Vitamin Sea
Your 36-hour itinerary for a weekend full of relaxation and rejuvenation.
As you cross over the bridge to Sea Island, greeted by a warm welcome and gracious smile, you might physically feel your body relax. Your shoulders naturally release from your ears. Your heartbeat slows, and you inhale a long, deep breath. You’ve arrived somewhere special and your body seems to know it. This response, according to a study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s journal, may be more scientific than you think.
Between the color of the ocean and the scent of its salt air, studies show that negative ions—invisible molecules that we inhale in environments like the beach—produce biochemical reactions that increase serotonin. In turn, that increase can boost energy levels, heighten creativity, and reduce stress. These negative ions around beach locations can reach up to 2,000 per cubic centimeter, while cities clock in at around 100 or fewer per cubic centimeter. So, if you feel as though you require a vacation, the science supports you.
From seashell hunting to enjoying yoga, spa, and overall holistic well-being, Sea Island offers an ideal retreat for those seeking a wellness getaway.
Massage at The Spa
Friday
4 p.m. | Check in and get acquainted with your surroundings.
Whether your accommodations are at The Cloister, The Lodge, or a Sea Island Cottage, you’re sure to be enveloped by lush landscapes anywhere you stay. Open your balcony doors, meander the property paths, or rent a bike from PEDAL and take a ride through the property.
6:30 p.m. | Head to The Lodge at Sea Island for sunset.
Mindfulness has become a buzzword with complicated definitions, but at its core, mindfulness is simply focusing your awareness on the present moment. The Lodge at Sea Island is an idyllic place to begin the weekend’s mindfulness journey and set your intentions for your time here. Find an Adirondack chair and sink into its arms. Drink in your surroundings, and listen for the island’s sunset bagpiper. The traditional Scottish serenade is performed daily at sunset signaling the end of each day at the Sea Island Golf Club.
7:45 p.m. | Have dinner at Colt & Alison.
Enjoy a menu of traditional steakhouse favorites, which include the finest cuts of USDA wet- and dry-aged beef, freshly caught local seafood, and side dishes with a regional spin. Red meat, such as filet mignon, is heart-healthy and rich in B vitamins. Zesty chimichurri adds an extra dash of flavor.
Saturday
6 a.m. | Rise early to catch the sun and enjoy beach combing.
A surprising form of low-impact exercise, an early morning stroll with a seashell mission is good for mind and body. As you walk, concentrate on looking for shells in a variety of colors. See how many types and hues you can find. Focusing your mind on the task will keep you grounded and in the moment. As a bonus, you’re gathering sweet souvenirs to remember your weekend away.
9 a.m. | Channel your inner Isis goddess with a Hawk Walk on Rainbow Island.
Falconry experience
Let a Sea Island Falconer guide you on a 90-minute marsh walk with one of the resort’s trained birds of prey. Begin the lesson with the history of falconry and an up-close and personal encounter with several raptors. The guide will show you how to properly extend your hand, so the birds are enticed to come to you. You’ll be enchanted by these majestic, intelligent creatures while taking in the fresh air and dewy morning ground.
11:30 a.m. | Pull up a chair for lunch at Southern Tide.
Dine al fresco and feel the gentle ocean breeze while taking in one of the most beautiful views on the island. Dishes at Southern Tide include a heart-healthy Power Bowl, refreshing tuna poke lettuce wraps, and flavorful smashed avocado dip.
1 p.m. | Saddle up for horseback riding.
Horseback riding on the beach
Experience a profound sense of freedom and adventure with a beach horseback ride through golden salt marshes and along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Departing from Rainbow Island, the rides are delightful, invigorating, and are a unique way to explore the ocean beach habitat of the Georgia coast.
3 p.m. | Spend your afternoon at the spa.
Embark on a journey to serenity at The Spa and Fitness Center. Water is at the center of each treatment, which is evident from the moment you enter the spa. Begin your Forbes Five-Star experience by relaxing in the garden atrium as you wait for your treatments. In addition to all of the spa’s signature treatments, guests can benefit from sunbathing terraces, a hydrotherapy pool, water reflexology, a cedar dry sauna, and more.
7:30 p.m. | Dine in the Georgian Rooms.
A look into The Orangery inside Georgian Rooms
For dinner, start your evening with a zero-proof cocktail inside Georgian Rooms. This newly re-imagined restaurant offers mocktails such as the “spritz-ish,” a twist on the ever-popular Aperol Spritz. Inside Georgian Rooms, The Orangery is a beautiful glass-enclosed space allows light to trickle in and fill the room while you dine on a selection of the restaurant’s mindful menu.
Sunday
7 a.m. | Take to the course or court.
Begin your morning with a burst of cardio as you take a swing at tennis or pickleball. At Sea Island Retreat Tennis Center, guests may enjoy six tennis courts and eight pickleball courts, all of which are lighted for early morning or nighttime play. For new players, Sea Island offers tennis and pickleball lessons to help improve your game and provide you with a bit of external motivation.
9 a.m. | Brunch at Tavola before checkout.
The robust breakfast buffet at Tavola is the perfect final stop before heading home. Here, healthy selections include steel-cut oatmeal with a bevy of toppings, Greek yogurt and chia pudding parfaits, fresh fruit, and a complete menu of other made-to-order breakfast items. Overlooking the grounds and the marsh at The Cloister, the views from Tavola are nearly as decadent as the meal.
11 a.m. | Write a postcard from Sea Island.
A time-honored tradition, before departing make sure to write a postcard to remember your time spent at Sea Island. Send it to a friend, family member, or even yourself. In your message, recount the adventures you explored, the memories you made, and the time you spent enjoying some well-deserved Vitamin Sea.