The Equestrian Hotel at WEC has achieved a statewide distinction
Travel + Leisure magazine, as part of its World's Best Awards 2026, has included The Equestrian Hotel at the World Equestrian Center on its list of Best Resorts in Florida.
Here's what we know:
How does Travel + Leisure determine its rankings?
Mostly by readers.
"Every year in our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on their favorite travel experiences around the globe - to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more," the magazine says on its website.
"This year, more than 207,000 readers voted in the 2026 survey; they cast 661,000 votes, across more than 10,088 total properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.)."
Which resort was tops in Florida?
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
What other resorts were listed?
+ Cabot Citrus Farms, Brooksville
+ The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach
+ Amrit Ocean Resort, Riviera Beach
+ The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Orlando
+ The Boca Raton, Boca Raton
+ Waldorf-Astoria Orlando, Orlando
+ Marquesa Hotel, Key West
+ The Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, Naples
+ The Alfond Inn, Winter Park
+ Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach
+ Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key
+ Evermore Orlando Resort, Orlando
+ Havana Cabana, Key West
What other recognitions have The Equestrian Hotel and/or the World Equestrian Center received?
In 2024 the World Equestrian Center was named one of TIME magazine's Worlds Greatest Places.
Last year, The Equestrian Hotel placed No. 10 on the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards list of Best Hotels for the Holidays.
The hotel is Ocala's only AAA Four Diamond resort.
What is the World Equestrian Center in Ocala?
The center is located off Northwest 80th Avenue north of State Road 40 and south of U.S. 27. It features equestrian arenas, expo centers, sports fields, retail, dining and two hotels: The Equestrian Hotel and the Riding Academy Hotel.
The Equestrian Manor, an event and dining space, opened on campus earlier this year. The Shoppes Off 80th, a high-end retail complex, is under construction. A huge sports complex, which will feature a third hotel and an arena that can be used for concerts, is in the works.
jross@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: The Equestrian Hotel at WEC has achieved a statewide distinction
Reporting by Jim Ross, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 8:51 AM.