Step back in time for Gilded Age glamour at the Jekyll Island Club on Georgia’s Golden Isles.
Founded in 1888 by America’s most prominent families – J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Cornelius II, William K. Vanderbilt and John Jacob Astor – it was once an exclusive retreat for the elite.
Now part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort, it includes the historic clubhouse, the oceanfront Jekyll Ocean Club and grand Island Cottages once owned by members of the ‘Millionaires Club.’
Our unforgettable girlfriend’s getaway was full of luxury, history and Southern charm, living like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts for a few magical days.
The writer was hosted.
What’s Magical About the Jekyll Island Club:
- History comes alive at every turn
- Extra-large outdoor pool with plenty of seating and pool bar
- Croquet directly on the front lawn
- On-site bike rental shop for easy pick-up and drop-off
- Many water activities to choose from
- On-site spa for daily pampering
- Well-equipped fitness center
- Over four on-site options for dining and cocktails
What’s Not Magical About the Jekyll Island Club:
This historic 240-acre Noble House Hotels and Resorts Property is pure Southern enchantment –and if you’re like me, it will ruin you for stays without that luxury and ambiance.
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Jekyll Island Club Rooms
The Jekyll Island Club’s updated accommodations offer several options, from charming traditional rooms to elegant deluxe suites with a separate parlor or living area and a semi-private balcony or enclosed sunporch.
Every room has been refreshed with updated furnishings, mattresses and window treatments. Each includes a mini-fridge, coffee maker and a safe.
We couldn’t love the sunporch off our room more. With its original inward-opening vintage windows, it’s like an open-air retreat and the perfect spot for morning coffee, with breezes flowing off of nearby Jekyll River.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If the Clubhouse Presidential Suite is vacant, ask for a tour. It has spiral stair access to the beautiful original 1888 inaugural turret above and the outside turret walk.
The Pool
Swim where JP Morgan once took a dip in this early swimming pool, beautifully situated between the Clubhouse and the Jekyll River. Kick back in the shade of palmettos, rent a comfy cabana and order up some drinks and eats from the Pool House.
At night, the sky glows with stars and the warmth of nearby fire pits, where s’mores kits awaited us.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Guests of the Jekyll Island Club Resort enjoy reciprocal access to resort amenities, including pools at the Clubhouse and the Ocean Club, beach chairs and umbrellas and complimentary shuttle service between the two. We took advantage of this feature with rides to Jekyll Ocean Club, which is not far from additional shops and restaurants, as well as the beach.
Croquet
Nothing says turn-of-the-century fun like a lively game of croquet on the hotel’s front lawn. All the gear is provided at no extra charge. Whether you’re a seasoned player or it’s your first time, like me, it’s a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Sign up for scheduled croquet clinics at the front desk.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Brush up your skills with a lesson from the club’s resident pro. Before long, you’ll be sending cannon shots across the lawn with your mallet like a true ‘Millionaire’s Club’ member. My partner and I won the game after just one lesson!
Bike Rental Shop
Nothing could be more fun than renting a bike for the day at the convenient on-site Jekyll Wheels. The grounds of the Jekyll Island Club are covered with paved trails, including the Historic District Loop, which also leads to other parts of the island. Pedal along beneath towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, glide past historic former residences and feel the saltwater breezes as you explore at your own pace.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Take the North Loop trail to historic sites, such as the ruins of the Horton House, one of the oldest tabby buildings in the entire state. You can also visit DuBignon Cemetery, the resting place of some of the island’s early owners. While John Eugene DuBignon (and his brother-in-law, Newton Finney) are not buried here, they were instrumental in the concept of this exclusive Jekyll Island retreat and hunting club.
Water Activities
There are many water activities to choose from around the island, and some that depart directly from the property or nearby Historic Jekyll Island Wharf Marina, including:
- fly fishing charters
- stand-up paddleboarding
- shrimping excursions
- boat and dolphin cruises
- kayak tourscasino cruise
SheBuysTravel Tip: A dolphin cruise provided by Jekyll Island Boat & Dolphin Cruises leaves from the Historic Jekyll Island Wharf Marina river dock next to the Wharf Restaurant, within a short walking distance from the Clubhouse. The staff provides historical commentary, points out where dolphins are and stops to view them.
On-site Spa
Book a rejuvenating spa day right on the premises, operated by Spa Cabana. Although we didn’t have a chance to experience their offerings firsthand, their extensive menu includes everything from poolside cabana services to facials, foot soaks, salon services, massage and body treatments.
Fitness Center
A premier fitness center with all the bells and whistles is available daily between 5:00 am and midnight. Guests will find everything needed for a complete workout experience, including treadmills, free weights and a Peloton bike.
Dining Options at Jekyll Island Club
About a two-minute walk from the Clubhouse, The Wharf definitely stands out as a favorite dining destination around the island. Known not only for its food and cocktails, but also for its prime riverfront position and stunning sunsets. Both indoor and outdoor patio dining give you a magical perch from wherever you are.
The Grand Dining Room
Once the stunning backdrop for elegant dinners and black-tie gatherings of society’s elite, The Grand Dining Room welcomes guests to enjoy the same timeless ambiance over a less formal daily breakfast and brunch on Sundays.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss a chance to partake in the regularly occurring tradition of champagne sabering (opening a bottle of champagne by striking its neck with a saber) on the veranda just outside. If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to try it yourself.
The Pantry is the sweetest little casual breakfast, lunch and coffee spot at the Clubhouse. Indoor, veranda and courtyard seating make it perfect for lingering or a quick bite on the go.
The Alexander Bar and Boar’s Head Lounge sits just off the Grand Dining Room. Though not part of the Clubhouse’s original design, it gives off a swank vibe that really fits in. Jekyll Island has served as the backdrop for several major films and series. This bar was built for the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance and later became a permanent fixture.
Lounging by the pool couldn’t be easier thanks to the seasonal menu of bites and drinks from The Pool House. No need to leave the pool–simply relax, refill and repeat.
SheBuysTravel Tip: It’s well worth a free shuttle ride to the Jekyll Ocean Club’s Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar for Lowcountry and coastal cuisine to the tune of the ocean waves.
Things to Do Off Property
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
With nesting beaches all along the coast, it’s no surprise that the state’s only facility for rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles is located here. Visitors can get an up-close look and learn from experienced staff about ongoing conservation efforts.
Mosaic History Museum and Trolley Tour
Housed within the footprint of the historic stables, the museum tells the story of Jekyll Island through interactive and audio displays and special exhibits. Clothing of the era gives visitors a glimpse into the Gilded Age.
On the Landmark Trolley Tour, leaving from the museum, we spent 60 minutes traversing the historic district’s narrow streets, passing the Island Cottages and even getting to go inside the DuBignon Cottage. The home of John Eugene DuBignon pales in size and grandeur to the other cottages (mansions), however.
Driftwood Beach
By far one of the most unique beaches for its otherworldly display of driftwood washed ashore through the river and sea–a breathtaking landscape for photos.
Getting to Jekyll Island Club
Get to Jekyll Island by flying into Brunswick/Golden Isles Airport (BQK) and driving 30 minutes. You can also fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and drive an hour south, or Savannah (SAV), which is one-and-a-half hours north. Since the island is a state park, there is a daily parking and entrance fee to access the Jekyll Island Causeway.
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