Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? This is not what I imagined Appalachia to look like. I flew into Greensboro, N.C., which, at 70 miles away from the resort, is technically a hair closer than the second closest airport—in Roanoke, Va.—and traveled through the most beautiful rolling green hills, horse country, and farmland to reach it. It was late summer, on the cusp of fall, and the approach to the 12,000-acre resort, a winding private road flanked by wild rhododendron bushes and trees just starting to turn golden, is stunning. There is no doubt that this setting in southern Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains is sporting territory—this was clear, even to a city slicker like me. What's the backstory? The land was acquired over several decade by the late French oil baron and billionaire Didier Primat. His heirs now own Primland as well as Domaine des Etangs, a restored 11th-century château turned 29-room luxe hotel in the Charente-Limousin region of France. While Primland's location in rural Virginia is worlds away, the resort does have a surprising European ethos. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? There are a few different options including cottages, rooms in the lodge, and freestanding treehouses. I stayed in a suite in one of the cottages (each has two suites and two guest rooms that can be occupied separately or taken over to sleep larger parties). My suite has a modern lodge vibe—lots of windows and natural light and neutral colors, but also a huge stone fireplace. I would definitely opt for one of the treehouses next time; they're beautifully constructed out of cedar and built amid the strong limbs of mature trees. You feel like you're in a bird's nest and the views from the private deck of the Blue Ridge Mountains are insane. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The food at the main restaurant Elements is excellent and it's lovely to have a long, coursed dinner in the elegant dining room (guests do dress for dinner). The approach is refined and the attention to detail is high, but expect local ingredients and regional flair: roasted duck with bok choy and heirloom grits. There's also the Stables Saloon, which serves things like fried chicken, smoked brisket, and mac 'n cheese, and spotlights live bluegrass. The 19th Pub is more a beer and burger spot to hit after a round of golf. And the service? The service was great—relaxed, familial, warm, and not at all stuffy. I interacted with several young adults who grew up in the area and were familiar with the resort, and all of the activities available in this part of the country. What type of travelers will you find here? The resort is heavy on outdoor activities. You come here to do things like track and hunt wild game (deer, turkey, pheasant, quail), fly fish, shoot clays, throw tomahawks, horseback ride, ride RTVs ...and the guests are the people who like to do these things in a refined setting (more fox hunt or country club crowd than Schitt's Creek extras). This isn't a place to lounge around, although the spa is quite nice. People are active and the attire—a mix of micro-fleece and Polo shirts and khakis—reflects this. They're talking about golf, which colleges their kids are attending, what hike they want to take tomorrow. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? It is beyond rural. No other building or development for miles and located in the wonderfully named town that feels straight out of The Lord of the Rings: Meadows of Dan. Is there anything you'd change? Virginia is hot and steamy in the summer; a pool would be a nice addition. Any other hotel features worth noting? The hiking is spectacular and the property is stunning. This is Nature (with a capital N)—I met a black bear on my hike. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Yes. It's a rarified window into a part of the country that doesn't get a lot of press." - Rebecca Misner
