This post is included in our new Rewards and Relaxation category.  As a lifelong sales professional, I know it is important to celebrate my successes as they come, because once completed, I am off looking for that next success.  So, these posts are meant to encourage you to do just that…reward yourself, celebrate your successes and relax!

Remember Mayberry?  Mayberry was the fictional North Carolina town that was home to the Andy Griffith Show.  Well, that’s exactly how my wife and I described Palmetto Bluff the first time we visited on our honeymoon, for its’ seeming perfection and simplicity.  Incidentally, we’re back there a couple of times each year, including my just completed birthday weekend. 

Located just a short one and a half hour drive from Charleston, SC, Palmetto Bluff is situated on the banks of the May River in Bluffton, SC, an area that many say is the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry.  Although the 20,000 acres of ancient maritime forests and marshes have a rich history, the modern day property was only conceived about a decade ago. 

Your journey begins when you turn from SC 46 onto Palmetto Bluff Drive to make the 4 mile trek to the heart of Palmetto Bluff, Wilson Village and the luxurious Inn at Palmetto Bluff (operated by world renowned Auberge Resorts), which surround the meager remains of the original Wilson family mansion built around 1910.  Upon pulling up to the inn, you’ll immediately be greeted by the staff, who will unload your bags, commandeer your car keys and take you by golf cart to your cottage.  From here on out, you’ll navigate the property by foot, cart or bicycle (two of which are neatly parked at the door step of your cottage) as you move around the property.    By the way, if I were making a list, the caliber of the service would rank just below the beauty of the surroundings and quality of the accommodations.

There’ll be plenty to do while you’re there.  If your a golfer, you’ll want to take a “walk to remember” around The May River Golf Club, the “Bluff’s” incredible Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.  And if your wife is anything like mine, she’ll pass her time at The Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club.  Equally, we both enjoy the spa, as well as biking/walking along the many trails on the property.  One of the neatest things to me is how the developers have completed much of the infrastructure, including paved trails, waterways and gas-lit sidewalks prior to building the majority of the residences.

At night, you’ll want to enjoy one of the restaurants or roast marshmallows over one of the open fire pits.  Or, you might just order room service so you can enjoy a nice evening by the fireplace in your  cottage or out on your private screened porch reading a book.  Interestingly, though it gets mighty hot in the Carolina Lowcountry, there always seems to be a nice, cooling breeze blowing in from the May River.

So, as we complete the 1st 1/3 of 2011 and you find yourself needing a break…take a trip to Palmetto Bluff.  You won’t be disappointed.  But, don’t just take my word for it…here’s a great article in Travel + Leisure Golf’s 2009 January/February issue.  And here’s a link to some of the many write-ups the “Bluff” is enjoying.