Is Cowboy Core About To Influence Our Travel Plans?
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1 day ago
Luxury ranch holidays are on the rise
What do Yellowstone, copper hair and Beyonce all have in common? They’re all key players in the rise of Cowboy Core, of course. As country music continues to rise and rise in popularity – bursting out of the US and infiltrating UK radio – so too does our fascination with all the genre has to offer. Because it’s not just music: Cowboy Core has creeped into fashion, hair, nails and even interior design trends over the past year. Cowboy boots are commonplace, fringe jackets are on the rise, boho dresses are set to be all the rage this summer, and ever-popular denim is basking in the glow.
The final frontier? Travel. But is this trend really going to influence our holiday decisions this year? The experts think so. In its 2025 travel trends report, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, cites Cowboy Core as one of the most pertinent trends set to influence travel this year, alongside the likes of cosmic wellness, intergenerational travel and coolcationing.
‘The world’s fascination with all things cowboy is riding high, influencing not only pop culture but also travel trends for 2025,’ the report reads. ‘Helped by the popularity of Yellowstone and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, demand for cowboy-inspired experiences is surging, with ranch stays, horseback adventures, and star-lit camping trips all booming alongside destinations such as Montana and Wyoming.’
The best way to embrace Cowboy Core in all of its glory? On horseback. ‘Luxury ranch stays have become the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the Wild West,’ says Peter Elefson, Preferred’s VP for the US and Canada. Here are the best ranch stays to get your cowboy fix.
5 Luxury Ranch Holidays To Live Your Cowboy Dreams
Brush Ranch Creek
Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
Can you envision 30,000 acres of wilderness? That’s exactly what Brush Creek Ranch offers, with ultra-private historic guest cabins scattered across grounds. Enjoy an authentic slice of ranch life through cattle drives, barrel racing and scenic horserides. Nestled in the famed Platte River Valley, the stargazing is unmatched here. And come summer, the luxurious adults-only spa promises a romantic prairie hideaway.
Audley Travel’s Luxury Ranch & Beach Package
Take the planning out of your adventure with Audley Travel, which combines a five-night luxurious ranch stay in Montana (think fly fishing, horseriding, mountainbiking and more) with some cliffside rest and recuperation in Laguna Beach.
Alisal Ranch, California
Dating back to 1810, Alisal Ranch offers everything from rodeo lessons to rides across its 10,000 acres. It’s a modern taste of the historic wild west – and if you’re not up for horseriding, e-biking is an option, too.
Montage Big Sky, Montana
A year-round adult playground, Montage Big Sky is located just 45 minutes from Yellowstone Nation Park, and is an alpine ski haven in the cooler months. Come summer, countrycore rules the day: think scenic mountain bikes, guided hikes, animal safaris and horseriding across rugged mountain trails and through wildflower blanketed fields.
The Retreat at Silvies, Oregon
This restored historic ranch is still a working cattle ranch, but it moonlights as a renowned guest ranch and world top-100 golf resorts. Those looking to embrace Cowboy Core can embark on horsesides and herd cattle – or guests can explore the ranch via ATV tours, learn to rope, test their skills on the shooting range or kick back in the spa.
