The Inn at Palmetto Bluff - Paradise Found

by Linda Holloway, Holloway Productions

I fell in love with South Carolina's "Low Country" long before I could experience it. Noted author, Pat Conroy delivered an awe-inspiring description of the destination pressed between the pages of his novel, "The Prince of Tides." The Low Country was almost mystical in my mind, where the ebb and flow of the tides soothe the soul, and the swaying salt marshes provide nurseries for infant marine life. I wondered when I finally traveled to the region if the natural beauty could measure up to my expectations. The moment my husband and I arrived at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, I recognized the Eden-like paradise of my dreams. The resort is located less than 30 minutes from Savannah, Georgia, in Bluffton, South Carolina. Here, make honeymoon memories surrounded by one of America's most treasured landscapes.

Our journey to The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a member of the famed luxury Auberge Resorts, began along an eight mile stretch of road edged by miles of maritime forests. The morning rays squeezed through ancient untamed live oak trees where snarled branches dripping in moss cast willowy shadows along biking and walking trails—perfect for exploration and intimate picnics. Text your friends just two words, "Paradise Found", turn off your phone, and enjoy your first days of Mr. and Mrs. What time zone you ask? Palmetto Bluff time, (PBT) where life moves a little slower and days are measured in sprawling sunsets, not hours.

When we arrived at Wilson Village Square, the hub of the resort, we noticed the quaint Waterside Chapel perched on the banks of the May River. The chapel's stately arched window showcases views of marshes and the May River beyond. The 90-seat chapel, top-notch wedding planners, along with impeccable service is why the resort is a popular destination wedding site as well as a honeymoon haven. Wedding guests can also spill out onto the May River Lawn or the River House Ballroom where the veranda (how southern is that) offers views of the marshes and water. For you foodies, note that celebrity chef Tyler Florence of Television Food Network and bride were married here as well as other notables.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is built next to the site of the once opulent mansion "Palmetto Lodge." Built in 1911 by Richard Wilson Jr., the family entertained socialites in grand style from New York, Savannah and Charleston in the ballroom. The mansion burned in 1926 and Richard never returned to the property. Today, the imposing columns still stand as a reminder that nostalgia and nature exudes romance. With moss laden trees as a backdrop, this is a favorite spot for couples examining the toppled ruins of the mansion. Come dark, the flickering flame from real gas lanterns and brick-paved streets make this area a perfect setting for strolling. Linger long enough to participate in the nightly ritual of creating S'mores at the River House fire pits. Set out on the path to your cottage where a million stars sparkle against the night sky-unencumbered by big city lights.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff continues to earn top accolades from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Robb Report. The luxury resort is situated on 20,000 acres of land and features 50 spacious guest cottages, including eight cottage suites. Guests can choose from the May River, lagoon or forest view. After dropping our vehicle off at the Inn's River House, we were escorted to our cottage that offers an architectural link to the vernacular style, complete with luxurious interior amenities. Our mode of transportation-a pair of bicycles parked next to the front steps. The cottages are designed for comfort, complete with fine Italian linens, cozy gas fireplaces, bathtub large enough for two, and a marble steam shower. Beyond the interior double doors, we found one of the most peaceful places on the planet, our own private screened-in porch.

The porch became our early morning sanctuary overlooking the lagoon. Watching herons diving for breakfast became a favorite past time. With our feet propped up on a comfy sofa, we watched as a couple more energetic than us, parted the smooth silent waters for a canoe adventure. One morning, I abandoned the plush Frette robe (a resort amenity) and dressed for a pre-dawn walk to the Wilson dock. Here, we welcomed the sun as it slipped up over the river illuminating the marshes. Sitting in the Adirondack chairs, I watched my love snap a memory with his camera. In early evening, we returned to the porch and witnessed egrets flock to the surrounding trees until limbs were hanging with hundreds of white feathered dots in this idyllic location. After you banish the first layer of pre-wedding stress, take time to explore.

The resort has not forgotten about active couples in their all-encompassing honeymoon hideaway. Golfing couples have access to Palmetto Bluff's 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Kayaks are best for exploring tidal creeks, and there is even an adult pool for splashing with amenities such as chilled towels, smoothies and fresh fruit skewers. The Lawn & Racquet Club's four tennis courts, two bocce courts, and croquet lawns are always fun outdoor activities. Hop on your bikes and pedal along miles of trails and stop by the five-story Moreland treehouse where your future can be mapped out in nature surrounded by a centuries-old live oak. Take time to browse the specialty retail shops on Boat House Row and enjoy a brick-oven pizza at Buffalo's Café.

Reserve a spot on Grace, a 1913 restored motor yacht for the Evening Wine tour with hors d'oeuvres. Dancing dolphins teased us with their hide and seek antics while Captain George skirted around the marshes. Then we dined at the River House Restaurant & Veranda where the She Crab Bisque is a must and the smooth May River Shrimp & Grits is the best I have ever eaten. Breakfast is perfect on the Veranda where the cool breeze swirls through the palmetto trees overlooking the river.

The Spa at Palmetto Bluff is a world-class facility featuring couples' treatments that draw from the healing traditions and indigenous ingredients found in the area. Scents of roses and herbs fill the air as I passed by the Spa's private gardens. After the Sweet Milk and Rose Bud Scrub, I was escorted to the private porch with a soaking tub filled with warm water and rose oil. Lastly, I was pampered with a Swedish message. Ahhh, skin as smooth as silk. For two and a half hours of pure relaxation, ask about the special couples' treatment, Spa Boggin.' Taken from a local age-old custom of applying May River puff mud to each other, the spa has recreated the experience, with a special spa "mud" that is good for your skin. The treatment begins with a Piney sea salt scrub; next a private "mud painting" in the steam room; and then step out onto your private porch complete with a couples' soaking tub. Relax on the lover's couch and enjoy champagne and chocolate covered strawberries or Mint Juleps. Now, you are ready for a side-by-side massage by candlelight.

Reserve the resort's Mercedes and plan a romantic evening in nearby Savannah, Georgia. Make reservations for a private horse-drawn carriage to whisk you along cobblestone streets. We lingered at the Forsyth Park where lovers walking hand-in-hand at the famous fountain is commonplace. For an intimate dining experience, we enjoyed the cuisine of 700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park.

Finally, you simply cannot go to Savannah without participating in a ghost tour. We boarded Old Town Trolley's "Ghost and Gravestone Tour" where tales from the "beyond," mixed with history and humor, was entertaining. The tour delivered us to the Sorrel-Weed House, which was featured on SCIFI Channel's "Ghost Hunters." Is this a romantic tour? Probably not, but I noticed that couples were holding hands on their way out of the house.

Even the slow days of Palmetto Bluff must come to an end. While we made our last nightly walk by the Wilson Mansion ruins, I thought about Richard Wilson's dream of sharing his utopia in the early 1900's. As the wind whispered around the columns-in this wonderland of imagination, I could almost hear "Welcome friends," echoing from the front step ruins of the once grand Palmetto Bluff Lodge. The good news-The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is ensuring the Wilson legacy of hospitality continues in a place of unmatched natural beauty and timeless romantic charm.

Fast Facts:

For information about The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, call 866-706-6565 or visit www.palmettobluffresort.com