Destination Golf: Primland Resort

Primland is a spectacular resort situated on 12,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Vacationers looking for outdoor activities and indoor luxury simply can’t go wrong by visiting Primland.

The fabulous Highlands Course, one of the highest-rated golf courses in America, is an absolute treat to play. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Steel.

Steel has designed 85 courses around the world and redesigned roughly 500 more. He has advised on renovations of every course in The Open Championship rotation. His design philosophy is to blend the holes into the natural landscape. He certainly had a great pallet on which to work at Primland, and he did a masterful job with it.

“When I first saw Primland, it reminded me of the highlands of Scotland. I knew this was the perfect spot for a truly exceptional course.”- DONALD STEEL, Course Architect

Mountain golf always offers some beautifully scenic holes. Often, however, the topography creates challenges that ultimately result in at least a few quirky holes. That is certainly not the case with the Highlands Course at Primland. Having 12,000 acres to work with doesn’t hurt.

There are dramatic elevation changes within the confines of the resort. Steel, however, chose to route the course along the ridges of the mountain. The course is “wall to wall” Audubon-certified bentgrass until it reaches the native fescue, adjoining forest, or steep cliffsides.

Wild misses are severely penalized, but Steel allowed enough room for moderately wayward shots to be found and played. Primland is not a bombers paradise, but it’s not target golf either. It’s quality golf – hole after hole.

The flow of holes is unique, with five par-3s and five par-5s, and eight par-4s.

Each hole is distinctive, challenging, and fair, not to mention beautiful. The course itself is pristinely manicured. The views are indescribable. Native wildlife is plentiful on the course. We saw numerous deer and turkey. The saw us, too, but didn’t seem to mind sharing space with golfers chasing balls through their domain.

The best compliment that I can give the Highlands Course at Primland is to truthfully say that I could play it every day and never get tired of it. It’s spectacular!

The golf at Primland is outstanding, but there are a number of other outdoor activities that make the resort complete. One of our favorites was the RTV tour which starts in the valley and takes you throughout the mountain terrain. It’s an absolute blast!

You can also tour the property on horseback or mountain bike.

An extensive network of hiking trails is available with beautiful views of the Dan River Gorge.

Spend a little time on the water kayaking, paddle boarding or fly fishing.

If you’d like to test your marksmanship skills by shooting sporting clays, air rifles, and archery are all available. Guided hunting tours are available in season.

After a day of adventure, unwind in The Spa at Primland. You’ll be treated to a tranquil environment for complete and total rejuvenation.

The Spa features a combination of Native American healing rituals and European spa techniques along with organic products and essential oils to give guests the most relaxing and revitalizing experience possible. Treatments include massages, facials, yoga and meditation for men, women, couples, teens, and children.

In between activities, enjoy a beverage and meal in the 19th Pub.

Draught beers, single malts and cocktails are available, and upscale pub food is served for both lunch and dinner. Attire is casual.

If a more elegant dinner is to your liking, be sure to make a reservation to dine at Elements. Elements incorporates local, organic, and sustainable foods to create innovative and exciting cuisine. The setting is refined, but not stuffy. The wait staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and the food is outstanding.

Reservations are required at Elements and the recommended dress is slacks, collared shirt, and jacket for men, and dress/skirt, or slacks for the ladies.

The Stables Saloon is available for private parties and events.

The setting is rustic and secluded and located on the second floor of a former horse stable. Live Bluegrass concerts are held regularly. Southern Blue Ridge Barbecue is served on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Accommodations

The Lodge

The Lodge takes outdoor luxury travel to another level with high-end rooms that accommodate groups of various sizes. In addition to the nine guest rooms and 16 luxury suites, amenities include the main hall with twin fireplaces, a two-story wine room, the spa, fitness center, private theatre, observatory dome, and a game room.

Pinnacle Cottages

Our stay was in one of the elegant Pinnacle Cottages just minutes from The Lodge.

Each of the two-story chalet-like cottages contains two guest rooms and two suites, each featuring expansive private balconies.

Amenities in both The Lodge and the Pinnacle Cottages include Frette robes and slippers, BVLGARI bath products, a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker, as well as a flat screen television, complimentary wireless Internet access, fully automated Lutron shade, and daily housekeeping services.

Fairway Cottages

The elegant duplex cottages offer to guests stone walkways, hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, Tennessee field stone fireplaces, and private decks to take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 A private putting green is available for cottage guests.

Tree Houses

For those really wanting to get away from it all, one of Primland’s three tree houses will definitely fit the bill. Each is perched on the edge of the mountain and just a short drive from the Lodge. Each cabin is built around the solid branches of the treetops, providing expansive views of the majestic Kibler Valley and North Carolina piedmont from the comfort of a large private deck.

Everything at Primland is first class. Our visit was mostly about the golf and we were fortunate enough to take in some of the other activities. There were others there during our stay who didn’t even play golf. The point is that Primland is a top-notch golf resort. But it is so much more than that!

The following words can be found on the Primland website: “Primland is the ultimate Luxury Mountain Getaway.” It certainly is.

For more information about Primland, or to book your vacation, visit primland.com.