6 of the best equestrian hotels in the world

With new borders opening daily, and with the tease of adventure travel on the horizon, COVID-weary travelers are looking for an escape that includes not only a luxury getaway but also an unforgettable bucket list experience.

Horse riding is a sport like no other. The combination of freedom, adventure, and the connection between human and beast is almost ethereal, and the connection that horses offer humans has given rise to the incredible healing benefits of horse therapy worldwide.

Here are six of the best luxury hotels for lovers of horse riding and nature.

NIHI Sumba: Where rugged luxury meets unregulated freedom

If dreams of 2022 see you galloping through waves with the cold spray of the Indian Ocean in your face, then look no further than Nihi Sumba — the edge of the wilderness.

Nihi, an hour off the coast of Bali, is a place of spirituality and passion, and from the beginning of time, horses have been the soul of the Sumba.

Each morning, the 20-strong herd of rescued ex-racehorses is released from Sandalwood Stables to gallop across the beach and cool off in the water. It is a unique sight, and guests of Nihi are invited to swim alongside and ride bareback upon these glorious beasts to witness either the sunrise or sunset along the two-and-a-half-kilometer beach at whatever pace suits them.

Onsite horse whisperer Carol Sharpe also runs a horse connection therapy program which includes meditation and yoga on horseback.

Although unlikely, if one could ever possibly grow bored of the horses, there is so much more to get involved with at this luxury resort on both land and sea. For the water babies, the list of activities is endless — from surfing and kitesurfing to fishing and spearfishing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. For those who prefer their feet planted firmly on the ground, the award-winning hotel offers expeditions, including tropical treks, mountain biking, golf, and even a safari.

All images: credit to Oliver Relations

Vista Verde: A place for adventure

For those who dream of a Magnificent Seven-style vacation, there is surely no place better to experience the 360-degree sky in Colorado’s rugged frontier than on the back of a horse.

About 25 miles from the nearest traffic light, Vista Verde is the ideal post-COVID getaway and boasts a herd of over 100 western horses that promise to go way beyond any nose-to-tail trail ride dude ranch.

The ranch accommodates all riding levels, taking time to match guests to their perfect mount, whom they are more than likely going to fall in love with by the end of their trip.

There is no better way to explore the million-acre National Routt Forest and Elk River Valley than on the back of a horse. The Autumn colors of the Aspens are picture-book pretty, and every October, the more proficient guests can join head wrangler Steph K to take part in rounding up the cattle for winter across 17,00 acres. Not for the faint-hearted, Steph describes this as “the biggest game of hide and seek on this planet.”

This luxury ranch resort in Colorado offers trail riding daily. However, a full Vista Verde experience incorporates so much more — from archery to fly-fishing, paddle boarding, photography, hiking, mountain biking, and cookery classes. During the winter months, enjoy skiing, backcountry touring, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and, of course, winter riding. Best of all, there is very little reception at the ranch, so no one will touch technology for the whole holiday. 

All images: credit to Oliver Relations

Horizon Horseback: Best riding safari in Africa 

Perhaps galloping alongside a giraffe is your holy grail of adventures for 2022?

An absolute must for safari lovers, there is surely no better way to ‘blend into the crowd’ than a safari on horseback in South Africa.

Catering for all abilities, from novice to experienced, Horizon Horseback offers different safaris — from family safaris to seven-night expeditions into deep Botswana. The one guarantee is that you will experience the savannah as if you were part of it.

Wildlife sightings range from hippos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, leopards’ hyenas, buffalos, crocodiles, and aardvark.

For those opting for an expedition, the options are endless, but elephants would be unmissable.

All images: credit to Oliver Relations

La Esperanza Granada: Stay for customized equine experiences

La Esperanza Granada country resort, located just 30 minutes from Granada City Centre, is now offering customized equine experiences for its horse-loving guests.

A practice field just five minutes away offers guests the opportunity to review their riding skills before taking on the experience of a lifetime.

From a beautiful town near the Sierra Nevada ski slopes, you can choose among 15 Andalusian horses (depending on skill level), and from there, you can ride your way into the elegant old neighborhood of Albayzin, next to the world-famous Alhambra, which is Spain’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the horses can enjoy a well-earned break while you continue exploring the Alhambra on foot.

Other trails around the national park of Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarra’s Mountains give serious horse riders endless possibilities to explore the real part of Andalucía in a unique way. 

All images: credit to Canva

Estancia Los Potreros: Ride like a gaucho

Living the traditional Argentinian way of life on an estancia would be an ideal escape for many, and Estancia Los Potreros is the perfect place to start.

All horses are ridden ‘gaucho style’, in a relaxed manner with loose reins, and the style is easy for anyone to pick up, despite being a beginner.

Estancia Los Potreros is a working cattle estancia, so an authentic experience is guaranteed. Get an insight into the daily lives of the gauchos and work alongside them as they round up the herd and collect them into corrals to be counted.

The national sport of polo cannot be missed on a trip to Argentina. There are many opportunities to watch high-goal tournaments or even learn and take part. There is so much to do on this traditional estancia, and one not to be missed.

All images: credit to Estancia Los Potreros

Al Habtoor Polo Resort: An equestrian-inspired haven

Living, watching, and playing the sport of kings in the most luxurious part of the world is on top of the list for polo players and patrons alike.

The state-of-the-art Al Habtoor Polo Resort in Dubai offers guests the most exclusive luxury combined with on-site viewing of their favorite game. Lessons are available for both polo and traditional riding and range from introductory lessons to high-level stick and ball with top-level international players.

The resort itself is truly fit for kings, with every need being catered for. The dining experience is unparalleled, and at each venue, you are guaranteed exquisite cuisine — from the Equestrian Lounge, which overlooks the polo field, to The Grill Pit (an Argentinian-inspired Parilla) to Andalucía (an arabesque-inspired atrium dining experience).

Luxury personified, the Al Habtoor Polo Resort exudes timeless Andalusian elegance within an oasis of excellence, uncompromising luxury, and unparalleled service.

All images: credit to Al Habtoor Polo Resort

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