First in a series of unveilings and new beginnings, Sea Island Resorts debuts its grand centerpiece on April 1, as the first guests will check in to the splendid new building. The Spa at Sea Island, opening October 2006, will complete the unparalleled experience at The Cloister and herald the grand celebration for Sea Island Resorts planned for next fall. This American grand dame has graciously welcomed generations of visitors since 1928. Building on its illustrious and storied past, The Cloister at Sea Island begins a new chapter in 2006 by providing the finest hotel experience available in the 21st century. "It's a lucky man who gets to be part of history in the making," said Bill Jones III, Chairman and CEO, Sea Island Company. "Our guests, all discerning travelers, will find that every square inch of this remarkable building is filled with fine details and delightful surprises." With the warmth and genuine hospitality characteristic of Sea Island

Bill Jones III (left) with his father, Bill Jones, Jr., with original plaque from The Cloister Hotel. (PRNewsFoto/Sea Island Resorts)

"Capone and Hughes were commissioned to design one of the most spectacular and beautiful resorts in America, yet also preserve the cherished style and atmosphere of the original iconic Cloister," said David Everett, President and COO, Sea Island Company. "They have certainly succeeded."

Both the architecture and interior design of the new building are reminiscent of the 1928 Mediterranean style masterpiece originally designed by celebrated architect Addison Mizner. Considered one of the most renowned and historic hotels in America, The Cloister at Sea Island has hosted generations of special families, United States Presidents, royalty, celebrities, and even world leaders during the prestigious 2004 G8 Summit.

The new main building features many refurbished elements from the beloved original, including the famed Spanish Lounge, with its fully restored stained glass windows, antique pecky cypress beams, original marble mantle and beautiful stone castings designed in the 1920s.

Other elements of historic significance preserved from the original hotel are utilized throughout the new facility, lending familiarity and a sense of history. The design was created in the Mediterranean style tradition of the original, with stuccoed arches, towered stairways, courtyards and red, barrel tiled roofs characteristic of Mizner's renowned style, along with sweeping views of the Black Banks River.

The custom interiors display splendid elegance and evoke intimacy within the walls of the 30-suite centerpiece and its two 35-room wings.

The new interiors showcase exceptional works of art, hundreds of antiques collected from around the world, custom fabrics and lighting, beautifully restored woods, intricate millwork and more than 670 original rugs hand-woven in Turkey.

"There is no shiny marble. Everything has a patina. All the fabrics have a residential feel, and most of the furniture is custom-designed," said Pamela Hughes, President, Hughes Design Associates. "The idea was for someone to walk into this beautiful building and say 'This must be where the Jones Family has lived for the past four generations.'"

All suites and rooms offer 24-hour butler service, and guests will continue to delight in the extensive and distinctive experiences at Sea Island Resorts.

Under continued Jones Family ownership, whose four generations have graciously hosted generations of loyal Sea Island members and guests, April 1 celebrates the first unveiling-the new beginning for The Cloister Hotel. The opening of the Spa at Sea Island in October 2006 will complete preparations for the total guest experience for The Cloister at Sea Island.

"Ensuring the best possible experience for guests of The Cloister is my responsibility to Howard Coffin, my grandfather and my father. Their foresight has led the way to the great times awaiting visitors to this world- class hotel. To step into The Cloister is to continue sharing in our history," said Jones.

More unveilings over the coming months include the new Sea Island Equestrian Center, the Sea Island Center for the Arts, and a very special Chapel. The Beach Club is undergoing a complete renewal and will open in mid-2007.

Upon completion of The Spa at Sea Island, a grand celebration in October is timed to the original 1928 opening of The Cloister Hotel. A series of joyful and momentous events will ring in a spectacular new season for The Cloister at Sea Island.

Rachel Tate
Sea Island Resorts
+1-912-638-3611
http://www.seaisland.com