World Equestrian Center – Ocala in Florida is gaining recognition as a destination for meetings and events, with its Equestrian Hotel and Equestrian Manor earning honors in Northstar Meetings Group’s 2026 Stella Awards.
The property also received recognition in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting its appeal to both leisure travelers and meeting groups.
The awards spotlight the destination’s combination of luxury accommodations, dining and flexible event facilities, giving planners another option to consider when sourcing venues in the Southeast.
Equestrian Manor Expands Meetings and Events Options
Opened in early 2026, The Equestrian Manor adds a substantial meetings and events venue to the World Equestrian Center – Ocala campus. The four-story facility features more than 300,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including a 10,500-sf Grand Ballroom, private meeting suites, covered balconies and an outdoor pavilion.
Four signature restaurants, including a rooftop dining venue, add options for group dining and event programming.
The venue earned a Silver Stella Award in the Best Conference Center – Global, Standalone Facility category, recognizing its role in the meetings and events market. For planners, the combination of ballroom space, smaller meeting areas and outdoor venues offers flexibility for conferences, corporate gatherings and other group programs.
Equestrian Hotel Earns Hospitality and Dining Honors
The Equestrian Hotel received two 2026 Stella Awards: Gold for Best Hotel/Resort – Southeast and Silver for Best Food & Beverage – Southeast. It was also ranked No. 8 among hotels in Florida in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.
The AAA Four Diamond, European-inspired hotel features 248 rooms and suites overlooking the Grand Arena. Guests have access to signature dining, Calluna Spa, luxury retail and year-round equestrian competitions within the World Equestrian Center campus.
These amenities give planners opportunities to incorporate dining, wellness and equestrian experiences into a group itinerary.
“To be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and the Stella Awards is an incredible honor and a reflection of the experience our team works to create for every guest,” said Jeremy Gow, Senior Director of Hospitality Operations, in a press statement.
“These recognitions speak to our distinctive approach to luxury hospitality, bringing together exceptional accommodations, dining, thoughtfully designed event spaces and world-class equestrian sport in one destination. We’re grateful to the readers, planners and industry experts who recognized these experiences and to our entire team for making these honors possible.”
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