Press Release
Bluffton, S.C. – Nestled within a 20,000-acre nature preserve between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Montage Palmetto Bluff is proud to unveil ‘Well Living,' a year-long celebration of the diversity of life and the people and connections that enrich us. Launching in January with a timely focus on renewal, Well Living will continue to unfold throughout the year with monthly themes such as Black Heritage, Women, and the Earth, all rooted in the rich history of the Lowcountry.
Available to resort guests at Montage Palmetto Bluff, the new Well Living programming will feature a broad range of experiences to inspire people to focus on a life well lived – from healing mind, body, and soul, and honoring the beauty of nature, to celebrating all individuals. Throughout the year, Montage Palmetto Bluff will play host to an array of notable experts, each with a connection to the region and a tie to the monthly theme. Visiting practitioners, including artisans, culinarians, writers, and more, will create programming to engage and enlighten participants. They will also conduct sessions for Montage Palmetto Bluff associates to reinforce and enhance wellness and educational opportunities.
“Our new Well Living program is well timed to feed the hunger that travelers have to transform themselves with enriching experiences that go beyond recreation and relaxation,” said Jon McGaunn, general manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff. “We are looking forward to embarking on a new journey to spread wellbeing amid the beauty of our resort, and to invite our guests and associates to immerse themselves in the incredible culture and rich history of the Lowcountry.”
January – Renewal
For its January 2023 debut, Well Living will focus on Renewal, and carving new paths to living well. The month will commence with “Yoga for the Nervous System” on January 13, featuring yoga and nutrition expert Charlotte Hardwick, who will guide a practice designed to combat inflammation by counteracting the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. The month will close on January 28 with “Power of Plants,” a plant-prominent dinner collaboration at Octagon led by Teresa Brandow, owner of Avocado Bleu in Bluffton and Hilton Head, S.C.
Along with Hardwick and Brandow, visiting practitioners in January include:
· Artist Katie White, who connects with and teaches women to use the medium of watercolor as a tool to ease anxiety. Katie will lead “Painting as a Form of Meditation” (Jan. 14), “Drawing and Painting from a Photograph” (Jan. 19), and other art-based therapies throughout the month.
· Writer Lindsay Bomstein, who believes in the benefits of creative expression through art, dance, music, and writing. Lindsay will host “Writing for Healing, Meaning, and Joy” (Jan. 13), “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” (Jan. 14), and “Writing for Transformation” (Jan. 15).
· Tanya Colucci, founder and principal of Sacred Soul Guidance, whose holistic mind/body approach to healing blends modalities to lead people on individualized journeys. Tanya will lead “Sacred Shamanic Journey with Cacao, Sound, & Energy Healing” (Jan. 18), “Fire Ceremony” (Jan. 20), “Meditation, Mantra & Mala Beads” (Jan. 21), and more.
· Kimberly Harper, a veteran critical care paramedic who spent time working with wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Centers and now focuses on preventative holistic medicine to harness the power of the mind, body, and spirit. Kimberly will host “Embracing Women's Health Through a Plant Forward Diet” (Jan. 20).
February – Fostering Love & Honoring Black Heritage
February will be centered around Fostering Love & Honoring Black Heritage, honoring the Lowcountry's deep connection with Black heritage through celebrations of the region's culinary traditions, artwork, and rich tapestry of culture. Aptly timed to Black History Month and Valentine's Day, Montage Palmetto Bluff will debut a new partnership with Memphis-based chocolatier, Philip Ashley, who has developed four custom flavors for the resort, which will be placed in guest accommodations each night as part of the resort's turndown service. Named the ‘real-life Willy Wonka,' Ashley will also host a wine and chocolate tasting on Feb. 10 and 11.
Along with Ashley, visiting practitioners in February include:
· Brown Estate Winery's wines and pairings on menus in both Octagon and River House, and the team from Napa Valley's first Black-owned estate winery will host “Brown Estate Tastings” in the resort's recently opened speakeasy, Hush, throughout the month.
· Lowcountry artist Amiri Geuka Farris, whose multidisciplinary works blur the boundaries between abstraction and representation, sculpture, and printmaking, and contemporary and traditional. Amiri will host “Artistry in the Library” (Feb. 4 and 11).
· Community activist and cultural influencer, Luana Graves Sellars, who will lead “Gullah 101” talks on her Gullah Geechee roots, the history, and people (Feb. 10 and 17).
· Storyteller, chef and culinary historian, Sallie Ann Robinson, a sixth generation Gullah who has dedicated her life to chronicling and sharing Gullah recipes, dialect, and folklore. Sallie will lead “Gullah Cooking” (Feb. 26) and “Gullah Dinner” (Feb. 26 and 27)
March – Honoring Women
The Well Living program for March will be Honoring Women, notably those who share their creativity, businesses, and passions, with programming designed to uplift women connected to the Lowcountry.
Visiting practitioners in February include:
· Megan Hale, owner of Savannah-based Hale Tea, who will host “Tea Tastings” accompanied by homemade pastries courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff's executive pastry chef, Melissa Logan (Mar. 5, 19, and 26).
· Bassima Mroue and Dr. Amy Bader, founders of sparkling wellness soda, SkinTē, who will lead a “Fireside Chat and Reception” (Mar. 11).
· Chef Deedee Niyonkul, the daughter of Atlanta Thai food legends Charlie & Nan Niyomkul, and owner of the award-winning Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft and Chai Yo Modern Thai, who will bring Chai Yo to River House for a special five-course “Dinner with Deedee Niyonkul” (Mar. 19).
Additional themes for 2023 include Honoring the Earth, Artist Appreciation, and Honoring Hispanic Heritage.
For reservations or more information about Montage Palmetto Bluff, please visit www.montagehotels.com.
