Inn Family Pool 1850x475

Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina

Article Sue G. Collins

Ever since I met the bright shiny blonde from Grosse Pointe in 1979 at college orientation, I’ve been able to count on Nancy to lean into my heartache, laugh with me when I fumble and push me gently to be the best Sue possible.

She makes me feel like I can do anything. With a keen sense for the pulse of a party, she jumps right in and pulls me in along for the ride. She’s my pick for a weekend at the Montage Palmetto Bluff.

She flies into ATL from BWI and we pack our soft sweaters, favorite yoga gear and the expensive sunscreen. We plan to be moving most the time since the sprawling 20,000 acre river-side Montage property offers up miles of lowcountry bike paths, horse trails, waterways, tennis and golf. We’ll fill the next few days with doing as much… or as little as possible.

One thing’s for sure, we’ll squeeze the heck out of every moment together.

Be Pampered

Spa Montage,13,000 sq-ft, a comprehensive and serene spa

Montage Palmetto Bluff, tucked away near the lobby, 855.264.8705

Pluff Mud from the May River is blended and slathered on after a full body exfoliation, followed by a therapeutic soak in ocean-inspired botanicals. Nails, facials, body therapies, an indoor/outdoor quiet lounge, sauna, pools and the fluffiest robes.

To Explore

Montage’s recreation or marina crew will hook you up.

Call the concierge for bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, golf, tennis, bocce, horseback. 855.264.8705

Paddle, bike or horseback ride through 20,000 acres of ecological diversity which thrives under the watchful eye of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy. Bookend your day with mimosas on the May River aboard Grace, and a nightcap around the ground’s firepits.

To Push Yourself

Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, 13 sporting clays & 5-stand stations.

40-acres on site. Women instructors. All abilities welcome. Surprisingly tranquil.

After a thorough safety demo, I held a shotgun for the first time. Looking out into the clearing, I waited for the clay to launch and BOOM. I aimed high, squeezed the trigger and missed, but could see the attraction.

To Dine

The Pearl, beautiful & fresh food, dinner nightly, lunch Thursday-Saturday

Old Town Bluffton, Grab a Montage Cadillac. ThePearlBluffton.com

Gorgeous soups and salads, low country staples along with fresh fish served inventively to feed body and soul. The menu is veggie-centric and healthier. The peach and banana bread pudding with candied bacon and vanilla ice cream is not.

To Stay

Montage’s Luxurious Inn rooms and suites, lagoon-view cottages and residences

Montage Palmetto Bluff, Lowcountry of South Carolina between Hilton Head Island and Savannah.

Grab one of the property’s cottages or village homes for your girlfriends stay. Soft bedding, in-room amenities galore and soaking tubs complete with a huge jar of bath salts and all the potions and lotions you’d hope for are promised.