PALMETTO BLUFF, S.C., Dec. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Montage Hotels & Resorts announced today its first East Coast resort, as it takes over management of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, to be renamed The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort, on February 1, 2014. Crescent Communities ("Crescent") - a diversified real estate investment, development and operating company - is investing more than $100 million to expand the resort located in Bluffton, South Carolina. This announcement is the second new hotel announcement for Montage, a hotel, resort and residential management company, having previously announced in August 2013 the addition of Montage Kapalua Bay in Maui (to open in early 2014).

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Recently named the #1 Resort in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff will join Montage's current award-winning hotel and residential collection: Montage Laguna Beach, celebrating its 10^th anniversary in 2013, Montage Beverly Hills and Montage Deer Valley, and the recently announced Montage Kapalua Bay.

The planned expansion will add 150 luxury rooms to the Inn's 50 individual cottages - in a collection of buildings - as well as a premium Spa Montage and fitness center, meeting facilities and expanded dining facilities for guests and Palmetto Bluff property owners. In addition, Montage-branded residences will be on offer. While significantly enlarging the array of amenities, facilities and services of the property, the planned expansion will respect and articulate the well-renowned and beloved architectural style of the existing Inn.

Crescent has assembled a world-class team to lead the expansion project. The Athens Group - a hospitality industry leader known for its highly sustainable luxury resort developments - will serve as development partner, managing the expansion and leading a design team including world-renowned Hart Howerton, HKS Hill Glazier Studio and Wilson Associates.

"The Inn at Palmetto Bluff has a rich history of being the premier Lowcountry destination, with its unique beauty and highly acclaimed hospitality heritage of the South," said Alan Fuerstman, Montage Hotels & Resorts Founder and CEO. "We are delighted to add Palmetto Bluff to our portfolio and to be a part of making truly memorable experiences for our guests at this enchanting destination."

Surrounded by rivers and abundant wildlife, Palmetto Bluff embodies the essence of Southern living, with screened porches and rustic fireplaces. Guests can experience all that the stunning area has to offer, including kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and relaxing river cruises, as well as the 18-hole May River Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

"Crescent is thrilled to announce this significant investment to reinforce Palmetto Bluff as the quintessential southern experience," said Todd Mansfield, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Communities. "This expansion, along with Montage's strong record of delivering extraordinary guest service, will enable Palmetto Bluff to continue providing award-winning hospitality while maintaining the original vision of this special place."

For more information, please visit www.montagehotels.com/palmettobluff.

SOURCE Montage Hotels & Resorts