Tucked away within the grand setting of The Equestrian Hotel at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, Calluna Spa is a thoughtfully curated wellness destination that merges high-end salon services with a rejuvenating spa experience. The decor whispers refined luxury with its textured fabrics, serene neutrals, and soft lighting that reinforce a sense of calm. Upon arrival, you’ll notice how both staff and space invite you to linger longer. From the moment of calmness in the waiting lounge, as you sip a complimentary glass of prosecco, to the plush robe and cozy slippers, the scene for luxury is set.
In a region not traditionally known for boutique spa luxury, Calluna Spa impresses by offering a refined, full-spectrum wellness experience in a setting that marries equestrian elegance with upscale resort calm. If your visit to Ocala calls for something more than a standard massage—if you want to be pampered in style, restored with intention, and emerge feeling polished and rested—this is a place to book.
More than 25 years ago, skin care guru Tammy Fender pioneered a movement towards natural, plant-based luxury skin care and holistic living. While working as an aesthetician, she allowed her love and knowledge of the plant kingdom to guide her in crafting her own custom-made botanical formulas to treat clients. Word spread quickly about her talents, so it wasn’t long before her proprietary blends and holistic treatments gained popularity among beauty editors and celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Julianne Moore. Currently, there are Tammy Fender Spas in West Palm Beach and Delray Beach.
As much as we sometimes hate to admit it, our face is our calling card. Daily stress, restless nights, and the strain of modern living can quietly etch themselves across our skin, nudging us toward remedies that promise renewal. Long before “holistic” became a buzzword, Tammy Fender understood the deep interconnectedness of wellness, gently leading her clients toward lifestyle choices that nourish the mind, strengthen the body, and uplift the spirit.
At the 7,000-square-foot Calluna Spa, guests are invited to experience two signature rituals from the Tammy Fender collection: the deeply personalized Custom Holistic Facial and the beautifully restorative Essential Equestrian Facial. The Custom Holistic Facial celebrates the foundation of holistic care by using the most exquisite ingredients—herbs and plant butters, refined marine clays, and floral essences—to impart a glowing radiance to the complexion. Moving beyond the surface of the skin, this treatment brings energy to every cell to rejuvenate and restore vitality. For a lengthier treatment tailored to the equestrienne who faces the daily environmental aggressors riders encounter, the Essential Equestrian Facial is the answer. A specialized masking protocol deeply cleanses and purifies the complexion, while precious ultra-hydrating botanical blends and pure oxygen therapy restore tone and natural radiance.
There’s a particular moment during post-spa bliss when the thought quietly surfaces: Why am I not staying here? It’s the kind of realization that comes when a spa experience feels so restorative that you begin to imagine what it would be like to let that feeling extend beyond an hour-long treatment. Booking a stay at The Equestrian Hotel becomes less of an indulgence and more of a natural continuation of the serenity you’ve just rediscovered. Think of it as an act of honoring the calm you’ve just found—and permitting yourself to stay in it just a little longer.
Situated at the very heart of Florida’s “horse capital of the world,” The Equestrian Hotel in Ocala is not just a place to stay — it’s the main character in an opulent narrative. Set within the grounds of the sprawling World Equestrian Center, The Equestrian Hotel is where luxury melds with equestrian elegance.
From the moment you enter the grand, hotel lobby, you will be mesmerized by the 20-foot floor-to-ceiling fireplace that is surrounded by crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and exquisite furnishings— there’s a sense that you’re stepping into a modern-day manor infused with equine soul. Without leaning into kitsch, the décor is a graceful dance between European sophistication and the world of show rings: think oil paintings of hounds, furniture with bridle-bit drawer pulls, lamps shaped like trophies, and upholstery that borrows from equestrian tradition.
Many of the 248 guest rooms and suites overlook the Grand Arena, giving guests a private, front-row view of the world-class competitions taking place at any given time. Interiors are white-walled and luminous, offset by black furniture and playful equestrian accents — the kind that whisper “you’re in horse country.” Marble bathrooms and custom details like stirrup hardware add a quiet richness to every room.
With three distinct dining options, The Equestrian Hotel delivers both refined and comfort cuisine. Open for weekend brunch and dinner, Stirrups is a southern steakhouse with a gas fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a menu that beautifully melds Florida flavors and classic fare. If lunch or a more informal dining venue is what you’re after, the Yellow Pony Pub & Garden provides a relaxed, jovial space with pub fare, bourbon, and fireplaces—perfect for winding down after a day of first-class competition. If you’ve developed a sweet tooth, Emma’s Patisserie offers a selection of grab-and-go French-inspired breakfasts, petite gateaux, and delectable desserts. Beyond dining, there is a terrace pool, fitness center, and several high-end boutiques that are guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning shopper.
The Riding Academy Hotel provides a thoughtfully curated stay for exhibitors, groups, families, and their pets. Slated to open in late 2025, The Equestrian Manor will be Central Florida’s premier destination for professional and social gatherings. The palatial event venue will offer 303,857 square feet of refined, flexible indoor and outdoor space, perfectly suited for meetings, conferences, weddings, and social events.
In Ocala, The Equestrian Hotel at the World Equestrian Center is all at once a serene sanctuary and vibrant epicenter: a place where the drama of the arena, the sophistication of luxe design, and the warmth of hospitality converge into a truly unforgettable stay.
