The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

I can't say enough about my experience on Little St. Simon's Island. We spent 3 nights with 26 friends of an anniversary couple. It was fabulous. The location, the staff, from Kitchen to the Naturalists, the beauty, the alligators, birds, beach, truck safaris, and boat trips sll fabulous. When rain ensued, the naturalists gave fascinating talks about the history and current mission of this all inclusive Eco Resort. The fact that it is protected from all future development is wonderful. The 2+ mile bike ride to the beach was easy and it was fun looking for turtle tracks and nests from night before. The accomodations were superb, comfy beds too. The food was excellent! As it was June, it was hot and buggy but they provide a wide array of bug repellent and sun screen. Spring or fall would probably be more comfortable. As a west coaster, we usually head to mountains for vacations so this was pretty different experience.

We had a FANTASTIC time - even with high humidity and mosquitoes! The staff provided mosquito spray, that worked, everywhere we went. They offered mosquito ponchos that come with a zipper enclosed head net. They take getting used to, but work. We wore them once because our clothing choices were enough protection. We followed their pre-arrival instructions for wardrobe and were just fine. They also have a gift shop with helpful clothing options. The value is more than reasonable. We went during the Turtle Week and later learned that one turtle excursion on nearby Jekyll island is $200 per person and we did two of these for the three of us on LSSI, plus the night walks to see turtles (at $80 person on Jekyll). This was all in addition to the two (optional) naturalist excursions each day. The excursions are fun, varied, and super informative with time for one-on-one questions with the researchers/naturalists. In addition to the value for the excursions, there is a beautiful salt water pool that my teens enjoyed. The environment is better than the pictures. They even provided ready floats and towels. Our cottage was gorgeous. When one of my teens saw it, she declared it would be a week of luxury. :) We loved reading on the huge swing in screened in porch and watching numerous and rare (to us) birds. The lodge lighting, wood, decor, coffee station, private bathroom, washer and dryer, finishes, and beds were perfect. I saw one review where someone said it was corporate. It must be a fake review because I don’t know where they are getting that. There is nothing corporate about this pristine, secluded place with genuine staff who are passionate about what they do everyday. One of my teens casually commented to me how one of the things she was surprised at was seeing how hard the naturalists were working. I can attest to their selfless and cheerfulness. This goes for the whole staff, from boat captains, to office and grounds personnel. They even put together a packed week with special guest speakers, researchers, and conservationist leaders. It wasn’t corporate, it was like an outdoor college level research class. My only feedback would be let us know at the outset that the workshops led by outside researchers were not the norm. There is also nothing corporate about managers calling me pre-arrival to tell me they had a team meeting to prepare for the various medical needs in my family. There is nothing corporate about my teen being able to stick her head in the kitchen and ask for juice for her diabetes and snacks before heading out on excursions. There is nothing corporate about staff offering sugar pills on a sunrise boat ride to help with low blood sugar. There is nothing corporate about the family style dining and connections we made with other guests. We got to eat the most expensive steak on market, red snapper, vegetables from their garden, peach ice cream. Every meal came with equally inclusive alternatives for our various dietary needs. Impressive. If you have celiac, they are more than comfortable with it. I don’t know how someone who commented that they have been for years now says they won’t be coming back. Anyone privileged to afford a place like this across decades would comment on the continued upkeep, which I heard mentioned in conversation between two other couples who share of the improvements. They had stayed on the island 8 times between them. What I loved is the rest we each received from being there. Our sleep improved by being outdoors and my shoulders were no longer tight. I got to see my kids grow and try new skills - which I don’t get to see when they are at school. I LOVED that I didn’t have to plan or run any of it! I read the earlier post from a guest saying the island had been given over to bugs without telling what they themselves did to adjust. To be clear, none of the staff asked me to write anything. Still, they work to heard to then receive such a bogus review. Perhaps it’s time for this guest, after all their decades of travel to LSSI, to now stay home, pull out the Lazy-Boy and watch some nature shows on PBS with the tv tray. As for the ROI for LSSI and for us: we returned refreshed and ready to work, with friends telling me how happy and refreshed I looked. I bought two books on the history the area and am well into one of them. My rising 9th grader says this trip made it clear that she need to pursue studied in biology. One of them started cooking to try and replicate the variety of food on LSSI - to help her dietary needs . Each of us realized we can handle more heat and mosquitos now that we know how to dress for such an environment. Lastly, and more than anything, this stay forced us to see each other as individuals and give each other the space to rest, discover, and enjoy. Thank you, LSSI staff, for an unforgettable stay.

I’ve been going to LSSI for many years - decades. Sadly, it’s no longer the place it used to be. First and foremost, they have ceded the place to the mosquitos, as they have deleted any effort to control them (as they previously did). Service is sadly very impersonal and very “corporate” in nature. Access to the beautiful beach is challenging, and the mosquitos are bad even there. A family tradition that we’ve been forced to abandon, and it’s heart-breaking.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit this little slice of heaven, take it. The island’s history alone is fascinating, but the overall experience is unforgettable. This was my second overnight stay on Little St. Simons Island, and I’ve also enjoyed several day trips over the years. Each visit has been special in its own way. The accommodations are wonderful. I’ve stayed in both the Helen House and the Cedar House, and each was comfortable and charming. The staff truly sets this place apart—from the boat captains to the naturalists, the chef and kitchen staff, and the administrative team. Everyone is warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. The food is outstanding. Executive Chef Doug prepares delicious meals using fresh ingredients and local items whenever available. During our stay, we enjoyed an oyster roast featuring oysters from Sapelo Island. The meals were plentiful and beautifully prepared—it felt like we were being treated to something special every time we sat down to eat. The activities are just as impressive. You can grab a bike and explore on your own, which I did several times—riding to Norm’s Pond, to the beach for sunrise, and to Myrtle Pond. I also joined a kayaking excursion and was thrilled to spot an eagle. Wildlife is everywhere. I saw roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, ducks, wood storks, and terns—not to mention numerous alligators and marsh rabbits. Little St. Simons Island offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. I can’t wait to return.

This was a return visit to LSSI to hike the island without bugs. Once again the staff was a pleasure to deal with. Meals were wonderful. All of the naturalists were very informative and very passionate about their role there. We were made to feel as part of the group. Biking on the beach was a treat! We will be returning again, as there is always more to explore and learn.