release your inner cowgirl!

Ladies, welcome to the new generation of Wild West travel: non-bikini-centric holidays in ritzy ranches that move the focus towards adventure and activity, instead of baring it all in two-piece bikinis. Which are just horrid! According to Ranch Rider these ranches are more Zen-girl than cowgirl, with opportunities not only to ride, but to lavish yourself in a sumptuous environment which exudes exclusivity and indulgence. Far removed from the traditional working ranch, wanna-be cowgirls can partake in a wider range of activities than simply rounding up the cattle – perhaps finding themselves attempting a high ropes course on day one, mountain biking on day two and trail riding on day three. Many ranches also offer aromatherapy sessions, traditional Thai treatments, Yoga, and even massage therapies - perhaps to ease the sore buttocks after mountain biking? These sensuous remedies round off the ranch experience, ensuring cowgirls are not only looking good, but feeling good on their return home.

The Red Horse Mountain Ranch is situated in the scenic Idaho Pan Handle, and while it bears the title of a guest ranch, the accommodation and facilities more than equal that of its resort-led counterparts, with each uniquely designed cabin featuring rustic log furniture, a full deck, private bath and plush towels and robes. In addition to adventure on horseback, there are plenty of other active pursuits on offer including mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, hiking, archery and even sporting clays. The seemingly endless array of activities make the ranch sound like a cross between a country retreat and an outward bound holiday, but with massage-centered around specific cowgirl activities, and Yoga for meditation and contemplation, Red Horse Mountain is the piece de resistance in holistic ranching.

Official blurb: A six-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £2,239pp (based on two people sharing), departing May to September inclusive. Excludes fuel surcharges.

The Echo Valley Resort and Spa Ranch in British Columbia is a fine blend of East and West – a vision dreamed up by the owners who spring from the UK and Thailand. Professional Thai therapists are employed at the ranches own Baan Thai Spa, which was designed by the architect to the Thai Royal family – every detail of the interior conveying an element of exotic Asia. Ranch Holidays are centred around looking and feeling good from the inside out with signature treatments, a fitness facility and a heated indoor swimming pool, available to cowgirls after a day’s riding out on the trail. In addition to adventure on horseback, guests can take a leisurely morning hike on one of the ranches many nature trails, opt for a 4X4 safari through Fraser Canyon or take to the skies on a flight seeing tour which passes over the nearby glacier.

A seven -night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,662pp (based on two people sharing) departing May to October. Excludes transfers as car hire recommended.