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Summerville, South Carolina -- Woodlands Resort & Inn
We
just returned from our first visit to South Carolina’s only AAA Five
Diamond resort. In fact, Woodlands
Resort & Inn is one of only three properties in the U.S. to receive
the prestigious Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Awards for both lodging
and dining.
But mere award words don’t do justice to this “Old South meets Europe” getaway. Just 20 minutes or so from downtown Charleston (and a mere half-hour from I-95), the Woodlands Resort & Inn is simply one of the most elegant destinations in the nation.
The prestigious Relais & Chateaux property is an impeccably restored 1906 mansion set in 42 parkland acres. It features 19 individually decorated rooms and suites, a croquet lawn, clay tennis courts, an outdoor pool, upscale meeting facilities, a small dayspa, golf privileges at nearby courses, and much more.
But a stay at Woodlands is memorable as much for it’s leisurely pursuits as it is for the luxurious amenities. These pursuits can be as simple as reading a good book in one of many peaceful public spaces (the Winter Garden was one of our favorites) or perusing the night’s menu in advance to discuss the creative options.
In
fact, an evening in The Dining Room is such a perfect pursuit that it’s
often filled with loyal fans from Charleston and much further afield. The
airy setting of The Dining Room reminds one of an English country home, but
it thankfully doesn’t detract from the food.
The cuisine is cosmopolitan, but based on fresh local ingredients and Low Country influences. Diners can choose from a daily changing menu, a la carte, or multi-course tasting menus than can include the wine pairings of sommelier extraordinaire Stephane Peltier (who introduced us to a number of unique wines to complement the extraordinary cuisine).
Though The Dining Room is definitely a destination in its own right, knowing our elegant room was nearby proved a nice end to a perfect Woodlands evening.