About Us

Established in 1988.

Paradise Hills offers Laid-Back Luxury. Creating memorable, mountain getaways for couples & groups looking to escape the daily stresses of life... so they can relax and rejuvenate their spirits.

Combined with the founders' experience in personal development, business growth and specialized retreats, Paradise Hills offers truly unique experiences.

We are not a cookie-cutter resort.

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The Founders

Your Hosts

The resort is hosted by Robert and Ilke Lander who are dedicated to quality service. Originally from Northern Maine and Ghent, Belgium, the Lander family transplanted to Blairsville in 2002. Living on site with their 3 children, the Lander family offers a small Inn-type personalized experience combined with the privacy and amenities associated with a mountain cabin rental.

Paradise Hills refers to all staff members as Host/Hostess because Robert and Ilke believe that every single employee contributes to the success of the mountain experience. Truly a unique experience in the North Georgia Mountains. After 19 years of hosting the resort, Robert and Ilke created an idyllic location for a small destination wedding. From 2 – 75 guests, they offer a memorable, unique option for brides & grooms and their guests to enjoy. To complement the cabins, lodge, resort Spa, and beautiful property, Paradise Hills now offers a destination Vineyard Wedding venue that is affordable for all. Guaranteed to provide the same levels of service as expensive alternatives, we offer the highest levels of personalized service. It is not unlikely that on any given day, you will see either host in the Spa performing massage services (Ilke), planning a wedding, in the winery bottling, in the vineyard pruning, and in the tasting room pouring. Just try to keep up...

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Meet Our Team

01

Ilke Lander

Founder and Resort General Manager,
Ilke Lander, is definitely a full hands-on owner/operator. A Belgian national who became an American citizen in the 90's, Ilke is passionate about service. With over 28 years of experience under the highest quality hotel & restaurant properties, she has a strong foundation and vision for what Paradise Hills wants to continue to be.... A place to reconnect.

02

Robert Lander

Co-Founder and Vineyard & Wine Maker, Robert Lander, is the other half of this operation's success. A native Maine'rd, Bob's responsibilities are diverse; from overseeing all cabin maintenance, vineyard management, and winemaking... He can be seen speaking to guests on the patio, the VIP tour, the tasting room and just about everywhere they will listen. Bob spend almost 20 years in Law Enforcement serving our communities .
Bob is the mayor of Paradise Hills.

03

Bobby Phelps

Vineyard & Winery Operations Manager
Bobby Phelps joined the team in 2022. He brings with him, years of experience in wine making, vineyard management and the passion to belong to a team that strives for excellence each and every day. Bobby shows up with the same integrity, focus and determination that served him well in the military and as a competitive athlete.

04

Tasting Room Hosts

Tasting Room hosts, Riley and Larry, each brings a passion for service and an in depth knowledge to guide you through the wines produced at Paradise Hills. Our wines are offered at the resort for sampling as well as nearby satellite tasting rooms located in neighboring tourist towns.

05

Front Desk Hostesses

Ellen and Dana will be the first faces you see when you come into our lodge. Always happy to see you, they can recommend the best places to eat, the cutest boutiques to visit, and the most scenic natural attractions. They will be happy to schedule your spa services, arrange for cabin amenities or accommodate any needs you might have.

06

Spa Hosts

Massage Therapists, Ilke Lander, Lynn and Sherry
Part-time and Full-time positions available provide exceptional spa services with years of experience in medical & therapeutic services... Providing the best way to relieve pain & increase relaxation.

07

Brian Howard

Resort Operations Manager
Brian Howard joined the Paradise Hills team with the same high standards that Paradise Hills is known for. His attention to detail, servant leadership and heart of service to the guests can be seen with his hands-on approach.

08

Grounds & Maintenance Host

Landscaping & Vineyard assistant, Garey Schultz has spent the last several years (17+) tending to the 35 acres property. Rain or Shine, Garey is working. He outworks most people 30 years his junior. Affectionately known as Paradise Hills' grandpa.

09

Cabin Hosts

Vicky and Eimy, the cabin housekeeping team, are the heart behind the sparkling clean accommodations. They pride themselves in all the details and hard work involved in keeping the cabin rentals pristine. Their passion shows.

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Job Openings | Positions Available

*We are always in search of team members to add to our Paradise Hills family. If you believe you have what it takes to pride excellent guest services, work as a team for a common goal and you are driven to grow with Paradise Hills, please send your resume or questions to ilke@paradisehillsga.com. No calls, please.

We are currently hiring for:
Massage Therapist
Front Desk Agent

Click Here to Send Resume

Affiliates ~ Collaborators Many of our retreats & workshops are collaborative efforts between local service providers and their craft. We only affiliate ourselves with those holding similar visions and the highest levels of service.