R and R at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

The person who coined the expression “Nature: cheaper than therapy,” must have spent a week at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in Jesmond, B.C., a five-and-a-half-hour drive north and slightly east of Vancouver. After our post-Christmas stay at this all-inclusive hotel and spa, we’ve come to the same conclusion—and think you should test the theory out for yourself, too.

the story: When Echo Valley owners Norm and Nan Dove purchased the ranch way back in 1990, they envisioned a place where their close friends and family members—some, on Nan’s side, travelling from as far away as Thailand—could come to enjoy the breathtaking natural surroundings of Cariboo Country. Today, guests from around the world (including celebs and even royalty) flock to the resort to experience a seamless blend of two distinct cultures: the Wild West and the Far East.

the ranch: Set on 160 acres of scenic wilderness, Echo Valley includes cosy lodge and private cabin accommodations, a barn and chicken coop for the resident pets and a hangar for Norm’s plane. The land is crisscrossed by horse-riding trails and walking paths, but the crown jewel of the place is the Baan Thai—an extraordinary example of traditional Thai architecture, where we sang karaoke on our first night (which, sadly, wasn’t that extraordinary). For over-the-top luxury, book the Baan Thai’s Royal Suite, with a private rooftop terrace and handmade king-sized bed.

the company: We met families, couples and solo travellers from Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. (at last count, Echo Valley’s hosted visitors from 58 countries) thanks to the resort’s spirit of community. For example, three delicious, farm-fresh meals are served daily, family-style, at long communal tables in the dining room. There are also two large lounges with lots of seating to hang out in and fun group activities that result in tons of storytelling, laughter and socializing. In other words, be prepared to make new friends.

the itinerary: No need to be a cowboy to enjoy this ranch! An abundance of activities combine with sinfully indulgent Thai spa treatments and cooking lessons—there simply wasn’t enough time in the day to do it all. We loved snowshoeing with Echo Valley’s pack of border collies (who guided us along the trails better than sat nav), nuzzling the beautiful horses, dipping in the indoor pool, ice fishing on the frozen lake and taking an exhilarating ski-doo ride with head wrangler Mark. And we really, really loved our afternoon at the spa, where the best facial ever preceded a traditional Thai massage—truly the perfect finish to an incredible visit.

We left Echo Valley feeling Zenned-out, happy and relaxed. We really can’t wait to go back again (and again, and again, and again) to see what a summer-season’s stay has to offer. —Kate LeGresley

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, 10635 Jesmond Rd., Jesmond, B.C., 1-800 253-8831, www.evranch.com