Deep into the pandemic, I began to go a little stir crazy and started searching for drive-to US resorts that would provide a relaxing, socially distanced escape. A quick google search for “cottage resorts” led me to the Montage in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina.

This property is a luxury summer camp for adults and was 4 nights of exactly what we needed to recharge our batteries.

Set in the coastal, South Carolina low country, Montage is the Spanish-moss covered hideaway you’re dreamed about since seeing the Notebook. Perfect for lazy summer days, you can take advantage of the many on-property activities or enjoy doing nothing at all.

Getting to Palmetto Bluff

Visiting in 2020, driving was the best option so we left Palm Beach, FL early in the morning and embarked on a 6 hour drive. The property is easily reachable from many popular southern destinations and (if you have the time) can be combined for a great road trip.

Apex. Distance to Palmetto Bluff

* Denotes Airport

• * Savannah, GA – 45 min
• * Charleston, SC – 2 hours
• * Jacksonville, FL – 2.5 hours
• * Charlotte, NC – 4 hours
• * Atlanta, GA – 4 hours
• Cumberland Island, GA – 2 hours
• Jekyll Island, GA – 2 hours
• Little Saint Simons Island, GA – 2 hours
• Hilton Head, SC – 45 min

Accommodations

The resort offers several types of accommodations from standard hotel rooms to single family homes. We opted for a cottage. Our 1 bedroom cottage was spacious, charming, and came with 2 complimentary bikes.

Activities

One of the most relaxing aspects of staying at Montage is that you don’t need to leave the property to have a good time – you just tell the hotel what you want to do and they arrange everything for you. With its seemingly endless list of activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. During our 4 night stay we lounged by the pool, indulged in spa treatments, took a sporting clays shotgun class, and hiked/biked the property’s many trails.

Other available activities include:

• Golf
• Tennis
• Horseback riding
• Boating
• Fishing
• Gym & complementary fitness classes
• Archery
• Paddle boarding and canoes

The hotel is not an all-inclusive, so note that most tours/activities come with an additional fee.

Food & Drink

I can’t imagine anyone has ever gone hungry at a Montage. There are several restaurants on property, in addition to an ice cream shop and nightly smores. We particurally enjoyed brunch at Octagon, dinner and cocktails at the Canoe Club, and the tacos and margaritas at fore and aft (the poolside eatery).