Pristine Primland

What’s better than playing golf, swimming, hiking or just relaxing along the water’s edge at Smith Mountain Lake? If your answer is doing all those things on top of a mountain with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of natural beauty, you may want to consider a trip to Primland in Patrick County.
    A two-hour drive from the lake, Primland is a relatively new resort located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Meadows of Dan. The Highland Course at Primland opened in 2005 and attracts golfers looking for a challenging, world-class experience.
    “Pristine is the best word I can think of to describe it,” said Tom Lusk, a Laker who plays golf locally at The Waterfront. “It’s beautiful, in good condition and in the middle of nowhere, right on top of a mountain.”
    Lusk recently played 36 holes at Primland with several other SML golfing buddies, including Jesse Hall.
    “It’s an interesting, challenging course with spectacular views,” Hall said. “Absolutely gorgeous, beautiful.”
    Regrettably, the friends didn’t stay long enough to enjoy the many other activities offered at Primland, each enhanced by the scenic location and the developer’s commitment to being environmentally respectful. Everything, from the materials used to construct the buildings, the maintenance of the golf course, the food served in the dining facilities, to the products used in the spa, is intended to sustain and protect the environment.
    In May, the resort opened a 72,000-square-foot lodge, which includes 26 guest rooms and suites of varying sizes and prices. There’s also a spa, indoor pool, fitness center, recreation area, a ballroom, golf shop, meeting facilities, dining room and pub.
    The tranquil environment of the resort lends itself to an emphasis on wellness, abundant in the spa and in related activities offered at Primland. Organic products and oils are used in soothing massages, rejuvenating body treatments and facials. The facility also uses American Indian healing and European spa rituals to help restore balance to the body, soul and spirit. Special therapies are available for golfers to help soften skin, release stress and hydrate dry hands and weary feet. Children and teens can indulge in facials, massages, manicures and pedicures designed especially for them.
    Although golf continues to be the main attraction, Primland offers families a number of other opportunities to enjoy the 12,000-acre mountain retreat, including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and guided rides on all-terrain vehicles. Guests also can fish at one of three ponds stocked with trout, bass and channel catfish within the resort. Guided fly-fishing adventures to the nearby Dan River also are available.
    Because of the resort’s altitude and distance from city lights and pollution, guests have the chance to enjoy stargazing via a powerful Celestron CGE Pro 1400 series telescope at Primland’s observatory. Sandy Gardiner, the resort’s media relations director, said the telescope is able to capture galaxies 27 million light years away. A smaller version of the Celestron is also available for studying planets and other celestial bodies.
    Hunting enthusiasts will enjoy the clay and skeet shooting range at Primland. Sporting clays is a target game simulating hunting conditions. The 14-station, mile-long course is reputed to be fun and challenging for all ages (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
    Perhaps the most unusual activity offered at the resort is tree climbing, designed specifically for those who loved the activity as a kid and never lost the passion for it. Aided by a guide from Blue Ridge Tree Climbing, guests are helped to “go up and look out” over the natural surroundings.
    Overnight accommodations at Primland are offered in the Lodge, Fairway Cottages or Mountain Homes, the latter two with full kitchens and family areas. Getaway packages are available for one to four nights. The resort also hosts special events such as weddings, reunions and business meetings.

For more information, including rates and detailed driving directions, visit primland.com or call 866.960.7746.