Photos By Ethan Tweedie
Mention the state of Florida and a lot of things come to mind: Disney World, beautiful beaches and, of course, the vibrant nightlife of Miami. What may come as a surprise is that the Sunshine State is also home to The Horse Capital of The World, nestled in the quiet town of Ocala, a little over an hour’s drive north from Orlando.
Hotel Lobby
Equestrians, of course, have long known this. Ocala’s temperate climate, endless miles of green pastures and soil rich in limestone (good for horses’ bones), have made this a destination for riders around the globe. But with the opening of The Equestrian Hotel, a 248-room, $800 million luxury resort that welcomed guests in June 2021, this Central Florida destination takes on new heights, providing a one-of-a-kind, memorable stay that will have horse lovers — and even those that don’t consider themselves fans — bumping this destination to the top of their to-do travel list.
Driving into the property, you’ll pass countless massive oak trees dripping with Spanish moss as you head to the stately hotel, which boasts a neo-classic French design.
The Grand Lobby welcomes with unabashed (and quite extraordinary) opulence — from shiny Italian porcelain floors to chairs upholstered in zebra print to over 80 Schonbek Swarovski crystal chandeliers sparkling in the sun.
There’s a grand piano at the far corner and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in the center that constantly draws people in. Front desk staff (clad head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren) are warm and friendly, creating an inviting ambiance. Throughout the hotel, guests will see a myriad (over 120) custom-made oil canvas portraits of dogs, a tribute to owners Ralph and Mary Roberts’ love for animals (the hotel is pet-friendly, so there are plenty of real-life dogs accompanying guests as well).
Ethan Tweedie
Rooms are spacious and provide a subdued elegance with neutral tones and luxe amenities like Sub-Zero mini fridges and spacious marble bathrooms. Whether you are a rider or not, be sure to book a room overlooking the Grand Outdoor Arena — watching a horse competition from your window is an experience in itself! Note the horse theme throughout the design, like the bit handles on the nightstands, lamps fashioned to look like trophies and bridle pattern on the hallway carpet.
Make no mistake, this is an equestrian’s dream come true. Alongside the hotel is The World Equestrian Center (WEC), the largest equestrian complex in the U.S. Five spacious climate-controlled indoor arenas, 22 outdoor show rings, 3,000 horse stalls and a 145,000-square-foot Grand Outdoor Arena with covered grandstands place it in a category all of its own, drawing Olympian riders here regularly.
And while those not familiar with the sport — whether show jumping, dressage or Western-style events — will find it simple to follow and instantly engaging, there are plenty of draws to The Equestrian Hotel that go beyond an equestrian equation. Begin with the outstanding culinary program. Executive Chef Ryker Brown oversees the property’s seven venues and blends a seasonal approach with French technique, courtesy of his training at Le Cordon Bleu. Start your day with a morning pastry at Emma’s Patisserie under the helm of talented executive pastry chef, Yohann Le Bescond (runner up of Food Network’s “The Summer Baking Championship”) and be transported to Paris. On the go? Head to Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop for a tasty and casual lunch. Be sure to end with a colossal slice of carrot cake, it’s a life-altering experience.
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Those craving a more elegant venue best head to Stirrups, a handsome spot specializing in seafood and steak. Reserve a table on the outdoor terrace overlooking the impressive Grand Outdoor Arena (giving a whole new meaning to dinner and a show). Grab a cocktail at Yellow Pony Pub & Garden (keep a lookout for Ocala resident and regular, John Travolta) or a glass of wine. Roland Micu, who became the world’s youngest master sommelier at age 28 — is responsible for the entire beverage program.
The Equestrian Hotel is also a shopper’s haven. If Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” is your personal anthem, you’ll want to peruse the exquisite Lugano Diamonds store. For those with little ones, a visit to Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe, which resembles a smaller version of the famed (now-closed) FAO Schwartz toy store in New York City, is a must. Upscale designers and home goods can be found in stores like A Sudden Impulse and The Debonair Collection.
Need to relax? Head to Calluna Spa. The 7,000-square facility includes unique treatments like “Rider’s Recovery” massage (full disclosure: you do not have to be an equestrian to indulge in one!). There’s even a serene on-site chapel tucked inside the property’s oak-canopy forest that makes for an ideal wedding venue. Golf carts (the primary method of transportation here), are available for rent and make for a quick and fun way to explore.
Calluna Spa
What’s more, weekend festivals like the Ocala Food & Wine Festival (featuring celebrity Miami Chef Lorena Garcia), which took place in November, and the current holiday Winter Wonderland (Nov. 24-Dec. 23), bring additional allure to what’s quickly becoming a favorite Florida destination.
It’s true that you’ll encounter a lot of people in britches and riding boots while here. Still, for those whose only equine experience amounts to sitting on a pony carousel ride as a kid, the gorgeous setting, 5-star service and uncompromising focus on overall excellence make this a draw for anyone seeking a relaxing and exquisite weekend getaway. And with an expansion already in the works (a second hotel with a new food and shopping complex is slated to open mid-2024), there will be even more reason to return.
The Equestrian Hotel is located at 8510 N.W. 17th Lane, Ocala. For more information, call 352-414-7900 or visit equestrianhotel.com.
The Chapel