Southern Charm

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Retreat at one of the Lowcountry’s best-kept secrets, where magical memories are made

The heart of the property is the Montage Palmetto Bluff’s 200 guest quarters, spa and pool.
Photos courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff.

In the heart of the Lowcountry an extraordinary retreat exists where the tea is sweet, the century-old oak trees whisper and life moves at a perfect pace. Located along South Carolina’s May River is the Montage Palmetto Bluff, an expansive coastal destination that offers laid-back luxury vacation living at its best. “Unlike many hospitality-focused residential concepts throughout the country, Montage Palmetto Bluff has the unique ability to draw upon the centuries of architectural and cultural heritage of a community that offers one of the most preserved and protected places to visit or call home in the United States,” says Bryan Byrne, broker-in-charge of the Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Company.

Inside the library, a portrait of RT Wilson Jr. who is responsible for purchasing several plots of land and assembling it into what is currently known as Palmetto Bluff. Photos courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff.
Handcrafted tree houses that wrap around the live oaks offer a bird’s-eye view of the property.
Photos courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff.

Managed by renowned hospitality brand Montage Hotels & Resorts, this soulful slice of heaven—which stretches across 20,000 acres—encompasses a nature preserve protected by the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, acclaimed five-star dining options, a Jack Nicklaus golf course and a diverse collection of suites, cottages and homes that celebrate the signature Southern style and coastal comforts. “The Montage Branded Residences took design cues from the original 50 cottages, which enhance the magic for first-time Palmetto Bluff visitors,” says Stephanie Gentemann, director of design at Palmetto Bluff. “There is a purity in the forms and massing that are timeless. The trim detailing and materials add a layer of luxury while remaining true to the simplicity of the Lowcountry vernacular. The deep porches connect people with what sets Palmetto Bluff apart—the beautiful natural habitat.”

Whether on bike or on foot, guests can explore one of the town centers that is home to the Melt ice cream shop, the River House restaurant and more. Photos courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff.

It’s not just the finishes and fauna that create the magic at Montage Palmetto Bluff—it’s the entire experience. Whether spotting alligators and native birds on an electric yacht tour of the marshlands, attempting archery at the shooting club, unwinding at the spa or biking through the bluff, there are endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. And the delight doesn’t stop there. Guests can enjoy savory Carolina cuisine at Octagon or indulge in the fusion of local land and sea fare at the newly opened River House, helmed by chef de cuisine Daniel Vesey. With over 20 years of working around the globe, Vesey’s goal is to curate a culinary experience that embraces the energy of the bluff. “My family has had ties to the Lowcountry since I was a child,” he notes. “I’ve always had a sense of peace here from the ocean and woodlands and Palmetto Bluff is an extension of that for me.” With much of his focus on the River House, Vesey is collaborating with Food and Beverage director Nathan Beriau to develop a robust program that will continue to thrive.

From kayaking to canoeing and paddle boarding, there are many ways to immerse yourself in the bluff.
Photos courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff.

Now with over 600 full-time owners on property and additional residential development in the works, the town is flourishing. “Due to the enduring popularity of—and the consistent demand for—the Montage Residences at Palmetto Bluff, one of the first projects from Palmetto Bluff Builders will be to complete eight additional branded homes to complete the existing neighborhood,” says Gentemann. While many guests come just for a visit, they are immediately enraptured by the culture and enchantment of Montage Palmetto Bluff that never leaves you.