This post may contain compensated links. Refer to my disclaimer for more info.
Think you’ve seen every type of resort hotel possible? Think again, friend. Our family recently spent the weekend in a historic paradise where we felt so pampered that we literally didn’t want to turn in our keys and go home. Tucked discreetly among live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss is a hidden island retreat that everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime…..
Disclosure: Hosting provided by the brand mentioned. All opinions are mine.
It’s not possible to only visit Jekyll Island only once though because, well, the legend. Oh, you haven’t heard about it?
TABLE OF CONTENTS hideOnce your feet hit the sand of Jekyll Island, you will always return again and again.
Why the Jekyll Club?
Located on the smallest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is truly a one-of-a-kind resort whose charm, history, and enchantment span far beyond imagination. As we drove into the historic district, I literally gasped at the Christmas grandeur and it quickly led me away from the cares of this world. A glance to the left of the Club’s large circular drive had me stunned by the beauty of a horse-drawn carriage ready to whisk away a couple on a romantic ride into the sunset.
Back its heyday , The Jekyll Club was known as “the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world,” because famous tycoons (you’ve heard of them: Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, Pulitzer, and Vanderbuilt) sought splendid isolation at a winter playground in 1886. Jekyll Island became a secluded haven for these wealthy men and their family and friends with its sub-tropic temperatures and unspoiled beauty.
Our resort hotel suite
The grand Clubhouse (main hotel) and cottages were built on a 240-acre compound for America’s wealthiest families. Today the Jekyll Club Hotel is open to the public with 157 guest rooms and lavish suites in five different distinct settings and is now a National Historic Landmark and member of Historic Hotels of America.
Our large, King Parlor suite was unbelievable with its enormous front room with a luxuriously soft and comfortable bed. A small “hallway” led us to a breakfast room, bathroom, and further down the hallway we found “the tower room” where our girl stayed. She felt like Rapunzel in a grand castle.
All the luxuries of home and more were within our grasp. A coffee maker featuring Starbucks, an LCD Flat Panel TV with Cable, free WiFi, and luxury waffle weave resort robes for the ladies (we loved those). Available for use was an in-room safe and room service from 7 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
What I always love about a true resort hotel is the luxury bath items tucked inside over-sized, fluffy towels. You know what I’m talking about girls! Our complimentary toiletries were actually miniature pieces from the Club’s exclusive line of shampoos, lotions, and shower gels that are sold in the Jekyll Club Gift Shop. Besides the incredible beds, luxury towels, and toiletries) was a stocked mini fridge with complimentary bottled waters with the Jekyll Club logo.
We experienced gracious hospitality and guest amenities from the moment we arrived with The Jekyll Island Club Hotel complimentary valet service and luggage delivery. On site, the hotel also has a Club Salon & Spa, fitness room, croquet lawn, putting green, two gift shops, and bike rentals.
Dining at the Jekyll Club
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel has six different choices of dining right on the property and a pavilion along the beach. From fine dining like the millionaires had in the traditional Grand Dining Room, to casual dining in the Crane Courtyard, you won’t even have to leave to find plenty to eat. Both days, we enjoyed the adorable, Club Cafe’s fresh baked muffins, sandwiches, and soups.
Intriguing history
The charm of Jekyll Island Georgia for most (especially me!) is its rich, intriguing history which centers around the Historic Jekyll Club that began in 1886. The wealthy industrialists would sail their private yachts south to their private island or ride in their private train cars. Many stories and legends abound around this secluded paradise, but my favorite part is that a series of historic events made it possible for the State of Georgia to protect it from extensive development.
Adventures and Activities
Along with its Pier Road shops, Jekyll Museum, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Faith Chapel, and Morgan Center, this Jekyll Island resort hotel’s structures comprise the Jekyll Island Historic District. The entire historic district is a must-see and can be enjoyed by walking or biking. Don’t miss the free walk-through museum and historic tram tour (fee) that takes you on a trip back in time and even lets you step into a couple of the gorgeous homes of old.
Be sure to ask the concierge to assist you in booking kayak, paddleboard, water bike rentals, and shark tooth hunting guided tours with Turtle Tides Jekyll. Families are delighted with secluded beaches, horseback riding, carriage rides, charter fishing, tennis, dolphin cruises, miniature golf, and lots of sightseeing.
Bring your clubs because Jekyll Island is known for its 63 holes of superb golf in a stunningly natural setting and well as the wonderful Georgia Sea Turtle Center that nurtures injured sea turtles in its sea turtle hospital (there’s also a gift shop and awesome excursions), and Red Bug electric car rentals.
Guru Travel Tips:
Although this resort hotel has quite an exquisite atmosphere, we found it to be a comfortable elegance. It was very family friendly but it would also be a perfect romantic couple’s retreat, and fabulous for a relaxing girl’s weekend getaway.
- Complimentary intra-island transportation is provided
- Superb Valet parking and Bellhops are ready to serve (complimentary) and tipping amounts are at your discretion
- No elevator from 2nd to 3rd floor of main property (it’s a historical building!) but the bellhops are wonderful (don’t forget to tip)
- Croquet equipment is complimentary to guests of The Club
- Clock radio, phone, hairdryer, and iron/ironing board are available in rooms
- Smoke-free establishment
- No pets allowed
- Concierge services and baby sitting services are available
- Towels are provided at the swimming pool year round with pool bar and grill available seasonally
- Jackets or collared shirts for gentlemen at dinner in The Grand Dining Room
- I would suggest walking shoes and a light sweater for breezy evenings coming off of the water
This weekend getaway at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel had me wanting to hide away for a few more days in splendid luxury and isolation just like those who enjoyed it during the Gilded Age.
Want to know more about this Jekyll Island resort hotel or book now?
Call for reservations at (855) 778-0865 or check out the Jekyll Club website. When you book a stay at the Jekyll Club, be sure to tell them that The How-to Guru sent ya!
Published on HuffPost, Okefenokee Living Magazine, and more, Shan is a Family Travel Journalist with a passion for helping women lose the overwhelm of planning family-friendly trips in the south. She shares travel reviews & insider secrets that Women REALLY want to know about Georgia, Florida, & the Carolinas vacations.
☕️ It’s THE REAL DEAL around here ☕️
What a beautiful looking resort, looks like a castle. Cinderella carriage included. I could get away here and enjoy myself completely.
This looks fabulous! I really liked your Guru Tips! We may have to head up there for a weekend!
Oh. My. Goodness!! This place looks absolutely magical!! Plus, I have always wanted to head to Jekyll. I have now added this to my bucket list!
Hope to see you for this month’s #TravelTuesday Linkup, because this is too great!!
As many times as I’ve been near Jekyll Island, I’ve never been there. This looks and sounds exquisite. I could totally be happy hanging out there for a week! Adding this to the list of places we need to visit.
This resort looks amazing! It literally has everything I look for when planning a vacation or weekend get away. Incredible architecture, rich history, luxury, and wonderful food! I’ve added this fabulous place to my “Travel Wish List”, and look forward to spending time there in the not-so-distant future.
It looks amazingly beautiful. I’m glad to hear you had a wonderful time.
Wow! That sure does look fabulous!
This makes me want to pack my bags and head out!
Thank you for bringing this beautiful resort to my attention. I love staying at historic hotels and resorts, especially those with excellent service and exceptional amenities. As I read about the history of the resort, I noticed one of my favorites linked at the bottom of the page-The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. If you ever get a chance, I’d highly recommend a visit!
We’re only 45 minutes from Jekyll and it’s our go-to beach in the area. We’ve been meaning to do lunch here for the longest time
Can i go there right now?
Author
I know, Tineke! I literally wanted to stay a couple more days (which is unusual for me)!
blessings,
Shan
Oh my gosh this looks incredible! We may need to take a getaway here!
This looks like an amazing place to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, this brought back memories! My aunt took my sister and I to Jekyll Island over a decade ago and I remember visiting here and eating! It was truly a beautiful place!
That resort hotel looks amazing! I wish we could visit so we can experience what you’ve experienced.
Belle | http://www.OneAwesomeMomma.com
I could use a vacay like this!
It’s so beautiful there! I want to visit now. The south is just such an amazing place in general.
What a beautiful place to stay and so much fun around the resort, too! Thanks for sharing!
This place looks absolutely amazing!! So incredibly gorgeous…
It’s like a castle! So wonderful 😀
This hotel looks amazing! I remember seeing a wedding show about Jekyll Island several years ago, and it sounded amazing then and even more so now! Thank you for sharing this beautiful place with us.
What a beautiful resort hotel and the whole place look lovely. xx
Oh my goodness, this resort is gorgeous!
Author
Wait til you visit in person, Christi. You won’t believe how beautiful!
Ok, so I HAVE to go here! I love the beauty, charm, and history here. Sending to my husband and pinning for sure.
Author
Haha. That’s awesome, Lindsay to send to the hubs. That’s one way to make it happen! Would be a gorgeous, romantic getaway.
That sounds so amazing! Thanks for sharing about it!
Author
Thanks for stopping by, Dara. 😉
What a beautiful resort. I love historical places like this one and I will be adding this to our list of travels.
Author
Yay, Lyndsey! It’s absolutely breathtaking!
That is GORGEOUS!
wow, Jekyll Club looks amazing! I would love to explore that hotel and the grounds. How cold is the water because I bet paddle boarding would be fun if it wasn’t freezing!
Also, I saw you can play croquet there! Now that looks like the place where you want to pretend you are posh and play the sport of the elite!
Pinned for later. This place looks magical! Love the Spanish moss trees!
Oh my gosh! I can see why you would never want to leave! It’s GORGEOUS!!!!
This resort looks amazing!!!
Honestly I’m so happy I found this article. It is something I am putting on my bucket list. I had no idea a place like this existed in Georgia.
You’re making me desperate for a vacation!!! How amazing are these places!
Author
haha You’ll be spoiled by this place and the whole enchanting island, Hanna!
I didn’t even know there were palm trees in Georgia lol!
What a stunning hotel! I love Georgia!
Excellent article! That hotel seems quite the experience, and I enjoy visiting places like this. I’ll be sure to visit someday.
Wow, this place looks like a fairytale! Amazing!
Author
It FEELS like a fairytale while you are there, too! 😉