Under two hours north of Atlanta lies a mountaintop escape where heritage and hospitality converge into unforgettable experiences: McLemore Resort. Perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain, McLemore is not just a destination—it’s for those who crave the soul of sport and the spirit of luxury.
Golf That Moves You—Literally and Spiritually
There are two: The Highlands, soon-to-be-unveiled The Keep, each distinct and designed with intention. The Highlands course, renowned for its cliffside 18th hole—repeatedly named one of the top 20 finishing holes in the world—is a strategic marvel. Meanwhile, The Keep in preview play, will debut August 2025. It has already drawn national acclaim, fueling global intrigue.
Crafted by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, The Keep represents a new chapter in course architecture: vast, windswept, and breathtaking. Utilizing natural topography, it balances challenge and accessibility, featuring wide fairways, elevated tees, and a layout that rewards strategic play. “We call it an aspirational golf experience,” says EVP Charlie Rymer, Georgia Tech two-time All-American and former PGA Tour pro. “It’s designed to test the best and welcome newcomers with open arms.”
The course’s turf reflects bold innovation, The Keep is the first full-course in the world to feature Stadium Zoysia—a luxury turf renowned for its exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal.
A Resort Built on Vision—and Love
The evolution of McLemore is as inspiring as its views. Scenic Land Company transformed the site with a vision that required investment and a passionate team to bring it to life.
Enter Mike Burton, President of McLemore. With experience leading luxury properties, Burton oversaw the 2024 openings of both Cloudland Hotel and The Keep. “We opened over $250 million of investment in a single year,” he says. “And it never felt stressful—it felt purposeful.”
Burton leads like a conductor, coordinating everything from agronomy and culinary to spa and homeowner services. “Our culture is simple,” he says. “Smile and have fun. People come here to feel good, and we surround them with a team that cares.”
The Great Reveal: More Than Just Golf
At Cloudland Hotel, guests are greeted with “The Great Reveal”—a grand entry that opens to a sweeping vista of McLemore Cove, a national historic district bordered by Pigeon Mountain. It’s a moment that stops visitors in their tracks.
While golf is the crown jewel, Cloudland is the soul of the mountain. Opened in 2024 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, Cloudland blends comfort, cuisine, and curated experiences.
The hotel has quickly garnered national praise in Southern Living, HGTV, and USA Today, placing it among the Southeast’s most sought-after escapes. Its design is modern yet grounded in the landscape, inviting guests to rest and indulge.
At the hotel's heart is Auld Alliance, McLemore’s signature dining experience. A tribute to the historic bond between France and Scotland, this upscale restaurant offers a menu that combines European culinary sophistication with Southern warmth.
Guests also enjoy The Creag, McLemore’s vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar, a tranquil spa, a heated cliff-edge infinity pool, and terraces inviting yoga at sunrise or drinks at sunset.
Cloudland is also becoming a premier destination for luxury weddings, events, and executive retreats. With panoramic views, multiple venues, and a seasoned team, events here feel timeless.
“We see couples from Atlanta checking in on a Friday,” says Burton. “By Sunday, they feel like they’ve been gone a week. It’s that immersive.”
Even the name McLemore is steeped in heritage. The resort overlooks McLemore Cove, named after the Scottish McLemore family who settled the region in the 1700s and married into the Cherokee Nation. Storyboards in the clubhouse share the life of John McLemore, a Cherokee Chief and war hero. “Our logo is a Celtic cross blended with the bloom of a Cherokee dogwood,” Rymer explains. “It symbolizes our past and the land’s sacred nature.”
The Keep’s name has meaning, evoking fortified castles, ancient Christian symbols, and the idea of protecting what matters most. “There’s soul here,” says Burton. “This isn’t just a course or a resort—it’s a place that grounds you.” McLemore’s 20-year plan is shaping a lasting legacy.
McLemore offers something rare: space to breathe, beauty to absorb, and an experience to remember.
It’s time to elevate your hospitality experience. It’s time to discover McLemore.