Nihi Sumba, Indonesia.
Top six equestrian hotels in the world
With new borders opening daily, and with it the tease of adventure travel on the horizon, Covid-weary travellers 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 at times – and the connection that horses offer humans has given rise to the incredible healing benefits of horse therapy worldwide.
Below is a list of the top six equine hotels for lovers of luxury, animals, and nature:
1. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
www.nihi.com
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 wilderness.
Nihi, an hour off the coast of Bali is place of spirituality and passion, and from the beginning of time horses have been the soul of the Sumab.
Each morning the 20 strong herd of rescued ex-racehorses are released from Sandalwood Stables to gallop across the beach and then 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 set, along the two-and-a-half-kilometre beach at whatever pace suits them. On site horse whisperer Carol Sharpe also runs a horse connection therapy program which includes meditation and yoga on horseback.
Although unlikely, if one could ever possible 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 is endless but to name a few there is surfing and kitesurfing, fishing and spearfishing, jet skiing and snorkelling and for those preferring to have their feet planted firmly on the ground the award-winning hotel offer are expeditions including several tropical treks, mountain biking, golf and even a safari.
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia.
© Tania Araujo
2. Viste Verde, USA
www.vistaverde.com
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. 25 miles from the nearest traffic light Vista Verde is the ideal post covid getaway and boasts a heard of over 100 western horses which 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 – who 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 colours of the Aspens are picture book pretty, and each 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 this is described by Steph as “the biggest game of hide and seek on this planet”
Trail riding is offered 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 and of course in the Winter months skiing, backcountry touring, snowmobiling, ice fishing and of course winter riding – and best of all there is very little reception at the ranch to no one will be touching technology for the whole holiday.
Vista Verde, USA.
3. Horizon Horseback, South Africa
www.ridinginafrica.com
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. Again, catering for all abilities, Horizon Horseback have four different safaris to choose – from family safaris to seven-night expeditions into deep Botswana, the one guarantee is that guests will be able to experience the savannah as if they were part of it. Wildlife sightings range from hippos, giraffes, zebra, antelope, leopards’ hyenas, buffalo, crocodiles, and aardvark and for those opting for an expedition, the options are endless, but elephants would be unmissable.
Horizon Horseback, South Africa.
4. La Esperanza Granada, Spain
www.la-esperanzagranada.es
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, guests can choose among 15 Andalusian horses (depending on skill level) and from there they can ride their 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 will enjoy a well-earned break, while guests 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 most unique way.
5. Los Poteros, Argentina
www.estancialospotreros.com
Argentina, the land of the gaucho, where horses are used in every part of everyday life in a spectacularly diverse part of the world. Living the traditional Argentinian way of life on an estancia would be an ideal escape for many, and Los Poteros is the perfect place to start. All horses are ridden ‘gaucho style’ with loose reins and the style is easy for anyone to pick up – despite being a beginner. This place is a working cattle estancia, so visitors are guaranteed an authentic experience, and are given the opportunity to work alongside the gauchos caring for the cattle such as rounding up strays, moving herds and collecting 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 missed.
6. AL Habtoor Polo Resort, Dubai
www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com
And in keeping with our Polo theme….
Living, watching, and playing the sport of kings in the most luxurious part of the world is a top of the list dream for polo players and patrons alike. The state-of-the-art AL Habtoor Polo Resort offers guests the most exclusive luxury combined with on-site viewing of their favourite 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 is second to none and at each venue exquisite cuisine is guaranteed, 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.
This article was supplied by The Equine Collective.
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