Five luxury ranches

Hacienda de San Antonio, Mexico

The views at this vast 19th-century working ranch and coffee estate are magnificent: the gracious dusty pink residence, luxuriant gardens and perfectly conical Volcan del Fuego just beyond. Owned by the Goldsmith family, the estate got an Aman resorts makeover in 2000 but is independently run again today; there are 25 antique-stuffed suites, barrel-vaulted dining rooms and sunny terraces. Activities include horse riding and hiking.

Hacienda de San Antonio, Comala, Colima, Mexico (00 52 312 316 0300; haciendadesanantonio.com). Doubles start at US$945 (£630), room only.

Rancho de la Osa, United States

This colourful, 300-year-old dude ranch in the grasslands of the Sonoran desert is one of the last remaining Spanish haciendas in the US. Guests have included the Roosevelts, Joan Crawford and John Wayne. Rooms feature thick stone walls, polished wooden floors, woven rugs and oversized fireplaces. Horse riding, cowgirl camps and roundups by day, margaritas on the veranda in the evening.

Rancho de la Osa, Sasabe, Arizona, US (001 520 823 4257; ranchodelaosa.com). Doubles start at $529 (£353) full board, with activities.

Siwash lake ranch, Canada

Each guest is assigned a horse, with unlimited riding out in the British Columbia wilderness. Back at the spruce log house are a 30ft fireplace, library, convivial dining room and country-cosy suites.

Siwash Lake Ranch, Siwash Lake, 70 Mile House, South Cariboo,BC, Canada (001 250 395 6541; siwashlakeranch.com). Doubles start at C$1,100 (£585), full board.

San Pedro de Timote, Uruguay

The plains and hills of Cerro Colorado provide scenic stomping ground for guests at San Pedro de Timote, a 19th-cetury estate. The contemporary, if slightly conventional décor has a pleasingly homely feel with fireplaces and a library. Horses provide the focus of the activities.

San Pedro de Timote, Cerro Colorado, Florida, Uruguay (00 598 310 8086; sanpedrodetimote.com). Doubles start at US$153 (£102), full board.

Estancia El Rocio, Argentina

In the heart of gaucho country, Estancia el Rocio offers professional polo or the chance to explore the grassy pampa by horseback or bicycle. There are just four rooms, with terracotta-, sunflower- and lime green-washed walls; meals are served under a vine-hung portico.

Estancia El Rocio, San Miguel del Monte, La Pampa, Capital Federal District, Argentina (00 54 2271 420 488; estanciaelrocio.com). Doubles start at US$500 (£333) full board, with activities.

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