Are you looking for a unique getaway that might just become a yearly tradition for your family? Look no further than the historical and luxurious King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Situated on the Atlantic coast of the beautiful St. Simons Island, Georgia, the property originally opened as the King and Prince Club in 1935 and later added the King and Prince Hotel in 1941. During World War II, the hotel served as a naval coast-watching and training facility and later reopened to guests in 1947. The resort has served guests from all parts of the country and the world. The King and Prince was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
ACCOMMODATIONS
At the resort you will find the original historical hotel building with its mediterranean-themed decor that has received renovations and updates throughout the years, with the most recent one completed in 2013. In addition to the luxurious guest rooms and suites in the historical main building, the property also has equally appointed oceanfront guest rooms, suites, guest houses of varying sizes, and three towers of two and three-bedroom beach villas. So there is a room type to suit everyone’s needs.
DINING
The resort boasts the island’s only oceanfront restaurant and bar, ECHO. Serving classic coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in a casual and friendly atmosphere, ECHO is the perfect spot for drinks after coming in from the pool or an evening out.
Don’t want to get away from the pool during those warm Georgia summer months? No worries. The Sea Shack Bar & Bites has you taken care of as you enjoy your time cooling off in the sparkling blue water.
ACTIVITIES
You have your choice of laying out on the beach or one of three beautiful pools overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Situated directly on the resort are two outdoor Har-Tru tennis courts that are available at no extra charge for registered guests.
If you need a little exercise time to work off all the great cuisine you’ve been enjoying during your time at the King and Prince, they’ve got you covered with an on-site exercise facility equipped with cardio equipment and weights.
Of course, part of the resort’s name does include “golf”. Just a short drive north of the King and Prince Beach Resort is the award-winning King and Prince Golf Course that is known for its challenging layout among ancient forests, amazing marsh views on the back nine, and more. When you are finished playing your round of golf, stop off in the Hampton Club clubhouse for a meal and drinks. King and Prince even offers complimentary shuttle service for resort guests.
AROUND THE ISLAND No trip to The King and Prince would be complete without strolling around the island. Just a 5-minute drive from the resort you will find the heart of St. Simons Island with a lighthouse, quaint shops, art galleries, antique stores and dining options.
Personal Recommendations: Two of my favorite places to eat when visiting St. Simons is Barbara Jean’s and Beachcomber BBQ & Grill. Barbara Jean’s is a family run restaurant specializing in both seafood and made-from-scratch, southern and home-style cooking. It is located about a 5-minute drive away from the resort. Beachcomber BBQ is a little shack on the edge of the resort that is perfect for enjoying some of the best bbq and a cold drink outside as you visit with locals and other visitors.
DAY TRIPS FROM THE KING AND PRINCE
Want to get away from the resort for the day? Easy! Just an hour and half drive north you will find the historical city of Savannah, Georgia, and an hour and half drive south you are in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, there are the neighboring islands of Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons that all make up the Golden Isles, each with their own unique characteristics.
So whether you are looking to get away for a relaxing family vacation, to rekindle the romance, to celebrate a honeymoon, for a perfect venue to host a corporate retreat or whatever the occasion may be, check out the beautiful King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. The hospitable staff will ensure your stay leaves you with a lot of great memories that will make you want to return again and again.
So, if you are interested in booking a trip to the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort or to the Golden Isles, please contact me. I would love to help you plan your next vacation.
Disclaimer: This is an unpaid review of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. I was a project manager for MMI Hotel Group, the management company for King and Prince, over 10 years ago. I had the opportunity to travel to King and Prince and St. Simons Island numerous times. Even though I no longer work for MMI Hotel Group, I cherish this property as one of the finest I have ever been to.
Photo credit: Photos provided and used with permission by King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.