If you’re looking for the perfect getaway, you don’t have to look any further than St. Simons Island on the coast of the great state of Georgia! Since moving to Georgia, I’ve been amazed at how many gorgeous vacation spots there are within driving distance, and St. Simons Island and The King and Prince Resort top them all! Surrounded by white sand beaches and live oaks, St. Simons Island is the biggest of Georgia’s Golden Isles. It’s like going to the Bahamas but you don’t need a passport or to win the lottery. 😉
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner I thought it would fun to list 10 Must Do’s at the King and Prince Resort for couples, or really anyone, to experience! I recently had the privilege of touring this gorgeous resort and I can’t wait to share with you some of my favorite things to do.
First, a little background on The King and Prince. The historic King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort (circa 1935) recently experienced a long-awaited renovation. It’s a fresh, contemporary take on the relaxed easy-going vibe that visitors have come to love about the King and Prince!
The newest member of the Southern Living Hotel Collection, a carefully selected series of the most delighted different and completely Southern hotels. The King and Prince is on the National Register of Historic Place and a member on Historic Hotels of America, shares a rich legacy of its place in American history for 79 years. Originally opened as a private dance club, friends of the owners coined its name, which befitted its regal atmosphere. The resort has maintained its reputation as an elegant and warm place to get-away throughout each decade.
Here are 10 things you must experience at the King and Prince for an experience you won’t forget!
An Ocean Front Room
If you’re going to do it….you might as well do it right! While every room at The King and Prince is a treat, there’s nothing quite like staying “beach side” in one of their Premium Ocean Front Cabana Rooms! I had the privilege of staying in one of these gorgeous rooms during my visit. From the luxurious bed to the cozy sitting area to your own private patio, the cabana rooms are rest and relaxation personified.
With views like this, and your own personal swing, it’s tempting to want to stay “room side” for your entire visit!
Massage
The setting is a historic beach cottage on the resort grounds just steps from the sands and sea breezes of the Atlantic. Here an intimate seaside retreat has been created where the utmost attention is given to experiences that soothe and treatments that rejuvenate.
The front porch, with its comfy chaises, invites you into the calming atmosphere inside, where the casual warmth and refreshing decor of a quaint beach cottage are right at home with its indulgent and therapeutic elements. A fireside relaxation lounge, changing cabanas, and quiet treatment rooms all ensure a tranquil experience. And while at The Royal Treatment Cottage for their treatments, guests enjoy the use of robes, sandals, and totes for personal belongings. Complimentary bottled water is provided with the juices and teas available.
Pool
The pool at a resort says so much about a location. The pools at the King and Prince say, “come put your feet up and relax!” Because of the mild year round temperatures on St. Simon Island, it’s possible to enjoy the pool and it’s surroundings all year long. With the pools close proximately to the beach you can enjoy pool/beach side dining, read your favorite book in one of the comfortable lounge chairs….
or enjoy a favorite cocktail while people and boat watching! Be sure to see “Bartender Chad” and tell him Heather sent you for one of his fabulous margaritas! yum!
ECHO Restaurant
You don’t have to look any further than the King and Prince for the St. Simons BEST and ONLY Ocean front dining! The newly opened ECHO, aptly named after the use of the facility during World War II for the radar used on the island, serves classic coastal cushions and handcrafted cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether choose to dine beachside….
or in the gorgeous coastal designed dining room, you will be treated to a first class culinary treat! Chef John Palacio’s local first philosophy and longstanding relationship with coastal farmers and purveyors creates a one of a kind menu.
We experienced this first hand with Southern favorites such as Shrimp and Grits and beautiful multi course brunches!
After dinner head over to the ECHO Bar where a fabulous staff of bartenders is waiting to serve you your favorite cocktail. Or, let them recommend some of the local favorites. A relaxing place to hang out and meet new friends, you can have your drink bar side, pool side, beach side or by the fire!
Fireside
The lobby Atrium welcomes guests to sit by the fireplace and warm themselves. Grab a favorite cocktail from the ECHO Bar in the summer or some coffee or hot chocolate on a chilly winter night and share stories from your day’s adventure with other hotel guests that will quickly become friends!
Or maybe you’d like to snuggle outdoors around one of the fire pits located poolside. Either way, you’ll be making warm memories fireside!
Beach Walks
What’s a trip to the beach without at least one leisurely beach stroll, or two….or three. Take a moment to feel the white sand between your toes and breathe in the fresh salty air!
Bike Riding
Go ride a bike! While cars are allowed on the island, the leisurely pace of life on the island is conducive to bicycling around St. Simons. Leave from The King and Prince and bike your way to plantations, the lighthouse and Christ Church, originally built in 1820. With 14 miles available it’s the perfect way to get in some exercise while stopping frequently to take in the gorgeous scenery!
GOLF
For some people…i.e. my husband, it’s not a true vacation without a little golf thrown in! The King and Prince Golf Course recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Mr. Rick Mattox, General Manager and Head Golf Professional since 1990, has over 4o years experience as a PGA Professional!
An 18-hole golf course, it includes 4 salt marsh island holes and is easily accessible to players of all ages and handicaps.
I had the privilege of attending the media event with Larry Berle, author of “A Golfer’s Dream.” For more specifics on the King and Prince Golf Course be sure to read his reviews of the course here and here.
Tennis
With two outdoor courts, there’s no excuse to not get in some sunshine and exercise! The courts at the King and Prince are complimentary for resort guests and St. Simons’ natural beauty is the perfect backdrop. The resort has a tennis professional on staff to help you improve your stroke. Mr. Pride Evans offers private and group lessons on the resort’s har-tru tennis courts. He is a seasoned tennis professional with over 25 years of teaching and instructional experience. For more information on tennis lessons contact Mr. Pride at The King and Prince!
As you can see there are plenty of things to do at The King and Prince, whether you want rest and relaxation or you want to be “on the go!” Stay tuned as up next I’ll share 10 Must Do’s on St. Simons Island! Have you ever visited St. Simons Island or The King and Prince? I’d love to hear about your getaway!
Sounds wonderful… and was probably even more fun with the beautiful Rhoda. Looks like this fun vacation spot is a keeper…..I could use some serious beach time right now. Thanks for sharing. Suz
You needed to come on down a little further to Amelia Island! My beautiful hometown
looks like a wonderful spot to visit!!
Awwww 2 of my sweet friends having fun!!! Looks like a great place!!!
What a gorgeous place!! : ) I love finding places like this that are so close to home! You don’t always have to go far for a good vacation ; )
This place looks so beautiful. So much to do…:)
Looks amazing and oh so relaxing! I love that it is not so far away from us too. My husband would love the golf and the kids and I could bike and explore! Thanks for sharing!
That looks like an amazing getaway … I’m still swooning over the massage tables!