This story of the Pimalai Lodge is identical to that of the Phoenix rising reborn from the ashes!
Our original Pimalai Lodge was an extremely popular, family vacation destination located more than 1000 feet above the Wears Valley floor and uniquely situated on the top of a mountain ridge (literally!!!) until an unfortunate fire destroyed the property on January 2, 2020. On the same location, the new Pimalai Lodge has been constructed, even larger than the original (now more than 5000 sqft), and with more amenities to make your vacation even more unforgettable. Be one of the first to stay in the recently re-constructed Pimalai Lodge! Have a larger party (30 persons) and need an indoor heated pool, please consider our sister property Celesta Vista
Lodge Vrbo 1572017.
The name "Pimalai" is derived from ancient Sanskrit, meaning, "a little patch of Heaven". True to its name, Pimalai Lodge is located at the edge of the Smoky Mountain National Park in Wear's Valley and isolated on the top of a ridge, offering 360 degree views. The property has been designed to afford the entire family a unique, and magical getaway.
For the kids, there is a remarkable 450 sqft fantasy bedroom appropriately named the "Hogwarts Dormitory". Situated above the entrance to Hogwarts Dormitory is a levitating Nimbus 2000 broomstick and the dormitory itself is modelled after its namesake made famous in the Harry Potter movie series. The dormitory’s medieval interior is complete with a Dormitory Common Room with fireplace, Hagrid’s Hut, and a separate sleeping chambers that contains four sets of bunkbeds individually adorned for each of the famous academic “Houses” (Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw). Can’t decide which House you prefer – the sorting hat may be able to help you out!!
For the adults whom are ready to let their hair down and act like kids(!), Pimalai Lodge has both the “Fox and Hound Tavern”, and the “Mardi Gras Bar”. These two individual themed recreation areas are complete with wet bars, pool table, air hockey, darts, shuffleboard, foosball, 19 person VIP theatre, gas fireplaces, arcade, 55" Flat Screen TV’s, and poker table.
The Mardi Gras Bar is tastefully decorated and designed to whisk you away to Bourbon Street where you can "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (Let the good times roll!!). The atmosphere is complete with outdoor street lanterns and a view into the adjacent jazz bar windows where the local musicians play their favourite tunes! The Fox and Hound Tavern reflects a traditional British pub style décor and will inspire you to say … Cheerio mate … fancy a chinwag and a pint?
However, the true uniqueness of Pimalai Lodge is found in the outdoor living space offered by the property, and the remarkable 360 degree views. The property includes more than 3000 sqft of finished outdoor living space consisting of expansive decks, a two story Gazebo inclusive of an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, and patio areas all which offer unparalleled views. This private, custom built, luxurious cabin will truly be the highlight of any visit to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. No other cabin will come close in the 360 degree splendour this property offers. Decided to go green and own an electric vehicle? The property has its own Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station located on the property and available for our guests use.
The front of Pimalai Lodge features a large two story gazebo. The view from here extends to Wear's Valley below, while looking back at the foothills, Bluff Mountain, and Hatcher Mountain. The upper level of the gazebo has an outdoor kitchen featuring a gas grill, large counter tops and sink, and compact refrigerator. The area includes an outdoor dining table for 8 ideal for visiting with family and friends, or for entertaining outdoors. At night, the gas fireplace can be used to ward off the evening chill while you sit outside and socialize, or simply view the lights of the countryside below. The lower level of the Gazebo features a 7 person hot tub where you and your guests can relax after a long day of hiking or visiting Dollywood.
Walk around the deck to the opposite side of the lodge and sit and view the Smoky Mountain National Park range towering over you. Truly breath taking!
Ground Level
The lower level of the lodge is home to the Mardi Gras Bar, 19 person VIP movie theatre, half bath, and two expansive bedrooms. The floor includes a separate sitting area with a gas fireplace, 55" flat screen TV, Blu-Ray DVD player, and a poker table. The recreation room also contains the appropriately named "Mardi Gras Bar", with colourful décor and the required refrigerator, dishwasher, icemaker, and glassware required to host your own Fat Tuesday party. Adjacent to the Mardi Gras Bar is Pimalai Lodge’s unique VIP home theatre – with seating for 19. The theatre is fitted with a state of the art sound and visual projection system, and a fibre optic ceiling that allows you to enjoy your movie feeling like you are right underneath the night’s stars! This level also includes two expansive bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms. One bedroom has two King beds, and the other two Queen beds.
Second Level
The primary entrance to Pimalai Lodge is on this level from either side of the wraparound decks. When you step into Pimalai Lodge, you enter a breath-taking great room, which encapsulates the literal meaning of Pimalai. The wall of windows overlooks Wear's Valley and the magnificence of the view simply cannot be captured in the pictures you are able to view on the website. The main living area features a large, mirrored gas log fireplace and an expansive sitting area with a large 60" flat screen television. The extended room features a dining area with a single large dining table that comfortably seats 12. An additional dining table and the kitchen bar have seating for another 8 persons. The open concept room features a full service kitchen with central island and granite countertops. All large and small appliances (oven, cooktop, microwave, refrigerator with water dispenser/ ice maker, dishwasher, coffee maker (both Keurig and traditional drip) are available, as well as a full assortment of cookware, dishes, glassware, and silverware. If you never want to leave the cabin, you are completely set to do so!
On the main level are two separate bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. Each room features a King bed, flat screen television and DVD player, as well as a chest of drawers and a closet. A half bath is also on the floor.
Third Level
Going upstairs is an area that makes Pimalai Lodge truly a one of a kind - if it was not already! The upstairs features Hogwarts dormitory, the Horse and Hound Tavern, a half bath, and the second recreation room. From this level, the view looking towards the front of the lodge is that of Wears Valley, and from the windows behind, you have an impressive view of the Smoky Mountains. This is sincerely one of the best views you'll find.
On one side of this level, just beyond the British Phone booth AND next to the red metal post box AND underneath the flying broom, you will find the entrance to Hogwarts Dormitory. The sign on the door says it all – “Wizards welcome, muggles tolerated”!! This kid-friendly room includes a full bathroom designed in the appearance of Hagrid’s Hut, stained glass windows, a Common room with a stone (electric) fireplace and bookshelves full of Hogwarts memorabilia, and a separate dormitory with a different set of bunk beds uniquely adorned for each of the four houses (allowing your child an option depending on his/her allegiance!!). And of course, no Hogwarts style dormitory would be complete without a replica iron stove in this area for keeping warm, and most importantly, drying socks!!!! The Fox & Hound Tavern is located here, with refrigerator, dishwasher, and all the glassware needed for your own pub crawl. Other recreation on this level includes a full-sized pool table (or Billiards for our British friends), air hockey table, foosball, darts, shuffleboard (yes – darts and shuffleboard - it is a British Pub😊) an upright arcade game featuring 60 free play video games from yesteryear, sitting area with stone fireplace, and 55” flat screen TV. Everyone will find something to entertain themselves here!!
The outdoor pool opens May 4th! We have an agreement with Honeysuckle Pool and Deli in Wears Valley for use of their beautiful outdoor pool, a full service deli, and a catch and release fishing hole.
Come stay with us today for a truly spectacular and magical vacation in the Smoky Mountains!
