Where Grit Meets Glamour: 7 Luxe Ranch Retreats in the South
These ranch stays across the South combine the outdoorsy, adventurous spirit of ranch life with the comforts of an upscale resort. Image: Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo
If summer’s sun-filled days have you dreaming of getting outdoors and reconnecting with nature, but you’re not quite sold on camping out in this humidity … welcome to the ranch. There are plenty of stays across the South that combine the outdoorsy, adventurous spirit of a ranch with the comforts of an upscale resort. These are some of the best ranches in the South, where you can saddle up for a trail ride before dining on gourmet cuisine, all while taking in some serious scenery.
Cibolo Creek Ranch | Marfa, TX
More Info: hotels.com
Marfa, Texas, is known for its never-ending views, and Cibolo Creek Ranch makes the most of this incredible West Texas landscape. This nearly two-century-old property on 30,000 acres is located in Big Bend Country, where the vast open skies roll out before you. From the antiques that fill the rooms to the historic art collection, this ranch combines culture with cattle. There’s horseback riding, ATV excursions, clay shooting, and restorative activities like spa services, yoga, and meditation. A stay here becomes a mind, body, and soul experience.
Cataloochee Ranch | Maggie Valley, NC
More Info: hotels.com
Since 1933, family-owned Cataloochee Ranch has welcomed travelers for a respite from city life. This Relais & Chateaux property sits on 685 acres at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4,800 feet above the rest of the world. From traditional, rustic rooms to light and airy common spaces that beg visitors to sit and stay a while, Cataloochee Ranch is both comfortable and immersed in nature.
Sweeping views over the valley are the backdrop for horseback riding, bird watching, archery, hiking, skiing, spa days, and ranch arts. Want to truly dive into the ranch experience? You can feed the cattle or learn roping 101!
Southern Cross Guest Ranch | Madison, GA
More Info: hotels.com
For horse people and wannabe horse people alike, the Southern Cross Guest Ranch in Madison, GA, offers an all-inclusive stay with two daily rides through wooded trails and open meadows. The rooms are ranch-inspired in decor but with the creature comforts you’d want after a long day on the trails. For those who don’t want to saddle up, you can book a non-riding stay and focus on fishing, riding bikes, hiking, swimming, and, of course, relaxing.
The JL Bar Ranch, Resort, and Spa | Sonora, TX
More Info: jlbar.com
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the ranches. JL Bar Ranch, Resort, and Spa spans over 13,000 acres in Texas Hill Country. This is a ranch built on luxury. It even has its own airport! Accommodations, which are set up for both smaller groups and larger corporate or event gatherings, include the JL Bar Main Lodge and Lonesome Creek Lodge. Choose from ranch activities like horseback riding, hiking, nature education, wine tasting, and cooking classes, or go all in on a hunting experience, which ranges from whitetail deer to exotic hunts.
Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo | River Ranch, FL
More Info: hotels.com
Head to Florida for a western-inspired dude ranch experience at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo. This outdoorsy resort has luxe glamping accommodations (yes, there’s air conditioning and heating!), and you’ll get your breakfast delivered daily, as well as s’mores kits to indulge in around the nightly campfire. There’s horseback riding through the lush Florida terrain and a classic Saturday night rodeo (complete with trick riding and barrel racing). And because it is the Sunshine State, you can cool off in the summer heat thanks to the expansive pool.
Seventy-Four Ranch | Jasper, GA
More Info: hotels.com
Seventy-Four Ranch is a working ranch in Jasper, Georgia, located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. It’s just an hour from Atlanta! The rooms are decorated with upscale rustic charm, and they’re the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the expansive property and activities like horseback riding, lasso lessons, and fishing.
Wildcatter Ranch and Resort | Graham, TX
More Info: hotels.com
Tucked away in North Texas, Wildcatter Ranch and Resort is where you should head for an authentic ranch experience. From Texas cowboys ready to teach you the art of lasso to trail rides and cattle drives, Wildcatter Ranch and Resort embraces the rugged nature of true Texas. There’s also hiking, fishing, and skeet shooting for those who don’t want to ride. Alternatively, you can simply relax and take in the beauty of the terrain. The Wildcatter Steakhouse keeps guests fed and happy with regional flavors and dishes like mesquite-grilled steaks or jalapeño dove poppers.
Giddy up!
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Heather Bien
A Virginia native and professional writer of over 10 years, Heather is passionate about home decor, cooking and entertaining, travel, ballet, and coffee. You can find more of Heather's work in Southern Living, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Apartment Therapy, and Virginia Living.