Most people hear about Primland from other people who have experienced Primland. This Blue Ridge Mountain retreat is that special kind of place where, once you visit, you need to tell everyone about it simply so that you have an excuse to come back. The resort is the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life—and only a quick two-hour drive from Charlotte.
Primland is celebrating the anniversary of The Lodge on August 29, ten years to the day that it opened. To celebrate, the resort staff is drawing inspiration from the original grand opening. As in 2009, guests can expect an abundance of local flowers and produce and specialty cocktails to complement the occasion.
STAY
The property has several lodging options, but the centerpiece is The Lodge. Keeping as much of the natural environment intact was a priority for the late Didier Primat, founder of Primland. Likewise, the stunning building is a testament to nature and conservation, with building materials locally sourced from barns and buildings and the roof constructed from recycled tires. The interior of the Great Hall of The Lodge is meant to evoke upscale comfort in a home away from home aesthetic. Guests will find twin stone fireplaces, familial details like board games, and aboriginal art curated by the owners. Rooms in The Lodge take cues from the environment with live-edge and natural wood pieces, subtle earth tone accents, and natural stone in the bathrooms. The smallest option, the Mountain Room, ranges from 518 to 800 square feet. For the utmost in luxury, book the Pinnacle Suite. Located in The Lodge’s Observatory Tower, this 1,800-square-foot getaway includes a custom-designed spiral staircase to the bedroom loft and expansive views of the vistas beyond.
DO
Starwalk An observatory in an old grain silo is an unusual addition to a resort—but it’s an interesting way to cap off a day in the wilderness. A guided tour of the night sky, the Starwalk takes place every night at Primland, showing celestial bodies near and far. There’s no artificial light on-site, so even with the naked eye, you can’t beat the view.
RTV Adventures
The best way to see the 12,000-acre property is to sign up for a Recreational Terrain Vehicle (RTV) off-road adventure. All off-road tours are guided and can accommodate up to four passengers, and guests have the option of a one- or two-hour tour. Expect to cross streams and rock beds and stop at overlooks around the property, where on a clear day, guests can easily spot downtown Winston-Salem. Golf Designed with a mountain location in mind, the Highland Course at Primland is a delight. The Audubon-certified eighteen-hole course was designed by preeminent golf architect Donald Steel and is meant as a challenge for golfers of all levels. Golf Digest ranked the course as number twenty-eight on its list of top public courses in 2017–2018, and it was chosen by Golf magazine as the number two course in Virginia.
Spa
The Spa at Primland takes cues from Native American influences and rituals of the lands the resort sits on, which were
once home to eight tribes. The spa services pull from Native American figures and legends, as well as honored ingredients like blue corn, which is used in several of the spa’s body therapies and treatments. Guests will also notice more subtle touches, like traditional native music in the background. Services include massages, fullbody treatments, yoga, and meditation.
EAT
Primland houses three on-property eateries: 19th Pub, Elements, and Stables Saloon. Open for breakfast and dinner, Elements is Primland’s upscale dining option and pulls from local flavors for its seasonal menus. (There’s also a by-reservation chef’s table that’s worth it to all foodies.) Get a dose of the property’s history with moonshine at 19th Pub, a more relaxed option with a cocktail menu that heavily features the spirit. And for a casual experience with traditional Southern food, drop by Stables Saloon, located on the second floor of Primland’s old horse stables. While staying on-site, Primland’s pig candy (thick-cut bacon coated in maple syrup and cayenne pepper) is a must-try—you can even get an order to go for the ride home.