Romantic ranch retreats are the ideal way for you and the special someone in your life to get away from it all on Valentine's Day. It's not to late to book a last-minute dude ranch vacation at one of Top50 Ranches' romantic ranch retreats, but if you've already made plans for the big day, why not surprise your loved one and book a ranch vacation for later in the year?
Last-minute Valentine's ranch vacations
Your own luxury cabin at Triple Creek Ranch
Iconic romantic images from Legends of the Fall spring to mind when you think of Montana dude ranches, so jet of to Big Sky Country Valentine's for a romantic ranch vacation. Triple Creek Ranch is a couples haven: the mountain retreat has luxury private log cabins in the woods, complete with welcome basket of wine and goodies, private hot tub, and his-and-hers bathtubs - perfect for a secluded romantic getaway. Dine at the chef's table or enjoy candlelit dinners in the romantic dining room with dramatic views of the Bitterroot Mountains, plus moonlight strolls and movies under the stars. This Valentine's Day at Triple Creek, pastry chef Troy Himmelmen will offer a selection of chocolate delights, while sommelier, Jerry White, will suggest the right wine for each treat.
Montana dude ranch The Ranch at Rock Creek's winter season offers an ideal alternative to busy, expensive ski resorts, with phenomenal skiing hidden just minutes away. Offering tailor-made experiences and with no strict schedule, Rock Creek's secluded environment is perfect for a romantic getaway. Enjoy a couples massage in the full service spa and 5 star dining in The Granite Lodge, or for real romance take an evening horseback ride or intimate 2-seater winter sleigh ride.
Montana dude ranch Lone Mountain offers 85km of Nordic ski trails and world class downhill skiing just 6 miles away. Or why not head off the ranch and explore Yellowstone National Park? For a more relaxing vacation, enjoy a romantic on-the-snow buffet or sleigh ride dinner, gourmet ranch cuisine and relaxing massages.
Romantic sleigh rides on C Lazy U's Valentine's Special
For an extra-special Valentine's weekend dedicated to couples, head to Colorado dude ranch C Lazy U Ranch, and book the Valentine’s Day and Weekend Special* where you can enjoy a 39% discount on normal rates, plus 2-for-1 on couples massages. The romantic package includes afternoon arrival, a candlelit dinner for two, overnight accommodation in a luxury cabin, breakfast the next morning and a horseback excursion or sleigh ride prior to departure. *Available February 10-15, 2012, priced at $399 per couple/$199.50 per person. Standard two-night winter minimum waivered for couples. Additional nights, including standard meals and activities, priced at normal rate.
Or head to Echo Valley Ranch and Spa in British Columbia, Canada, which offers winter packages ideally suited to couples. A welcome glass of champagne or mulled wine awaits in your private deluxe cabin or sumptuous Baan Thai suite, and you can take a dip in the outdoor hot tub or indoor heated swimming pool, and indulge in one of the many treatments offered by the full-service spa. With self-guided snowshoeing & ski trails, you and your partner can get away from it all in the snowy Canadian wilderness.
Couples' ranch vacations for 2012
If booking a last-minute ranch vacation is out of the question, you can still surprise your loved one on Valentine's Day by booking a romantic ranch vacation for you both to take later in the year. A good option if you prefer your holidays to involve warmth and sunshine! Best of all, during the summer season you have the choice of all of Top50's best romantic ranch escapes. Here's our top pick of romantic ranch vacations for couples...
Relax during couples' week at Free Rein Ranch
Free Rein Guest Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, is all about letting you do what you wish, when you wish - whether that's horseback riding, bathing in secluded lakes, picnicing by the shoreline or simply enjoying a snooze in the shade. For a romantic ranch getaway, the best time to visit is in October, when Free Rein waves goodbye to the kids and dedicates the entire month to adults, meaning a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. As the nights start to draw in, drinking, partying and long lie-ins become more commonplace that action-packed days, so if you're looking for true relaxation and the freedom to do what you choose, this is the ranch to come to.
Kick back during Couples Bootcamp at Alisal
Also in October, Alisal Guest Ranch in California, USA, will play host to 'Couples Bootcamp'. From October 18 to 21, 2012, treat your other half to daily horseback rides, breakfast rides to the historic old Adobe, nightly entertainment, and all meals including gourmet wine dinners and a special lakeside dinner. The two of you will also enjoy a moonlight hay ride, romantic turn-down gifts and, of course, plenty of time for relaxing in each other's company.
Head to Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado, USA, and enjoy the privacy of your own private log cabin and private dining opportunities. Dining at Vista Verde is a real treat, with wine an integral part of the dining experience and Executive Chef, Matt Campbell, leading wine tastings and cookign classes.
Three Bars Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, offers wonderful spa facilities if you or your other half want a pampering ranch vacation. Here, high season for couples is concentrated more in spring and fall, so visit at these times of year for a more intimate and adult-oriented dude ranch vacation.
The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, USA, offers first-class service and luxurious accommodations. Think gourmet cuisine, couples' spa treatments, personalized service, and amenities such as heated bathroom floors, rain showers, organic spa products and hot tubs. Romantic accommodations don't get better than private luxury homes and luxury tents, and with the ranch staff's attentive, anticipatory service, first-class hospitality is guaranteed at Paws Up.
Siwash Lake Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, is a small, private and truly intimate hideaway perfect for a romantic ranch retreat. Enjoy private fine dining, couples' massages magically delivered in the woods under canvas, and private horseback rides. With a high staff:guest ratio, you and your partner are guaranteed royal pampering and personal service.
Luxury safari camp at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Another British Columbia luxury Canada guest ranch is Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Top50's only luxury tented safari camp. Just like Prince William whisked Kate off on a safari adventure to pop the question, you can treat the love of your life to the ultimate romantic safari setting. Privacy is ensured in your own luxury tent complete with King bed, full en-suite bathroom with double sinks, heated floors, and indoor and outdoor showers. Take guided wiildlife safaris to see orca whales, sea otters and black bears, then relax back at the ranch with a couples massage and private 5-course meal.
Elk Mountain Ranch in Colorado, USA, might be a family ranch, but visit in September for adult weeks and you'll experience a much more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, thanks to a reduced guest capacity and an emphasis is on riding and relaxing. Think romantic trail ride cookouts, champagne brunches and a country candlelight dinner, as well as massages and hot tub facilities.
The Castle Room Suite at Estancia Ranquilco
For a more exotic romantic ranch vacation, head south to Argentina where adventure at Estancia Ranquilco awaits. Head out into the romantic wilderness for a pack trip into the mountains for all or part of your stay, or base your entire stay at the beautiful estancia where you'll have your own 'wing' of the stone lodge. We recommend The Castle Room suite, boasting a raised double bed offering amazing views of the river canyon below, and French doors to your private stone patio overlooking the river and mountains where you can enjoy private meals. When night draws in, cozy up in the adjoining sitting room by the stone fireplace complete with natural “heart” stones from the area, with a glass of Argentine Malbec. Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed out on the terrace with sweeping views of the Trocoman River or, for a more romantic setting, silver-service style with crystal and fine china in the dining room.
For more information on any of Top50's romantic ranch vacations, visit Top50Ranches.com