T+L Hotel Review of Primland in Virginia, Auberge Resorts Collection

Stepping into Virginia’s Primland, Auberge Resorts CollectionThe new Hawk Eye Estate feels like it could be a scene out of a James Bond movie. The 27-foot-high floor-to ceiling windows look out over the 12,000 acres immaculate forest of the resort. It’s easy to picture 007 walking in with a martini, surveying and neutralizing the villain before settling into the heated private lap pool.

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. famously secluded Blue Ridge Mountains resort With its latest residence, rewrites rules on rugged sophistication. The main house has a gourmet-style kitchen, and four suites. Next door is a 1,210 square foot guest house with two more guest rooms. The house is a sprawling 1,210 square foot guesthouse with two additional rooms. pièce de résistance? A games cottage with vintage pinballs, a pooltable, and a bocce court. This luxurious enclave offers a getaway with a hint of movie drama.

Primland, with its epic grandeur and sweeping views, was recently named the best resort in America by T+L. World’s Best Awards, has been its defining feature since French industrialist Didier Primat founded the eco-conscious hotel in the early 2000s. Auberge Resorts Collection will take over management of the hotel in 2021, after Primat passed away in 2008. Primat’s children still own the property, but the resort staff assured me that they are committed to preserving the father’s vision as well as Primland’s European aesthetics and exclusive vibe.

The ascent is dramatic—a winding, six-mile climb brought us 2,700 feet above sea level. Under normal circumstances, it takes around 15 minutes to drive to the alpine-chic lodge with its two-story great room and panoramic views. The drive took us much longer than expected, with stops made to take in the breathtaking views. Winston-Salem’s skyline can be seen 60 miles away, even on a sunny day.

Primland’s expansive terrain invites guests to clay-shoot, hike, pheasant hunting, horseback riding, or paddleboard throughout. the rugged Dan River GorgeThe mood at the lodge is moody. The dimmed lobby was designed to soothe stress and create a feeling of serenity. The complimentary glass of sparkling wines offered to us during our seated check in enhanced the sense of exclusivity and calm.

In 2024, the Lodge will be refreshed with refined rustic decor and local art inspired by Southwest Virginia. The curated and deeply-rooted atmosphere is created by a mix of American quilts and wallcoverings with landscape themes, American quilts and native flora. Thoughtful details abound—there was an intricate wood inlay on the stairs leading to our second-floor suite and two-story matching rock fireplaces abutting the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Dove and Tar Kiln mountains.

Find out all about Primland, Auberge Resorts CollectionMeadows of Dan is located in Virginia.

The Rooms

Our 1,125-square foot second-floor Lodge Balcony Suite with King Bed combined the comforts of a long-term stay with the sophistication and luxury of a luxury getaway. A spacious outdoor patio overlooked the Lodge entrance, which I initially feared might make for a noisy stay—I was wrong. The quiet mornings were perfect for watching the sunrise over the mountain peaks.

The living area was stylish, with a plush couch accented by leather cushions, comfortable chairs, and walls made of exposed wood. It was framed by an elegant coffered-ceiling. The elegant wet bar featured a full selection of non-alcoholic and complimentary drinks, as well as a plush sofa.

Chad Dorsey of Chad Dorsey Design in Tennessee, who is a native Tennesseean, gave the Lodge a fresh contemporary look with a western Virginia flair. In the bedroom, a beautiful chambray quilt was elegantly draped at the foot of the bed. The palatial bathroom featured a modern shower and soaking tub that were large enough to accommodate my 5’11” frame. An additional separate powder room with its own shower provided added convenience—a nice touch had we been traveling with companions.

Food and Drink

Primland’s remoteness is part of its appeal, but it does limit the number of restaurants that are available off-site. Leatherflower, Primland’s new farm-to table restaurant, is the resort’s star. A freestanding fireplace dominates the mid-century venue. It is lined with floral wallpaper. It’s not the only feature that makes this breakfast and dining spot stand out.

Take it from someone who has covered food for years. Charleston, South Carolina, for more than a decade—the grits bowl with roasted vegetables and a sunny-side up egg is fantastic. Leatherflower doesn’t just use the phrase “locally sourced” to promote its farm-to table philosophy. Dinner at Leatherflower is a lavish affair with a white tablecloth and a treat for anyone who loves elevated Southern comfort. Think striped bass in a country ham broth with braised greens and black-eyed pea salad or the vegetarian-friendly Carolina gold rice with butternut squash, spiced crème fraîche, and pumpkin seed gremolata.

Primland’s Stables Saloon is an alternative for guests who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s located just a few minutes away by shuttle from the Lodge. The restaurant features local musicians on Fridays and Satudays. The restaurant hosted local musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.

For a casual lunch between rounds of golf on the Highland Course or after a morning clay shoot, as we did, Primland has the 19th Pub—a cozy sports bar serving towering sandwiches, heavy desserts, a few craft beers, and classic cocktails. You can also book private dinners for up to twelve people in the Schlumberger wine cellar, where you will be surrounded by 450 different labels of wine from 18 countries.

Activities and Experiences

Primland is proud of its wide range of activities. Guests are provided with a weekly itinerary upon check-in. Free activities include yoga every day, disc golf and storytelling around the fire. But the real highlights of the campus are the paid experiences. These include catch-and release fishing year-round, RTV rides and archery lessons.

Primland’s 14-station Clay Shooting Course ($216 per person plus gratuity) was a must for my husband. The shuttle took us to a sporting club. A guide then loaded us in a golf cart and we went on a 50 round adventure. My husband brought along his CZ Bobwhite 20 gauge side-byside shotgun. I arrived empty-handed. I was quickly outfitted by the helpful staff. Even though I was only able to hit three embarrassing clays, I at least looked the part and had a great morning outside.

Primland’s stargazing experience (60 dollars per person including gratuity). We climbed the fourth-floor observatory at 8:30 pm, along with other guests, who were bundled up in blankets. The Celestron CGE Pro 1400 & CPC 800 telescopes were operated by a cheerful resort guide, who was able to project celestial wonders on large-screen televisions. The Milky Way, Orion Nebula and Betelgeuse supergiant stars were all visible on the big-screen TVs.

The Spa

Primland’s award-winning Spa is located in the lower level. While we didn’t have the time to get a massage, we took a dip into the lap pool. The outdoor patio is accessible through accordion doors in warmer weather. Our trip being in late fall, the doors were closed and the place empty and blissfully silent—a restorative experience for parents of a rambunctious nine-year-old.

Offerings Family-Friendly

Primland was jam-packed with children. Many were under five years old. The resort is a great place for kids. They offer horse-drawn carriage rides in winter. Other times of the year a Junior Mountaineer with horseback-riding, archery and foraging lessons are available for children aged 6-12. These sessions can be booked in half-day sessions (9am-1pm; $150) or full-day sessions (9am-3pm; $210).

Accessibility and sustainability

The hotel offers three suites that are ADA-compliant. The Pinnacle Suite King Accessible, measuring 982-square feet, is equipped with an automatic shade system, a fully automated shower and a phone that flashes when it rings. Both of the Lodge Balcony Suite, King Accessible Rooms include toilet grab bars as well as a visual alarm. The Lodge has been designed to be a space that is accessible. Wheelchair access is possible on many paths in the resort. There is also a van-accessible lot, and the resort provides a detailed guide on its website to help navigate its various spaces, including guest suites and restaurants.

Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, has implemented numerous sustainable initiatives across the resort—from sourcing organic ingredients locally to recycling rainwater through an irrigation pond. The Lodge is LEED certified for its sustainable construction, design and operation. Bio-filters also protect native trout stream in the area. For well over a decade, Primland has worked closely with the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment Preserve wildlife and birds as well as maintaining water quality.

Location

This property is located in a remote area, which means it’s not easy to get there. So be prepared for a long journey. Washington, D.C., is about five and half hours away, while Greensboro, North Carolina, Roanoke, Virginia, are both around one and half hours. Piedmont Triad Airport is located in Greensboro (North Carolina), which is about 70 miles away.

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Primland, a member of Auberge Resorts Collection’s loyalty program is not separate. American Express Fine Hotels & ResortsMembers of receive a 12 p.m. room check-in when it is available, a daily breakfast for two, a $100 resort voucher, and a guaranteed check-out at 4 p.m.

Rates for nightly stays at Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection Starting at $595/night

T+L’s hotel reviews are written by an experienced editor or reporter, who has personally stayed in the hotel. Each hotel is selected to align with our values. core values.