Detach from the digital world at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

Digital Detox found in Southern Cariboo

It’s true that Echo Valley Ranch is a short horseback ride from the original postal delivery route in Jesmond, Canada, population two. However, the best way to arrive is flying into the ranch’s private runway. Spry and witty Echo Valley Ranch Owner, Norm Dove, owns and pilots his Cessna plane from nearby Kamloops Airport, depending on the weather. Of course, the ranch is also accessible by road and rail, with transfers to the ranch available.

Once at the ranch the lack of cell phone coverage forces you to disconnect from the digital world and truly connect with nature. Trade your blackberry for a chance sighting of a black or cinnamon bear. Put away the optical mouse and keep your eyes peeled for a moose. You’ll feel your blood pressure drop when you scratch the back of one of eight Boarder Collies on the ranch or converse with the turkeys – I promise the turkeys will join in the conversation!

Echo Valley Ranch Lookout Lodge in Clinton, Canada

Romance Waiting at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

I stayed in room #16 of Lookout Lodge, with a view of Mt. Bowman from the balcony and king bed.  A self-contained lodge neighboring the horse corral, this is dude ranch, plus lux. With nine large bedrooms, each room has a bathroom, bathtub, robes and coffee making machine.

Meals are served family-style at Dove Lodge in the Great Room

Farm to Fork Ranch Cuisine

The Dove’s are fortunate to have Executive Chef Justin Folk in the kitchen. Folk creates fresh and local cuisine while sourcing products from the ranch’s vegetable garden and farm. The ranch raises cattle, pigs, turkeys, and chickens, as well as utilizing nearby farms and ocean wise seafood suppliers from Vancouver. In addition, the ranch also offers fresh baked breads and desserts.

Echo Valley Ranch Honeymoon Cabin

East meets West Thai Spa Experience

Speaking from experience, I’m profoundly aware that my work life has taken precedence over my work-out life. I have placed my body on the standby list of physical activity; my only workout takes places when my fingers hit the keyword at the office.  This lack of stretching and exercise, self inflicted on my behalf, has led to a slight limp in my gait and resentful muscles.

Encouraged by my new-found  girl friends, I hesitantly joined the Thai yoga morning stretching class, called Ruestri dat ton, offered to all ranch guests daily in the Baan Thai pavilion. Loosely translated, Ruesri Dat Ton means “Hermit’s Self-Stretching Exercise” the yoga-style practice developed by religious hermits in Thailand centuries ago was designed to restore energy and flexibility. It is the ideal companion before a morning horseback ride from Echo Valley Ranch.

Soak in the hot tub at Echo Valley Ranch after horseback riding in Southern Cariboo country

Saddle to Spa at Echo Valley Ranch

Activities include:

• Horseback riding

• Spa at Echo Valley – additional charge
• Thai yoga stretching class – no charge
• Walking/hiking trails
• Complimentary wifi in Dove Lodge

More Details:

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is situated in British Columbia’s Cariboo Region.  You may find the ranch on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @EVRanch. You may also follow Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @Nancydbrown.

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa (800) 253-8831 or (250) 459-2386

10635 Jesmond Road, Clinton, British Columbia, Canada VOK 1KO

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip.  I was a guest of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.

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