Name: Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, British Columbia
Type of Spa:Destination Spa
Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is a unique blend of “east meets west.” It’s a spa (with a touch of Thai) and a soft adventure ranch.
The Setting for Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: 160 acres in the heart of British Columbia’s pristine Cariboo region, 270 miles north of Vancouver. Founded in 1995 by resident owners Norman and Nanthawon Dove, it’s surrounded by millions of acres of uninhabited mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and steeply carved canyons.
What’s Special at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: The East-West connection is unique and the delightful owners Norm (from England) and Nan (from Thailand) epitomize those two cultures. It’s an unusual mixture of horses and massage tables, but it works. The spectacular Baan Thai pavilion, Thai themed evenings of food and dance and the seven resident border collies all add to the charm of this resort and spa.
The Spa at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: There are two main spa areas, the Cariboo Spa and the Baan Thai Spa. The Cariboo spa offers a full range of classic, Thai and modern European treatments and refinement services. Relax in the lounge by the fireplace before or after your treatment.
Adorned with Thai silks and teak, The Baan Thai Spa has its own pavilion, designed by Thai architect Dr. Pinyo Suwankari (he also designed the King’s summer palace in southern Thailand).
Signature Treatments at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: The Thai Spa treatments have their roots in Thai traditional medicine and include their signature Thai Massage ($125 CDN, 90 minutes), Din Saw Pong Facial ($105 CDN, 75 mins) and Luk Pra Kob ($180 CDN, 90 mins). This is an herbal rejuvenation ritual in which a muslin sack packed with 15 potent herbs is pressed directly onto the skin allowing the oils to penetrate. It is followed by a Thai herbal oil body massage.
The Accommodations at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: With a guest capacity of 26, there are two deluxe lodges, a traditional “Baan Thai” complex (the only one in North America) and four cabins. The rooms in Dove and Look-out Lodges are simple and comfortable with en-suite baths. The Baan Thai complex is designed with traditional Thai architecture and the king-bed suite features teak furniture from Thailand and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi bathtub and steam/jet shower. It even has its own private pavilion, right across from the Baan Thai Spa. Separate cabins are also available (including a romantic log cabin with fireplace and outdoor Jacuzzi tub). WiFi is available.
Prices at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: Spa packages range from $702 CDN per guest for three nights for the Spa Harmony to $3,149 CDN per guest for seven nights.
What Could Be Better: Although the food was fresh, abundant and very tasty, I would prefer a lighter “spa” menu. Special diets are accommodated, as are the teachings of Dr. D’Adama from his book, “Eat Right for Your Type.”
Bottom Line: This is the ideal spa for those who want room to roam, fresh air, horseback riding and a wide variety of both European and Thai spa treatments. If you’re tired of the frou-frou spas, this is the spot for you.
Contact Info: Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, PO Box 16, Clinton, BC, Canada VOK 1KO. 800.253.8831. www.evranch.com
Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
