THE JOURNAL
Hacienda de San Antonio, New Mexico
This year unofficially ushered in the Year of the Cowboy. It saw the release of Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé’s much-anticipated country album. And western wear took over the catwalks. Even Post Malone ditched his regular programming in favour of a new country sound. For your own experience of cowboy life, you could stay home and watch the final season of Yellowstone – in fact, we suggest you do this – but why not consider staying on a real ranch for your next vacation? Below, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite luxury ranch hotels where you can ride, wrangle and embrace the great outdoors (and put your western wardrobe to legitimate use).
01. Cataloochee Ranch
North Carolina, US
Verlin cabin at Cataloochee Ranch. Photograph by Mr Ben Finch. Horseback riding at Cataloochee Ranch. Photograph by Brie Williams
Cataloochee Ranch is a newly renovated resort spread across 685 acres on the southeastern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – just 40 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina. Once known as The Original Smoky Mountain Ranch, it has been welcoming guests since 1933 and the property has retained its historic feel. However, the newly opened cabins feel well and truly luxe, outfitted with tasteful decor, hand-sourced local art and Pendleton blankets.
When it’s time to ride, you can saddle up one of the horses housed at the on-site stables and choose from a handful of guided treks through the surrounding meadows and mountain paths. After your afternoon ride, head over to the Ranch House, where you can curl up by the fire. Or grab a bite from the resort’s restaurant, Switchback, which serves hearty Appalachian staples with a modern twist, to a soundtrack of mellow country favourites.
With full bellies (and tired legs), finish the evening with some stargazing on your private porch, bundled up in a blanket and looking out over Maggie Valley below.
What to pack
02. Hacienda de San Antonio
Colima, Mexico
A garden view suite at Hacienda de San Antonio. Photograph courtesy of Hacienda de San Antonio
Mexico has a rich heritage when it comes to horsemanship. In fact, many of the first cowboys in North America were Indigenous vaqueros who travelled north to what is now Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. At Hacienda de San Antonio, this long-standing equine tradition is being kept alive by the current owners. At the centre of the hotel’s lush grounds sits the Caballerizas, a rustic corral housing 10 horses providing suitable mounts for all skill levels.
Sitting far off the beaten track in the foothills of Volcán de Colima, its remote location is a huge part of its appeal. Outside of riding, make sure to leave time for exploring the hacienda’s own Rancho Jabali, a 5,000-acre working ranch that supplies most of the hotel’s vegetables, cheese and milk. Like its sister hotel, Cuixmala, expect brilliant service, stunning interiors, and a vast menu of contemporary Mexican cuisine.
What to pack
03. Hotel Drover
Texas, US
Veranda Bar, the Lobby Bar library and The Backyard at Hotel Drover. Photographs courtesy of Hotel Drover
If you consider yourself cowboy-adjacent rather than a bona fide wrangler, Fort Worth’s Hotel Drover might be the perfect fit. While not technically a working ranch, its proximity to the Fort Worth Stockyards (yes, that’s where the rodeo happens every Friday and Saturday night), makes it an ideal spot to soak up western culture without having to saddle up.
The ethos is simple: they aim to replicate the feeling a cattle drover experienced coming home after months on the plains. The rooms are modern and cosy, with a touch of Wild West charm. Guests can enjoy a weekly rotation of country concerts in the backyard – perfect for urban cowboys to wind down with a craft cocktail after exploring the city.
What to pack
04. ol Donyo Lodge
Kenya
Safari at the ol Donyo Lodge. Photograph courtesy of ol Donyo Lodge
For an unforgettably majestic experience, ol Donyo Lodge offers exclusive access to a quarter of a million acres of one of the last remaining wild corners of Africa, the Mbirikani Group Ranch, which is located between Tsavo and Amboseli. This untouched area is primarily inhabited by Maasai herdsmen who live harmoniously with nature.
As part of their curated guest experiences, ol Donyo Lodge provides opportunities to get up close and personal with local wildlife on horseback during unique horseback safaris. You’ll ride along ancient elephant paths, spotting Maasai giraffes, herds of zebra, wildebeest and antelope along the way. If you’re lucky, you might even see an elephant or two.
After your safari, return to the 10-bedroom lodge, and gaze out at the plains as the sun slowly dips behind Mount Kilimanjaro.
What to pack
05. Teton Cabins
Wyoming, US
Teton Cabins, the living room of the Two-Bedroom Luxury Cabin, Diamond Cross Ranch. Photographs courtesy of Teton Cabins
For the true Yellowstone experience, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot to live out your Dutton family dreams than Teton Cabins. Part of Jackson Hole’s beloved Diamond Cross Ranch – which has hosted A-list guests such as the Kardashians and country superstars – Teton Cabins provides luxury lodging right next door.
This historic, family-owned spot lets you fully immerse yourself in the daily life of a working ranch. During your stay, we recommend signing up for Teton Cabins’ Cowboy Adventure programme to learn to tie and throw a lasso and even herd cattle like a true Wyoming wrangler.
What’s more, you are under an hour from both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so it is well worth packing your hiking shoes as well as your cowboy boots.