Rancho de los Caballeros Living Room

Rancho de los Caballeros – welcome home

Welcome to the family ranch! Rancho de los Caballeros, which means ranch of the gentlemen on horseback, should actually be called Ranch of the family. Whether you are one of the 100+ people on staff at this Arizona guest ranch,  a new guest or returning for your 20th visit to the ranch, you will be welcomed like one of the family. For more than a half century, this family-owned ranch has been operating on 20,000 acres of high Sonoran desert.  In addition to horseback riding, the dude ranch, open from October to mid-May, features a top-rated golf course, excellent kid’s program and relaxing spa.

Rancho de los Caballeros Swimming Pool

La Familia at Rancho de los Caballeros

When I visit a property, I try to find staff members to interview. I tend to get a better feel for the place when I talk to the people who work and, often times, live on property. Pastry Chef Mary Jane Gladen has been with Rancho de los Caballeros for 35 years.  “I started working here when I was 17,” laughs Gladen. Massage Therapist Lynn Marbach has been with the ranch 13 years. “This place is like family,” notes Marbach.

The all inclusive resort includes three meals a day with breakfast and lunch served buffet-style. After a morning of horseback riding, I was pleasantly surprised by the multitude of hot and cold lunch  choices, but the dessert selection sent me over the edge. This place is like a cruise ship without setting foot off shore. Needless to say, I have found the food at Rancho de los Caballeros to be top notch – from the Sonoran Especiale of duck tamale, cheese and onion enchilada and chorizo and potato tostada to the Vaquero pie – you will not leave hungry.

Rancho de los Caballeros Maricopa Suite #354

Value Vacation at Rancho de los Caballeros

If you are looking to stretch your vacation dollar – and who isn’t these days – the best value for dollar at Rancho de los Caballeros is after the winter holidays. The Getaway package, January 2- February 14, 2012 includes horseback riding or golf for free.  I timed my visit for January, with 70 degree days, and a fantastic staff to guest ratio. I stayed in Maricopa Suite #354 with a Kiva gas fireplace, private king bedroom, queen-size Murphy bed, wet bar and spa tub. Priced at $455 per night for two people – or $355 single supplement- I was one happy buckaroo in this 750 square foot suite. Did I mention that complimentary internet access is available in all rooms?

The Spa Rancho de los Caballeros

Spa at Rancho de los Caballeros

After a two hour nature horseback ride in the morning and one and one half hour advanced ride in the afternoon, my muscles were calling out for a visit to The Spa at Rancho de los Caballeros. Massage Therapist Lynell Marbach did not leave me disappointed. I opted for the Desert Oasis one hour massage ($110), a blend of tropical flower essences and sweet lime make up this tropical mango massage oil.  From desert baths, scrubs and wraps to facials and pedicures, both men and women will feel relaxed and renewed.  There is also a labyrinth walk behind the spa for your journey to inner peace.

Golf

Rated by Golf Digest magazine as one of Arizona’s top five golf courses, Los Caballeros Golf Club is gorgeous, according to first-time guest Dennis Miller.  “Hole 14 was up hill and had sand traps on the right,” noted Miller. “Shooting uphill is always more interesting.”

Rancho de los Caballeros Maricopa Suite

Pick your package at Rancho de los Caballeros

• Ranch Getaway: This package includes room, meals and options for activities, and it’s the best value of the year (please note that this package is only available during special times of the year).
• Ranch Experience: For those who want to experience virtually everything The Ranch has to offer, this is your package.
• Giddy-Up Gals: For ladies who’d like to enjoy themselves without the menfolk, this package was created for you.
• Golf Getaway: This package is perfect for the golfer in your family and includes room, meals, three rounds of  golf per two-night stay.
• Ranch Meeting Round-Up: For large groups looking to hold a one-of-a-kind meeting or retreat, this package includes room, meals, meeting space, reception and more.

Plenty to do at Rancho de los Caballeros

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Rancho de los Caballeros  on Twitter @RanchodelosCab and like them on  Facebook. Rancho de los Caballeros is a member of the Arizona Dude Ranch Association,  Dude Ranchers’ Association & Historic Hotels of America.

If You Go:

Rancho de los Caballeros (928) 684-5484 or (800 ) 684-5030

1551 S Vulture Mine Road

Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California.

I was a guest of Rancho de los Caballeros.

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