ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Aug. 30, 2016 — Today, Montage Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Crescent Communities and The Athens Group, announces the final phase of expansion and the grand debut of its first east coast resort. The $100 million newly-expanded resort is set within the 20,000 acre Palmetto Bluff community, a historically rich centuries-old maritime forest surrounded by 32 miles of riverfront. Montage Palmetto Bluff now includes a total of 200 guest accommodations, six dining experiences, three distinctive pool venues, Spa Montage, Paintbox children's program, 35 private Montage Residences and over 16,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

"We are thrilled to debut the complete expansion of Montage Palmetto Bluff and bring our signature style of service and Montage programming to the inspiring and culturally-rich destination of Palmetto Bluff," said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder and chief executive officer, Montage Hotels & Resorts.

The largest undertaking of the expansion was the development of a new Inn, which sits along an expanded lagoon waterway and was inspired by the R.T. Wilson, Jr. mansion built on the property in the early 1900s. Developed by The Athens Group and designed by world-renowned Hart Howerton, HKS Hill Glazier Studio and Wilson & Associates, the Inn includes guest accommodations, a lively lobby lounge, the new Jessamine restaurant and Octagon Bar & Gathering Place. The Inn is also home to Spa Montage, which features outdoor relaxation areas that include both hot tubs and cold plunge pools, eucalyptus steam rooms and redwood saunas. The backyard of the Inn features two new pools and lagoon-side dining at Fore & Aft. The design throughout the Inn is coastally-inspired, and the furnishings, art and accessories reflect the subtle colors and natural surroundings of the resort.

Montage Palmetto Bluff accommodations include spacious cottages, guest rooms and suites that reflect the ultimate in refined elegance and luxury. Guests can take in serene waterfront views from a screened-in porch, or enjoy the beautiful views of a maritime forest. All accommodations feature photographs by Eric Horan and paintings by local artist West Fraser, a native of Hilton Head Island whose work celebrates the calm, natural beauty found throughout Palmetto Bluff. The new resort expansion complements a wealth of existing amenities throughout the surrounding community including the May River Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, Wilson Landing Marina, Longfield Stables and the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy.

"Montage Palmetto Bluff authentically represents the heritage of the destination and we are excited to bring it to life as we welcome visitors from both our local community and around the world," said Fuerstman.

The expansion also includes the new Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff. Montage will offer a limited collection of 35 single-family homes ranging in size from 2,200 to 4,200-square feet and two to five bedrooms. All were carefully designed by acclaimed local firm, Pearce Scott Architects to preserve the natural environment and maintain its sense of place. With traditional Lowcountry architecture that embraces an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, homes feature airy sitting rooms, spacious porches and cozy fireplaces. Currently available for sale starting at $1.4 million, each residence offers owners exclusive access to the full amenities and services of Montage Palmetto Bluff.

For more information, please visit www.montagehotels.com/palmettobluff and follow @montagehotels on social media.