In the early morning mist, with a languid calm settling over the Live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss, a strange sound in the distance roused me from sleep. Having spent enough time in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, I immediately recognized the stirrings of an alligator clambering up a muddy bank on the May River. Heading out to the screened porch of my private cottage, cup of coffee in hand, I settled into a chair and let the aura of this place envelop me. This was the solace Id been looking for.
Good things come to those who wait as the old saying goes and I had waited a long time for the opportunity to spend a weekend at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff Resort, a multiple-award winning property in the small-but-growing town of Bluffton, the gateway to Hilton Head Island. In 2010, the Auberge resort garnered three honors from Travel + Leisure magazine, including number one spa resort and number one for service in the U.S. and Canada. And after a few hours here, it was wholly evident that those distinctions were well earned.
To begin with, the rooms and cottages are nothing short of spectacular. High-end linens, fireplaces, steam showers, garden tubs, the aforementioned private porches with lagoon and river views, vaulted ceilings, plasma televisionits all just a little slice of perfect. And at more than 1,100 square feet, I admit I was feeling a bit guilty having it all to myself. But I had snagged a great deal, thanks to a promotional package that gave me three nights for price of twostill expensive, but well worth the splurge.
Wandering over to the main clubhouse, I popped into the May River Grill for a quick breakfast on the outdoor terrace, which proved to be anything but quick as I was quickly absorbed by the pristine fairway views of the May River Golf Club. Finally tearing myself away while lamenting the fact that I didnt bring my clubs, I headed back to the reception area to await the guide that would take me on a three-hour historic Bluffton excursion, which began with a boat ride across the river and took in centuries-old homes and churches, oyster warehouses, and visits to some local artisan galleries. A similar tour of nearby Daufuskie Island was also available, and I planned to give it a whirl on my (hopefully) my next visit.
The next day brought a completely different set of activities. It was time to go natural, and I started with a guided kayak fishing trip through the meandering creeks and marshes surrounding the resort. A few caught-and-released redfish later, I was happily tucked into an Atlantic Salmon burger and salad at Buffalos, a popular gathering place for the permanent residents of the Bluff. After a late-day run along some of the nature trails crisscrossing the property, I settled in for the night, eager for the next days explorations.
Although Im not really into spa services for reasons which I myself dont completely understand, I took a when in Rome attitude and booked the 20th Hole gentlemans treatment at the resorts spa, which included a nice long steam followed by a deep tissue sports massage. Feeling both relaxed and energized, it was over to the River Houses heated pool with book in hand, where I spent the majority of the afternoon. Dinner was with some new friends at the Canoe Club, where I feasted on a Shrimp and Grits Martini and Ahi steak, capped with a couple glasses of Pinot.
Its no great surprise that I didnt want to leave the next morning, but the deadlines of the real world were calling. However, I was sated by the fact that Id finally captured the experience of Lowcountry luxury Id been pining for. Id seen a lot and missed even more at Palmetto Bluff, but thats a good reason to get back as soon as possible.
