Arrival/Check-in: I try to arrive without expectations, and that was easy here since I knew little about South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The inn sits on 20,000 acres of wetlands between Charleston and Savannah, and the approach felt like a journey into a different era. A guard at a small gatehouse checked our names, and we then drove five miles along a tree-lined road. When the inn appeared at the end of the drive on the May River, it was so picturesque I felt transported back a century, yet it offered the comforts of a five-star resort. A valet took my bags and led me to the front desk.
After check-in, the receptionist surprised me in the best way: she showed me to a bicycle. Each guest receives one to explore the grounds. I hadn’t ridden in years, but it quickly came back. Pedaling to my cottage, I passed other guests—some in formal attire—riding to dinner, smiling and waving. Though only a 90-minute flight from New York City, I felt completely removed from urban life. I was already captivated. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: I stayed in one of the 50 guest cottages and felt as if I’d stepped into a Southern living room. The entrance included a small alcove with a sink and minibar, and the main room opened into a spacious bedroom with two armchairs facing a working fireplace. A large screened terrace overlooked the May River, perfect for morning coffee or evening quiet. The bathroom featured a separate shower that also functioned as a steam room. I was tempted to linger in the cottage, but the grounds called; it would have been difficult to tear myself away had I not been eager to explore. (29/30)
Services/Amenities: The inn blends elegant service with warm Southern hospitality. During a bike ride through the estate I discovered the spa, housed in a 9,500-square-foot Southern-style manor, and booked a treatment. My room had a private veranda with a soaking pool where I relaxed before my session, listening to the sounds of nature. The therapists showed clear expertise, and the spa uses natural ingredients sourced from the property—Palmetto Bluff mud, cornmeal, peaches, cotton, wild rice and red river clay—making the experience particularly memorable.
The resort also features a Jack Nicklaus golf course, a canoe and kayak club, an equestrian center, a lawn and racquet club, and numerous hiking trails with guided on- and off-water tours. Dining options ranged from an intimate in-room dinner to an elegant meal at the Canoe Club. Despite the high-end amenities, staff and guests were friendly and unpretentious. After dinner at the Canoe Club, guests gathered around a backyard fire pit to roast s’mores, share stories and enjoy each other’s company—an experience that felt both luxurious and communal. (40/40)
The Experience: My stay exceeded expectations. The mix of Southern charm, modern comforts and a natural riverside setting was ideal. With direct water access, activity options were abundant, and when I wanted quiet time by the pool, the staff ensured I felt like the only guest. It offered a refreshing escape from city life and is an excellent choice for couples, friends, families and corporate retreats.
Total Score: 99/100
The Inn At Palmetto Bluff
476 Mount Pelia Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
tel 843 706 6500
www.palmettobluffresort.com