4 of the best ranch holidays to book now

Saddle up

You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy these luxe retreats. From the mountains of Montana to the plains of Patagonia, get ready to be immersed in nature with these epic escapes.

#1. Saddle up for a rodeo adventure in the US

Saddle up for a rodeo adventure in Montana.

Set in 6,600 sprawling acres and surrounded by five mountain peaks, a ranch holiday doesn’t get more authentic than a stay at The Ranch at Rock Creek, a luxury resort deep in the wilds of Montana, USA. Accommodation options range from rustic glamping cabins complete with a rocking chair on the porch, to well-appointed rooms in the working ranch’s grand ‘Granite Lodge’.

Like something out of the hit TV show Yellowstone, earn roping or barrel racing from the ranch’s wranglers, or check out the weekly rodeos that take place over the summer months. The property is home to over 70 horses, with arena lessons and trail rides available for guests, but beyond the stables there are 40 activities to choose from including biking, fishing, archery and bowling in the ranch’s ‘Silver Dollar Saloon’.

There’s also a fitness centre, pool and a spa with treatments including the ‘Hiker's Refresh’ for guests in need of a little TLC after a day exploring on foot. Alternatively, enjoy ranch-to-table cuisine at one of the multiple dining venues before warming yourself around the fire pit and enjoying gooey s’mores.

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#2. Soak up laidback luxury in Byron Bay

Soak up laid-back luxury in Byron Bay.

At home in Australia, perfectly positioned in the picturesque Byron Bay hinterland, is Sun Ranch, a luxurious yet laid-back retreat offering a break from the daily grind and a healthy dose of inspiration to boot. Taking inspiration from the Californian ranch houses of the 70s, the beautifully designed hotel is located in a green 55-acre coastal estate and is the ‘holiday home’ of Zephyr Horses - Byron Bay’s top riding club.

If you’re after some activity beyond getting in the saddle or sunning yourself next to the hotel’s picture-worthy pool, there are plenty of options to while away the hours. Pick up a racquet (or gin cocktail) at The Badminton Club, relax in the woodfired floating sauna or book an intriguingly named ‘Cosmic Cowboy Addition’ to your stay which can range from an in-room massage to a physic reading.

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#3. Weather epic wilderness in Patagonia

Explore wild terrain in Patagonia.

Big-sky outdoors and the most epic of adventures awaits you in Patagonia. While much of this wild and beautiful region of Argentina and Chile is best experienced on foot, horseback also offers an opportunity to cover the rugged terrain and take in the awe-inspiring scenery it’s famous for.

For those who want to see Patagonia in style, EOLO is an ultra-luxe take on the traditional Argentine estancia, located in 10,000 acres of vast wilderness and offering horse riding, trekking, mountain biking and more. All 17 rooms feature huge windows looking out onto the stunning surroundings, so you can experience the magnificence of the landscape, or watch for some of the region’s hundreds of bird species, without ever having to leave the comfort of your room if you so wish.

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#4. Get your gaucho on at an Argentinian Estancia 

Get your gaucho on in Argentina.

Live like a gaucho (albeit in far more luxury) and get a glimpse into the life of these traditional Argentinian cowboys with a stay at a quintessential estancia when visiting this vibrant South American country. Located in the lush Pampas region of Argentina, you can reach La Bamba De Areco by car in 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires and the tranquil estancia makes a welcome change from the crowds and cacophony of the sprawling capital. One of the oldest estancias in Argentina, La Bamba is used as a base for the international polo team of the same name and guests can watch practice sessions and games during the season.

Each of the estancia’s 11 rooms and suites - all furnished with an eclectic mixture of local textiles, antiques and modern art - are also named after a famous polo horse. Putting polo aside, guests can enjoy the experience of the estancia at their own pace, whether that be relaxing by the pool, indulging in a hot stone massage, or mountain biking around the grounds, as well as sampling the flavours of Argentinian cooking with everything from empanadas to Asado Criollo (traditional Argentinian barbecue) on the menu.

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Originally published as 4 of the best ranch holidays to book now