Where those in the know go on holiday

TravelMole MD Graham McKenzie explores the golden isles of Georgia, USA.

"Virtually unknown in Europe but popular amongst those in the know in the USA, the barrier islands of Georgia offer an interesting contrast not only to the mainland but also amongst themselves.

I have written before about the most northerly of the islands Tybee, which is the seaside resort for the many residents of Savannah. Its fabulous, almost untouched beaches, combined with the almost old-fashioned buildings and amenities, make for a very family-friendly holiday destination.

The quiet nature of the island adds to the feeling of seclusion despite its proximity to one of Georgia’s largest conurbations.

Further south, all the way to the Floridian border, the collection of islands becomes even more eclectic with Sea Island, Jekyll Island and St Simons Island all offering distinctive and separate attributes.

Known collectively as the Golden Isles, it’s a name deservedly given as frequently the golden hue of the saltmarsh reeds reflects the sunlight along the coastline.

From the south, the first island you come to is Jekyll, named after a British financier friend of Sir Robert Oglethorpe the founder of Georgia. Quite frankly it’s more like Hyde as the whole island has air of relaxation and peace about it. Once, privately owned by a consortia of new-money families from the north, including the Rockefellers, and only accessible by yacht, it is now a favourite for retirees and families.

Sunset at Jekyll Island

I visited in late autumn and my first impression was that I had landed on the set of The Truman Show as the modern buildings and inhabitants seems just a little false. Get through that though and you are presented with miles and miles of pristine beach, nice little coffee shops, a neighbourhood post office and small intimate restaurants.

The jewel in the crown of the island, if not the state of Georgia, is the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Built in the late 1800’s to satisfy the needs of the rich families who were members of the club it has survived the years almost intact and as originally built. This is remarkable and gives you a feeling of being back in the days of steel, print, oil and mucho greenbacks. The consequences are that you feel like you’re staying on a film set, if not the Truman Show then perhaps Gone with the Wind. Who cares, as one luxuriates in 19th century luxury, consisting of large verandas, peaceful gardens, giant chess sets, historic dining rooms and some of the most remarkable sunset scenes I have ever seen?

Just a swift drive across a bridge that would put the Dartford crossing to shame lies St Simons Island where the atmosphere changes. This is a working island with a working community. Hustle bustle is the name of the game here but not in a negative sense. This the largest of the islands it even has its own little airport bang in the centre for local and private traffic, which merely adds to the sense that something’s happening, that people are on the move.

Packed full of history, it is typical of this region where the Brits fought with the Spanish for control in the mid-eighteenth century. The famous bloody marsh battleground is herem where a smaller force of troops loyal to the King of England defeated a larger Spanish militia.

Again, provision of independent restaurants and coffee shops is high on the list of amenities, including a fabulous outlet called Southern Soul Barbeque. Not the most refined restaurant you will find in the south, but very very tasty food.

I was lucky enough to stay at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Not only did it offer a true welcome, but the rooms overlooking the beach were superb with excellent access for a quick dip or a sunset stroll.

Finally, on to Sea Island – my favourite Island of all the Golden Isles. Why? Well, in short, golf! I was invited to play at the RSM Pro-Am hosted by the winning Ryder Cup captain, favourite son of Georgia and local resident Davis Love III.

Graham (L) with Davis Love III and the Ryder Cup (not Grahams winners trophy)

Sea Island Golf Club is home to three excellent courses, one of which is a links course, the other designed round the marshland and planation type forestation. Despite the fact that they have and still do host full PGA events, they are accessible to the public with relatively modest green fees. I highly recommend them.

If you want a relaxed, interesting and stunning location for your next seaside holiday then you could worse than drive the few hours from Atlanta, Savannah, Jacksonville or Orlando to enjoy the Golden Isles of Georgia."

Graham was hosted by the Golden Isles CVB