“To travel is to live”- Hans Christian Anderson

Travel has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.  I’ve always had an interest in seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.  I have tons of bucket list destinations and I’ve traveled near and far before kids.  And, I’ve learned in 2019 that my country, the good ol’ U.S.A. has so many gems in our own backyard.

Having lived in the south, I thought I was aware of all of its beauty.  However, I discovered Montage Palmetto Bluff and I was blown away.  It knocked my socks off and it spoke to my soul.  I went to visit Montage Palmetto Bluff after what was a rough couple of months.  I lost one of my best friend’s, Marcus Smith, in April.  I felt so lost and alone.  Add the month of May with Mother’s Day that has been bittersweet for me for the past eleven years since my mother passed away.  Needless to say, when I got the email to take a trip to the unknown, I jumped at the chance.  I took a look at the property and it looked amazing so I was all in.  I had no idea how quickly I would fall in love with Montage Palmetto Bluff.  It was the soul food I needed to nurse me back to a happy space.  I returned to Chicago to my babies fully recharged and ready to take on the world.  Of course, in baby steps.  I can’t accomplish all the ideas I have in my mind in a few weeks or months for that matter.

Montage Palmetto Bluff

Montage Palmetto Bluff located in Bluffton, South Carolina is nestled between Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.  It sits on 20,00 acres with nine restaurants, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and a nature preserve that’s sure to wow you.  In terms of accommodations, you have the choice of staying in the Inn, guest house, cottages, village homes, and Montage Residences.  There are accommodations to meet all of your travel needs.  Montage Palmetto Bluff is the epicenter of southern charm.  I really didn’t want to leave and I can’t wait to go back.

Southern Charm

I stayed in the Inn during my stay.  The Inn is centrally located on the property.  The Inn also includes the Spa at Montage, The Octagon Porch, and the cutest gift shop with the cutest clothes.  You know me well enough by now to know I love to shop.  I found the cutest chambray blue romper and a handbag that features a map of the area by a local designer inside the shop.  The Montage Palmetto Bluff has also made it easy for your transportation needs.  In addition to golf carts available on the property, the resort also has a fleet of cars that you can use during your stay eliminating the need to rent a car during your stay.  You can arrange your transportation needs at the front desk inside the inn.

My room was pure luxury.  I stayed in a Lagoon View Inn King that included a beautiful balcony.  My bathroom was a zen den.  I had a full-size bathtub which is the perfect recipe for relaxation.  If a bathtub isn’t your thing, there is also a separate shower.  I didn’t want to leave my room but I had so much to see.  Each day I would return to my room, I had a sweet surprise that included a treat from the property.  The bourbon caramel sauce with shortbread cookies is still etched on the back of my brain.

The Spa At Montage

I live for a great spa.  Needless to say, I was in pure bliss when I had to opportunity to receive a 90 minute Tata Harper organic facial.  Tata Harper offers the highest quality non-toxic ingredients for skincare.  I had the pleasure of receiving a personalized face mist that I use every night before bedtime.  I also indulged in the water treatment and sat in the steam room and the sauna after a quick dip into the hot tub.  If you are a shop-a-holic, they have cute loungewear by Sundry at the spa gift shop.

Activities

There is so much to do during your stay.  I felt like I needed four more days to take it all in.  I can’t really put into words the beauty of this picturesque property.  I’m really doing my absolute best but you really must see for yourself.  There is something for everyone during your stay.

Conservancy Tour

I began my stay with a conservancy tour.  The conservancy tour is loaded with information about nature and wildlife.  I’ve never met someone more knowledgeable about many species of nature and wildlife than our tour guide.  My face lit up with I learned about the summer camp they offer for kids.  Can you imagine being able to drop your kids off at an educational camp while on you’re a vacation?  Can we set match made in heaven?  Sign me up!

Sunrise Kayaking Tour

First of all, let me just say I’m not a morning person. Nor, have I ever been a morning person.  When I saw the call time for the tour was 5:50 a.m., I didn’t think I would make it.  All I can say is I would’ve been devastated if I hadn’t gone.  This may have been the highlight of my trip.  I felt one with nature.  Also, I saw more dolphins on the May River than I have in Hawaii.  It was magical.  Not to mention, kayaking is a great workout.  It doesn’t feel like it in the moment but after the fact, my arms were toned like nobody’s business.

Daufuskie Island Boat Tour

Clark and Stone would’ve been jumping for joy if the could’ve been on this boat.  The captain of our boat is also a fisherman.  He caught a baby shark.  My little boys would’ve been in heaven.  They love to go fishing.  Again, I got to see more dolphins during our boat ride to Daufuski Island.  I should’ve counted the number of dolphins including the little guy with an injured fin. He was just the cutest.  Once we arrived, we got to relax and have a glass of rosé while sitting in a hammock.  I wanted to take a nap but I didn’t want anyone to hear me snoring.

Other things to do at the resort includes the shooting range, taking a cooking class, and guided bike tours, bowling, yachting, etc.  You name it and it’s at the Montage Palmetto Bluff.

Southern Cuisine

I believe in saving the best for last.  I fell in love with the resort but the food fed my soul.  A vacation simply isn’t a vacation without great food.  The food and beverage program at Montage took head to that and made sure I had a great vacation.

Octagon Porch

Octagon Porch offers traditional South Carolina cuisine.  I enjoyed the brunch buffet not once but twice during my stay.  Yes, it’s that good.  While all of my allergies were able to be accommodated, I decided to throw caution to the wind and have the biscuits.  I mean who has the willpower to pass up southern buttermilk biscuits?  Although, I did manage to start my morning with a green juice.  After all, it’s all about balance.  The “everything green” is delicious.  You must try it if you like green juice.   Aside from the lovely brunch buffet, they had the usual suspects such as sweet cream pancakes, pecan praline french toast, smoked salmon, bacon and eggs.  The Octagon Porch breakfast has a knock-your-socks-off sandwich that you simply must try.  The Octagon Porch breakfast sandwich is prepared on a toasted brioche bun with arugula, sunny side up egg, porchetta, and reaper aioli.  You can thank me later.

Cole’s

Cole’s is like Grand Central Station for comfort food.  I mean it just doesn’t get any better than this.  Cole’s, which is only open for dinner, was the first restaurant I ate at during my stay.  The warm spinach salad which comes with the best deviled eggs I’ve ever had in my life.  We also had the fresh catch of the day in addition to a bucket of the best fried chicken ever.  Plus, a delicious cucumber Moscow Mule as a drink. Don’t even get me started on dessert.  I devoured a slice of cheese pie and an order of banana pudding.  Someone could’ve just rolled me to my room.  I was done but it was delicious so it was worth it.

Fore & Aft

Located by the pool, Fore & Aft is a Lowcountry cantina.  I started with super yummy guacamole and chips.  Then, moved on over to the lobster quesadillas and fish tacos.  Fore & Aft also has buzzbar cocktails.  Buzzbars are cocktails mixed with popsicles.  It’s perfect for a warm, sunny day.

Farm

Farm is actually located in Bluffton which is just a short boat ride over. Farm looks and tastes like New York City.  It is the perfect marriage of low country and contemporary cuisine.  There is complexity and simplicity in every dish on the menu.  The roasted calibogue sound oysters still manage to  put a smile on my face every time I think about them.  They are so yummy!  They are prepared with butter, chili vinegar, parmesan, and garlic bread.  Save room for dessert as it will not disappoint.

Come one Come all

Okay, I know you are chomping at the bit to plan your next trip to Montage Palmetto Bluff.  The resort offers the perfect destination for any vacation.  If you’re looking for a spa vacation, girls trip, family trip, babymoon, or a couple’s trip, this is your best choice.  You won’t be disappointed.  To sweeten the deal even more, the resort is allowing me to offer you a great deal.  Use code MPBClarkStone and receive your 3rd night free when you reserve any cottage, guest house or suite 14 days in advance for stays now until September 30, 2019.

This post is sponsored but all amazing experiences are my own.