Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton South Carolina

Montage Palmetto Bluff has always been one of my favorite resorts in the country with its prized location on 22,000 acres on the May River. When I last visited the property, it was under the management of the fabulous Auberge Hotels and Resorts and was called the Inn at Palmetto Bluff. The new management company, also a prized boutique hotel company, Montage hotels and Resorts, has made some significant changes to the property, and I wanted to come see what it was all about.

In addition to the fabulous River Cottages and suites and the 50 or so private homes that make up the guest offerings at Palmetto Bluff, Montage has plans to introduce a stunning new Inn, a massive destination spa, and some moderately priced Guest Houses including many interconnecting options that will appeal to families. The final project will be completed and introduced in a grand opening in September 2016.

What has not changed are the fantastic fishing, tennis, cycling, walking, and equestrian opportunities, as well as the rolling private golf course and the adult and family pools (though there is an additional pool or two in the works).

Many guests come to Palmetto Bluff simply for the outstanding Lowcountry cuisine and seafood, and the offerings here will certainly impress.

Palmetto Bluff is perfect for couples getting away from the kids and families alike, and the resort does a great job of making both travel segments feel special. I would suggest a long weekend but many families easily make a week of it.  This is an outstanding option for multi-generational family get-togethers as there is something for everyone and some great places to celebrate and relax together

My favorite accommodation is still the River Cottages and River Suites shown below but there are many other options for guests to consider now with the grand opening of the new Inn and Guest Cottages in September 2016.

Kids can ride bikes and explore the property without a care in the world!  Check out the tree house below.

Even with an unseasonably cold day during our visit, we had an epic tour of the May river with our guide Boo including tons of dolphin sightings!

ANCHORAGE 1770, Beaufort, South Carolina

At over 300 years old, Beaufort is a genuine landmark in American history with its authentically preserved Antebellum homes and quaint downtown district. The Union Army occupied the city and ultimately helped save the beautiful old homes in the charming neighborhood known as “The Point” where Anchorage 1770 is located.

A 250 year old waterfront mansion, Anchorage 1770 has been meticulously restored and transformed into a 15-room luxury inn run by the charming and fun Amy and Frank Lesesne. Amy and Frank earned the loving nickname “The Insane Lesesnes” by taking on such an ambitious project, and while no-one doubted they would succeed, landing a spot in the New York Times 52 places to visit in 2016 is a massive testament to their success.

Beaufort is a place to step back in time, soak in some history, and grab a piece of peace! The fine dining scene, cute main street shops, and festivals give this small town enough cosmopolitan to captivate guests for a few days stay and certainly invites them to return again. Romantics, couples, and groups of friends will really enjoy a stay at Anchorage 1770, and families will love the fishing adventures, state parks, kayaking and history it offers as well. A visit to Beaufort is a great long weekend or a great way to cap off a longer stay in Kiawah or Palmetto Bluff.

TIP – Plan on dinner at Saltus River Grill!

Frank welcomed us with a glass of bubbles, he is also known to jump in the kitchen and cook breakfast for the guests on occasion.