Montage Palmetto Bluff

Travelogue

The quaint Lowcountry town of Bluffton — named for its perch on the “bluffs” along the languid May River — has emerged as a hotspot for retirement and relocation. Just minutes from downtown, 20,000-acre Palmetto Bluff (almost twice the size of Manhattan) is a visionary, master-planned community that embraces the environment and Lowcountry lifestyle. Its centerpiece hotel, Montage Palmetto Bluff, exudes Southern charm and beckons guests to “come and stay a little while.” Resort guests have access to the otherwise private May River Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that opened in 2004. Nicklaus returned in 2017 to completely restore the layout to its original form. The Golden Bear’s deft delineation between formal and native bunkers adds a unique design element architecture geeks will appreciate. Any pain inflicted by the ever-challenging May River can be eased by the nightly s’mores sessions around the firepits (featuring gourmet marshmallows!) outside of the River House. Hunting is a centuries-old tradition around Bluffton. Guests have access to the Shooting Club, with 13 sporting clay stations winding through an expansive 40-acre forest. Nicklaus Companies and GOLF.com are affiliates of 8AM Golf.