Close to Savannah, the stunning Inn at Palmetto Bluff sits on the edge of the May River nestled among 20,000 acres of Lowcountry woodland. With refined luxury accommodations and endless ways to explore the area, there’s little reason to leave this Southern gem.
The Atmosphere at Palmetto Bluff
The tone is set on arrival, with a four mile private drive through beautiful oak and pine forest, eventually emerging on a peninsula overlooking the May River. The main lodge, a pretty colonial style building with wrap around verandas, sits among the trees overlooking the water. While also a private members club with a number of homes spread across the estate, the careful positioning among the trees and around a series of pretty lagoons gives each building a secluded feel.
Where Palmetto Bluff really sets itself apart is the fantastic activities program and a seemingly endless array of fun things to do. Enjoy immaculate croquet lawns and eight clay courts at the Wilson Lawn and Racket Club. Play a round at the members-only May River Golf Club, a stunning course that winds its way through the live oaks along the river. Not to be missed is a journey on the Grace, their 60ft antique motor yacht. Sail up the May River, eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins, enjoying mimosas in the morning or a glass of wine at sunset. The network of trails winding their way through 20,000 acres are perfect for a leisurely walk, either under your own steam or with a naturalist. Targeting spooky redfish in the skinny waters of the marsh must rank near the top of any fly fisher’s bucket list.
Your Room
Rooms at Palmetto Bluff are either in smaller cottages or village homes. The individual cottages are in a classic colonial style, with vaulted ceiling, pine floors and large screened porches. They either look out on to the May River or on to one of the inland lagoons. The village homes are perfect for large families or groups of friends. They have up to four bedrooms, are beautifully decorated and have huge sitting rooms. We loved the ones facing onto the lagoon.
Need to Know
Deciding where to eat becomes a daily conundrum at Palmetto Bluff. From the more refined River House restaurant overlooking the water, to the more casual atmosphere at the May River Grill overlooking the eighteenth hole, there are multiple options. A great experience on a balmy evening is to enjoy an oyster roast or Lowcountry barbecue at the Moreland Landing, a secluded riverfront hideaway.
