May River Manor is Bluffton’s new boutique hotel
Nestled amongst tall pines and swaying palms, May River Manor affords guests a luxe boutique hotel experience in Bluffton, South Carolina. The property, which opened in January, is situated on five acres of open and wooded landscape and offers up extraordinary attention to detail with an exemplary level of service.
Local entrepreneur/owner Amador Rivera wanted to bring the best of his globetrotting travel experiences to his first lodging venture—a two-story, 6,000-square-foot manor house with a front patio, downstairs dining terrace, and an upstairs veranda overlooking the pristine pool. The passion project features only five suites, each named for a local river, and encompasses Rivera’s dedication to providing guests with the ultimate in “lowcountry luxury.” As evidence, a helicopter can even be arranged to pick up guests within a two-hour radius of the property.
From the gleaming reclaimed wood floors to the artwork from talented local artists Amiri Farris and Iliana Leyba, which inspired the decor, May River Manor delivers a new take on modern, coastal elegance. Rooms are spacious with king-sized beds, luxury linens, cozy bathrobes, French doors, rattan clothing armoires, deluxe rain showerheads, and sparkling white double vanities stocked with Aqua Mellis C.O. Bigelow Apothecary toiletries. Three rooms also have large free-standing soaking tubs.
Home Away from Home at May River Manor
Instead of a traditional hotel lobby, the property looks and feels more like a private resort home, with a sun-filled living room and an oversized dining table in the spacious open kitchen/bar area. Guests are welcomed with wine and charcuterie in the afternoons and dessert offerings in the evenings.
Also included is a complimentary and customizable gourmet breakfast, where the chef designs the menu using the freshest local ingredients that change with the seasons. Choices might include Superfood Overnight Oats with fresh fruit and almond butter, dusted in ground flax, coconut, and chia seeds, served with candied pecans and a “hot horchata shooter.” Or a Harvest Hash Frittata, with herb-roasted potatoes, pumpkin, peppers and sweet onions, served with shaved heritage ham and dressed field greens. A creative toast “flight” features grilled artisan baker’s bread accompanied with a trio of whipped local butter, Blueridge Berry jam, and pimento cheese. Dine on a patio, porch, in the breakfast room, or under umbrellas in the pool area.
May River Manor was formerly the home of a nonprofit that provided aid to women and children and has now been completely renovated to highlight its quintessential Southern charm. The secluded sanctuary is a perfect place to watch a dramatic moon rise over the pines, sitting outside with only the soothing piped-in music breaking the silence of the night as the glow of string lights illuminates the shimmering saltwater pool.
Bespoke Bluffton
The hotel is situated a quick 10-minute drive from upscale boutiques, home furnishing shops, a farmer’s market, and lunch and dining options in the walkable town of Bluffton. (The hotel does not have a restaurant.)
May River Manor’s concierge can arrange a custom itinerary for a variety of activities such as:
- Helicopter tours
- Harbor river cruises
- Kayaking
- Backwater expeditions
- Fishing trips
- Golf games
- Real estate tours
- Tasting tours
- Historical tours
- Sunset dinner cruises
- Rainy-day activities
