Dude Ranches are sometimes considered the original all-inclusive destination, and can be ideal for groups seeking a true Western experience—whether they’re looking to rough it or just relax.
The Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, in Emigrant, Mont., offers 6,000 acres to explore and typically includes all lodging, meals (dinners are usually three-to-five-course gourmet meals), hors d’oeuvres, on-site activities such as horseback riding, fly-fishing instruction, guided hiking, golf, and yoga, and full use of the facility—which includes a heated pool, fitness center, sauna, and tennis court. Meeting space (including AV equipment and breakout snacks and beverages), internet, and gratuity are also included, and evening entertainment, hay rides, and ‘team penning’ are just a few of the extras they’re also happy to include for free.
“When we made the decision to expand our season in order to accommodate groups, it seemed only natural to continue doing what had worked so well for us,” says Operations Manager R.C. Townsend. “If an all-inclusive package can ease the mind of a family vacation planner, why wouldn’t it do the same for an event or meeting planner?”
And in Jesmond, B.C., a few hours’ drive north of Vancouver, Echo Valley Ranch is a regal-style ranch resort that has been offering all-inclusive stays since its 1995 opening. The elegant lodging shows off 20 rooms and suites, gourmet organic cuisine and some exotic elements you might not expect in British Columbia.
“We are seeing companies from Canada and the U.S. looking for meetings or incentive closer to home, but that still want something unique and upscale,” says Chris Tait, the property’s sales and marketing manager. “Also, smaller groups between 20 and 40 can buy out a smaller property like Echo Valley and have exclusive use of all the facilities and services. Echo Valley offers a western ranch theme, but is also out of the box with a Thai Spa and an Authentic Baan Thai building housing meeting and event space, and a Thai spa; this appeals to a North American meeting and incentive market, again looking for a unique experience.”
