A few years ago, I had the chance to visit Primland Resort with the rest of the Golf Aficionado staff as part of our 2018 Ultimate Golf Trip that included one night at Primland followed by four nights at The Greenbrier. As we left Primland, I knew I had to return. The feeling was a little different. Even though I was in the midst of an epic boys golf trip, I felt Primland would have been even better with my sweetheart.
I’ll Be Back!
So I made a mental note and promised myself that I would be back, but this time with my wonderful wife of 20 years. Fast Forward 3-years, we’re coming through the other side of the Covid-19 pandemic, and we’re ready to get out of the house and reconnect with the outdoors.
I couldn’t think of a better place to reconnect with nature and spend time together. We jumped at the opportunity to visit Primland. We were already at nearby Pinehurst, NC when we decided to finish our week away with two unforgettable nights at The Lodge.
The Lodge
Primland Resort is now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, a luxury hospitality management partnership that offers luxury experiences around the world. On our boy’s trip to Primland, we stayed in a cabin, “The Bobcat.” It was fun because we stayed as a group and everyone had a bedroom all under the same roof. The Lodge is the equivalent of staying at a 5-star luxury hotel, without a doubt, Primland will give anyone a run for their money. The rooms are a private oasis designed with natural wood finishes and modern technology.
Besides providing luxury accommodations for resort guests, The Lodge acts as the hub for the resort. Your check-in process begins at The Lodge regardless if you’re staying in the Lodge or a cottage. The Lodge is also home to the resort’s two restaurants, the 19th Pub, and Elements, more on these in just a bit. Don’t forget about the French-inspired Auberge Spa. Trust me! There is nothing like a couple’s massage to either kick-off or close out a romantic weekend away!
The Food
When I got back from Primland, I immediately had to go on a crash diet! The food was so delicious, and I couldn’t help myself from finishing every last bite. My wife and I love a good meal. After a day out and about, we were playing golf, exploring the resort; what could be better than a gourmet dinner at Elements. Sitting down in a beautiful setting, the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop and a menu that knocks your socks off.
Several weeks later my wife and I are still talking about the lobster mac and cheese. Just this morning, my wife was dropping me off at the airport for an early flight to Atlantic City (future article to come), and I stopped by Panera to pick up a cinnamon crunch bagel. After we both shared a bite, we talked about how we wished it was a cinnamon roll from Primland.
The Experiences
Many resorts around the world offer five-star accommodations and fabulous food that will knock your socks off, but what sets Primland apart from others, are the experiences. Set amongst the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Primland offers an unmatched mountain setting with the chance to experience nature like never before.
Let’s start with the more common activities. Primland provides guests with the ability to experience sporting clays, fishing, paddle boarding, archery, ax throwing, and all-terrain vehicle tours. Some of the unique experiences that Primland makes available to guests throughout the year; painting lessons with a local artist, ginseng hunts, herbal gardening 101, horseback riding, wreath making, ornament making, and mountain biking down the Old Appalachian Trail.
Regardless of your activity level or appetite for adventure, you’ll have no problem finding ways to pass the time while visiting Primland. Some people prefer to enjoy the variety of hiking trails, while others love the heart-pumping fun of mountain biking or sporting clays. No matter what you choose, you’ll never be short of things to do.
The Observatory
No trip to Primland would be complete without spending a night star gazing. Talk about romantic. It doesn’t get better than spending the night holding hands exploring galaxies far, far away. Shooting stars, comets, constellations, satellites, you’ll see it all thanks to the high-powered telescope and your galaxy tour guide. This will be a night you’ll both remember for a very long time.
The Golf
Oh yes, let me not forget the Donald Steel designed 18-hole masterpiece that awaits. Usually, it’s all about golf, but as you can see, Primland has so much more to offer than just golf. Like everything at Primland, the golf course is world-class. No expense was spared when building the golf course, which allowed Donald Steel’s imagination to run wild creating a stunning course routing through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Old Appalachian Trail.
From the moments you spend practicing to the time you finish the first hole, you’ll know The Highland Course is a special place. After you finish the 18th, you’ll be dying for another loop. The setting is perfect, and the golf course is superb. Words will never do The Highland Course justice, but check out my article on The Highland Course for a more detailed look at the golf course.
Any Chance You Get
Primland is a special place, and going back a second time and being able to enjoy it with the love of my life was a special treat. There aren’t many places where you would, without a doubt, drop everything and go if you had the chance. For me, Primland is at the top of that list. Graduation, wedding, Mom’s birthday, it doesn’t matter. If I have the chance to go back, I’m going! I don’t know what better recommendation I could give. Bottom line, if you want some alone time with your significant other that includes world-class accommodations, food, activities, spa, and golf, then GO TO PRIMLAND.