Rope a deal on a ranch vacation

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Take a real McCoy vacation on a ranch. Expect down-home goodness, healthy activities and tons of fun 'round the campfire.

Ranch vacations are simple to book with many offering all-inclusive pricing for accommodations, meals, activities and more.

Today's ranch holidays are more than just horses and dusty trails. Sure, there's the cowboy/cowgirl adventures on horseback and learning to rope -- but many focus on other pleasures such as gourmet food, fine wines, children's camps, spa treatments, tennis and golf, wilderness excursions, and naturalist experiences.

Also, special themed stays expand the experiences. Some offer fishing clinics, campfire cooking classes, pack trips into the wilderness and the classic adventure -- cattle roundups. Other themed stays target birders, yoga enthusiasts, honeymooners, adults-only, couples-only, family-friendly and more.

Find out about the varied ranches at the online encyclopedia of ranches, according to ForbesTraveler.com. The site lists dozens of ranches located around the globe along with special offers and savings weeks.

Here's an example of a special themed stay:

Tap into your inner cowgirl at Cowgirl Camp at Rancho De La Osa, 65 miles from Tucson, Arizona. Ride in the high Sonoran Desert across more than 135,000 acres of trails.

This delightfully chic ranch offers the themed camp Nov. 6-10. Gals of all ages and riding abilities are invited. The cost is $1,200 per person and includes accommodation, meals, activities and scheduled airport transfers.

Rancho De La Osa features a swimming pool, hot tub, peace garden and massage service to enhance the R&R getaway. A number of great sightseeing spot, and a championship desert golf course are within an hour's drive of the ranch.

Rancho De La Osa was selected in the April 2009 issue of National Geographic Traveler as one of the top "129 HOTELS WE LOVE!"