It’s the time of year when we look forward to opportunities that transport us from the depths of winter here in New England. And, although South Carolina didn’t sound like it would be far enough away from the polar vortex that we were hoping to escape, in just a few hours we were spotting alligators and herons sunning themselves in the heart of the Lowcountry. We traveled here to experience Montage Palmetto Bluff; a truly unique resort that sits along the banks of the May River between Hilton Head island and Savannah. At the top of the long list of incredible amenities is the fact that it is set within a 20,000 acre nature preserve that showcases the geography of the Southeast United States.

Montage Palmetto Bluff is laid out like a small town; a village center surrounded by cute neighborhoods of the residences that can be rented or owned. The architectural style is classic southern, antebellum-inspired houses with deep porches that lookout over the water. It was a clear sunny day so, after checking in, we spent a couple hours exploring and photographing the surrounding area by golf cart. Not long into our adventure we found ourselves surrounded by old growth forest, looking down the center of a 150 yard tree-tunnel with spanish moss hanging from every branch. Palms, ferns and even bay laurel growing happily; and all of this during the coldest weather they get all year!

Over the next three days we experienced as much of what Montage Palmetto Bluff has to offer as we could, and that’s no easy feat. We played bocce on regulation courts, got drinks and went bowling after dinner in the most modern bowling alley we’ve ever seen. We shot sporting clays on the 40-acre shooting range from a beautiful five stand shooting deck and rode trails on horseback at Longfield Stables’ 173 acre farm. Later that day, we explored the historic old town of Bluffton, SC and finished with an unforgettable dinner at FARM. We learned about the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy and how they work with the resort to preserve the history of this land as well as the flora and fauna. On top of everything else, and before we had to fly back to the cold snow and ice of the northeast, we got to experience the Spa Montage for a ninety minute reminder that everything will be ok.

In the depths of our Northeast winter we often feel like we need to get as far away as possible. Montage Palmetto Bluff reminded us that in just a couple of hours we can experience a dramatically different landscape, lifestyle and climate which is all we could ever ask for.

If you’re interested in visiting Montage Palmetto Bluff, use our booking code MILESANDMILES to receive a complimentary third night. Trust us, you will need it!

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