Holiday Type / Top five authentic horse experiences

Rugged Montana ranch land sets the scene for this Relais & Châteaux property outside Philipsburg. Resplendent with heritage, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers guests a lavish experience, tinged with Western adventure. For a taste of the Wild West, this is a great place to saddle up and play cowboy. There is accommodation to cater to every need, from cosy guest rooms in Granite Lodge to a selection of luxury cabins, whilst families will appreciate the spacious three-bedroom family suite at The Historic Barn. World-class cuisine, which excels in Mon...

Two family-run lodges that offer an authentic bush experience in a privately owned reserve. Each has a heated pool and spacious verandas – Ant’s Hill offering captivating valley views from its gorge setting; Ant’s Nest nestling in a natural amphitheatre. Many guests visit for the horseback safaris. With horses suited to all levels – and ponies for children – this is a truly exhilarating way to move amongst the wildlife, tracking animals deep into their natural habitat. Game drives, mountain biking and walks are also available.

Colonial-style architecture with contemporary accents, a sweeping crescent-shaped bay and myriad recreational and dining facilities define this world-class resort. Most guest accommodations lie along the curve of the bay; choose between ocean or garden views, deluxe rooms or spacious suites (some with private pools). Nestled in manicured gardens at the eastern end of the resort, the Royal Villas with private pools, two complimentary golf carts, dedicated butler, cook and housekeeper may be the perfect choice for families or groups of friends. T...

With a name that means ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, this ravishing retreat in the Atlas foothills transcends the merely luxurious. A forty five minute drive from Marrakech, Sir Richard Branson’s hotel lies in extensive grounds brimming with a lush variety of fruit trees, cacti and rambling roses – hidden staircases and courtyards appearing at almost every turn. Inside, eighteen antique-adorned rooms and suites marry traditional Moroccan colours and textures with more modern architectural notes. For added indulgence, nine spectacular Berber Tented S...

A model of conservation tourism, Al Maha is styled after a traditional Bedouin encampment – the great majority of its 225 square kilometres being a reserve for native animals such as Oryx, gazelle and fox. Each lavishly furnished suite boasts a large temperature-controlled private pool and custom-made super king-size bed. Live the opulent life of a Sheikh, surrounded by Arabian antiques and fine furnishings, luxuriating in a sybaritic bathroom and relaxing on a wraparound veranda. Dining means a choice between a gourmet venue serving internatio...