Happy Presidents' Day!

While at The Cloister last summer, we were able to visit the room where the 2004 G8 Summit took place.  Truly magnificent.  This table was created by a man who, the story goes, took over a year off of his regular job to make it ... You can truly feel the power in this room.

A little History Lesson ... The G8 (Group of Eight) is a forum for the governments of eight of the world's largest economies.  The group originated with a summit hosted by France in 1975 that brought together representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.  It was a Group of Six and over the years added Canada and Russia.  Interestingly, the European Union is represented, but cannot host or chair summits.

Hope you are having a wonderful Presidents' Day ... we are enjoying the break!!

xo,

kim

The Cloister ... Part Two!

Here's a "day in the life" at The Cloister ... ooooh to live like this every day!!

It all started here ... the "Cloister Cocktail" ... need I say more?   Okay, I actually had this the night before the "day in the life" began ... what a great kick off!

A quiet walk on the beach for me, but things were busy with the staff ... Setting up for a dinner for 200 on the beach later that night.

Then off to the Spa for a little pampering ... 

Lunch being set up on the pool terrace ...

Afternoon tour of The Wine Cellar ... stocked with wines holding a retail value of approximately $3M ... please forgive my camera, it was quite dark and cold!  Can't you just imagine an intimate dinner for 20 at this table enjoying divine food and wine!

Headed down to the Cloister Belle at the Sea Island Yacht Club for a pre-dinner cruise ... they were setting up this dinner ...

Sycamore Balls as the napkin decorations!

View looking back toward the hotel from the Cloister Belle!

Captain Brian!

 The Boys!

After the Cruise, walking back to dinner on the docks ... enjoying the magnificent sunset.

Stunning!

Dinner of chicken, tenderloin, stone ground grits, okra and tomatoes, cornbread and spectacular wine ... I was in heaven! 

Dixie's Manhattan, the Cloister's answer to a standard Manhattan ... Sweeter, of course!  Perfect way to end a Perfect weekend!

Thank you Sea Island!

xo,

Kim

The Cloister, Sea Island Georgia

Sometimes I have to pinch myself ...

This is where I sat for a couple of hours this past Saturday morning ... A slight breeze, the sound of children laughing and people enjoying themselves on this beautiful October day.  In the background was  a guitarist singing and playing ... truly, one of life's moments to treasure.  It's amazing how a little fresh air, beautiful ocean views and gorgeous surroundings can feed one's spirit!

Don and I just had the good fortune to spend a few days at The Cloister.  We were there to experience the property and attend the McGladrey Classic Golf Tournament.   We were treated like royalty ... we didn't want to leave!  But here's the thing ... EVERYONE is treated like royalty at this beautiful and graciously Southern resort.

The Cloister opened in October of 1928.  Addison Mizner, a noted Palm Beach architect, designed the structure and also influenced the Sea Island Company into calling it The Cloister, the name of one of his resorts in Florida.  You might be familiar with the Boca Raton Resort and Club and their main building,  The Cloister, which was opened in 1926.  Here is how it looked then ...

And Now ...

This is probably my favorite spot in the world.  There are many places I still dream about visiting ... but if I never get the opportunity to go any where else, I am satisfied!  There is something in the air here ... it is "gracious" ... the people, the resort, every turn you take on the beautiful stone paths lead you to views even more glorious!

This Cloister was completely rebuilt and renovated several years ago ... but these windows, part of the original building were painstakingly removed and put back into place.  Although the property is basically "new" it still maintains the charm and soul of a much gentler time and life.

We were so fortunate to be here and I have so many more photos to share ... next Friday! You can't imagine the parties, the sites and the table settings ... can't wait to show you!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

Kim