Updated on January 6, 2023 by Julie McCool
Primland Resort brings the outdoors and luxury together at one of the most spectacular resorts in Virginia, perfect for a special getaway or Southwest Virginia day trip. Primland commands 12,000 acres in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. This mountain setting is a beautiful backdrop to stunning accommodations and a wealth of outdoor and indoor activities.
Primland and Southwest Virginia Tourism hosted our stay. As always, all opinions are our own, and we were not paid for our Primland review.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.
Where to Stay at Primland Resort
This Blue Ridge Mountains resort had humble beginnings. Didier Primat originally bought the property for lumber, and in the 1980s it was the largest manufacturer of packaged firewood. The Primat family opened The Lodge in 2009, and an expanding collection of treehouses, cottages, and mountain homes followed. Today, guests choose from a wide range of accommodations sprinkled throughout the sprawling property.
The Lodge and Cottages at Primland
We sampled a suite in The Lodge, and a room in the Pinnacle Cottages, during our stay at Primland Resort. Both feature comfortable, spacious rooms, luxurious bedding and baths, and beautiful views.
The Lodge is perfect for those who prefer to be near the restaurant, spa, golf shop, and main amenities. The furnishings are elegant and comfortable, and our suite featured a king bed, large separate living room with a wet bar and dining area, and a powder room.
Take a virtual walk through our room in this short video of a Primland Lodge Suite.
The Lodge is beautiful, but we loved the extra solitude and gorge-side perch of the Pinnacle Cottages. The views from our room and deck were absolutely stunning.
Take a closer look in this short video of a gorgeous Primland Pinnacle Cottage.
Primland Tree Houses, Fairway Cottages, and Mountain Homes
For maximum romance, it's hard to beat the solitude and drama of a Primland Tree House. Three individual cottages are built into the trees at the edge of the gorge. The experience is not cheap, but it's perfect for a special occasion.
Several other cottages and homes are ideal for golf groups and families. Most include kitchen facilities and living spaces that allow groups to stay together and still spread out. The Fairway Cottages are close to The Lodge, while the Mountain Homes are spread throughout the resort property.
Read more Primland Resort reviews on TripAdvisor.
Dining at Primland Resort
Several on-site restaurants treat Primland guests to locally-inspired and delicious meals.
Dinner at Elements is elegant and indulgent. The chef highlights local, organic, and sustainable ingredients in every dish. Our Beef Tenderloin was perfectly cooked and absolutely mouthwatering. Elements is the dressiest and most refined of the Primland restaurants, perfect for a special occasion meal during your stay or on a Blue Ridge Mountains day trip.
Enjoy a more casual setting at the 19th Pub. If the weather cooperates, we highly recommend a table on the outside patio where you can soak up those mountain views. Start your meal with a moonshine cocktail, inspired by the regions bootlegging past.
The rustic Stables Saloon opens on the weekends in season and is ideal for families, groups, and music lovers. On Thursday nights, the saloon is a venue on the Crooked Road Music Trail and features southern dishes and bluegrass music. On Saturday and Sunday, Saloon guests enjoy a casual Chuck Wagon Buffet.
Things to Do at Primland Resort in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains
The comfortable rooms and mountain setting make it very easy to just relax and commune with nature at Primland. But active visitors will find a wide range of unique outdoor activities to enjoy. Activities are open to guests and day visitors, and Primland makes a great day trip from Blacksburg, Roanoke, Abingdon, and other towns in Southwest Virginia.
See the McCool Travel guide to Blacksburg Hotels and Unique Lodging.
Fun in the Mountains at Primland Resort
The number and quality of outdoor activities at Primland Resort are impressive. From the Outdoor Activity Center, guests can experience the mountain resort through a range of tours and sports. Most activities can be modified to accommodate groups and families with kids. As this map of the Primland property makes clear, the resort is rich with outdoor fun and adventure.
Here is a sampling of Primland's outdoor activities:
- Hiking trails to beautiful views of the Dan River Gorge
- RTV Tours offer a thrilling drive over mountain terrain
- Water sports include kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
- Fly fishing at the on-site pond
- Horseback rides
- Mountain and dirt biking
- Sporting clays, air rifles, archery, and hunting
- Tomahawk throwing, tree climbing, geocaching, and more
Primland Golf: A Unique Mountain Golf Resort
Primland is one of the most spectacular mountain golf resorts in the Eastern US. The Highlands Course is laid out on top of the mountain ridge, surrounded by incredible views. It's no wonder Golf Magazine named Primland one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” The hand-mown course has a “five finger” layout that integrates with the mountain landscape and maximizes views. Tee times can be reserved a year in advance, so make your plans now.
Relax and Rejuvenate at the Primland Spa
The Spa at Primland is the perfect place to relax and refresh after all of that outdoor fun. Guests can select from an extensive menu of treatments, from European spa techniques to North American healing rituals. We opted for a Swedish Massage and a Deep Tissue Massage that felt wonderfully indulgent.
Explore the Stars at the Observatory
If you love star-gazing, you will be happy at Primland. Wander outside at night and you'll see stars filling the sky. Even better, join a guided Starwalk, and view distant galaxies from the observatory at The Lodge.
Fun Things to Do Near Primland Resort in Patrick County VA
Once you have entered the gates, you really don't need to leave Primland Resort. The on-site restaurants and activities could keep you busy for days. But if you'd like to explore off-property, there are several places to visit a short drive away.
Visit the Most Photographed Spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Mabry Mill, at mile 176 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is one of the most photographed spots in Virginia. The mill is about a 25-minute drive from The Lodge at Primland. Visit to learn about rural life in Appalachia and take that iconic Mabry Mill photo.
Sip and Dine at Chateau Morrisette Winery
Continue another 5 miles north to reach Chateau Morrisette Winery. The winery has a lovely tasting room, seating indoors and out, a full restaurant, and a gorgeous view. Sample the award-winning wines and buy a bottle or two to take home.
Explore Floyd Virginia, a Quaint Town on the Crooked Road
Another 12 miles north is the quaint town of Floyd. Here you can shop, dine, and enjoy one of the major stops on the Crooked Road country music trail. The Floyd Country Store serves excellent salads and sandwiches and hosts the Friday Night Jamboree and a Sunday afternoon jam circle. There are lots of galleries and shops in town to explore.
Extend your trip with our complete guide: Fun Things to Do in Southwest Virginia on an SWVA Road Trip.
Getting to Primland in Meadows of Dan Virginia
Primland Resort is located in Southwest Virginia in Meadows of Dan. The mountain resort is 75 miles south of Roanoke VA, and just 13 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The location is also near Blacksburg, so Primland makes a good day trip or getaway for families visiting Virginia Tech.
Note that Primland has a North Gate at 2000 Busted Rock Road, and a South Gate on New Valley Road. The Outdoor Activity Center is near the South Gate, and The Lodge is closer to the North Gate.
Visit the Primland Resort website for more information.
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