From trail riding in Umbria and moonlit excursions in Portugal to polo lessons in England, long gallops through the wild Camargue, and horseback safaris in Namibia—these hotels turn an equestrian vacation into an unforgettable experience.
Between Perugia and Siena, the riding trails wind past vineyards, buzzing beehives, through dense holm oak forests, and bright green olive groves. In total, 1,500 hectares of the most beautiful Umbrian landscape await horse lovers eager to explore. At the heart of it all stands Castello di Reschio, a majestic 11th-century castle. Over the past 30 years, the design-savvy owner family has transformed it into an extraordinary luxury hotel—complete with a spectacular stable. Forty homebred Andalusians are gently trained to the highest level of dressage, a skill guests can admire during weekly performances. And whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the hotel's own equestrian school and Teatro Equestre will help you refine your riding skills.
Castello di Reschio
Tabaccaia di Reschio, 06060 Lisciano Niccone, Perugia, Italy
+ 39 075 844 362 – reschio.com
In the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo wine region, just two hours from Lisbon, you'll find the historic São Lourenço do Barrocal. Once the epicenter of a megalithic culture—evidenced by the massive standing stones scattered around the estate—this former farming village has been transformed into a luxury hotel. Its whitewashed walls blend seamlessly into the landscape, giving the impression that little has changed for centuries. But behind the façade, guests are treated to modern comforts, including two farm-to-table restaurants, a sleek spa, a sprawling outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art equestrian center. Here, guests can ride prized Lusitano thoroughbreds and embark on unforgettable horseback adventures—whether it’s a full-moon excursion, a sunset ride to the nearby hilltop town of Monsaraz, or a scenic trek with wine tastings in the open countryside.
São Lourenço do Barrocal
7200-177 Monsaraz, Portugal
+351 266 247 140 – barrocal.pt
When Austrian entrepreneur Manfred Bodner first visited Finca La Donaira in southern Spain, the 15th-century estate was in ruins. With great care and dedication, he spent years restoring the property, which is now a luxury hotel with just nine rooms, a pool, and 700 hectares of rolling dreamscape. Here, Bodner brought his vision of breeding Lusitano horses to life. He started with just three horses in 2005; today, more than 80 of these noble Portuguese thoroughbreds roam the estate. They share the land with sheep, cattle, and donkeys and are trained by two professional dressage riders who offer outstanding riding lessons upon request. A resident cowboy also looks after the herd and is available to teach guests the art of Western riding and the gentle techniques of natural horsemanship.
Finca La Donaira
Camino de las Minas, 29430 Montecorto, Málaga, Spain
+34 680 654 454 – ladonaira.com
For guests of Les Bains Gardians in southern France, horseback rides take them through the stunning Camargue nature reserve—sometimes at a leisurely pace, sometimes at a brisk gallop—past tall reeds, lagoons, marshes, and vast salt meadows. Along the way, riders often encounter wild horses and bulls or catch a glimpse of flamingos. The hotel provides the region’s signature white Camargue horses, known for their small, sturdy build and strong necks, which have made them reliable working animals since Roman times. Hitched to a carriage, they can also take guests to the nearby, picturesque coastal village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. But it’s worth saving time for the hotel itself, where a wellness program featuring massages, yoga, and meditation ensures pure relaxation.
Les Bains Gardians
Route D’Arles D570, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Frankreich
+33 490 978 888 – lesbainsgardians.com
Spotting warthogs, antelopes, and zebras from horseback—guests of Kambaku Safari Lodge in the Timbavati Game Reserve can experience just that. The resort offers 30 horses for guided safari rides, each tailored to the rider’s skill level. Thanks to the well-trained horses, even children and beginners can join in. Traditional game drives provide the chance to see the "Big Five"—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Beyond horseback safaris, guests can also enjoy mountain biking, hiking, archery, and clay pigeon shooting. Designed in the style of a classic safari camp, the lodge features thatched roofs and natural stone walls that blend seamlessly with the rugged beauty of the African savanna.
Kambaku Wildlife Reserve
Otjiwarongo, Namibia
+264 67306292 – kambaku.com
The elegant Coworth Park in Ascot, about an hour from London, dates back to 1776 and offers a picturesque countryside retreat set within 240 hectares of stunning parkland. The sophisticated rooms and suites, designed in classic English style, are spread across a Georgian manor house, charmingly converted stables, and cozy cottages. The hotel’s equestrian center is a standout feature among British luxury hotels, offering guests the opportunity to take riding lessons on well-trained horses or explore the expansive estate on horseback. For those looking to refine their skills, polo lessons are available at the renowned Guards Polo Academy, which is based on the property and ranks among the finest in the country. The academy also hosts matches on the hotel's professional polo fields. After an active day, guests can unwind at the award-winning spa, which boasts an 18-meter indoor pool, eight treatment rooms, and stunning views over the polo fields. Dining at the hotel is equally exquisite, with two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Woven by Adam Smith, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into refined, modern dishes.
Coworth Park
Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7SE, United Kingdom
+44 01344 838 160 – dorchestercollection.com
On Cyprus’s tranquil west coast, near Paphos, the luxurious Cap St Georges Hotel offers guests the opportunity to book horseback rides through the reception. The trails lead along soft sand paths following the coastline, and after just half an hour, riders reach striking rock formations and deep caves that have been naturally carved into the cliffs over thousands of years. The experience is especially magical at sunset when the last warm rays of light bathe the rocks in a golden-red glow. Back at the resort, guests can unwind in elegantly designed rooms and suites, some featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, others with private infinity pools. For a culinary treat, the hotel offers four restaurants, with the freshest grilled fish best enjoyed right at the beachfront eatery.
Cap St Georges Hotel
3, Maniki Street, 8570, Agios Georgios Pegeia, Cyprus
+357 2600 0000 – capstgeorges.com
Read more: Traveling with Cate Blanchett
