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).

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.

cataloocheeranch.com

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.

haciendadesanantonio.com