Georgia’s Golden Isles is a place of captivating beauty and serene relaxation. As a Georgia native, I had visited the Golden Isles several years ago, and was excited to return again for a weekend getaway. While there are many world-class resorts in the Golden Isles to choose from, the Jekyll Island Club Resort stands out amongst the rest!
History
The Jekyll Island Club Resort is a luxurious Victorian-style clubhouse turned into a hotel that’s located on Jekyll Island. It was once proclaimed as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world”! The resort is deemed one of the Historic Hotels of America, and it has such a fascinating history! The Jekyll Island Club was actually founded in the late 1800s by the elites of America’s Gilded Age such as JP Morgan and Joseph Pulitzer. Other members included the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. It is said its membership represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth. While the clubhouse was the main building for the Jekyll Island Club, some members developed their own seasonal cottages.
Several important events in history occurred on these grounds. In the early 20th century, Senator Nelson Aldrich held a secret meeting with American financial leaders and their discussions led to the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913. The first transcontinental telephone call occurred from the Jekyll Island Club as well!
Overview
Today, guests can stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort in the main clubhouse, Cherokee, or Crane Cottage. The resort is conveniently located in the historic district of Jekyll Island. It is just minutes away from top attractions, restaurants, and beaches on Jekyll Island!
The grounds of the Jekyll Island Club Resort are absolutely gorgeous! As I was driving towards the entrance of the resort, I was met with live oaks draped in Spanish moss. I gaped in wonder when the grand Victorian clubhouse came into view! I loved the architecture and decor of the hotel, and it transports you back in time. Plus, the sprawling gardens and cottages around the resort make for great exploration.
If you’re looking to visit other fairytale-like places in the US, check out my article here.
Accommodations and Amenities
I stayed in the main clubhouse on the third floor, and the room was furnished beautifully! The bed was very comfortable, and I loved the modern bathrooms. Plus, the staff were very friendly and helped us make reservations and pointed us in the right direction.
There are also a wide variety of amenities at the resort! You could play a game of croquet on the front lawn of the clubhouse or hit the gym, but my favorite activities were relaxing by the pool and roasting s’mores at the outdoor fire pits.
Although I stayed at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, I also got to enjoy the amenities at the Jekyll Ocean Club, a sister company. The Ocean Club has direct beach access and guests staying at either property have a complimentary beach chair and umbrella service.
Dining & More
There are several dining options at both resorts! I grabbed a quick breakfast each morning at the Pantry, a casual spot for breakfast and lunch within the resort. There was also complimentary coffee in the adjacent room. I had lunch at the Wharf, which is only a few minutes walk away from the main clubhouse, and it offered an amazing view of the marsh! The crab cake sandwich was delicious. For dinner, I dined at Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar at the Jekyll Ocean Club, and the setting was stunning! On my last day, I had brunch at the Grand Dining Room, and dining in the award-winning restaurant was a great way to end my trip!
Lastly, I have to mention that you can rent bikes at Jekyll Wheels, which is located directly behind the hotel. I highly recommend biking around the island! There are over 20 miles of biking trails on Jekyll Island and you can explore beaches, forests, marsh, and the historic district on wheels.
If you’re traveling to the Golden Isles and wondering where to stay in the area, look no further than Jekyll Island Club Resort!
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