I think agritourism was created for adults who enjoy petting zoos but don’t enjoy the social stigma attached to being an adult in a petting zoo. But that’s a whole other article.
Whoever came up with it (the Italians, I think) stumbled onto something wonderful. Nestled in a unique spot at the junction between rural retreats, boutique luxury, and eco-conscious living, the agritourism sector has flourished from a niche gimmick into a rich experiential platform for curious travelers.
Food, naturally, is a consistent theme. Through agricultural-based stays, the farm-to-table movement has blossomed more vibrantly than ever, allowing us to peer beyond the curtain and reconcile the disconnect we all face with our food.
And even if you don’t care about where your lettuce comes from, there are usually some cute baby goats running around, reverting back to my judgment-free-petting-zoo theory.
These are the best farm hotels in the world. Enjoy!
Farmhouse Inn Sonoma
Location: Sonoma, California
Price: $1,000+
Vibe: Delectable, delicious, dreamy, wine-soaked escape
The rundown: As you can tell from the “vibe,” there are a lot of wonderful things to be said about Farmhouse Inn. Very much a family affair, the inn has been passed through five generations of Italian-Americans, who used the land as a farm, a ranch, a prohibition bootleg distillery, and now a world-class hotel, restaurant, and winery.
It’s been a regular feature on lists of the best hotels in the US and the world, and its restaurant spent 14 years with a coveted Michelin star until the retirement of its longtime chef in 2021. Don’t worry; another Michelin-starred chef took over, so it won’t be long before it regains a spot. It’s pricey, but it’s one of the best you’ll ever stay at.
Tillingham
Location: Sussex, UK
Price: $200+
Vibe: Ancient English heaven
The rundown: Basking in the plush greenery and rolling hills of Sussex, Tillingham’s 60-acre farm is about as close to heaven on earth as you’ll find on the other side of the Atlantic.
Wine is the prime focus of the mixed farm, but there’s an abundance of fruit trees, livestock, and ancient woodlands to explore when you’re not tucking into one of the on-site restaurant’s unbelievable set meals.
Willow-Witt Ranch
Location: Ashland, Oregon
Price: $250+
Vibe: A getaway that’s not too far away
The rundown: A stay at the Willow-Witt’s working ranch will feel remote. But it’s only half an hour from nearby Ashland. Such is the magic of the lovingly owned property and its environmentally geared experience.
Since its founding, the ranch has strived to restore the natural surroundings in a balanced way while offering guests a chance to experience life on the farm. A stay typically offers the opportunity to gather eggs, harvest vegetables and learn more about where our food comes from.
The Darwin Ranch
Location: Wyoming
Price: $6,900 a week
Vibe: Unadulterated seclusion
The rundown: Claiming to be the most remote guest ranch in the United States, Darwin Ranch is astonishing. Set in a stunning secluded valley in Wyoming, its owners were inspired by the safari lodges of East Africa.
Don’t be too put off by the high rate. That’s six nights, including all meals and snacks, as well as guided horseback tours of the surrounding areas. It’s still steep, but the experience will be one unlike any you’ve had before.
Beach Plum Farm
Location: Cape May, NJ
Price: $399+
Vibe: Utterly adorable
The rundown: Beach Plum Farm—even the name sounds welcoming. One look at the charming 60-acre farm hotel, and you’re likely to fall in love. Accommodations come in the form of historic cottages and converted barns, dinner is served steps from the source, and it’s a guarantee you’ll spend the entire visit smiling.
Try and time your stay with one of the farm’s dinner series. They’re special events celebrating the seasonal harvest, and not to be missed.
Mountain Goat Lodge
Location: Salida, Colorado
Price: $89+
Vibe: Baby goats. Need we say more?
The rundown: We’ll be honest, we barely looked past the premise of this place. They had us at baby goats. Of course, there are loads of goats running around the lodge, working as the source for the farm’s cheese and yogurt served on-site and used in their cheese-making classes.
Throw in staggering views of the Colorado mountains and you’ve got yourself a winner
Borgo Pignano
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Price: $324+
Vibe: Tuscan dream
The rundown: Commanding an expansive 350-acre resort dotted with villas and cottages, Borgo Pignano is a luxury farm hotel experience at the heart of Tuscany’s enviable culinary heritage.
You know the drill. Rolling hills, vineyards, achingly beautiful sunsets, wine, Italian food, and the overwhelming sensation that life might never get better than where you are now.
by travelers, for travelers.
