As we celebrate all things equestrian this month, it just seems only right to highlight a few of our favorite travel destinations with all the equine feels. Each of these luxe resorts offers something unique: experiences and traditions that will have you — and maybe even your horse — yearning to come back, again and again. From the climate-controlled stables of Ocala, Florida, to channeling your inner John Dutton on Montana trails, if you’ve got the itch for an equestrian getaway, we’ve got you covered.
The Equestrian Hotel
Ocala, Florida
Visitors cannot get any closer to horse-heaven than Florida's World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC). Equine athletes traverse cushioned walkways from their climate-controlled stables to any one of the exhibition areas — five indoor arenas, 22 outdoor show rings or the gleaming, 7,000-seat Grand Outdoor Arena. From world-class fine dining to jaw-dropping on-site shopping, no detail has been overlooked.
THE SETTING
The Equestrian Hotel sits at the very epicenter of the World Equestrian Center – Ocala complex and is the epitome of elegance. From the moment guests enter the mahogany- and Italian porcelain-lined lobby, they know they are in for a truly special stay. Schonbek Swarovski crystal chandeliers hang from ceilings far overhead, more than 120 portraits of beloved hounds and horses adorn the walls, and dressage-inspired décor tastefully underscores the purpose for this place.
TO DO
With numerous events both in-season and out, there is always a reason for a long stay here. Two multipurpose exposition centers host galas, symposiums and high-end fundraisers. The 7,000-foot Calluna Spa pampers owners while their horses enjoy one of the 2,300 climate-controlled stalls.
The annual fall Wine & Food Festival showcases both local and the resort’s own top culinary talent. Retail therapy abounds, from high-end designer boutiques to Lugano Diamonds' jewelry and gifts from Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe — with heirloom-worthy Breyer horse models and the original FAO Schwarz Geoffrey the Giraffe.
TO EAT
Chef Ryker Brown oversees the seven on-site restaurant concepts that range from elegantly casual to upscale. Three of these world-class locations reside within The Equestrian itself, so straddle a barstool saddle at The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden or indulge in caviar and Opus One poured by Master Sommelier Roland Micu at Stirrups Restaurant.
LAGNIAPPE* — The Chapel
The property’s chapel makes an ideal venue for intimate weddings, as well as a refuge for quiet contemplation and reflection.
*a little something extra
Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg, Virginia
In Middleburg, Virginia — the heart of Virginia horse country — lies the famed Salamander Resort & Spa, one of six properties in the portfolio of hotels and resorts owned by Black Entertainment Television co-founder Sheila Johnson. This lush 340-acre property is the only Forbes Five-Star resort in Virginia and features several equestrian-themed activities for all ages and skill-levels.
TO DO
Leave the cellphone in your well-appointed room — the outdoors beckon. Discover miles of trails, a culinary garden tree-top zipline tour and an outdoor spa courtyard with an indulgent infinity pool. Guests are free to explore local boutiques and wineries and even try more old-fashioned activities like falconry, archery or axe-throwing.
Horse lovers can enjoy private or group trail rides through the Virginia countryside, enhance their horse-sense with Horses 101 or explore the language of horses through expert-guided “horse whispering” sessions. Children will love spending special time with Salamander Resort’s resident mascot, Cupcake — the miniature horse with a major personality.
TO EAT
With the bucolic Northern Virginia countryside as backdrop, Salamander Resort & Spa features a wide range of culinary options — from sophisticated grab-and-go at Market Salamander and monthly wine tastings at Gold Cup Wine Bar, to a private, interactive chef’s dinner in Harrimans Cooking Studio or exquisite surf and turf dishes at Harrimans Grill.
LAGNIAPPE — Home Sweet Home
Guests who fall in love with Salamander and never want to leave may want to consider the Residences at Salamander. Two distinct neighborhoods — The Vineyards and The Stables — will have 49 homesites set in rolling pastures and protected old-growth forestry, and these pastoral retreats are just a short stroll to the village charms of historic Middleburg.
The Willcox
Aiken, South Carolina
Some would argue there is no greater horse-loving community than that of Aiken, South Carolina. Known for more than a few unpaved Carolina clay roads that are ideal for hooves, Aiken is the home of The Willcox. This hotel, restaurant and spa — located in the heart of downtown — embraces the equestrian culture of nearby Hitchcock Woods. Larger than New York City’s Central Park, the adjacent Hitchcock Woods is the nation’s largest urban forest and plays host to a variety of equestrian events including polo tournaments, fox hunting and the famed Aiken Steeplechase.
TO DO
Aiken is home to one of the country’s oldest polo clubs, so take your spot under the viewing Pavilion at Whitney Field for a Sunday afternoon match; guests enjoy premium viewing, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Take a guided tour of historic live-oak canopied Aiken to learn more about the elegance and charm that has made this South Carolina town a coveted retreat for over a century.
After a full day of exploring, sit a spell on the gracious front porch or settle into a cozy club chair in the lobby bar, where every Friday night is jazz night. When it’s time to turn in for the evening, engage the services of The Willcox’s ‘Sleep Concierge’ with a cashmere hot water bottle turndown or a lavender-infused oxygen inhalation therapy.
TO EAT
Premium dining experiences at The Willcox include they-thought-of-everything picnics for two and The Ultimate Aiken Experience: a three-course dinner under the stars for two, atop Whitney Field’s viewing Pavilion. Meals can be enjoyed poolside, in the club setting or in the elegant dining room, and menus feature everything from Osetra caviar and lamb lollipop starters to tuna poke and hanger steak salads to entrées of whole branzino and Spanish octopus.
The Resort at Paws Up and the green o
Greenough, Montana
Equestrian pursuits are but one draw for this uber-luxe resort in the heart of Montana. Just a short drive from the Missoula airport, this 37,000-acre private property is home to both family-friendly The Resort at Paws Up and adults-only the green o. Guests of both properties can indulge in more than 50 activities — the only limit is your imagination.
TO DO
Winnowing down your to-do list may be the hardest part of your Paws Up/green o getaway. Aside from trail rides along the famed Blackfoot River (yes, the same one Brad Pitt fished in A River Runs Through It), horsemanship, horse-whispering lessons, team penning, cattle drives and Cow Croquet, you’ll have a difficult time finding a saddle-free moment. That should be just fine — if you find yourself idle, there are hot air balloon rides, ghost town tours, electric bikes and wilderness workshops to keep you busy.
TO EAT
Sunny Jin, Senior Executive Chef of The Resort at Paws Up, brings his culinary experience — Napa Valley’s French Laundry, Catalonia’s El Bulli and Australia’s Tetsuya’s — and combines it with the agricultural bounty Montana provides. Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham brings the same passion and prowess to the Social Haus of the green o, a setting where he practices “Theater for the Hungry” — an eight-act, unmissable experience.
LAGNIAPPE — Nashville + Montana = Nashtana
This inaugural event (Sept. 15–17) will bring the best of our Music City to the wide-open spaces of Montana in spectacular fashion. Think singer-songwriter performances combined with culinary showmanship from acclaimed Nashville chefs, and that’s only an inkling of what to expect. Gas up the jet — we’re headed west.
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