Fodor's Expert Review The Lodge

Although technically on St. Simons Island, this award-winning Sea Island resort has the charm and feel of an English country manor, with exposed ceiling beams, hardwood floors softened by Oriental rugs, and your own private butler, on call 24 hours a day. The dashingly decorated rooms, suites, and cottages have water or golf-course views. The lodge serves as the clubhouse for the Sea Island Golf Club and is nestled between Plantation and Seaside golf courses, the latter of which was inspired by the links courses of Scotland. Many of the courses feature views of the marsh or St. Simons Sound. Guests here also have full access to the facilities of the Sea Island beachfront hotel, The Cloister. There are two 18-hole golf courses that are par 72: the 6,723-yard Retreat course and the 6,671-yard Plantation course. A third 18-hole course, Seaside, is 6,657 yards and par 70. There's also an 18-hole putting course and a state-of-the-art golf performance center.