Primland, Virginia, USA

Primland is a luxury mountain resort in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, among the oldest on Earth, whose rounded, forested ridges fade into layers of blue haze. On 12,000 private acres high above the Dan River Gorge, the Swiss businessman Didier Primat created a mountain estate of forests, meadows and cliffs where he could bring family and friends back to the simple pleasures of nature. Today it is part of Auberge Collection, and it combines a grand mountain lodge, tree houses on the edge of the gorge, a celebrated golf course and a fully equipped observatory for stargazing.

Location: Virginia, USA

Primland sits at around 3,000 feet near the village of Meadows of Dan, close to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, in Patrick County, Virginia. It is about two hours north of Charlotte, North Carolina, and roughly an hour and a half from Roanoke. Getting there involves winding country roads, which only adds to the feeling of escape.

The estate is vast and varied, with forests, meadows, streams and the dramatic Dan River Gorge. The Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most scenic drives, runs nearby, with its overlooks, historic mills and hiking trails.

Rooms and suites at Primland

Accommodation is varied. In the main Lodge, there are around 30 rooms and over 20 suites, many with sweeping views of the mountains and the golf course. There are also cottages and cabins spread across the estate, a six-bedroom residence for families and groups, and, at the top of the range, the Celestial Suite, located in the observatory itself.

The favourite option for many guests is the Tree Houses, perched on the edge of the cliffs above the Dan River Gorge, with expansive decks, and in the newest, private hot tubs and outdoor showers. Waking up to mist rising from the gorge below is unforgettable.

Facilities at Primland

The Lodge's Great Hall, with twin fireplaces, is the heart of the resort. Dining includes Leatherflower, the signature restaurant serving regional farm-to-table cuisine; the 19th Pub; and Stables Saloon, set in the former horse stables, with Southern food and live music. A two-storey wine room houses an impressive collection.

The Highland Course, designed by Donald Steel, is one of America's top-ranked mountain golf courses, playing over 7,000 yards along ridges and valleys with spectacular views. There is a full-service spa, an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a theatre.

The Primland Sporting Club offers a huge range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fly-fishing, kayaking, sporting clays, archery, tree climbing, guided RTV (off-road vehicle) tours, hiking and biking. Families are well catered for, with children's activities and a ropes course.

The mountain moment

The defining moment at Primland is night in the Observatory. Didier Primat had a lifelong passion for astronomy, and the resort's domed observatory houses a powerful research-grade telescope. Because Primland is far from city lights, the skies are wonderfully dark. Guided stargazing sessions led by the resort's resident astronomer reveal planets, nebulae and distant galaxies, and on clear nights the Milky Way arcs over the mountains.

By day, the equivalent is standing on a Tree House deck at dawn, watching mist roll through the Dan River Gorge as the sun rises over the ridges, the forest echoing with birdsong.

Why Primland is one of the best mountain hotels

Primland earns its place because it offers a completely different kind of mountain experience: the soft, ancient, forested beauty of the Blue Ridge, combined with luxury, privacy and a remarkable range of activities. Its observatory, tree houses and golf course make it unique among American mountain resorts.

There is no skiing, and the mountains are gentle rather than dramatic. But for golfers, families, stargazers and anyone wanting to experience the American South at its most beautiful and peaceful, it is an exceptional choice.

When to go to Primland

Primland is open year-round, and each season changes the estate's character. Spring brings blossoming dogwoods, wildflowers and mild days for riding and hiking. Summer is warm but cooler than the lowlands thanks to the elevation, and the golf course is in its prime. Autumn is the most spectacular and most popular season, when the Blue Ridge forests turn red, orange and gold, usually peaking in October; book tree houses well ahead for those weeks. Winter is quiet and crisp, with the clearest, darkest skies for the observatory and cosy evenings by the Great Hall fires. Stargazing sessions depend on clear weather, so build some flexibility into your stay, and reserve your observatory session when you book. Golfers should note that the Highland Course is at its best from late spring to autumn.