, I threw myself into it,” he comments. “I love what I do.”
Integrity and the “trust factor” sit at the forefront for Main, as The Lodge barbershop has a following based on that trust. He takes that responsibility seriously: “It’s the barber’s creed.”
Inspired by a recently-uncovered 1936 photograph, the barbershop in the Men’s Locker Room at The Lodge at Sea Island embraces the barbershop tradition with services including men’s cuts, shears-only cuts, hot towel shaves, line ups, beard trims, men’s facials, men’s full tune-ups and full treatments.
Visiting the barbershop at The Lodge, guests can enjoy craft cocktails and handrolled cigars while sharing stories with friends, just as Sea Island visitors did in the 1930s.
The Lodge at Sea Island General Manager Blair Webb notes: “We are delighted to offer grooming services in a comfortable and inviting space that evokes a sense of nostalgia. We hope guests feel transported to a simpler time as they gravitate toward the chair.”
HunterMaclean is committed to building long-term, strategic relationships to help clients navigate a constantly evolving business landscape. Operating from offices on St. Simons Island and in Savannah, our attorneys represent clients locally, regionally, and across the United States in all areas of litigation and in corporate, real estate, tax, estate planning, and business planning matters.
Sea Island has officially unveiled the Georgian Rooms, a new dining concept featuring multiple, visually different spaces — including a cozy Library with soft seating, an intimate Lounge serving sushi, and a stunning Dining Room with an inviting bar that leads into the warm glow of a glass-enclosed Orangery. The redesign of this culinary tour de force was assisted by Atlanta-based firm Kent Interior Design Inc. and will be a complete reimagination of what was previously The Georgian Room. In the main Dining Room, a handsome palette of deep greens and reds are punctuated with tartan fabrics and luxurious leather seating. Helmed by Chef De Cuisine Chris Damskey, the Dining Room is an upscale take on the classic American grill. Chef Damskey’s vision for the menu revolves around building dishes that showcase finely sourced ingredients, such as local Georgia grass-fed Strauss Farms beef and fresh seafood caught in regional waters.
A casual spot with pub fare and panoramic views of Retreat golf course, Davis Love Grill has reopened with a menu
full of club favorites, including the famed DLG burger. Davis Love Grill is the perfect location for a date night, laid-back dining, lunch after a round or for watching the game.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the ever-popular Creativity Conference offers a unique opportunity to gain a new perspective, dine, socialize and ask questions of professionals from a variety of fields, such as the sciences, arts and literature. Previous speakers include a New Yorker cartoonist, a Nobel Prize winner and a poet laureate, as well as experts on popup books, pickpocketing and parrot intelligence. The two-day program will be held inside The Cloister Ballroom on Jan. 12-13, 2024. Learn more at seaislandcreativityconference.com.
Inspired by the Sea Island way of life, the 1928 Classic Lager by Creature Comforts Brewing Co. is the resort’s first signature brew to be available by both draft and in cans. The new helles-lager is the ideal year-round libation and can be found throughout the resort or purchased by
the can at The Market at Sea Island. The packaging was designed to honor the timeless quality of Sea Island, preserving tradition and heritage with an ode to the resort’s founding year of 1928.
The private 18-hole Rees Jones original design course at Ocean Forest Golf Club recently underwent a long-awaited refresh. Greenville-based course architect firm Beau Welling Design took on the task of updating the course to enhance the member experience while retaining its historical challenge for skilled players. The refreshed course will be unveiled to Ocean Forest members in fall 2023.
From housekeeping to accounting, activities to front desk, for nearly a century our team members have remained the reason why the resort is beloved by so many members and guests. In honor of our 95th anniversary, we spent the year celebrating 95 different individuals and shared some fun facts and insider tips from our team. Visit seaisland.com/95-years.
Not long after moving from Washington, D.C., to the Golden Isles, Frederica Academy became an integral part of our family’s lives. Initially, we chose Frederica Academy for our older son, as we thought it offered him the greatest opportunity to excel. Now, however, Frederica Academy has become a home for all three of our children. The entire staff, including the teachers, administrators and athletic coaches, have provided our children with not only an exceptional education but also a loving and caring environment that fosters creativity and positive personal growth. We are extremely grateful for the confidence that Frederica Academy has instilled in each of our children and for the incredible opportunity we have to partner with the school in guiding our children on their pathway to success as adults.
(912) 638-9981, Ext. 106 fredericaacademy.org
Southeast Georgia Health System is the first cancer center in Georgia to use the next-generation CyberKnife ® M6 with MLC technology, a fast, effective radiation treatment option for cancer.
• CyberKnife treats prostate, lung, breast, brain, pancreatic and liver cancers.
• Precise targeting delivers high radiation doses to the tumor and spares surrounding tissue.
• Treatments take as little as 15 minutes and can be completed in one to five sessions.
• This outpatient, non-invasive procedure means no anesthesia, no pain, and little to no recovery time.
For more information, call 800-537-5142 ext. 5149 or visit sghs.org/CyberKnife.
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seaisland Relaxation looks different to each of us. Scan the QR code to view a few of our members’ and guests’ favorite spots to sit back, relax, and unwind.
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SEA ISLAND KIDS’ SHOP
BEACH CLUB: This kid-friendly store offers fun for younger guests, featuring games, toys, books, accessories and more. Labels include The Beaufort Bonnet Co., SunHouse Childrens, Little English, Lilly Pulitzer, Florence Eiseman, E Newton, Kissy Kissy, Bella Bliss, Minnow, JellyCat, LAKE and Weezie.
SEA ISLAND SURF SHOP
BEACH CLUB: This resort shop offers everything needed for an afternoon spent at the pool or beach, from casual, swim and logoed apparel to sun products, beach toys, gifts and more. Featured lines include Melissa Odabash, Tory Burch, Karla Colletto, Rhode, Poupette St. Barth, lemlem, 9seed, MISA, Shoshanna, Stoney Clover Lane, Oliphant, Eric Javits, LoveShackFancy, Marysia, Frank + Eileen, Vilebrequin, Johnnie-O and Tom Ford.
THE PETER MILLAR SHOP
THE CLOISTER : A collection that offers a fresh, comprehensive new perspective on modern menswear, specializing in Peter Millar’s Crown Crafted line. The line features a luxurious, casual aesthetic and a tailored fit that informs both elevated lifestyle apparel and sleek performance sportswear.
YACHT CLUB SHOP
THE CLOISTER : This shop offers clothing and equipment for a day on the water or alongside it, with activewear and gear such as fishing poles, crab traps and bait. Some of the featured lines include Simms, Avid, Helly Hansen, YETI, Free Fly, Prodoh and Peter Millar.
THE CLOISTER: This fashion-forward boutique features a variety of apparel for men and women, plus a curated collection of accessories. Brands include Hunter Bell, Vince, Milly, Saloni, Alexis, Alice + Olivia, MOTHER Denim, Julie Vos, Zimmermann, Brackish, Brochu Walker, CeliaB, White + Warren, Lafayette 148, STAUD, Naghedi, Peter Millar and Holderness & Bourne.
THE LODGE: Sport meets style at this store, which specializes in the latest golf trends. It features on-trend apparel for men and women, as well as gifts and accessories. Available brands include Peter Millar, Polo, Nike, Stitch, B. Draddy, Greyson, G/FORE, Lululemon, Holderness & Bourne and Maui Jim.
GOLF PERFORMANCE CENTER
NEAR THE LODGE: Golf and fitness apparel for all members of the family are available at this shop, from brands like Nike and Peter Millar. The latest in golf equipment from Callaway, Mizuno, Ping, PXG, TaylorMade, Titleist, Tour Edge and more is also offered, as well as custom club fitting.
351 SEA ISLAND ROAD, ST. SIMONS ISLAND: This neighborhood market is the perfect place to stop for a meal, pack for a picnic or explore local flavors. It’s stocked with fresh-baked breads and pastries, fish and meats, unique grocery items, soups, sandwiches and a salad bar, plus an extensive wine selection, souvenirs, gift baskets and custom items from the Sea Island Bake Shop.
THE SPA AT SEA ISLAND;THE SALON AT THE SPA: These boutiques feature high-end skin, hair and nail products that can help recreate the resort spa experience at home. Activewear, spa gifts and lifestyle goods are also available. Brands include Babor, Eberjey, Ugg, LAKE, Barefoot Dreams, Weezie, Sundays, OSEA and Davines.
NEAR THE CLOISTER: This shop features the latest resort and tennis fashions for men, women and children. Available brands include Lacoste, Lija, Nike, Peter Millar and Tonic. State-of-the-art equipment and racket stringing are also offered.
SPORTING CLUB AND LODGE
45 MINUTES SOUTH OF SEA ISLAND: This 5,800-acre sporting property was carved from the grounds of one of the South’s first hunting clubs. It offers a range of exciting experiences for novices to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, and stylish and functional apparel tailored for those pursuits. Available brands include Barbour, Columbia and Peter Millar.
The Broadmoor is your home away from home and humidity. Known for over 300 days of sunshine and a semi-arid climate, the sister property of Sea Island is the perfect mountain destination for year-round exploration and relaxation. Whether ascending Pikes Peak on the world’s highest and longest Cog railway or celebrating the 140th Anniversary of The Broadmoor Seven Falls, there is never a shortage of adventure.
NOV. 25, 2023
Don’t miss the White Lights Ceremony, Nov. 25, when Santa helps flip the switch on the resort’s annual display of millions of twinkling holiday lights.
THE BROADMOOR HOLIDAY SHOW
DEC. 15, 16, 22, 23 AND 24, 2023
Back by popular demand, singer Debby Boone returns to headline The Broadmoor’s annual holiday show. This cherished holiday tradition pairs seasonal favorites in a variety show format, sprinkled with a few surprises. Joining Boone are Broadway star Marcus
Lovett; songwriter, Jim Salestrom; the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale; and Ken Miller and The Broadmoor Pops Orchestra.
DEC. 20, 2023 – JAN. 1, 2024
Daily events, pickleball on our indoor courts, and classes such as “The B’s and Q’s of Etiquette” and waltz lessons add something special to each date on the calendar during our Twelve Days of Christmas celebration.
DEC. 31, 2023
Join us for a traditional black-tie optional New Year’s Eve Dinner and Gala in Broadmoor Hall. Includes a five-course meal and music by Ken Miller and The Broadmoor Pops, joined by Broadway star Marcus Lovett and singer Julie Bradley.
DEC. 31, 2023
The more casual Bash, held in The Broadmoor’s International Center, features dance music by a DJ, along with a cash bar throughout the event and a Champagne toast at midnight.
THE BROADMOOR WINTER POLO CLASSIC
FEB. 24, 2024
The Broadmoor, in partnership with the Colorado Springs Sports Corp., brings back a century-old equestrian tradition with this annual event that pits The Penrose Polo Team against Emerald Valley Polo in a spirited exhibition match. Watch top players compete at the Norris Penrose Event Center, an open-air arena near the base of Pikes Peak. For ticket information and room packages, visit WinterPoloClassic.org and Broadmoor.com.
MARCH 30 - APRIL 1, 2024
Make plans to celebrate Easter weekend at The Broadmoor with special brunches and an egg hunt.
APRIL 4–7, 2024
Guitarist and host Earl Klugh’s annual Weekend of Jazz at The Broadmoor features an event-filled weekend of concerts and activities.
AWARD-WINNING AMENITIES
• 5-Star Spa and Fitness Center
• 2 Championship Golf Courses
• 3 Pools, including Seasonal Infinity Pool
• 5 Tennis Courts
• 3 Pickleball Courts
BOUNDLESS ADVENTURE
• The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
• The Broadmoor Seven Falls
• The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
• Falconry Academy at The Broadmoor
• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Fly Fishing
• On-Site Bowling Alley
EXCEPTIONAL DINING & RETAIL
• An Abundance of Distinct Restaurants, Cafés and Lounges on Property
• 20 Unique Retail Outlets
AUTHENTIC, ALL-INCLUSIVE WILDERNESS PROPERTIES
• Cloud Camp
• The Ranch at Emerald Valley
• Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Camp
Within the private, gated community of Frederica Estates are 21 opportunities, ranging from approximately 8 to 32 acres, to realize the future you’ve always envisioned. More than a home, ownership of these exclusive estates includes a vertical membership at Frederica Golf Club and a multigenerational membership at Sea Island Club. For more information and updated pricing, please contact B Brin Meredith at brinmeredith@seaisland.com.
600 Beach Club Drive, Unit 623/624
2
Beach Club Suite, Mackay, Sea Island
488 Forest Road, Lot 21
Lewis Glenn, Vice President Broker (O) 912-638-5149 (C) 404-668-2832 lewisglenn@seaisland.com
Brin Meredith Associate Broker (O) 912-634-3265 (C) 912-222-5578 brinmeredith@seaisland.com
Nancy Pandolfi Sales Associate (O) 912-638-5892 (C) 912-230-8943 nancypandolfi@seaisland.com
Lynn Cousins Real Estate Coordinator (O) 912-638-5161 (C) 478-954-2745 lynncousins@seaisland.com
Patrick Dunn Sales Associate (O) 912-638-5838 (C) 912-222-0142 patrickdunn@seaisland.com
Chris Moline
Associate Broker (O) 912-634-3286 (C) 912-266-1101 chrismoline@seaisland.com
Laura W. Peebles
Marketing and Sales (O) 912-638-5854 (C) 912-602-4881 laurapeebles@seaisland.com
R. Don Lewis, Jr. Associate Broker (O) 912-634-3238 (C) 912-222-4575 donlewis@seaisland.com
Linton “Bubba” West Associate Broker (O) 912-291-2189 (C) 912-222-0318 lintonwest@seaisland.com
Debbie Taylor Administrative Assistant (O) 912-638-5829 (C) 912-222-3747 debbietaylor@seaisland.com
Amber Robinson Administrative Assistant (O) 912-634-3243 (C) 912-222-5200 amberrobinson@seaisland.com
| BY ALLISON EMERY |
Set amid golden marshes, sandy beaches and clear starry nights under canopies of ancient oaks, Sea Island is the perfect spot to fall in love. In fact, nearly 40,000 honeymooners from around the world think so, too. Their signatures line the Sea Island honeymooner registry, which began in 1940 and now stands at 47 albums.
Within each book are the couples, including many famed newlyweds, who chose Sea Island to celebrate the beginning of their love story. Looking through these patinaed pages, one will find on line 1,768, the scribbled autographs of George and Barbara Bush, who stayed at The Cloister after their wedding ceremony in 1945. There’s also Sarah Churchill, the actress-daughter of 20th century British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who spent her honeymoon in Sea Island Cottage 75 in 1949.
A couple of decades later, noted on line 18,875 of the registry, rests the signature of Ellen and Clement Munroe “Jack” Best Jr. The Goldsboro, North Carolina-based couple spent their three-day honeymoon at Sea Island in 1968 on a recommendation from a local Goldsboro hotelier. The rate for their suite at The Cloister was $56 per night. Ellen, now 75, fondly recalls her time at the destination. “We enjoyed the beach, and our waiter was delightful,” she remembers. “It was unique to sit at ‘our table’ for breakfast and dinner. We watched the smooth dancing of the older generation in their white dinner jackets.”
Fast-forward to September of 2022 when Washington, D.C.-based newlyweds Malcom and Elizabeth Savage came to the resort for their honeymoon. Elizabeth is a third-generation Sea Island honeymooner. Her grandparents in 1954 and her aunt and uncle in 1991 also stayed at The Cloister for their honeymoon.
“When we were deciding what to do for our honeymoon, it only seemed appropriate to continue the tradition. ”
“We felt a sense of connection,” Elizabeth comments. “When we were deciding what to do for our honeymoon, it only seemed appropriate to continue the tradition.”
During their trip, the Savages also stayed in a suite in The Cloister, where they enjoyed reading on the porch when they weren’t laying at the beach or sipping handcrafted cocktails at the pool.
“It was nice to take a break from our hectic lives,” Elizabeth notes. “We were newly married … so we just soaked it all in and relaxed. When I mentioned to the concierge that we were honeymooning as a third generation, they were very excited and helped us locate the photo albums from my family, which was very special.”
The Bests have since returned to Sea Island numerous times, including for their 25th, 39th and 46th anniversaries. The Savages hope to follow in the Bests’ footsteps. “We will be back,” Elizabeth assures.
Did you know? In celebration of its years of happy couples, Sea Island invites previous honeymooners to save their receipts and, on the anniversary of their trip, pay the original rate on the first night of their stay.
There is so much to explore with Xanterra Travel Collection®. Come discover A World of Unforgettable Experiences® and the perks, savings, and more that comes with being a past guest of our sister company Sea Island. Sail the glittering Mediterranean Sea, trek to the ancient mountain-top ruins of Machu Picchu, or cycle through French wine country. Ride in your own, private, luxury train car to the Grand Canyon, or gaze at the Milky Way from a True American Oasis in the middle of Death Valley National Park. It’s all possible through Xanterra Travel Collection®’s exclusive Past Guest Program. Where will your wanderlust take you?
Xanterra.com/Exclusive