After a full review of the gorgeous Montage Palmetto Bluff resort yesterday, I am following up today with the countless ways you can spend your days in the Lowcountry. Before I get too deep in the details, know that the very best activities are the quietest and the ones we don’t often make time for at home. Strolling or bicycling beneath the majestic live oaks and red cedars, exploring the May River, tidal marshes and inland waterways by boat and simply finding a serene spot and relax for a few minutes. This is where the magic of the South is!
Swimming
The Inn Pool was made for families! There is ample seating under umbrellas and cabanas and wonderful dining is just steps away… or even right in your lounge chair.
Just off of the Inn is the adult only Spa Pool. This was a quiet haven of relaxation!
And, finally, a second adult pool is located right on the water at the River House. Inside is the exercise facility.
Bike Riding
The entire property was made for biking and there is just something quite remarkable about arriving on vacation, leaving your car with the valet and not seeing it again until you depart. We reserved our bikes in advance, at $15 per person per day. If you choose not to rent bikes, golf cart shuttles are plentiful and run the circuit all day.
Canine Ambassadors
Meet May and Cooper, the Resort’s canine ambassadors that greet guests Monday through Saturday afternoons in the Inn.
Afternoon Porchin
Porching each afternoon featuring complimentary seasonal refreshments. My boys raced down each afternoon for the delicious cookies and lemonade.
Shopping
I wouldn’t call Palmetto Bluff a shopping destination, but when Mother and Daddy- O drove over for a day, we enjoyed walking through the little boutiques while Honey and the boys explored on bikes. There is even a little Paris Market here! It’s my favorite Savannah shop. I picked up a beautiful oyster bowl as a memento of our time here.
Shooting Club
The Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club should be reserved in advance and was the highlight of the trip for my boys.
Straight from the pool to the shooting club…
They’ve never done anything like this and were absolutely smitten. To be honest, Honey and I hadn’t either and it was a great activity to learn together. We had an hour long session of archery and air rifles with our own instructor. He was so great with the kids (and adult kids) and ALL of us were shooting bulls-eyes within minutes.
When we finished up with archery – which my kids “favorite thing ever” at that point – we learned air rifles. And then that immediately usurped archery as their “favorite”. Easy come, easy go. Haha!
Bocce Ball
There wasn’t a time that we didn’t bike by the bocce court and not stop! The balls are right there, and the scenery overlooking the May River is stunning.
Swings
The swings are right next to bocce and man, it feels so good to pump the legs and feel that breeze. I remember swinging in my backyard for hours as a kid. It never gets old.
Fishing
Fishing gear is first come first serve at the Harbourmaster and is complimentary. My boys LOVE fishing and were thrilled to spend a few hours one early morning out on the dock.
Canoes & Kayaks
Canoes and kayaks are also complimentary and on a first come first serve basis. We didn’t get a chance to fit this into our schedule but would love to when we go back!
Treehouses
Kids of all ages love the mystery and adventure of exploring a good old fashioned tree house! One of my best friends growing up had one and we spent hours there – both days and over nights. There are two treehouses at Palmetto Bluff and we explored both!
Tennis, Croquet & Basketball
Tennis, croquet and basketball courts are all a bike ride away and are also complimentary activities.
Watercraft
Located on the May River, motorized, non-motorized and guided watercraft are available for rental and excursions. We didn’t have a chance to add this to our itinerary.
S’mores
A gourmet s’mores bar and firepits are found overlooking the May River at the River House each and every night. We did our duty and biked over each evening during our stay. :-) The marshmallows were all homemade and there were different flavors each night! I loved the strawberry while my boys loved the birthday cake with sprinkles marshmallows. Yum! This is a complimentary treat.
Moreland Village
With his heart set on earning as many Montage Merit Badges as humanly possible (more below), we spent one afternoon biking the 3-4 mile (ish?) trails to Moreland Village. Whew! Once there you will find Cole’s – a restaurant, lounge, bowling alley and game room all in one. This is also where the second treehouse is located. After the long bike ride in the drizzle, I parked myself in an Adirondack chair in front of this oyster wall and sipped on a glass of prosecco while the boys did their thing.
Spa
The spa is located inside the Inn. I didn’t have a chance to visit but SO wish I had! There are many massage and skin care services available for booking. Additionally, the wet area facilities including sauna, steam room, whirlpool and cold plunge are included with your stay!
Holiday Activities
In addition to so many year-round experiences, Montage Palmetto Bluff does a fantastic job with holidays! We visited over the Labor Day weekend and were provided with an entire Life on the Bluff Labor Day set of special offerings! The weekend kicked off with an oyster roast, there were cannonball contests, live music, buffets and water balloons at the pool, and so much more!
We absolutely loved the family Scavenger Hunt and carried home palmetto bluff hats for winning second place.
We also had the best time one evening at bingo, and secured the one and only family photo we took on the whole trip. We didn’t win any prizes, but we had a lot of fun!
Montage Merit Badges
One of our favorite kid friendly programs was collecting Montage Merit Badges. Kids see the concierge for their free lanyard and to get started. You earn darling pins for your lanyard for things like catching a fish, roasting a s’more, hiking a trail and spotting local wildlife. Whit earned eight of the twelve during our stay and his lanyard proudly hangs in his room!
I call this Bluff Tired. Haha! Passed out one afternoon with his eagle and merit badges, still in his swimsuit.
Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort Review:
For your reference, here is a list of activities included in your stay! The Resort Fee includes:
- Spa Montage Wet Area Facilities including sauna, steam room, whirlpool and cold plunge
- Kayaking and canoeing equipment
- Fishing equipment
- Tennis, croquet and bocce ball
- Morning coffee and newspaper in lobby
- Two fitness facilities and daily exercise classes
- Afternoon Porching
- Nightly s’mores
- Gratuity for concierge and housekeeping
- Resort tram and property shuttles
- Cadillac Ride and Drive Program
And finally, benefits for booking with me:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- $60 daily breakfast credit per bedroom, served in restaurant & In-Room Dining
- $100 USD Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Comlimentary Wi-Fi
I’ll wrap up this mini-series on Montage Palmetto Bluff with dining tomorrow!
As a Virtuoso affiliated travel adviser, I have global connections with the best hotels, cruise lines, airlines and tour companies, and I secure exclusive amenities for my luxury clients. I have recently refocused my travel business primarily on Disney destinations, but am always happy to book and consult on destinations I have personally visited, as well as other Virtuoso resorts and all major cruise lines. Contact me to learn more and start designing your dream vacation today!
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