Family Spring Break at Montage Palmetto Bluff

Picture this: driving through tunnels of Spanish moss to a place that feels more like a friendly Americana town from a storybook than a resort. On arrival at the Montage Palmetto Bluff, we got a warm welcome, complete with champagne and little gifts that got the kids excited right off the bat.

The place has its own vibe — think less of a hotel and more of a community where you can stay in anything from a cozy guest house to a pretty spacious home. And bikes for everyone!

We filled our days with all sorts of activities. Silas was thrilled with the Daufuskie Island Tour — dolphins, oyster shells and some really friendly goats made his day. Meanwhile, the Eco Waterway Tour was a hit with the whole family, offering a peek into the local ecosystem and some fun alligator facts.

Easter was special here. The place was buzzing with activities for the kids, from egg hunts to treehouse explorations. But it's not just a kid's paradise. There’s golf, yoga, horseback riding — you name it. Plus, our dogs were welcome pretty much everywhere, which was a big win for us.

Food was a highlight. This place might look small, but it's packed with great spots to eat — a bike ride away from wherever you're staying. The scallops at Canoe Club were amazing, and the ice cream at Melt and s'mores at the Inn were a nightly ritual. And if you’re here during an Oyster Boil? Don’t miss it. It’s some of the best seafood and Southern cooking I've ever had. As my three-year-old said, "TWO THUMBS UP!"

We did sneak away one day to Hilton Head for some beach time, easy enough with the resort’s Cadillac program. A program one could also take advantage of to take a day trip to Savannah or pop over to nearby Bluffton for even more delicious eats. But honestly, there was enough at Palmetto Bluff to keep us happily busy.

This trip wasn’t just a getaway. It felt like we were part of something special, even just for a week. From the staff who remembered our names to the laid-back evenings watching the "cotton candy sky" at sunset, it was the kind of break that leaves you planning the next one before you've even left.

I often find myself suggesting the Montage Palmetto Bluff to those clients seeking a quality family time, a dog-friendly adventure or simply a serene escape from the daily grind. It’s equally magical for parents to be looking for a romantic and easy babymoon spot or couples dreaming of a stunning wedding backdrop — after all, it's where Justin & Hailey Bieber said "I do". If you’re craving a break to relish the simple joys of life, let me help craft your ideal getaway. Let’s leave the chaos behind and immerse ourselves in the gentle pace of Montage Palmetto Bluff.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to South Carolina. In need of further inspiration? Check out Marissa Boyd’s guide, Explore the Historic City of Charleston, South Carolina.