Set high on the bluff of Lookout Mountain, overlooking North Georgia’s McLemore Cove, Cloudland, named for the nearby canyon and state park, delivers on its moniker: Sweeping views of the skyline show off more sky than land here, and on misty mornings, the hotel feels lost among the clouds. The design of the resort—a modern mountainside lodge—is meant to enhance those views, thanks to massive paneled windows on the bluff side. Whether you’re dining in the restaurants, sitting in the Library or Great Room, or hanging out by the infinity-edge pool and the Skyside bar, you’ll feel as if you’re floating. Take full advantage of a stay here by traversing the nearby hiking trails, indulging with a day at Selah spa, or taking in a round of world-class golf. Just 40 minutes from Chattanooga, Cloudland is a Mid-South escape that’s worth seeking out.
The Neighborhood: Set within the private, master-planned community of McLemore, a club and residential community, the resort offers access to the area’s amenities, like the Highlands Golf Course, which sits at the cliff’s edge. A second course, The Keep, will open this fall.
The Food Scene: The area and the resort are named for a Scottish family that moved to the area in the 1700s. The main dining room, Auld Alliance, honors that history with a blend of Scottish and French cuisine. Think Laphroaig washed, dry-aged rib-eye, foie gras “haggis,” and venison shoulder served with a scotch pie. The boudin blanc filled with lump crab is a showstopper. The Highlands theme bleeds into Croft, the all-day tavern where you’ll find tartan accents and a comfortable bar, plus breakfast, high-country picnic boards, and club sandwiches for lunch, plus well-crafted cocktails. The Pocket Café provides coffee drinks and freshly baked pastries (go for the sausage roll) plus charcuterie boards and flatbreads all day. And at the poolside bar Skyside, you’ll find some of the best views on the property.
The Digs: The modern lodge vibe extends to the rooms, where the hotel’s signature puffy pillows and bedding await. Request a balcony room to enjoy coffee among the clouds. Be sure to book time at Selah, the sensory-engaging spa, for a range of body and facial treatments, as well as access to the sauna, cold-water plunge, and soothing relaxation room.
