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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Practice the 3 S’s—Shopping, Spa and Sports

By Madelyn Miller

Whether its mother-daughter quality time or girl-friend bonding, reconnecting with a college roommate, that last girls-only getaway before the wedding or even a bridal-shower-away, Charleston’s historic Planters Inn offers a delightful two-night, three-day option with the Three S's Sisterhood Sojourn - a sassy combination of sports, spa and shopping. The only way I think they could improve on this plan is if they substituted Snacks for the Sports. As a power shopper, I get enough exercise lifting those shopping bags and reaching for bargains.

“Because Charleston is such a dynamic destination, with more than its share of charm and civilized pursuits, it attracts a lot of women traveling with female friends and/or family bent on making the most of their time away together – from whomever, or whatever,” notes Larry Spelts, Planters’ General Manager.  “So we thought it would be worthwhile to come up with a program designed to specifically attract what I have taken to describing as the ‘girls’ getaway market.’” 

To that end, Spelts consulted with his concierge team about the most frequent requests from Planters’ distaff guests and developed the playful package consisting of:     

Two nights cosseting accommodations in Planters' lovely high-ceilinged, four-poster, canopy-bedded rooms, some with working fireplaces, all with oversized bathrooms

Breakfast both mornings in the dining room or courtyard

A clinic and round of golf at the Rivertowne Country Club with the first Jack Nicklaus designed course in the Charleston area

OR an afternoon sail around Charleston's scenic harbor on a private yacht, during which Sisterhood Sojourners can participate in the operation of the vessel

A day at the Stella Nova Spa, indulging in a menu of treatments and a spa lunch

Dinner one night at Planters' celebrated Peninsula Grill, perennially one of Charleston's most popular and acclaimed dining destinations

Private shopping tour provided by Absolutely Charleston's expert guides, tailored to the interests of Sisterhood-ers - antiques, silver, jewelry, clothes, decorative accessories, real estate, etc.

Two jacquard keepsake robes embroidered with Sojourn-istas’ initials that come in handy for...

The Three S's Sisterhood Sojourn Slumber Party. In the cuddly company of the Planters Inn teddy bear that graces every room, the festivities are fostered by in-room movie rental and a basket of late-night, movie-viewing munchies

Available year-round, the cost of the Three S’s Sisterhood Sojourn is $1600 for two, exclusive of tax and gratuity.  A second, simultaneous Sisterhood Sojourn taking advantage of pillow-fighting possibilities of adjoining rooms can be booked for $1200 and group rates are available for a minimum of 12 Sojourn-istas

Located in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District, the Planters Inn, circa 1844, combines the charm of old world hospitality with 21^st century amenities.  The antique accented residential ambiance of its 62 rooms, coupled with the courteous staff’s amiable attention to detail, creates the illusion of staying in one of Charleston’s grand mansions – a mansion with a nationally celebrated restaurant, the Mobil-four star Peninsula Grill.  Named one of the nation’s “Top 50 Hotel Restaurants” by Food & Wine,  Peninsula Grill just earned its fourth “Best Restaurant” title in its five year history in the 2002 Charleston City Paper’s Annual Best of Charleston Readers Poll.

The Planters Inn, Charleston’s only Relais & Châteaux property, anchors the northeast corner of Charleston’s famed City Market.  It’s two buildings wrap around a captivating courtyard, distinguished by palm trees, partierres and fountains, which provides visitors a delightful oasis from the bustling Historic District.  It is a location cited as one of the country’s best four by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List with the Historic District’s boutiques and bistros beckoning just beyond the front door, while the antique shops of King Street are a block away.  And, it is only a four-block stroll to Waterfront Park, The Battery, the Theatre District and the Old City’s world famous antebellum mansions.

For more information about or for reservations for The Three S’s Sisterhood Sojourn, please call the Planters Inn at (800) 845-7082 or (843) 722-2345.  Or visit the Planters Inn Web site at www.plantersinn.com.

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