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Go long haul for love with Ranch Rider

24th January 2012 Print
Private ride for two in South Africa

With Leap Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day featuring on the 2012 calendar, it’s all the more reason to ditch the weekend break and go long haul for love this February. The US states of Arizona, Texas and Montana offer year round romance, and riding holiday specialist Ranch Rider also offers a selection of breathtaking properties in South Africa.

Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments, “Women looking to pop the question on the 29th of February can choose from any number of heart melting mountain backdrops, or even opt to propose in a teepee.”

As the home of the horse whisperer, Montana’s Lonesome Spur Working Ranch always appeals at Valentines. Couples can round up the herd together, a cozy log fire awaiting them back at the lodge. A chance to make more of the snow capped landscape, the 7-night stay also includes three days of skiing at Red Lodge Mountain. Pop the question: swoon your sweetheart in the ranch’s teepee. (Save £356pp) now from only £969pp (two sharing) including, accommodation, all meals, most ranch activities (3-day lift pass), taxes, gratuities and transfers. Return flight from £815pp.

For a Valentines to remember, head to Ant’s Hill, in South Africa. The luxury bush home will arrange vow renewals on horseback, and couples can soak up the sun kissed savannah on private rides and 4X4 game drives. The property takes a maximum of just 16 guests, and for extra privacy there is a secluded cabin, its sunken bath overlooking the African bushveld. Pop the question: make a date on the deck, order two sundowners and enjoy spellbinding views across the gorge. 6-nights from £1,740pp (two sharing) including accommodation, meals, drinks, riding safaris and game drives and taxes. Car hire from £250. Excludes gratuities as left to guests’ discretion and renewal of vows. Return flight from £839pp.

Escape with your special someone and experience Texas’ Wildcatter Ranch & Spa. A favourite with adventurous couples, the ranch offers private rides along the famous Goodnight-Loving trail, wagon rides and canoeing. There is also the option to kick back in the full-service spa, lovers winding down at the award winning Steakhouse and sharing cocktails at the Blowout Saloon. Pop the question: while dining, the resort’s restaurant featuring panoramic views of the Brazos River Valley. (Save £536pp) 6-nights now from only £959pp (two sharing) including accommodation, most meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Car hire from £240. Return flight from £795pp.

The accommodation at Montana’s Triple Creek Resort Ranch features dreamy log burning fireplaces and whirlpool baths. Aside from snowmobile excursions and horseback rides, sweethearts can also book private massages, followed by champagne in the hot tub and dinner for two – all in the privacy of their own cabin. Pop the question: and celebrate with a carefully selected vintage chosen from over 200 wines. 6-nights from £1,745pp (two sharing), including accommodation, all meals, most ranch activities, gratuities and taxes. Excludes transfers from £190 per group. Return flight from £815pp.

Arizona’s Rancho De Los Caballeros comes complete with its own golf course and spa. Romantics can enjoy everything from saddling up on the trails to trap and skeet shooting. Pop the question: on a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert. 6-nights from £1,475pp (two sharing) including accommodation, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from £129 per group. Return flight from £795pp.

If you are waiting to spoil your Valentine with a summer holiday Ranch Rider also suggests booking at British Columbia’s Echo Valley Resort and Spa (ranked third by Trip Advisor (Jan 2012) from a list of 1,000 hotels in Canada). Featuring an East-meets-West spa, two hours of riding a day, and on occasion, even flights over the nearby glacier, the luxury property will make your heart skip a beat. Don’t expect any detail to be overlooked, as the owners have even arranged for a white horse (knight not included) on request. 7-nights from £2,219pp (two sharing) including, accommodation, all meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Car hire from £289. Return flight from £839pp. Departures June through September.

For more information, visit ranchrider.com.

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Private ride for two in South Africa