On Georgia’s sun-drenched coast, the Jekyll Island Club Resort stands as a picturesque retreat that beautifully combines historic grandeur with modern luxury.
Originally founded as the private playground for America’s wealthiest families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this iconic resort has preserved many of its historic structures while seamlessly integrating modern amenities. Today, it welcomes travelers from around the world, inviting them to explore its rich and storied past through preserved architecture, museum exhibits, and guided tours.
Guests can enjoy elegant accommodations in beautifully appointed rooms and suites that blend classic Southern charm with contemporary comforts, featuring plush furnishings, high-quality linens, and stunning views. The resort provides access to top-tier amenities, including a luxurious spa, multiple swimming pools, and fitness centers.
Activities abound, whether you’re walking along shaded paths beneath moss-draped oaks, playing on championship golf courses meticulously maintained for optimal play, or savoring delicious coastal cuisine at popular on-site restaurants that highlight fresh, local seafood. The surrounding natural beauty—pristine beaches, salt marshes, and abundant wildlife—enhances the peaceful atmosphere, making the resort a perfect getaway where time seems to slow down and the warmth of Southern hospitality reigns supreme.
A Gilded Age Legacy: The History of Jekyll Island Club Resort
The Jekyll Island Club was founded in 1886 as a private retreat for the nation’s elite. By 1888, it had become the winter haven for families like the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts. The Club’s iconic Queen Anne-style clubhouse and opulent “cottages,” which were anything but modest, hosted lavish parties, high-stakes negotiations, and even the secret 1910 meeting that laid the groundwork for the Federal Reserve.
After being closed during World War II, the property was purchased by the state of Georgia and subsequently restored. In 1985, it reopened as the Jekyll Island Club Resort, now a member of Historic Hotels of America. Today, it stands as a living museum of American affluence and innovation, offering guests a chance to walk in the footsteps of history.
Championship Golf on Coastal Fairways
For golf enthusiasts seeking a serene yet challenging experience, the Indian Mound and Pine Lakes courses at Jekyll Island Club Resort offer two distinct journeys through Georgia’s coastal beauty. These courses aren’t just about the game—they’re about immersion in a landscape where fairways meet forest, and wildlife roams freely under the canopy of ancient oaks.
Indian Mound Course: A Strategic Coastal Challenge Designed by the legendary Joe Lee, the Indian Mound Course is a par-72 layout that winds through some of the island’s most scenic terrain. Named after a Native American shell midden found on the site, this course is known for its elevated greens and strategic bunkering. Unlike many coastal courses, Indian Mound avoids water hazards, relying instead on natural sand ridges and dense maritime forest to test a golfer’s precision and course management.
The fairways are generous, but the real challenge lies in the approach shots—each green is uniquely contoured, demanding thoughtful club selection and a deft touch. As you navigate the course, don’t be surprised to spot white-tailed deer grazing quietly along the edges of the rough. Their calm presence adds a peaceful rhythm to the round, making every swing feel like part of a larger, more tranquil experience.
Pine Lakes Course: Family-Friendly with a Wild Twist Pine Lakes, also a Joe Lee design, is the island’s most family-friendly course, but that doesn’t mean it lacks sophistication. With wide fairways and a more forgiving layout, it’s ideal for players of all skill levels. The course was redesigned to accommodate the island’s Junior Golf program, making it a favorite for multi-generational outings.
What sets Pine Lakes apart is its seamless integration with the island’s natural habitat. Towering pines line the fairways, and the course is a haven for wildlife. Deer are frequent companions here too, often seen crossing fairways or resting in the shade—an enchanting reminder that this is more than just a game; it’s a walk through one of Georgia’s most picturesque ecosystems.
Whether you’re chasing birdies or simply soaking in the scenery, Indian Mound and Pine Lakes deliver a golf experience that’s as memorable as it is majestic.
Beyond the fairways, the Jekyll Island Golf Club offers a full range of amenities, including a driving range, putting greens, and a well-stocked pro shop. Golfers can also enjoy private lessons and clinics led by experienced instructors, making it a destination for both improvement and enjoyment
Historic Lodging with Modern Comfort
Accommodations at the Jekyll Island Club Resort are as diverse as they are luxurious. The main Jekyll Island Club offers rooms and suites within the original clubhouse, where period-inspired décor meets contemporary amenities. Guests can enjoy croquet on the lawn, a dip in the year-round pool, or a quiet moment on the veranda overlooking the river.
For a more intimate experience, the resort’s Island Cottages—including Crane Cottage and Sans Souci—offer private, mansion-style lodging. These historic homes, once owned by Club members, have been meticulously restored and provide a unique blend of privacy, elegance, and history.
The Jekyll Ocean Club, located just steps from the beach, offers a contemporary twist on coastal luxury. This all-suite hotel features oversized accommodations with ocean views, private balconies, and access to a sun-drenched pool deck. It’s the only all-suite resort on the island and a favorite for those seeking a contemporary beachfront escape.
Southern-Inspired Dining Experiences
Dining at the resort is a celebration of Southern flavors and coastal ingredients. The Grand Dining Room, located in the historic clubhouse, offers an elegant setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Signature dishes, such as shrimp and grits or pecan-crusted grouper, showcase the region’s culinary heritage.
For a more casual atmosphere, The Wharf, situated over the water, serves fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and live music. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying fried green tomatoes or a Lowcountry boil.
At the Jekyll Ocean Club, Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar offers beachfront dining with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced fare. Guests can enjoy a variety of options, from hearty breakfasts to poolside cocktails and dinner under the stars.
Additional options include The Pantry, a cozy café ideal for grab-and-go meals, and The Bar & Alexander Lounge, where handcrafted cocktails and vintage ambiance create the perfect nightcap.
Jekyll Ocean Club Pool at night and The Wharf Restaurant
A Hidden Chapter in American History
One of the most intriguing parts of the Jekyll Island Club Resort is its influence on U.S. financial history. In 1910, a secret meeting took place at the resort, where Senator Nelson Aldrich and a group of bankers drafted what would become the Federal Reserve Act. Hidden under the guise of a duck-hunting trip, the gathering was so secretive that participants used only their first names to conceal their identities. This crucial moment in American economic policy happened within the walls of what is now a luxury resort.
Why Your Next Escape Belongs at Jekyll Island Club Resort
If you’re seeking a destination that blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, the Jekyll Island Club Resort offers an experience unlike any other. From its rich Gilded Age history and award-winning golf to its refined accommodations and unforgettable dining, every detail is designed to transport you. Whether you’re a history buff, a golf enthusiast, or simply in search of coastal serenity, this resort delivers a rare kind of magic—one that lingers long after you leave.
From its Gilded Age origins to its modern-day elegance, the Jekyll Island Club Resort offers a rare blend of history, hospitality, and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of its golf courses, the charm of its historic lodging, or the flavors of its Southern cuisine, this coastal gem promises an experience that’s as enriching as it is relaxing.
