Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection Review
Our Verdict
Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection Review
Located in the Meadows of Dan, Virginia, Primland is a back-to-nature escape. The resort sits on a private 12,000 acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains that offers luxurious accommodations, one-of-a-kind wilderness experiences, farm-to-table culinary offerings, world class golf and more.
At Primland, activities are endless, offering an experience of nature at its finest no matter the season. Wander the banks of streams alive with trout, experience the rush of mountain biking and gaze at primeval views and star-filled skies. From horseback riding to paddle boarding, take to the great outdoors and experience all Primland has to offer with activities that are both engaging and educational for everyone.
Consummately private, elegantly appointed, and all with exceptional views, Primland’s varied accommodations from lofty suites and treehouses to mountain homes reflect the 12,000-acre estate’s abundance of space.
Are you looking to reconnect with nature, disconnect from the world and soak in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Auberge Resort Collection is all about enjoying fulfilling, luscious shared experiences that connect you to the local culture, its welcoming people, and the beauty of the land, all while doing good and making memories and dreams that will be forever embedded in your soul. And that is exactly how we felt while staying at Primland.
This review is based on our personal stay in September of 2021. If you are planning to stay at Primland, book through Live Luxe Travel Co. to take advantage of exclusive Virtuoso benefits like a room upgrade (if available at check-in), $100 resort credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity.
Our Room
On to the elegantly appointed accommodations. During our stay we stayed in one of the Pinnacle Cottages. Named after the famous Pinnacles of Dan, four gracious, chalet-like cottages each offer accommodation for up to 12 people with birds-eye views of the valley below. Don't let the word ‘cottage’ mislead you, however. While charming, these generously-proportioned, two-story abodes are stylish eyries with serene interiors and space to spare.
The Pinnacle Cottages can be configured to be multiple bedrooms. We stayed in a Cedar Bluff Room. The Cedar Bluff Rooms are situated within each of the four Pinnacle Cottages. With a king-size bed and elegant furnishings, the bedrooms are complemented by spacious bathrooms with similar awe-inspiring views.
It’s worth noting that all of the accommodations at Primland feature a complimentary offering of snacks and beverages that are replenished daily, down duvets, plush Frette robes and slippers, and custom-designed Frette sheets satisfy the senses on every level.
Our Cedar Bluff Room featured a spacious bathroom with a dual vanity, large soaking tub with a sweeping view of the valley below, a large walk-in shower, and separate water closet.
Primland features BVLGARI bath products. And besides Le Labo, these are some of our favorite hotel toiletries.
Amenities
A stay at Primland isn’t your typical escape as nature is a huge focus of the experience. There isn’t a lack for things to do since there is a golf course, hiking trails, mountain biking, horse back riding, all-terrain driving, hunting activities, fishing, a spa, and more.
The indoor pool is located in Auberge Spa and is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We enjoyed the pool and spa facilities on a rainy day which was a great way to spend a day indoors.
Embark on a spa journey designed for you. Taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, the Spa combines Native American healing rituals with cutting edge modern spa techniques, organic products and essential oils to provide the most revitalizing and beneficial experience possible.
As you can imagine, spa treatments look quite different these days due to COVID. Auberge Spa at Primland takes COVID health and safety precautions very seriously and offered hand sanitizer, wore facial coverings and helped to keep spa guests socially distanced in the waiting area.
We enjoyed massages during our stay which were fantastic. Each of our therapists started our treatment by asking us to draw a card from a pile. One of our cards had a buffalo on it. After the massage was over the therapist dropped us off in the waiting room and flipped open a book to the buffalo which talked about what your body was needing, feeling etc. (much like a horoscope).
Rejuvinate and recharge in the mountain air. With views to keep you going, the spacious fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment. The indoor heated swimming pool is chlorine-free and ideal for swimming laps or cooling off after a workout. Within the spa locker rooms, you'll find a sauna and steam room to round out the hydrotherapy facilities. There is also a soft-surface tennis court, two open-air yoga/meditation decks and Bootleggers Outdoor Gym and Fitness Trail.
The fitness center has plenty of equipment to get a workout in, including a Peloton bike. But, to be honest the best workout you can get while at Primland is to go hike and explore the great outdoors.
Dining
if your looking for farm-to-table culinary options, look no further than Primland. Primland has three food and beverage outlets on property; Elements, 19th Pub and Stables Saloon.
Elements is the main restaurant, which is located in the lodge and is where breakfast and dinner is served. This is where Virtuoso breakfast is served.
Before we get to the meals we had, the service at Elements for both breakfast and dinner was excellent. The waitstaff was extremely attentive and service was quick but not rushed.
Part of dining at Elements is the ambience. The restaurant has large windows that look out onto the rolling hills of Primland and the fireplace in the middle of the room keeps you cozy.
For dinner we had an incredible meal including local trout and steak. Most of the vegetables and herbs used are grown on property in the garden you will pass on the drive up to the lodge.
While we didn’t eat at at 19th Pub, it’s located in the lodge and is open from 11 am to 11 pm. 19th pub is the perfect place to grab a more casual meal after a day exploring Primland or after a round of golf.
Now onto what was perhaps our favorite meal we had while at Primland. Stables Saloon, the former horse stable at Primland, is now one of the signature restaurants and experiences. Stables Saloon is where you go if you want a low key dinner with live music. Stables Saloon serves southern comfort food such as fried chicken, smoked meats, macaroni and cheese and more.
The meal at Stables Saloon is served family style and they bring a selection of meats and sides to the table and you can ask for more if you like something.
Stables is such a unique experience at a luxury resort. We love getting dressed up to go to a nice dinner, but this was a nice change of pace. We’d highly recommend you dine one night at Stables Saloon.
Service
The service at Primland gives you the sense that you’re not staying at a resort, but yet someone’s home. The bell staff, front desk agents, house keepers, servers and everyone else we encountered made an effort to get to know us and was super friendly.
Overall Impression
At Primland Resort every moment is one to savor. The sense of place and being you get while on the Primland estate is truly unique. What other resort can you visit that sits on 12,000 acres and has it’s own observatory!?
Extra Perks
And don’t forget, when you book Primland Resort with Live Luxe Travel Co., through our Virtuoso partnership, you’ll receive a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available at check-in and a welcome amenity.