Trailblazers Celebrate Their Montage Experience
What an unforgettable experience! This year, Trailblazer travel advisors embarked on two jaw-dropping incentive trips that showcased the renowned hospitality and unique charm of Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina and Montage Healdsburg in California.
Our unforgettable trips wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Montage Hotels & Resorts. Their dedication to crafting exceptional experiences elevated every moment to new heights. A heartfelt thank you to the Montage team for being such outstanding partners. It’s partnerships like these that allow us to create remarkable memories for our advisors and clients alike. Here’s a look back at the extraordinary journeys and standout moments that will be talked about for years to come.
MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF | A Warm Welcome in Lowcountry
Our first stop took us to Montage Palmetto Bluff, nestled in the heart of South Carolina's vibrant Lowcountry. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with that trademark Southern hospitality so warm and genuine, it felt like coming home.
THE PROPERTY
This stunning resort is spread across 20,000 acres of picturesque beauty. With lush, moss-draped oak trees, shimmering waterways, and charming architecture, it's a place where time seems to slow down. We stayed in cozy cottages and spacious homes equipped with every luxurious touch you could imagine. The plush, oversized beds, sprawling porches, and views made you want to pinch yourself.
The Lowcountry charm was truly undeniable. "Every corner of this property feels like its own little storybook setting," Host Agency Account Director Naomi Rose commented. "It's easy to understand why Justin Bieber and Hailey chose to get married here."
KEY ACTIVITIES
picturesque bike ride
One of Naomi Rose’s personal favorite moments were on the guided bike ride. We pedaled under shady, moss-draped oaks, winding through the Bluff's backcountry until we reached Moreland Landing. Along the way, we spotted the five-story treehouse, explored the Conservancy, and took in the beautiful tree-lined backroads. The group ride was such a fun way to explore, share laughs, and swap travel stories.
Sunset dinner cruise
Our stay was filled with unforgettable experiences, each more extraordinary than the last. Cadence advisor Karyn Farr described one highlight as her favorite moment, saying, "I absolutely loved the serene sunset river cruise aboard the beautifully restored, authentic wooden yacht." The cruise took place aboard the Grace, a 113-year-old wooden yacht with Gilded Age charm. With its vintage teak details and historic elegance, it provided the perfect setting as we sipped drinks and enjoyed appetizers along the May River. The weather was perfect, we spotted dolphins, and the wine and food added to the magic of this breathtaking experience.
unique dining experiences
On our first night, we were treated to a private chef dinner in a stunning villa. With delicious food and a cozy atmosphere, it was the perfect introduction to our trip. Another standout activity was the caviar and champagne reception paired with a hat-making workshop by Brims on the Bluff. Everyone's custom hats reflected their personalities and became the perfect personalized souvenirs. (We highly recommend this for bachelorette parties or girlfriend getaways!) We wrapped it all up with dinner at the River House, savoring Lowcountry flavors and sharing laughs in a private room. It was a perfect finale to an unforgettable getaway.
HEARTFELT MOMENTS
A heartfelt thank-you to the team at Montage Palmetto Bluff, who went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. From personalized itineraries and a custom hat-making workshop to small surprises waiting in our rooms, their hospitality truly touched our hearts.
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Day 1
Trailblazer Arrivals
12:00PM: Lunch at Buffalos
5:00PM: Property Tour
6:00PM: Private Chef Experience, Montage Signature Residential Home
Day 2
Breakfast at Leisure
10:30AM: Bike Ride to Moreland
11:15AM: Lunch in Moreland Village Home
2:00PM: Cruise on the Grace
6:30PM: Wilson Village Home Reception
7:30PM: Dinner at River House
Day 3
Breakfast at Leisure
Departures
MONTAGE HEALDSBURG | Wine Country Serenity
From the Lowcountry's gentle rivers, we traded Southern moss for California sunshine as our journey took us to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of Montage Healdsburg in the heart of Sonoma wine country. We were greeted with a warm welcome that felt instantly special. Equal parts refined and inviting. Right away, you could sense the spirit of Healdsburg: effortless elegance, a passion for the land, and a focus on creating genuine connections.
THE PROPERTY
Nestled within 258 acres of breathtaking vineyards and tranquil oak woodlands, we found ourselves immersed in a setting of pure serenity. Each sunrise painted the landscape in hues of golden light, while the vibrant energy of nature surrounded us. Our accommodations struck the perfect balance between luxury and comfort, making us feel both indulged and at ease. Thoughtful details, like a curated selection of local wine and personalized robes, added a warm, welcoming touch to the experience. "We felt truly pampered," shared Cadence advisor Barbara Henkel.
KEY ACTIVITIES
wine country experiences
A trip to Sonoma wouldn't be complete without diving into its incredible wine scene, and the private tour at Paul Hobbs was a definite highlight! Sipping wine while enjoying a farm-fresh lunch with perfectly paired cheeses was pure wine country heaven. The expertise of the vintners shone through as they guided us through each pour, sharing stories about the land and the craft behind every bottle. Surrounded by the vineyard’s rolling hills, the stunning setting made the experience feel both luxurious and deeply connected to the spirit of Sonoma.
culinary delights
Our first evening began with cocktails and crisp, fresh crudités at Scout Field Bar, setting the perfect tone for the night. Dinner at Valette followed, where we were blown away by the delicate puff-pastry scallop and the insane "bread-and-butter" dessert that we’re still raving about. By the final night, our experience came full circle with an intimate private cocktail reception and a chef's table dinner at the Guesthouse. Sharing incredible food and drinks with the group made for a truly special and unforgettable evening.
spa montage
The whole spa felt so serene, and the personalized touches made it the perfect spot to recharge after a leisurely morning of total indulgence. We had the opportunity to enjoy The Sonoma Blend Massage, and we can’t recommend it enough. Seriously, several of us agreed it was probably one of the best massages we've ever had!
HEARTFELT MOMENTS
A massive thank you goes to the Montage Healdsburg team for curating every detail of our experience to perfection. Every single moment felt so special and personal, it's hard to choose a favorite. As Barbara Henkel reflected, "It was wonderful to have face time with everyone in such an incredible setting." Our time together was a true reflection of Sonoma’s beauty, charm, and soul.
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Day 1
Trailblazer Arrivals
Day 2
9:00AM: Sonoma Blend Massage at Spa Montage
12:15PM: Lunch & Wine Experience, in partnership with West Coast Wine Country
1:00PM: Lunch & Winery Visit at Paul Hobbs
3:30PM: Afternoon at Leisure. Poolside Cabanas and Healdsburg Exploration
6:30PM: Cocktail Reception at the Guesthouse
7:00PM: Guesthouse Dinner & Afterglow Stargazing Experience
Day 3
Breakfast at Leisure, In Room Dining or signature Hazel Hill Restaurant
Departures
A FINAL THANK YOU
These trips weren't just about visiting two incredible properties. They weren't even about recognition. They were about strengthening bonds, exchanging ideas, and inspiring the future of travel. Taking a step back to immerse ourselves in these experiences allows us to better serve our clients, and there's no doubt these trips left a profound impact. You don't just visit a place like Palmetto Bluff or Healdsburg. You feel it, you live it. And now we can't wait to share our experiences with others.
To everyone who joined us on this journey, thank you for your passion, comradery, and commitment to excellence. And to the incredible teams at Montage Palmetto Bluff and Montage Healdsburg, your hospitality did more than host us—it inspired us. We couldn't have felt more welcomed, celebrated, or motivated by the care and creativity you poured into every moment.
