Rancho de los Caballeros - The Ultimate Cowgirl Getaway

Who says a cowgirl can’t have it all? If you’re longing to experience the rugged authenticity of a working dude ranch (including participating in real-cowboy activities like team penning!) while enjoying the beauty and wide open spaces of the Old West amidst the amenities of a luxury resort? Look no further than historic Rancho de los Caballeros, a sumptuous oasis for the senses just sixty minutes north of Phoenix, and a skip and a jump from the old mining town of Wickenburg with its shops and museums, including the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, home to the annual Cowgirl-Up! Art From the Other Half of the West, Invitational Show & Sale.

A well-renowned guest ranch since 1948, Rancho de los Caballeros boasts 20,000 acres of rolling hills, Saguaro cactus and the breath-taking vistas of the flowering Sonoran desert that extend as far as the eye can see. This pristine hideaway and ultra comfortable haven evokes the feeling of a welcoming hacienda, but with the multiple personalities of a country club and destination locale ready to charm and match all sensibilities. The variety of rooms, suites and casitas, many with their own private patio overlooking the stunning desert or mountain views, off er something to suit everyone’s taste, and all reflect the unique southwestern style, rough hewn elegance, and timeless hacienda ambiance; richly colored vintage furnishings and fabrics, Navajo style rugs, rustic woods with hammered tin accents and burnished hardware, flagstone, sautillo tiles, and deliciously comfortable beds. And by the way, be sure to catch the early morning and late afternoon runs of the nearly 100 horses as they circle much of the Rancho on their trek from open pasture to corral or back.

The Great Room of the Rancho with its rustically luxuriant furnishings and massive copper fireplace hood (one of the original design elements) will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to an un-rushed era of unstudied elegance and ease. Take a deep breath, sink back into the comfortable surroundings, and enjoy the warmth and glow of the fi re, or play a game of pool in an adjacent alcove. When you’re ready to dine, your personal table is just steps away. (And meals are included in the room rates!) Dinner is reminiscent of the sophisticated lifestyle of the original caballeros. The culinary team delights in preparing an impressive array of epicurean feasts designed to satisfy every palette.

An ever-changing menu features four soups or salads, including the signature Ranch soup–shredded chicken in a clear broth topped with guacamole, salsa fresca and sour cream, served with tortilla chips. Th e fabulous entrées may include a tender filet of beef with carmelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and a veal demi glace, or pan seared scallops on braised white bean and corn, with fennel and carrot. But do save room for dessert! The Prickly Pear Crème Brulee and the Cajeta Sundae, a pinon nut cup filled with vanilla ice cream, topped with warm Cajeta sauce with pinon shortbread are not to be missed!

Enjoy some time to simply nourish body, mind and spirit. Illuminate your inner path with a calming and meditative walk in the stone labyrinth, releasing worldly concerns and gaining clarity and insight with each mindful step. The ancient ritual of walking the labyrinth, a circling to the center of our true essence, has been practiced for over 4000 years by many cultures and religious traditions. Some of the earliest labyrinths were found in Greece, (so much a part of Greek society, they were embossed on coins and pottery.) Visit the serene atmosphere of the Spa at Los Caballeros for some exquisitely nurturing treatments and feel the cares of the world recede even further.

COWGIRL recommends the signature Hohokam Massage, an immersion into the healing essence of the desert’s indigenous plants. Guiding on the Native American tradition of using the essential oils of juniper, sage, cypress, lavender and cedarwood, the Hohokam Massage is a grounding, purifying, and deeply restorative treat for body and soul. For the ultimate indulgence schedule the 4 hour Desert Labyrinth Ritual that includes a Labyrinth walk, tea service, Hohokam Massage, Desert Pearl Facial, Southwest Pedicure and Retreat Wrap Manicure.

Part of the great charm of Rancho de los Caballeros is the diversity of experiences and activities it is able to off er its guests while retaining the untarnished authenticity and flavor of its dude ranch origins and historic standing. Campfi res, cookouts and sing-a-longs out among the stately Saguaro, scented mesquite and flowering brush recapture the fl avor of yesteryear and are as popular today as they were in 1948–but now you can have a massage in your room after a long day in the saddle! Or off set the dry desert air with a luxurious and hydrating facial.

Non-riders will enjoy stretching out their legs on the championship links, once the air strip for Hollywood royalty (no longer needed with the easy access to Phoenix and Sky Harbor International). What has not changed in the fifty-plus years of the Rancho’s heritage is the profound peace and quiet to be had in this desert enclave. Th e kind of stillness that allows one to not only hear ones thoughts clearly, but also the subtle hum of desert life around you, of which you’ll soon begin to feel a part.

To book your adventure and ultimate cowgirl getaway, contact:

Rancho De los Caballeros
www.ranchodeloscaballeros.com
1-800-684-5030