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Where The Sky Meets Serenity

Cloudland At McLemore Resort Is Redefining Mountain Luxury

Article by Maria Dinoia

Photography by Maria Dinoia

Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle

Are you seeking breathtaking views, cozy luxury, and outdoor adventure? Then look no further than two and half hours southeast of Franklin to Cloudland at McLemore Resort. Atop the scenic Lookout Mountain plateau, Cloudland at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn, Georgia is an ideal getaway just a few hours’ drive from Franklin. Chasing fall foliage or spring blooms, planning a romantic escape, or craving fresh mountain air and stunning sunsets on your next trip out of town, has never been easier. 

The resort has several options for dining. Auld Alliance, the resort's signature fine dining restaurant, is a culinary celebration of the historic pact between Scotland and France, dating back to 1295, rendered in elevated highland fare with French sophistication. The dry aged meats are a must, particularly the 28-day aged ribeye that you can view through the glass showcase as you enter the restaurant. 

If fine dining isn't your thing, you can enjoy a casual sit-down at Croft, with its American fare and creative twists or grab some lighter fare like handcrafted sandwiches and healthy snacks with artisanal teas and a variety of energizing drinks at The Pocket Cafe. If poolside, you might try Skyside, a stylish oasis that offers a relaxed, cliff-side experience. This open-air lounge serves an array of handcrafted cocktails, beverages, and bar bites including snacks, salads, bowls, handhelds, and more.

Cloudland takes wellness seriously. For starters, The Selah Spa offers an impressive array of treatments rooted in high-quality ingredients and genuine craft, including a signature body ritual that draws on gold and peptide-infused formulas. Massages, facials, sauna and cold plunge are all on the menu.

Beyond the spa, the resort offers yoga sessions, peaceful, guided hikes along Cloudland's own wooded trail system, and immersive experiences led by local practitioners — from sound baths to hands-on herbology workshops. The genuine and friendly staff work hard to curate these wellness experiences for their guests.

Let's not forget the breathtaking heated cliff-edge infinity pool and hot tub, a full fitness center with a dedicated Peloton room, complimentary bike rentals, and miles of hiking trails, ensuring that no two guests spend their time the same way. Evening fireside chats and s'mores round out the experiences. There's even a library, stocked with games and books.

The resort staff regularly hosts a Maker's Market featuring local artisans from across North Georgia including jewelers, hatmakers, lavender growers, glassworkers, and herbalists who bring the character of the mountain into the resort itself.

Of course, no luxury mountaintop resort would be complete without a golf course or two. Cloudland guests can play two world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects, Bill Bergin and Rees Jones. The courses are meant to challenge your golf game and leave you captivated by the natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to hone your skills, Cloudland at McLemore resort offers a truly exceptional experience.

Cloudland is the kind of place that earns its name. With sweeping views of McLemore Cove and the Cumberland Plateau, stretching across Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama, the cumulative effect of good food, thoughtful programming, genuine quiet, and a setting that keeps reminding you of exactly where you are: above the clouds. StayCloudland.com

"The second annual Wellness Weekend was a wonderful reflection of what we’re building at Cloudland at McLemore Resort. While the weekend itself brings together inspiring practitioners, outdoor experiences, and meaningful moments of connection, it’s really an extension of the resort's everyday spirit."  -- Mike Burton, President McLemore Resort 

"Our setting atop Lookout Mountain naturally invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and prioritize wellbeing." -- Mike Burton, President McLemore Resort