There’s no question that Montage Palmetto Bluff is romantic. Years ago, when the resort first opened, my husband and I leaned heavily into that vibe, pairing long walks along the river with even longer dinners and, afterwards, a shared bourbon on the screened porch of our cottage. 

Now that Montage has transformed the resort into a world-class escape, it’s still romantic, but, thanks to an expanded spa, a full menu of wellness activities, a variety of restaurants and bars, lots of lodging options and even pickleball courts, it makes a great destination for a low key but lively getaway with girlfriends as well. Even better, the nearby town of Bluffton, once a sleepy artist’s colony, now buzzes with energy from new shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes. 

One thing that hasn’t changed is the setting. Within the heart of Montage Palmetto Bluff, oyster-shell pathways wind through blooming gardens and past centuries-old live oak trees draped with Spanish moss; further afield, shady pathways wind through 20,000 acres of marine forest bordered by sweeping marshland. 

Wellness is a big part of the culture of Montage Palmetto Bluff. Golf, tennis and pickleball are available on site, as are excursions onto the May River by kayak or paddleboard. Guests also have use of free bikes, which you can use to meander around the resort of zoom along the 20-miles of trails—some paved but all bikeable--that loop through the property. The resort also offers three free, 60-minute fitness classes each day. Some, like spin and boot camp, offer maximum caloric burn; others, particularly Athletic Mobility, balance your body by isolating and igniting lesser-used muscles. 

Recover at the pampering Spa Montage, where you and your group can begin your treatments at the spa pool with lunch and Champagne or with Montage’s Art of Spa ritual, which makes use of a mineral pool, sauna and, if you dare, cold plunge, to rev up circulation, reduce inflammation and deliver a big hit of endorphins. 

Therapies take place in southern-styled treatment rooms with heart-pine floors and wide louvered shutters; some have deep soaking tubs. If you’ve got time, pair the Pure Bliss body treatment, which was developed specifically for Montage and utilizes ethically-sourced, all natural products from Lola’s Apothecary in Devon, England, with a medical-grade collagen mask that will plump and smooth your face. 

Where dining at Palmetto Bluff was once a hushed affair, today, whether you choose poolside tacos and ceviche at Fore & Aft or updated Southern specialties in the elegant River House restaurant (book your table in the main dining room, which is dominated by a tall, dark-wood bar on one side and a fireplace on the other) expect plenty of laughter and fun energy. On weekends, head to the hip basement speakeasy for craft cocktails and live music.

Of all the lodging options, for a girls’ trip, I’d book connecting ground-floor rooms and suites in the Sabal Guest House. Not only do they look out over a gorgeous pool and, in the distance, a grove of live oaks set on the river, but the private garden, which is accessible from Sabal’s rooms, is a perfect gathering place for happy hour or morning coffee. 

If you go:

Montage Palmetto Bluff is located near Bluffton, South Carolina. Savannah/Hilton Head airport is a 45 minute drive.