LEAVE ATLANTA BY 8 A.M., AND BY NOON TRAVELERS CAN FIND THEMSELVES in the lap of Lowcountry luxury at Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort, savoring Southern coastal cuisine like shrimp and grits for lunch at one of the resort’s many restaurants. It’s a short drive to leave the city behind for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. Palmetto Bluff, located in Bluffton, South Carolina, between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, is a place set up for lingering, relaxing and reconnecting with nature.
Montage Palmetto Bluff is part of the Montage family, a collection of luxury resorts, hotels and residences that are located in the most sought-after locations. At Montage Palmetto Bluff, guests can stay in one of the resort’s 200 accommodation options, which include rooms and suites in the main Southern-style inn, quaint cottages with screened porches and fireplaces, and private residences that are managed by Montage and include access to all of the resort’s amenities and services. No matter where guests choose to stay, they are sure to experience a fresh take on Lowcountry design style. “The accommodations have lagoon, river or forest views,” says Meghan Lamb, public relations and marketing manager at Montage Palmetto Bluff. “Each has a different look and feel so each guest can find what is right for them. All rooms and residences provide the comforts of home with hotel convenience.”
Outdoor living is a big part of the Lowcountry experience, and Montage Palmetto Bluff is designed to take advantage of its exclusive natural location. Tucked away along the shores of the May River and surrounded by 20,000 acres of woods and marshes, 32 miles of waterline and a maritime forest, the secluded resort provides a host of nature-based, sporting and club-level recreational amenities to answer each family member’s quest for entertainment and refreshment.
Guests can start the day with a handcrafted coffee and pastry at Buzz or opt to order-in breakfast delivery for a totally private dining experience before heading out to enjoy one of the resort’s many daily recreational offerings. For those into sports, resort guests have access to two golf courses: the Jack Nicklaus Signature May River Golf Course, which is set among ancient oak trees along the riverbank, and the Crossroads 9-hole Course, with dramatic dunes and varied terrain. There’s an opportunity for both beginners and experienced shooting-sport participants at Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, which offers five-stands and sporting clays courses, a rifle range, archery and axe throwing. Guests also have access to pickleball and tennis courts that are located in the Palmetto Bluff community. Fourteen miles of hiking and biking trails meander through the acreage, with a chance to see wildlife and feel the solitude of the surroundings.
Water-based activities and excursions abound. Guests can experience the pristine beauty of the Lowcountry with a guided eco-tour on the lagoon, which is customized to the interests of the group and led by one of two naturalists on staff. “Many people don’t know about the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, a nonprofit organization created to ensure the conservation vision for this special land,” Lamb says. “Our conservation efforts surprise guests in a delightful way.”
For a spike of adrenaline on the water, guests can charter a boat from the on-site marina for a fishing or dolphin-watching excursion or go kayaking, paddleboarding or tubing on the nearby waterways.
For some, escape from the city means a weekend of pampering. If a relaxing experience is more of a guest’s desired vibe, there are private cabanas, with food and drink service, or solo lounging chairs around three resort pools. Others may prefer a spa day, and Spa Montage provides a full range of treatments in private treatment rooms, including facials and massages; a whirlpool; a sauna; a plunge pool; and a fitness center with equipment and exercise classes.
Educational activities are plentiful. Children’s programs and private walks with an experienced naturalist to learn about local plant and animal life are fun and enlightening. A guided bike tour introduces the property’s historical evolution, from its earliest archeological records to its present-day role as a cherished resort and community. During the interactive tour, guests meander through the picturesque River Road Preserve and into nearby Moreland Village, see the beloved five-story tree house overlooking Cauley’s Creek, and take in scenic views of Palmetto Bluff Farm and Longfield Stables.
Cultural experiences await at Palmetto Bluff Resort via a variety of historical and cultural tours on resort property or nearby areas, such as a Daufuskie Island history tour or an architecture tour in adjacent Wilson Village. Artistry in Octagon is a program located within the Octagon restaurant that celebrates the vibrant connection between local art and cuisine. Each quarter, a new artist is featured in the lower dining section of Octagon, bringing the beauty of the Lowcountry’s fields and waters to life. From April to June, artist David Randall will be featured, and beginning in July, guests can see the work of artist Ellen DiFazio on the restaurant’s walls.
As if on-site activities are not enough, Montage Palmetto Bluff makes it easy to go shopping or explore dining options in Bluffton by taking one of its Cadillacs for a short 15-minute drive to the historic coastal village whose centerpiece is the May River.
Visitors don’t need to leave the resort’s acreage, however, to discover tantalizing meals and treats. Between the resort and the Palmetto Bluff community, there are 12 restaurants plus a handful of seasonal pop-ups to satisfy any cravings. Waterfront Buffalo’s restaurant, for example, is where locals come by boat to enjoy American fare and eat a traditional Southern brunch on Sundays. River House is the place to enjoy fine dining in a waterfront setting; here, guests can sneak down to the “hidden” speakeasy, Hush, below the River House to enjoy a post-dinner curated cocktail. “Guests will find delicious local seafood and creative chef-inspired dishes at this premier location,” Lamb says.
Octagon features modern interpretations of classic Carolina cuisine alongside signature cocktails, wines chosen by an award-winning sommelier, and specialty and local craft beers. Seasonal choices, such as Flame—a vintage 1950s Mack Fire Truck turned pizza truck—provide even more dining versatility. Another seasonal favorite is Fore & Aft, which is located along the lagoon waterway and beside the inn’s pool, offering Mexican-style fare including tacos, fresh salads and margaritas. It also provides a prime vantage point for viewing the avian sanctuary just beyond the inn’s backyard.
For those who would like to entertain a large group of guests or hold a wedding or corporate event, Montage Palmetto Bluff has several options—a total of 16,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including two chapels, ballrooms and private restaurant experiences.
Whether visitors come for the culture, coastal living, cuisine or camaraderie, they should be warned: Those who book a weekend stay at Montage Palmetto Bluff may be tempted to extend their stays past Sunday. The location and amenities are too divinely dreamy to leave. *
Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and fine art.
