ECHO VALLEY RANCH & SPA

The spa is the ultimate in the pampering stakes and offers a blend of classic European and authentic Thai therapies with rare luxuries like a mountain-mist herbal steam bath. The food at Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is excellent and menus can be tweaked to your personal taste. The talented chef champions eating fresh and local produce, growing many of the vegetables.

Of course, exquisite Thai food is customary, but the next evening it may be a hearty barbeque around the fire-pit, with working cowboys for company. They are potty about their animals and, as well as the horses, the ranch is home to a large four-legged family - all with names; from Don the donkey, four resilient moggies to a pack of working Border Collies; very friendly and often seen playing in the meadow. Just don't throw the ball for them, or you'll never get away!

Compared to others, Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is very reasonably priced. However, most of the guided activities carry an additional charge, enabling you to tailor your stay to your liking.

ACTIVITIES:

• Swimming pool, sauna and gym
• Daily Thai yoga
• Self-guided hiking
• Mountain biking
• Fishing
• Cooking demonstrations, techniques and tips
• Spa treatments
• Riding
• Hiking
• Fly-fishing - lessons and guided excursions
• For children - pony treks or short rides on Don the donkey
• White-water rafting
• Fraser Canyon safaris
• Gold panning