There’s a good chance that when you plan a vacation getaway to the exclusive resort of Palmetto Bluff, located in Bluffton, South Carolina, it just may be one of the most remarkable destinations you’ll ever experience. Nestled along the banks of the May River, Palmetto Bluff is home to lush forests, pristine wetlands, marshes and miles of trails. This picturesque backdrop offers a stunning array of natural beauty, from forests thick with loblolly pines, to inland waterways, lagoons and tidal creeks, ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss and river views. Here’s a closer look at what you can plan to explore during your stay:

It’s all about the Outdoors

Planning a trip to this breathtaking resort should include an itinerary that means you are exploring everything this extraordinary resort has to offer – outdoors. The 20,000 acre resort was designed as both a luxe vacation destination and a private enclave of neighborhoods for families who desire a lifestyle designed for the sportsman and sports lover both.  From fishing excursions on the May River to horseback riding and golfing, Palmetto Bluff offers a plethora of activities for residents and guests to enjoy. The resort also boasts an impressive 13-mile trail system for hiking and biking, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. For the water-lover, The May River provides endless opportunities for  fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing, you can even book a boat tour to nearby Dafuski Island, the exclusive island getaway that can only be reached by boat.

Palmetto Bluff is home to a variety of shops, from the upscale boutiques of Wilson Village to the immersive art experience that awaits at FLOW Gallery + Workshop, home to Palmetto Bluff’s Artist in Residence program curated collection of southern artists. There are also plenty of special events and festivals, and The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, whose mission it is to educate visitors and to protect the lush maritime forests and winding tidal creeks that are vital to the South Carolina lowcountry.

Explore a Treehouse

If your vacation includes children, or a group that’s simply “young at heart,” The resort boasts two incredible tree houses to explore and take in the views. One is centrally located in an area nearby to Wilson Village. There’s a small zip line that younger children will love, especially if they haven’t tried zip lines before. The other is located at Moreland Landing in the Moreland Village community.

Have a Bite to Eat

Foodies will appreciate the dining options available at Palmetto Bluff, including several restaurants and bars serving up a variety of cuisines. In Palmetto Bluff’s iconic Wilson Village, there is a selection of both fine dining and casual restaurants, from the variety of ice cream flavors offered up at Melt ice cream shop, to the upscale Southern-inspired cuisine at the Buffalo’s Restaurant and the mouth-watering cuisine served at Octogan, located within the resort’s hotel. Some other notable restaurants include the River House for an intimate culinary experience, or the popular Canteen eatery located in Moreland Village.

Porching &  S’mores

“Porching” becomes a verb that is the hallmark of the south, and it’s alive & well in Palmetto Bluff!  Head to River House in the late afternoon for tea or lemonade, and find a comfy spot on one of the gracious porches, or stay at home and enjoy this decidedly southern tradition hosted by our guest Concierge team.

At sunset, head to the fire pits in Wilson Village for some serious S’mores and incredible May River views. Depending on the time of year, you’ll experience a selection of flavored marshmallows like mint, caramel, and chocolate along with the classic flavor and milk and dark chocolate wafers for melting.

Take a Day Trip

While Palmetto Bluff is an attraction in and of itself, there are also plenty of nearby attractions to explore. The charming town of Bluffton is just a short drive away and offers a variety of art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. With its scenic waterfront, walkable historic downtown, a list of upscale of shops and restaurants that grows longer every year, and a popular Farmer’s Market you’ll be sure to find something that makes for a memorable time exploring this quaint southern town.

Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, are also within driving distance, both steeped in history and offering some simply incredible shopping and dining, each making for a incredible day trip you should add to your itinerary.

Stay in Luxury

The resort community of Palmetto Bluff offers an incredible vacation experience for anyone seeking relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both. With the spectacular backdrop of the surrounding lowcountry, luxurious accommodations, world-class culinary offerings, and a wide range of activities, you’ll never run out of things to do. And, with nearby attractions such as Bluffton, Savannah, and Charleston, your vacation can be as varied as you want it to be. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Palmetto Bluff has something for everyone. Explore our portfolio of luxury vacation rentals in Palmetto Bluff. Book your stay with Luxury Simplified Retreats today and let our Concierge team help you to start planning the vacation of a lifetime.

The breathtaking resort of Palmetto Bluff offers an endless array of experiences and amenities for those who love a sporting, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Fishing is one of the top activities for resort visitors who enjoy casting a line while exploring the scenic waterways in and around Bluffton, SC. From the sun-drenched shores of the May River to the tranquil waters of the Calibogue Sound, Bluffton offers some of the best fishing in the state. The beautiful coastal waters of the lowcountry offer an abundance of fish and wildlife, creating a paradise for anglers. The May River is home to an abundance of fish species and provides a fun and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all ages and experience levels.

SPOTTED SEA TROUT, FLOUNDER, SHEEPSHEAD, TARPON

The May River is home to a diverse array of fish, including largemouth bass, red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, tarpon, jacks, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and more.  Anglers looking for a challenge should try their luck with the larger game fish, such as tarpon and cobia. Redfish are a popular target species among anglers, and they can be caught year-round in waterways in and around the lowcountry, but the optimal time to target these species is in the fall. These fish are known for their hard-fighting spirit, making them a great challenge for anglers of all experience levels. For red drum and spotted sea trout, anglers should target the shallow, grassy areas of the river, as these fish tend to feed on small baitfish in these areas.

Speckled trout are another popular target species, and they can be caught in the spring and fall when the water temperature is cooler. You can also find largemouth bass, spotted sea trout, and black drum. These fish are usually found in the deeper, slower moving sections of the river.

For those looking to catch largemouth bass, the May River is a great spot. The river is full of deeper pools with plenty of structure for bass to hide, making them easy to target. The best time to fish for largemouth bass is in the spring and summer months, when the water is warmer and the bass are more active.

ANY DAY SPENT ON THE WATER IS A GOOD DAY

The natural beauty of the river, with its lush marshlands, mangroves, and estuaries, provide a stunning backdrop for any angling excursion. Looking for a day of fishing with a knowledgeable guide that knows the intricacies of the waterways and some of the best places to cast a line?  We highly recommend the crew at May River Excursions who have an ample fleet of available fishing charters, both inshore and river, and some of the top fishing guides in Bluffton and the surrounding waterways. For those who prefer to fish from the shore, the banks of the May River are lined with docks and piers, including the Moreland Dock located in Palmetto Bluff’s Moreland Village, offering plenty of opportunities for a successful catch. There are a variety of spots to cast your line, from the deeper waters of the river to the shallows of the estuary and the vast marsh and tidal creeks.

If you’re looking to cast your line when you’re vacationing in Palmetto Bluff you’re in for a treat. Fishing along the May River is not just about catching a big one, it is also about enjoying the backdrop of the surrounding tidal marsh, the abundance of coastal wildlife and the breathtaking beauty of the South Carolina lowcountry.

STAY IN LUXURY

You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered with a stay booked in our portfolio of luxury vacation homes. Our collection of rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. There are so many things you can do on the property and the scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle. Let our Concierge team plan a fishing charter for you and your friends, or have a private chef waiting to cook your catch-of-the-day while you sit around the fire pit with a cocktail, telling stories of the big one that got away. And, while you’re there, why not plan a southern-style happy hour on the porch, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market? With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.

Traditions are the staple of the holiday season, and after celebrating the holidays in the breathtaking resort of Palmetto Bluff, you may just start a new one that includes celebrating here year after year. Palmetto Bluff is one of those places that is a destination in and of itself, and this place is truly magical. It’s 20,000+ acres of natural, wild beauty set on the May River marshes that offers up exquisite luxury, and an endless array of things to see and do. You can soak up fun and family time on the expansive resort property, which includes a nature preserve, tree houses, miles of trails to explore and two charming villages.

While there are amazing activities and experiences to be had at Palmetto Bluff any time of the year, spending the holiday season here is like something out of a storybook. Holiday decor in the South Carolina lowcountry includes the traditional elements of pinecones and boughs from the long leaf pines, hollies and magnolias that are abundant here, plus a creative mixing in of the local flora and fauna, from feathers to antlers to oysters. The holidays are on full display in Palmetto Bluff including along the stunning bridges leading into Wilson Village, decked out in the most perfect Christmas decor that will have you singing, “Fa-la-la-la-la”

Palmetto Bluff brings holiday spirit to the Lowcountry with events that include a Holiday Artisan Market, Breakfast with Santa, a Christmas-themed concert, and many other festive events. Christmas Eve holiday gathering in Moreland Village includes an oyster roast and low country boil. Restaurants in Wilson Village and Moreland Village offer sumptuous dining options and there is a chic spa should the holidays include time for a little pampering.

The idyllic town of Bluffton, SC brings a magical holiday spirit all its very own, with a feeling reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. With its close proximity and easy travel to & from Palmetto Bluff, the streets along the charming downtown historic district of Old Town Bluffton are filled with  incredible restaurants and quaint local shops. The Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., Friday, December 2 at Martin’s Family Park and is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The Town of Bluffton will be hosting its 51st annual Bluffton Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District. Beginning in front of Town Hall and parading through downtown Bluffton, the Bluffton Christmas Parade is an annual “must see” event and offers fun for the whole family. The parade starts at 10am, so bring a chair and get there early for a prime spot along the viewing route.

This exclusive lowcountry resort pulls out all the stops to sprinkle holiday magic and deliver holiday spirit to everyone that stays here during the holiday season. But why stop there? With dazzling lights, exquisite cuisine, and lots of Champagne, Palmetto Bluff is also the perfect spot for ringing in the New Year. The resort’s scenic setting and tranquil atmosphere set the tone for a prosperous and plentiful year and is the ideal backdrop to help you herald the start to a new year.

And, with Luxury Simplified Retreats, our team can create a holiday wonderland for your family in Palmetto Bluff before you even check in! Our luxurious vacation homes make the perfect backdrop for your holiday festivities and we can have a glittering holiday tree decorated and waiting for you before you arrive, a holiday happy hour set up on the porch for your arrival, and your holiday dinner prepared by a private, local chef – simply inquire with our Concierge team after you book and they’ll take it from there. View our Guide to Exclusive Guest Experiences and start planning your holiday getaway today.

There are few places that offer a vacation for the sportsman and outdoor lover that deliver breathtaking scenery and untouched landscape, while still respecting the nearly 20,000 acres of pristine land that make up the luxurious Palmetto Bluff resort development.  Created in a way that honors the land, the dedication to wildlife and land conservancy is much of the overarching mission at Palmetto Bluff.

This secluded location, near the coastal South Carolina island getaway of Hilton Head, Palmetto Bluff feels like a place where time moves at a slower pace and vacation days feel endless. This part of the lowcountry offers jaw dropping vistas, with its expanse of maritime forests, tidal estuaries, winding waterways, and arching oaks draped with Spanish moss. Home to an array of flora and fauna, there’s something to be discovered every step or bike pedal along the way.

Palmetto Bluff has two distinctly different town centers — Wilson Village, the charming town center that overlooks the May River to the north and Moreland Village four miles south. They’re connected by water, starting along the May River in Wilson Village and then via Cauley’s Creek as it flows into Moreland Village. There are boats that you can rent, that motor around the Inland Waterway, a meandering freshwater estuary that winds throughout the resort and many of its neighborhoods.

Whether you are staying in Wilson Village or in Moreland Village each have their own distinctive feel and each boasts restaurants and activities within walking distance.  Wilson Village, the charming town square of Palmetto Bluff, is like a page from a small town storybook. Here you can find an ice cream parlor called Melt, plus many of the iconic landmarks that make Palmetto Bluff so memorable including the Chapel, the “old ruins,” the Post Office, the River House and the dock where the Grace is moored.

By Land or By Water

Mornings at Palmetto Bluff are best spent on a bike, enjoying the quiet along the miles of trails. The leisure Maritime Trail takes you through the Lowcountry forest while the Long Leaf Pine Trail winds through pine uplands. With 32 miles of coastline, this is a perfect place to rent a kayak or canoe…or use that bicycle!

Midday might find you lounging by the pool or booking a dolphin Cruise to nearby Dafauski Island, accessible only by boat. The powerboat-based Dolphin Discovery Tour covers a wide area and highlights the habitat of local bottlenose dolphins while the Full Tide Discovery Tour is a favorite among photographers because it explores some of the more remote islands.

Afternoons are decidedly meant to be spent on the porch. “Porching” is after all, an actual activity at Palmetto Bluff – and considered an authentic Southern tradition. As the resort explains, “In the South, we’re accustomed to taking a break in the afternoon to relax and pause the day.”

Nights spent under the Stars

As the day winds down, almost on cue, the pinks and violet hues of dusk bring out the twinkling of fireflies, and ease into evenings meant for cocktails around the fire pit and nights under the stars.  There are a host of dining options in Palmetto Bluff from Buffalo’s in the heart of Wilson Village, Octagon, or the River House, and to Canteen, a quaint and casual sandwich shop located Moreland Village. Renting a private vacation home in Palmetto Bluff gives you the freedom to enjoy casual meals at home, or sumptuous dinners cooked by a private chef and plenty of porch time with a glass of wine.

Gather with family and friends for delectable takeout from Flame Food Truck. Take a sunset cruise on The Grace, Palmetto Bluff’s very own restored 1913 60-foot antique motor Hinckley yacht. Later in the night in Wilson Village, you’ll find s’more carts nearby to make your own s’mores over the fire.

When it comes to outdoor activities, you are spoiled by the variety of choices. Take a hike or get out onto the water. Play a game of pickleball, tennis, or golf. There are eight tennis courts, two bocce courts, a basketball court, a bowling alley, six pickleball courts and the May River Golf Course Palmetto Bluff’s 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature design.

For the Kids

Fishing from any of Palmetto Bluff’s many docks is a fun-for-the-entire-family activity, and a chance for kids to try their hand at reeling in “the big one.”

Kids can take climbing a tree to a whole new level, and the Mount Pelia treehouse in Wilson Village is particularly fun: It has a zip line, a rope swing, and a boardwalk. Or, you can climb with your kids at sunset to the top of the five-story tree house along Cauley’s Creek.

Our team can help plan for your kids ages five to 12 to participate in a private art lesson with a member of Bluffton’s Art Conservancy.

Plan your Lowcountry Retreat

You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered in our Luxury Simplified Retreats vacation homes. Our collection of rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. There are so many things you can do on the property and the scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle.  But why not experience a vintage voyage in a 1930’s Bentley, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market, With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation  – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.