Perfect Pairings: Charleston & Bluffton

Embrace South Carolina's opulent old-world charm as you arrive at the timeless luxury of Charleston Place, a grand 17th-century residence with an Italian marble lobby and staircase, crystal chandeliers and luxurious suites. Make sure you drop by the Charleston Grill for their delicious crab cakes accompanied by the sounds of live jazz, enjoy a cocktail at the Thoroughbred Club, or head to the spa for some serious pampering.  

Make it the perfect start to your day, with an early morning swim in the pool followed by a sumptuous breakfast at The Palmetto Café before your day's adventure. Charleston oozes a magical timelessness surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, antique stores, sophisticated galleries and spectacular antebellum homes. With your first experience you will be taken on a guided private walking tour through the heart of Charleston’s 18th century walled city, exploring flourishing gardens, private homes, and its local historic market - allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the progression of Charleston’s architectural styles over the past four centuries, from Georgian to Art Deco. You will have privileged access to one of Charleston’s most beautiful private homes, here you will relish in a private musical and spoken word performance as you sip on a refreshing mint julep cocktail on the porch of this magnificent home.

After another delicious breakfast your private driver will take you to your next hotel, the Montage Palmetto Bluff. Along the way, stop for a guided VIP experience as you step back in time arriving by horse-drawn carriage (no better way!) to Charleston’s Middleton Place. An 18th century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark boasting 65 acres of America's oldest landscaped gardens. Delve into the property’s intriguing history, stroll through the beautiful gardens and get a glimpse into life on a working plantation as you explore the Stableyards and House Museum. 

Plunge into tranquillity as you arrive at Montage Palmetto Bluff, nestled on the beautiful shores of the May River. A luxury low-country resort, surrounded by a nature reserve and palmetto trees, bicycle trails and waterways, a retreat to the Montage will be nothing short of idyllic.

After your first luxurious evening, rise and shine early for a sunrise kayaking tour through the maze of Lowcountry waterways. Be awed by this quintessential Lowcountry landscape, paddling through a seemingly endless labyrinth of salt marsh waterways. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the natural and human histories of this mesmerising region. Keep an eye out for resident wildlife, including storks, herons, and a friendly local dolphin pod.  

To top off a wonderful day amongst the nature of South Carolina, the hotel offers a selection of culinary delights in the early evening. Sip on homemade lemonade and indulge in freshly baked cookies during the social 'porching hour' at The River House or sample traditional Southern cuisine such as shrimp 'n grits. After a casual dinner at Buffalo's or the upscale Octagon head to the firepit to roast s'mores. The sound of nature will surround you here, taking you away from everyday life, leading you into paradise. 

After breakfast you will be picked up by golf cart and escorted to the marina for a half-day adventure to Daufuskie Island! Only accessible by boat with just a few paved roads, it will take you back to a much simpler time where you can discover the historical landmarks, while an eclectic arts scene keeps the spirit of the island alive and thriving. Once there you’ll hop into a golf cart for a tour of the island to discover the Gullah culture and traditions led by a local historian. Together you will meet with local artisans who are keeping the island’s colourful art scene alive, with a chance to visit a family-owned pottery shop and local metalworkers’ workshop.