Dive Into Low Country Life At This Relaxing Retreat 

Where “porching” is a sport and treasured time stands still 

By: Diane Oates

Located along the May River and just a short drive from Savannah’s airport, Montage Palmetto Bluff is a South Carolina gem whose quiet confidence won me over from the moment I drove through the gates of this magnificently manicured property. 

It is a quick, nonstop flight from Dallas for vacationers looking to slow down and recharge. 

Here are five key takeaways for booking your stay here to ensure that you leave as refreshed as I did. 

1. Find the right accommodation for your party — This property is not a one size fits all room product. You can choose from guestrooms and suites in the inn, dreamy cottages, or spacious village homes. Because of this, Montage Palmetto Bluff is an ideal choice for nearly everyone looking for a relaxing retreat whether it is a solo trip or a large corporate/family gathering. Guests have access to bikes and in some cases golf carts to mosey around the property in their perfect time. 

2. Get out on the water — As an ocean lover, I am sometimes tempted to merely look at water that doesn’t come with a sandy beach. This property is absolutely packed with water-centered activities that make this place all the more magical. Think sunrise kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, fishing, and even scenic boat tours. Shout out to our captain Boo who gave us so many interesting facts about The Carolina Coast that absolutely made the trip that much more meaningful. 

3. Try something you’ve never done before — Part of the Palmetto Bluff experience is stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying some of the activities that make the property unique. Have you always dreamed of horseback riding but never can find the time in your hectic 9-5 hustle? Head to the Longfield Stables to explore the expansive equestrian offerings for the entire family. Want some family competition that goes beyond board games? Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club is a 120-acre facility that offers world class instruction in clay shooting, axe throwing, and riflery. And when it comes to exploring the culinary coast, I would suggest not leaving without trying local oysters, cheeses, honey at River Horse and the Sunday brunch biscuit bar at Buffalo’s. 

4. Take Advantage of the Kids Programming — One of my favorite things about Montage properties is their thoughtful child programming called Paintbox. Full-and half-day programming includes lunch so that adults can sneak away to enjoy the spa, play tennis or golf, or check one of the activities of their bucket list. Because after all, don’t we all want to feel like a kid again on vacation? 

5. Embrace the Low Country Life — At the end of the day, we travel to different places to experience life a little differently if only for a day or two. Life in the Low Country is best experienced intentionally. In fact, it was when I heard about the daily “porching” ritual where guests are served warm cookies and invited to enjoy a drink of choice in a rocking chair on one of the many dreamy back patios that I knew that this was a place that I not only was going to love, but also was going to have to come back to again and again.