THE WORLD’S DREAMIEST LUXURY EQUESTRIAN RESORTS
We’ve searched the world for the dreamiest, most romantic equestrian resorts. Discrete, exclusive and all with a stable of beautiful horses with which you can explore these stunning locations.
Let us know which you would pick in the comments.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Orion
Hotel Navat
Hotel Grand Hyatt
Hotel Sheraton
WHERE TO EAT
Navat
Arzu
Georginan
WHERE TO SHOP
Baial
Red Fox
Osh Bazaar
WHERE TO RELAX
Banya
WHERE TO GO OUT
Bar with no name
Promzona
Jazz bar
HACIENDA DE SAN ANTONIO | COLIMA, MEXICO
Is this the best luxury hotel in Mexico? Possibly. Built at the foot of conical volcano, Volcan de Fuego, this colourful hacienda is a private estate with an incredible stable. With just 25 individually designed suites, this is an exclusive destination offering the highest levels of personalised service.
Enjoy a beautiful sunrise before visiting the horse stables of Casa Pista. Setting off along trails around the volcano, along hilltop woodland through which you emerge above a dramatic clearing; Epazote, where extended picnic lunches are enjoyed lakeside with a view of the volcano. After a siesta in your luxuriously appointed suite, it’s time for a dip in the glorious outdoor pool where you can wile the afternoon away with a good book and a picante.
RESCHIO | UMBRIA, ITALY
This 1000 year old castle estate has recently had a renovation with no expense spared by owner Count Benedikt Bolza. Stay in a castle room or suite or rent one of the 7 hill-top houses on the property. There are two restaurants, two pools, and impressive gardens decorated with equestrian sculptures. Stay in suites in the Castle or rent houses (complete with their own pools and gardens) for larger groups.
Reschio has a stable of purebred Spanish horses. The stud was founded in 1999 with broodmares from the world-renowned Yeguada Candau, just outside Seville. Now Reschio is home to some of the world’s most skilled dressage horses. Come along for a hack through the wilderness, or take in one of the dressage performances – trust us, you’ll be amazed
BETHLEN ESTATE | TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA
Europe’s last great wilderness with vast forests, unspoiled medieval villages, spectacular UNESCO world heritage sites, friendly and hospitable people.
Enjoy the Transylvanian wilderness in the saddle of the gentle but sturdy horses from the partners at Villa Abbatis Equestrian Center. A mix of Lippizzaner breed and sport horses, that are trained and groomed at the highest level. You can also take a horse and carriage and experience a unique and romantic way to experience the landscapes surrounding the Estate.
ESTANCIA VIK JOSE IGNACIO| URUGUAY
A favourite haunt of celebrities you might just spot Leonardo DiCaprio in the bar when you visit. The property was a collaboration between the owners and Uruguayan architect Marcelo Daglio as a traditional Spanish style estancia, featuring white adobe walls and red tin roofs with covered walkways linking multiple outdoor courtyards and idyllic gardens.
The VIK name is synonymous with world class luxury in South America and is a favourite of lovers of design and art. The property doubles as an art gallery, showing off the spectacular contemporary collection of owners Alexander and Carrie Vik. There are just 12 suites and the feeling of a private residence is retained. Whether you’re into polo, trail riding or you’d like to play gaucho you’ll find your equestrian on this 4,000 acre estancia. Nearby is a popular surf beach if you’d like to take a break from horse riding.
CUIXMALA | MEXICO
We can’t include Hacienda de San Antonio twice but we can include coastal sister hotel Cuixmala, “the soul’s resting place”. A forty minute charter flight from San Antonia, Cuixmala shares a similar elegance perched above the pacific coast in a 30,000 acre nature reserve. All food at Cuixmala is prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients with around 80% coming from their farm.
Take out one of the 26 horses of the Caballerizas for a ride on the estate’s three private beaches and you might come across the herd of wild zebras! There are 270 types of wildlife on this eco-resort that doubles as a 5000 acre biodynamic farm.
ANTS LODGES | SOUTH AFRICA
Are rhinos on the lawn a problem for you? No, ok great, you will love Ant’s nest. This property offers luxury riding safaris through the Waterberg region. The wildlife is so used to seeing the herd of 90 horses that you’re able to get up close and personal in ways that other styles of safaris don’t quite offer. Built on the edge of a cliff, you’ll enjoy a private romantic cottage with breathtaking views, spacious rooms and vast folding doors. This is the ultimate honeymoon destination!
AMANGIRI | NAVAHO COUNTRY, UTAH
Amangiri blends into untouched red-rock country, over 900 acres of the vast and majestic Colorado Plateau, the original Wild West. In this desert landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges, the modernist Suites of Amangiri and the tented Pavilions of Camp Sarika offer an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatic secluded settings. The suites, villas and tented pavilions are just a stone's throw away from the stunning wilderness of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
For an iconic Western experience, join Amangiri’s wranglers on a truly authentic ride, suitable for groups and families. Depart from the front steps of Amangiri and navigate through the property’s desert backdrop. Duration: 2 hours, or longer upon request.
SAO LOURENCO DO BARROCAL| ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL
In the same family for over 200 years, the estate has its heart at the monte, an ancient small farming village, which has been brought carefully back to life as a remarkable hotel of understated luxury, surrounded by ancient holm oaks, olive groves and vineyards. José António Uva is the eighth generation of the same family to have lived at São Lourenço do Barrocal, and is the lead developer on the estate. Stay in suites or rent cottages for larger groups.
Perfect for couples, or pairs of friends, the estate has a stable of eight horses and offers guided trail rides or carriage drives around the estate. You can choose to finish your ride with a picnic under a shady tree or dive straight into a wine tasting - the estate is in the middle of a famous wine tasting region after all!
ARIJIJU | LAIKIPIA, KENYA
The most exclusive property in Laikipia, Kenya, available for private hire. Arijiju’s architecture borrows from the Kenyan tradition of grouping rooms to house multi-generations, with three suites in the main house and two generous cottages along a stone pathway. To the north and east of Arijiju lie snow-capped mountains, dense forests and sprawling deserts, while to the south looms Mount Kenya. Whichever way you face, it is towards adventure.
Guests are able to ride twice a day departing from the property. The Borana conservatory, on which the property is located, is home to vast numbers of wild animals including giraffe, lion, rhino, elephants and more. In fact, elephants have been known to drink from the swimming pool!
We can help you plan your dream riding experience at any of these incredible locations. Enquire at rides@black-saddle.com.