Magnolia Monthly

March 2026

Last month, Stacey and Mary Margaret attended MVT Live 2026 at Montage Palmetto Bluff, joining respected advisors and trusted global partners for several days of meaningful collaboration.

We value this time each year with our Montecito Village Travel advisors, leadership teams, and trusted partners. These gatherings allow us to strengthen long-standing relationships, gain current insight from experts on the ground, and return home better equipped to design thoughtful, well-executed itineraries for the clients we serve.

The conversations and connections made during this time directly influence how we plan, advocate, and secure exceptional experiences on your behalf. These meetings go far beyond simple introductions. They strengthen the partnerships that allow us to advocate effectively on behalf of our clients, secure preferred guides and room placements, anticipate seasonal shifts before they affect availability, and design itineraries informed by current, on-the-ground insight.

The conversations and connections made during this time directly influence how we plan, advocate, and secure exceptional experiences on your behalf. We return home better connected and better informed.

Ireland, Scotland, & United Kingdom

Our partners throughout Ireland and Scotland echoed the same message: summer has become incredibly busy. While June–August remains beautiful, it now brings heavier crowds, tighter availability, and higher demand for drivers, guides, and special-access experiences.

The new sweet spots? April, September, October.

In April, the countryside begins to bloom, castles feel atmospheric and peaceful, and you can explore iconic sites without peak-season congestion. The fall season offers lingering warmth, golden landscapes, and a slower, more relaxed pace.

A stay at Ashford Castle feels like stepping into history in the most extraordinary way. Dating back to 1228, this iconic Irish castle has been thoughtfully restored and is now considered one of the world’s finest luxury hotels. The service is exceptional, blending warmth with polish, and the sense of arrival is unforgettable as you wind through sweeping parkland and catch your first glimpse of the castle’s turrets rising above the landscape.

While the setting is grand, the experience feels welcoming and personal. Guests can try traditional falconry, enjoy boating on Lough Corrib, explore the expansive grounds, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere. It is equally suited for a romantic escape or a memorable family adventure, offering a stay that is both immersive and timeless.

Gleneagles Townhouse marks the first city outpost from the iconic Gleneagles brand, and it has quickly become one of the most exciting additions to Edinburgh’s hotel scene. Located on St. Andrew Square in the heart of the city, the building served as a bank for more than 200 years before being beautifully restored. Today, it offers 33 thoughtfully designed bedrooms that blend historic architectural details with a fresh, modern Scottish elegance.

While intimate in size, the experience feels substantial. The Spence, its vibrant all-day dining venue, draws both locals and guests, while Lamplighters, the stylish rooftop terrace, offers sweeping city views. With most of Edinburgh walkable from its front door,

Elevated Road Trips in The United States

One of our most productive conversations was around custom-designed U.S. road trips.

Domestic travel continues to evolve beyond “DIY.” Clients want the freedom of the open road, but with thoughtful pacing, meaningful experiences, and exceptional accommodations layered in. They’re ideal for families, couples, or multi-generational travel.

Our Yellowstone road trip is a perfect example. Instead of simply booking park lodging, we curate:

• Luxury ranch stays
• Private wildlife guides
• Scenic routes mapped intentionally to avoid backtracking
• Time in Jackson Hole for refined dining and western charm
• Balanced days of adventure and rest

These trips are to feel immersive and not exhausting.

River Cruising: Beyond the Traditional Europe Itineraries

We also spent valuable time with our partners at AmaWaterways, whose itineraries continue to expand in compelling ways.

While European river cruising remains timeless, we are especially inspired by their South Africa river cruise. Here is a glimpse into this extraordinary itinerary combining:

• Time in Cape Town
• Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands
• A luxury safari experience
• Followed by an intimate sailing along the Chobe River

It blends land and river seamlessly, offering wildlife, culture, cuisine, and scenery in one thoughtfully paced journey.

If you are wanting a unique experience, these itineraries are perfect for you!

Attending MVT Live 2026 at Montage Palmetto Bluff gave us the opportunity to fully experience this remarkable Lowcountry retreat — and it exceeded every expectation. Set along the peaceful May River and surrounded by towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the property feels both expansive and intimate at the same time. The setting alone creates an immediate sense of calm, but it’s the thoughtful service and understated elegance that truly define the experience. From beautifully appointed accommodations to evenings gathered outdoors under soft coastal skies, every detail felt intentional and refined.

The resort experience extends far beyond exceptional lodging. Guests can enjoy an array of activities on land and water — from kayaking or paddleboarding on the May River and guided boat tours to rounds on the Jack Nicklaus Signature May River Golf Course and clay shooting at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club. There are more than 20 miles of biking and walking trails, multiple pools including family and adults-only options, tennis and lawn games, and an award-winning Spa Montage offering restorative treatments inspired by the Lowcountry landscape.

Dining is similarly diverse, with several restaurants and casual spots presenting Southern-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood, and seasonal fare. Even late nights felt special, including time spent at Hush, the resort’s intimate speakeasy, where handcrafted cocktails and live music create a cozy, tucked-away atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking active adventure, relaxed waterfront moments, or refined leisure, Montage Palmetto Bluff provides plenty of ways to engage with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. 

We are grateful for the opportunity to continually learn and strengthen the partnerships that serve you.

When you are ready to plan what’s next, we are here ready to create a journey that feels seamless, personal, and unforgettable.