Located just over an hour from Savannah, South Carolina, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff gives guests the feeling that they have successfully left the hustle and bustle and arrived at a true haven. I could feel myself relax further and further as I made the five-mile drive from the grounds main gate to the inn, traversing through beautiful oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The inn and its spa are part of an exclusive residential community on 20,000 acres, which includes a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and ten family compounds. Beautiful vistas of the May River and its nearby marshes offer a spectacular backdrop.
The inn’s reception area is decorated with works by local artists, helping to set the tone of this South Carolina Low Country inn. The inn’s 50 individual cottages or cottage suites give guests the sense of being in a private hideaway. They are beautifully decorated to match their river setting, offering views of the water and screened porches on which to enjoy the scenery. Larger Village Homes are available for those traveling with a family or small group. Open and airy, my cottage featured pine floors, a fireplace, and an extremely comfortable bed. No cars are allowed at the homes, but carts and bikes are available for guests to make their way around the grounds.
The atmosphere at the inn is “Southern gentile,” providing a comfortable ambiance even for guests traveling alone. Restaurant options range from very casual to fine dining, and each menu draws from regional cuisine.
For many, the highlight of this amazing resort is its spa. Located in a relaxing marsh setting, it offers unique treatments that draw from the inn’s surroundings, including Spanish moss and citrus baths or warm, river stone massages. I also found the fitness facility to be a very comfortable, spacious, and fresh environment. Offering numerous cardiovascular machines as well as free weights, it includes added perks like chilled water and a well-equipped locker room.
Palmetto Bluff’s signature Jack Nicklaus-designed course and its world-class practice facility provide golfers with everything they could ask for. The course is laid out to appeal to golfers of all levels, and PGA-member instructors are available for those who desire a lesson.
While the inn’s golf course and spa are popular, there’s also much to see and do in the area. Yacht charters are available for the nautical minded, and I enjoyed taking in some of the local history. This is a true spot for relaxation and to be an “adult kid”‑-riding bicycles, rowing kayaks, and visiting the beach. Real kids have plenty to keep them busy as well, and the inn offers day camps that will take little ones on scavenger hunts or teach them to fish and crab.
