From the porch in my cottage I am looking across the May River at the distant outline of South Carolina's Hilton Head Island. As the crow—or more appropriately the snowy egret—flies, Hilton Head was only five miles east, but the Inn at Palmetto Bluff where I'm staying has little in common with Hilton Head other than views of a marshy landscape. As I sit on the porch two dolphins surface in the river (a tidal estuary, really), startling a small flock of mergansers. Behind me, inside the cottage, a fire burns in the gaslog fireplace and Faith Hill is belting out "If you fly away" on one of several CDs and DVDs provided with a surround-sound multimedia system and 42-inch plasma television. So although I am remote from the civilization as defined by the most famous of South Carolina's barrier islands, I am nonetheless bathed in creature comforts.

Overview

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is the newest addition to the tennis landscape in this part of South Carolina's Low Country. One of the resorts in the Auberge collection, the Inn is the centerpiece of a 20,000-acre parcel of unspoiled maritime forest and marshes near Bluffton on the mainland. Unlike the barrier islands, it has no beach, but makes up for it in soul-soothing tranquility and opportunity for selfish indulgence. (Excursions by boat to the beach on Daufuskie Island, just off Hilton Head Island, are available.)
At the resort core is a village green, anchored by the sections of the stone pillars that once graced the front of a 72-room mansion that stood on this spot. Bordering the green are a tiny steepled chapel, a post office and gallery, a bakery/bookstore called Buffalos, a real estate office, a carriage house (source of bicycles or golf carts for getting around), and River House, where guests check in and later gather for cocktails or breakfast, lunch or dinner in its restaurant, either inside or on one of the verandahs or porches.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 843-706-6635

It's a 10-minute walk or a quick bike ride from the cottages to the Wilson Sports Complex, named for Richard Wilson, who built the 72-room mansion that has since fallen into ruins. It consists of two professional croquet courts and two bocce courts, anchored by a large pro shop and pavilion with cedar-shake shingles on its roof and siding. Arrayed around the perimeter are by eight Har-Tru tennis courts laid out singly and in pairs and sporting wooden fence poles, wooden gazebos with cedar-shake shingles, sub-surface watering, and a forest backdrop. It is an exceptionally pleasant place to play.
Tennis director Warren Florence, who once ranked as high as No. 5 in South Carolina, skews his programming toward the weekends, when property owners frequently visit (otherwise, the local population is 27). He runs clinics for adults and juniors, a social round robin every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and a member-guest tournaments (hotel guests are considered members) over major holidays with a wooden-racquets-only event Friday evening. Midweek he may schedule an exhibition or, if there's demand, clinics. He expects to see the calendar of weekly activities evolve as demand rises. Meanwhile, he's always eager to custom-design packages—often bundling in spa services—for groups or teams. Of his approach to teaching, Florence says: "I teach that you have four tools: Your eyes, your feet, your imagination, and then your racquet," he told me. "If the first three aren't working, then the fourth won't do you much good."

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about Inn at Palmetto Bluff.

• "It's hard to identify what it is that is so very special about Palmetto Bluff. There is an overwhelming sense of calmness as you drive onto the property. Parking the car and biking to and from all activities and to nowhere at all is such a treat. Accomodations are luxurious and the staff is attentive and enthusiastic. Children are in heaven in this little safe-haven - riding their bikes to the tree house and the zip line, or to get a treat at the the local market.
  A favorite for my family and friends has been our time spent at the Lawn & Racquet Club. Warren Florence is a fabulous tennis pro, who caters to all levels of players. His passion for the game is evident, as he instructs children and adults alike. On par with the pro is the beautiful facility, with courts that are always in perfect condition and comfortable shaded areas for viewing play. It's the perfect tennis destination!"—K.P., Adv. Int., May 2008

• ""—M.W., Adv., April 2008

• "Warren Florence is enthusiatic and creative as tennis director. The facility is first class and the service at courtside is better than anywhere I have been. Overall ambience at the Inn is relaxing, with friendly staff and good food. The cottage rooms are among the best in the country.
  Worth a visit for sure, and once you come you will return!"—G.S., Adv., April 2008

• "An absolutely beautiful, serene, fun and relaxing resort. The tennis facility is fabulous. The pro, Warren Florence, is a fabulous tennis teacher and so enthusiastic about building the tennis programs there. We love spending time there and our tennis game always improves."—S.C., Adv., April 2008

• "On of the few places that you can enjoy as a couple or to take your family. Staff is very attentive and anxious to assit in booking activities"—P.B., Adv., April 2008

• "The Inn at Palmetto Bluff and its tennis center are amazing. I have personally travelled all over the world and find it to be the best I have ever experienced....the setting, the facility are all top-notched. Warren Florence is a great guy too...really enjoyed getting lessons from him. What I love about everything Palmetto Bluff is that while you are definitely bathed in the everything luxurious...everyone that works there are so approachable and happy to make your experience a pleasant one."—S.W.,  April 2008

• "The tennis facility and staff at Palmetto Bluff are amazing, Our 3 kids loved every moment there and can't wait to go back!"—B.H., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "Playing tennis at Palmetto Bluff is a wonderful experience. As one who is a member of the Meadow Club in Southampton, NY, which has marvelous grass tennis courts, I find Palmetto Bluff to be the closest equivalent to this private club. The setting, ambience and overall environment of the "Bluff" make for a fabulous experience.
  Warren Florence, the tennis pro is fantastic. I strongly recommend a visit to Palmetto Bluff and particularly it's tennis facility."—G.M., Adv., April 2008

• "The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is an Auberge resort and that alone sets a standard for excellence. The cottages are sumptiously comfortable and elegant. The food is gourmet and service helpful but as a tennis resort the Inn at Palmetto Bluff is without peer anywhere.
  Its har-tru courts are as beautiful as any I've ever seen and players in the 40s or older really appreciate the softer surface as it eases stress on the legs and lets visitors get more sets in during a visit. The architecture of its Wilson lawn and tennis center and pro shop is evocative of elegance and comfort, it is a treat for the eyes to play there. The director of tennis Warren Florence is a skilled teacher especially for intermediate players looking to sharpen their games. Some future suggestions would include a plunge pool and small spa attached to the tennis center as the main pool and spa are a bike ride away. Also the center has room to have a grass court and should.
  But if you are looking to have a wonderful restful vacation and tennis is important to you the Inn at Palmetto Bluff must be considered."—R.B., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is situated on a beautiful island about 20 minutes west of Hilton Head, SC. Visitors are surrounded by lush, unspoiled low country landscapes and beautiful intracoastal waterways. The inn is located in the heart of a charming village reminiscent of days gone by. Bike trails and inland waterways abound …along with golf, and a FABULOUS tennis center.
  Tennis director Warren Florence provides private lessons, clinics, and social introductions to other guests and property owners. He creates a friendly environment and gears his instruction to all levels. He will work to arrange matches for you if you desire and does his utmost to make your Palmetto Bluff tennis experience enjoyable and productive.
  Couple is expert instruction with the beautiful setting and incredible Palmetto Bluff service (buckets of ice and bottled water are brought to you courtside!) …and you find yourself in tennis nirvana!"—J.G., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "My recent visit to Palmetto Bluff was exceptional. The Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club was the nicest tennis facility I have ever seen around the world. I had a great tennis experience there and absolutely can't wait to go back. Their Director of Tennis Warren Florence was extremely knowledgeable and had some very good suggestion to help my game that I had never heard before. I would recommend Palmetto Bluff to anyone looking for a great getaway and wanting to play some tennis. It is definitely worth taking a couple lessons why you are there as well."—R.M., Adv., April 2008

• "WOW! We had a wonderful long weekend at Palmetto Bluff. The court condition are superb, and the overall facility is spectacular. The personal attention from the staff and the pro, Warren Florence, was just great. He gave my son a lesson, one of the best he's had (high school varsity player), and was always anxious to get us on the courts, to clinics, round robins, etc. The tennis program, while new, meets the high standards that are the hallmark of this spectacular resort."—M.J., Adv. Int., April 2008

Other Recreation

Golf Courses. May River Golf Club. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole course winds past the May River and into the forest of moss-bearded live oaks, palmettos, and pines.

Spa & Fitness Center. Perched at the edge of a lagoon and bird rookery, the 9,500-square-foot Spa at Palmetto Bluff looks like a Southern manor house, and its treatments drawn on traditions and ingredients indigenous to the area, including cornmeal, peaches, cotton, wild rice, and red river clay. The modest Fitness Center faces the heated outdoor swimming pool adjacent to the Inn, its dozen cardio machines perched behind tall windows facing east.

And ... Bike trails lace the property and canoes and kayaks are available for use on the lagoon, while guided kayak tours and nature tours more deeply explore this Low Country landscape.

Lodging

Lodging comes in two types: Cottages, which range in size from 1,140 to 1,340 square feet, and two-to-four-bedroom homes with deluxe kitchens, fireplaces, and high-speed internet connections.

Restaurants

There are three dining options on property: Buffalos, and bookstore and bakery featuring pastries and coffee; the May River Grill in the golf clubhouse, which is open for late breakfast or lunch and cocktails; and River House, their full-service restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and specializing in elegant Low Country fare and supplemented by a lively bar and well-stocked wine cellar.

See Also

If you're looking for resorts with similar creature comforts or quiet seclusion, also check out:

• Rancho Valencia Resort, California
• The Inn at Manitou, Quebec, Canada
• Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa, South Carolina

Travel Essentials

Seasons. Year-round.

Inn at Palmetto Bluff
476 Mount Pelia Rd.
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-706-6500
Toll-free: 866-706-6565
Fax: 843-706-6550
Web Link: The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

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Book Online: The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

 

Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) in Georgia roughly 30 miles away.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau web site or contact them at 1 Chamber Dr., P.O. Box 5647, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938; 843-785-3673 or toll-free 800-523-3373.

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