Relax and Reconnect
While the term dude ranch usually brings to mind images of cowboys and cattle drives, dude ranches are actually all this and much more – especially when it comes to wellness experiences.
In keeping with the belief that wellness starts from within, many DRA-accredited ranches offer a variety of rejuvenating activities and services in a lush oasis environment to give you “whole body” relief from the stress of modern life. Imagine enjoying a spa escape or time in the great outdoors with a small group, giving you the opportunity to decompress and actually contemplate all the things that you just do not have time for on a day-to-day basis. How freeing will it be to breathe the fresh mountain air, hike to the top of a bluff to view an evening sunset? To actually have time to read a book or just sit a listen to Mother Nature?
We at the Dude Ranchers’ Association think spending time alone with your thoughts is just as important as any exercise program. Below you will see that there are some real opportunities to revive your mind, body, and spirit while experiencing some of the most spectacular areas in the country, from valleys complete with untouched Rocky Mountain backdrops to desert sunsets across the Southwest.
Relax at a Dude Ranch
As the original all-inclusive vacation, dude ranches offer value and numerous advantages over other all-inclusive vacation options including no planning once you arrive, flexibility to customize your itinerary, and no additional costs once you arrive at your destination. There are over 90 DRA-accredited dude ranches in North America (two in Canada), all of which uphold the highest quality of services within the industry. No matter what type of getaway you’re in search of, there is the perfect dude ranch out there for you. Please see below for a sampling of DRA-accredited ranches that feature unique wellness experiences.
Greenhorn Ranch
Greenhorn Ranch in California believes lost is the time when we gathered for a shared purpose when we communed under the stars and truly connected. Interruptions are far too easy in a normal setting. Escape to a place beneath the stars where cell phone service is shoddy, WiFi works when you need it, and the campfire is always warm and crackling under the starlit sky. Relax, enjoy the stay and relish the much-anticipated time together. Their 3-day wellness retreat starts September 26th – 29th. There will be seminars on relieving stress through your camera with David Herman, learn how to cook delicious meals in just 90 minutes with Pamela Salzman. Learn to manage your stress with healthy food and herbs. Tina Quinn reminds you that “The most important things in life are the ones you can’t see”.
You will also get the opportunity to learn why Winston Churchill often said: “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man”.
A Bar A Ranch
Sometimes all a person needs to revive your mind, body, and spirit is to get outside in the woods. At A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming, they offer what they call an “Expedition” which are custom Western adventures. Up to six guests stay in luxurious cabins or tents, taking full advantage of their 100,000-acre property. Days are spent riding, fishing, hiking, and exploring. The A Bar A Ranch sits along the banks of the North Platte River in the heart of the beautiful Medicine Bow Mountains.
The A Bar A Classic Expedition is perfect for families or friends seeking a private experience on a classic guest and cattle ranch. Ride to your luxurious cabin on horseback taking in the amazing Wyoming scenery. Your Expedition Guide will take care of everything for you, they will also be your gourmet cooks. A Bar A expeditions give you the chance to design the vacation that is just perfect for you.
Rancho de los Caballeros
If you are looking for a more traditional wellness experience look no further than the Spa at Los Caballeros at Rancho de los Caballeros Ranch in Arizona. The resort spa offers classic services and signature treatments you won’t find anywhere else, such as their desert baths, scrubs, and wraps. Whether you’re looking to enrich your skin or touch up your pedicure, Spa Caballeros has a wonderful treatment for you. End an action-filled day by unwinding with an enriching facial, hot stone massage, or aromatic bath in our claw-foot tubs. Parents can share a spa day with their daughters by booking nail treatments together.
The ranch is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert’s hiking trails and beautiful blooming cacti, their 20,000-acre ranch resort does not waste any space. You will not only get to enjoy the amazing horseback riding but can also experience their acclaimed 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and heated pool.
Majestic Dude Ranch
Majestic Dude Ranch in Colorado sets aside a week in May and the month of September specifically for adults. They realize that the non-stop programming their summer session offers isn’t for everyone. Learn to relax, take a deep breath and heal from the inside out. Enjoy cooking classes, wine, and cheese tastings, or just sitting on your porch taking in the peace and quiet the ranch has to offer. There is nothing better for the soul and mind than a little quiet time alone.
The amenities at this ranch are pretty nice. They offer Tempur-Pedic mattresses in every room so you’ll rest easy after a long day of activities. Diffusers stocked with soothing oils in each room make coming back to your cabin an even more relaxing experience. No one ever goes hungry at Majestic – that’s their commitment. Their mission is to provide hearty, yet healthy meals for all guests. Their chefs cater to all dietary restrictions, allergies, and tastes. If you still feel the need to work out they offer, for their especially active guests, unlimited gym access. With a treadmill, free weights, an assisted pull-up bar, and several machines, there’s plenty to keep you fit and on your gym schedule.
The Dude Ranchers’ Association
We know it can be hard in this stress-filled busy world we live in to take time for yourself, but we feel it is one of the most important things you can do for a healthy mind, body, and spirit! Contact the Dude Ranchers’ Association today.
duderanch.org ~ info2@duderanch.org ~ 307-587-2339
