Sometimes you just want to have a relaxing, growups-only kind of vacation. Ride quietly through an aspen forest—without the kids. And then get pampered and indulge yourself a little. That’s where a luxury outfit like Echo Valley Ranch & Spa comes in handy.

Echo Valley has a real “East-meets-West” kind of vibe; one of the owners hails from the world of west coast tech, the other hails from Thailand. So you get a real cultural fusion: loads of services (or apps), plus warm hearted, low-key elegance. It’s all backed by spectacular vistas and loads to do.

Raft down the Thompson River, lope horseback across a high prairie, wet a line on the ranch’s own private trout pond, or try some fly-in fishing—landing on floats in the breathtaking seclusion of a Cariboo mountain lake.

Oh, and then there’s the spa: with traditional Thai massage, Royal Thai treatments like herb steam baths, facials, and wraps. Check it out, some 30 miles from Clinton, British Columbia.

More luxury ranches: Siwash Lake Ranch, also in British Columbia, is a top-notch wilderness hideaway “for people who seek the finer things in life”. You can choose to ride 80,000 acres with or without a guide, or check out the superb fishing,  nature-based activities, spectacular scenery & outstanding service. Children welcome in summer. Three Bars Cattle and Guest Ranch, outside Cranbrook, British Columbia, calls itself a small ranch with big ranch amenities (including heated pool and hot tub, indoor riding arena, fitness center, and fully equipped business center).