Echo Valley

 Echo Valley Ranch is in British Columbia's Cariboo region where formerly the Fraser River had been a haven for gold-panning cowboys in search of a quick fortune. Now it is a magnet for holidaymakers seeking wilderness paradise.

　　Around 350 miles north of Vancouver along the 1，300-mile Alaska-bound Highway 97， Cariboo region is a Wild West land of varied landscapes： cattle ranches， mountains， lakes， rivers and buttercup fields. Ginny found Echo Valley Ranch a perfect Western adventure for stressed-out city slickers. Run by Norm a Brit entrepreneur from Essex and his wife Nan Dove since 1995， the sanctuary has deluxe lodges， great food and spa services.

　　Blazing saddles

　　Don't worry about taking the kids （minimum age 13 years） if you've got them. There's plenty of outdoor activities at the ranch for groups of up to 30 people to get excited about， including horse riding， guided hikes up mountains， down canyons and across plateaux， white-water rafting， fly-fishing， falcon training and learning how to rope a bull. If you're afraid your riding skills won't cut it， take lessons on a Tennessee Walking Horse. The distinct breed is suited for those new to riding and has a gentle temperament， love of attention and people.

　　Having treated herself to an hour flight over Echo Valley Ranch， Ginny was mesmerised by dramatic views covering four geographic regions （biomes） including Gang Ranch， rolling grasslands down the Fraser Canyon desert， to the High Bar Indian reserve and Marble Range mountains.

　　Ginny splashed out on traditional Thai treatments at the ranch's exquisite Baan Thai spa designed by famous Thai architect Dr Pinyo Suwankiri. After resting your cowgirl weary body in the massage salons， outdoor hot tubs and hydrotherapy treatment room you can take Tai Chi or Yoga followed by a meditation in the outdoor Jacuzzi under the stars