The best of the world’s farm resorts

Farm tourism is defined by Republic Act No. 10816 or the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016 as “the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes.”

Through this commercial enterprise, agricultural production and processes are linked with tourism activities. Visitors of farms or other agricultural businesses experience alternative recreational and educational activities while generating income for them and the surrounding rural communities.

In December 2017, the Department of Tourism launched its farm-based or agri-tourism program as part of the agency’s plan to entice sector-specific foreign and domestic tourists. Currently, there are several agri-tourism sites that have been accredited by the government and so far, it has helped boost interest in farm resorts over the past years.

Globally, farm tourism or any form of recreation that entails reconnecting and spending time with Mother Nature in farm resorts has been in existence for some time now. To this day, demand for such activities continues to rise.

Barbialla Nuova

Italy

Fattoria Barbialla Nuova

In some European countries, agri-tourism has been in existence for a long time. Italy, for instance, started opening farms to tourists in the mid-’60s as a way to revive agriculture and has, since then, led Europe’s agri-tourism.

Among the best known farm resorts here is the Barbialla Nuova in Tuscany. One of the activities that could be enjoyed here include hiking through the apricot orchards and a large bio-sensitive farm that is known for Chianina cattle and white truffles.

In autumn, guests can also join their tartufaio (truffle hunter) and his dogs in search of the elusive San Miniato white truffle. They can likewise go fishing as well as feed and spend some time with the farm animals like cows, chickens, and pigs.

Willow-Witt Ranch

United States

Farm-related recreation is also popular in the United States. The rustic Willow-Witt Ranch, located outside of Ashland in the foothills of Southern Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, has been labeled by Conde Nast Traveler as “agri-tourism at its best.”

This sustainable farm offers guests the opportunity to participate in all aspects of farm life, including gathering eggs from the chickens, feeding farm animals, and tending to the vegetable garden. The ranch is also a birding hotspot, with the wetlands being home to a variety of wading birds. It also features more than 200 varieties of plants.

The Belmont Estate

Grenada

The Belmont Estate in Grenada is a 17th-century plantation that produces organic cocoa and spices. With its farm tours, restaurant and museum, it offers one of the most authentic farm tourism experiences in the Caribbean and around the world. Among the tours they offer include exploring Grenada’s spices, fruits and vegetables; making organic chocolates from tree to bar; observing wildlife and wild flowers and herbs; visiting a natural spring; and petting goats, among others.

Dalmore Guest Farm

South Africa

Dalmore Guest Farm in Drakensberg, South Africa is a self-catering accommodation that offers farm-related activities like fishing for bass, carp and catfish in all the local dams surrounding the farm. It also boasts of attractive mountain bike, hiking, and running trail routes for those who prefer active events. The accommodation meanwhile has a swimming pool, pool house and a main farmhouse with open veranda area, dining room, and intimate bar.

Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang

Thailand

In Asia, Thailand has supported the rise of farm resorts. One of its best known farm stays is the Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang, a project from the idea of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in order to support agriculture instead of opium planting.

The Station, located in Fang District in Chiang Mai, was founded in 1969. In this ecotourism site, visitors can see planting demonstration for winter fruit trees (such as peaches, Chinese bayberries, plums, strawberries, Chinese pears, raspberries, persimmons, kiwis, and nectarines), winter plants (such as carrots and lettuces), and flowers (such as carnations, roses, asters, and chrysanthemums).

Sources: Inquirer Archives, Reuters, lonelyplanet.com, tourismthailand.org, barbialla.com, willowwittranch.com, dalmoreguestfarm.co.za, belmontestategrenada.com