Primland

Jared and I recently were invited to attend a friend’s 50th birthday trip to Primland, an Auberge resort in the highlands of Virginia. Sitting on 12,000 acres of undisturbed nature, Primland is truly where mountainous outdoors meets luxury and the quintessential escape from the Florida heat. It was founded by French-Swiss billionaire Didier Primat who originally held a lumber business on the property. Primat’s affinity for the rugged but ritzy outdoors inspired him to create a private family retreat, later turning it into one of the most prestigious resorts in the southeast. 

View from our room

After entering through the private gates at the bottom of the mountain, we began our 10-minute journey up the tree-lined road to the resort, spotting several families of deer along the way. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the very friendly and courteous staff with a nice crisp glass of Pinot Gris from the family’s vineyard in Alsace, France. Our accommodations were in the Lodge which overlooks their championship golf course, one that Didier Primat had built intentionally so as to not disturb the natural habitat. Throughout the Lodge, there are beautiful Native-American inspired paintings and sculptures paying homage to the local tribes who once inhabited the land many years ago. 

The first night we enjoyed craft cocktails at the Tobacco Barn, a quaint, romantic cabin with vaulted ceilings and excellent view.

The property also boasts exquisite farm-to-table cuisine helmed by new Executive Chef Elliot Cunniff from Soho House in New York City, and one of my favorite parts about this majestic resort. There are several dining options on the property, all showcasing fresh, organic produce from Primland’s own gardens or sourced locally. Experience elegant dining in the Lodge at Elements for dinner or breakfast and enjoy one of the favorite dishes: potato and truffle gnocchi or my personal favorite: brown butter waffles with lavender whipped cream and Primland maple syrup.

French Pear Martini

Lunch was served at the informal but delectable restaurant, the 19th Pub where golfers would come to rest after a challenging yet beautiful 18-hole round. Jared’s and my favorites were the deviled eggs with candied bacon and the grass-fed wagyu beef burger. Every lunch of mine paired well with the French Pear Martini…not on the menu…but the talented ladies and gentlemen behind the bar have perfected this refreshing cocktail which used to be on the menu, and to my strong recommendation must be added back.

Friday night we had dinner at the Stables Saloon, a few minutes drive down the wooded road where they serve southern cookin’ family style. You cannot visit Primland without having a good ole fashioned meal here which includes cornbread, fried green tomatoes, macaroni and cheese and the BEST fried chicken you will ever have. The skin is so crispy and has a bit of sweetness to it, you will forget your southern manners and dive right in. It led me to visit the kitchen, personally thank the chefs and ask what their secret ingredient was which they replied, “buttermilk.” 

The Chefs- Nathanial Wiggington

and

Rakan Aljarrah

But don’t worry if you overindulge, there are plenty of ways to burn off those vacation calories. In one of the most breathtaking mountain settings, the resort features impressive year-round activities for the entire family, including horseback riding, fly fishing, pheasant hunting, alfresco yoga and meditation, kayaking, hiking, sporting clays, archery, RTV trail riding, tennis and stargazing in one of the largest observatories in the Eastern U.S. If you catch a clear night, you’re able to see Ursa Minor, 27 million light years away and the breathtaking rings of Saturn.

On one of the days Jared golfed, some friends and I went horseback riding through the majestic trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our guide, Autumn was amazing and such a wealth of information, giving us a full history of the property and its beginnings. My horse, Cosmo, was a 20-year old quarter horse who was known for being slow and stubborn…just fine for this amateur rider. Our journey took us up and down the mountains, through huge beautiful trees, across streams and by the gardens. It was quite relaxing and really gave us an up close look at the enchanting forests of Primland.

The next day, Jared and I joined a group to go RTV riding- a little faster and bumpier way to view the scenery. We went on about a 2-hour trek that took us close to the top of the mountain and back down. We saw pheasants, fishermen hoping to catch trout and catfish as well as skeet shooting stations. Wear boots, you’re going to get muddy on this exhilarating ride.

After a day of adventure, The Spa at Primland offers rejuvenating and energizing treatments that combine Native American healing rituals and European spa techniques. The therapists greet you, walk you to your room and offer you a pack of flower seeds as a welcome gift. I chose the Echinacea seed for its beautiful pink blooms. There are many treatments to choose from but I opted to pamper myself with a relaxing facial which included different oils, masks and serums with subtle scents of thyme, lemongrass and tea tree oil. After my treatment, I sat in the steam room to spoil myself a little bit longer.

Our trip truly was a special experience and one that enabled us to return to our children refreshed and well rested-a vacation much needed before the fall rush of sports and activities. I recommend visiting in October to see the beautiful autumn colors that Primland is known for, but late summer is just as magical.

xo,

Court