Curator’s statement
Palmetto Bluff will always hold a special place in my heart—it’s where my husband and I spent our minimoon in 2020, and more recently celebrated our fifth anniversary and babymoon. Nestled along the May River, the resort strikes the perfect balance between Lowcountry charm and five-star luxury. Whether kayaking at sunrise, biking beneath the oaks, or unwinding at the spa, every moment feels both grounding and indulgent. It’s a place I’ll return to again and again—next time with our two sons, since it’s just as family-friendly as it is romantic.
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Things to do
Explore the property by bike: Biking quickly became our favorite way to get around Palmetto Bluff. With complimentary bikes for guests, it’s such a fun and easy way to soak in the Lowcountry scenery and explore at your own pace.
Savor a meal at River House or Canoe Club: Every meal at Montage Palmetto Bluff feels special, but River House and Canoe Club were true standouts. Both highlight fresh, local ingredients, and the settings make dining feel both elevated and relaxed.
Indulge at Spa Montage: The spa is pure serenity. This trip, I treated myself to a prenatal massage, and it was truly one of the highlights—calming, luxurious, and the perfect reset after a busy day.
Play tennis: We played a match at the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club, and it was such a blast (and yes, I'm proud to say I won!). It’s a great way to be active while still enjoying the resort’s gorgeous setting.
Play a round of golf: My husband loved playing the May River Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus-designed beauty. He raved about the challenge, the pristine course, and the way the Lowcountry backdrop made every hole feel memorable.
Take a river cruise: One evening, we boarded a classic old boat for a sunrise cruise on the May River. It was the perfect mix of adventure and romance and watching the sky change color over the water.
Stroll through Wilson and Moreland Villages: Exploring these charming villages was such a highlight of our stay. With boutiques, restaurants, chapels, and even a five-story treehouse, they add so much character—like a luxurious small town tucked inside a resort. We stayed in Wilson Village, which is centrally located, while Moreland Village is about a three-mile bike ride and perfect for an afternoon adventure.
Relax by the fire pits: Each night ends with s’mores by the fire, and it quickly became something we looked forward to. It’s a simple tradition, but one that feels nostalgic and cozy against the backdrop of this luxury escape.
Places to eat & drink
River House: River House is the resort’s signature dining spot, and it truly feels special. With its Lowcountry-inspired menu and sweeping views of the May River, it quickly became one of our most memorable meals—especially the crab cakes and halibut, which were absolute standouts.
Canoe Club: Canoe Club has such a relaxed elegance, set right along the water. We loved ending the day here with fresh seafood and sunset views—it felt like the perfect Lowcountry evening. The staff made the experience even more special (you could tell they truly loved what they do), and the crab beignets were out of this world. We also loved the fish of the day, which was branzino.
Buffalo’s: We enjoyed lunch here twice since it was just a short walk from our guest house. Casual yet elevated, it offers beautiful views of the May River and a relaxed atmosphere. They also serve a lovely Sunday breakfast, which would be perfect to try on a weekend visit.
Octagon: Breakfast was included with our stay, so we dined here every morning. Each meal was delicious, and we were always seated in the back room with serene lagoon views and beautiful natural light—it was the perfect way to start the day.
Fore & Aft: This spot is all about relaxed, poolside dining with stunning lagoon views. We had lunch here once, and the fish tacos were excellent, while the watermelon ceviche was incredibly refreshing on a warm afternoon.
Melt: Melt is pure joy in the form of an ice cream shop. We stopped in more than once for cones, and it became a sweet little ritual during our stay.
Hush: Hush feels like a secret worth keeping—tucked beneath River House, it’s a cozy speakeasy with an old-school library vibe. The bartenders pour so much care into every drink; my mocktail was the best I’ve ever had, and my husband’s old fashioned was equally impressive.
Need to know
Reserve activities early: Spa treatments, boat excursions, and golf tee times can book quickly, so schedule them as soon as you know your travel dates.
Use bikes or golf carts: Bikes are complimentary and perfect for short trips around the resort. Golf carts are available to rent and are especially helpful if you’re traveling with children or want a more leisurely way to explore the property.
Make dinner reservations where possible: Popular spots like River House and Canoe Club can fill up fast, so it’s best to book your table before arriving.
Spa time is essential: Even a short treatment feels transformative. Prenatal massages, couples treatments, or any of the resort’s signature offerings are must-dos.
Stay at The Inn or Wilson Village: For the most convenient access to the resort’s restaurants, shops, and activities, I recommend staying at The Inn or in Wilson Village. Its central location makes getting around easy and is especially great for families.
Bring your kids: The resort has plenty to keep little ones entertained, from the treehouse in Moreland Village to property-wide scavenger hunts, bike rides, kayaking, and s’mores by the fire.
Book a cottage or house if traveling with family or big groups: These accommodations give everyone space to spread out, a private kitchen for casual meals, and a homey feel while still enjoying all the resort’s luxury and charm.
Travel Advisor
Danielle Baumgartner
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