We had spent endless hours trying to find high quality, self-catering, family accommodation for our trip to Calgary, Alberta. After phoning friends, family in Calgary and what seemed to be the 100th Google search we came upon the Rocking R Ranch - and I can't begin to tell you how lucky we were!

Let me tell you about the Bunk House - the place we stayed in for 10 nights which was one of two excellent, self-contained accommodation units on the Rocking R Ranch. After the 7 hour flight from Cardiff to Toronto, a short stay in Niagara and another 5 hour internal flight from Toronto to Calgary, my husband and I and our 4 year old son were about to throw the towel in - that was before we arrived at the Rocking R Ranch which honestly saved the rest of our holiday, and made it a truly memorably experience.

The first thing we experienced was a lovely warm welcome from Terri, the owner with her husband Marv, of the Rocking R who made us feel at home straight away. When we walked into the accommodation we knew we had made the right choice. We have been fortunate enough to stay at some of the best hotels in the world and to say that the Bunk House more than lived up to these places is an understatement. The finish and attention to detail at the cabin was exceptional with stylish interior decoration and superior comfort that was more than a match for any 5-star hotel. The kitchen was well apportioned, with granite surfaces, fridge freezer, dish washer and anything else you could possibly wish for. The bedrooms were exceptional and the choice of duvet for allergy sufferers a nice touch. There was everything we needed from bathrobes, slippers and white fluffy towels to bath products and chocolates-heaven!

The breakfasts -what can I say! Bowls of fruit with mascarpone cream, freshly baked cakes to accompany the coffee and the choice of tea.This was then followed by pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Terri would bring this over to our cabin, even in the middle of the snow that we had on our first day at the Ranch!
The continental breakfast needs a mention in itself-a basket brought over to us the night before full of goodies that we'd invariably consume the same night!

The location of the Ranch is stunning and we would quite happily have stayed there everyday and forgotten the sightseeing. The sunsets over the lake will stay with us for a long time.Durring our stay we were privileged to be the first ones to see a new born foal who staggered to his feet right in front of our new home!

Marv and Terri did all they could to make our stay a memorable one: from taking us for an introductory ride on their horses to the beautiful chocolates that we'd have to welcome us home after a days sightseeing, together with a note and porch light left on to guide us home.I can only describe it as having family around looking out for you. For those worrying about privacy, they are such good hosts that they get the balance just right. In our case, we very much looked forward to our chats with Marv and Terri and their advice and research on our behalf as to where to visit in the locality.

This is an ideal place to bring children, as our 4 year old dinosaur obsessive would agree- Marv and Terri totally spoilt him and The Largest Dinosaur in The World is within 40 minutes drive! Conversely, if you need somewhere to escape the rat race and chill out, this is also the ideal location. For the first time after being on holiday I can honestly say that I have no complaints and only praise, which is a rare thing this day and age.

I could rave about the Ranch for much longer as it has so much more to offer- for equestrians or for those requiring luxurious self catering accommodation like ourselves. We extended our stay and on leaving felt as if we were leaving our new home and good friends behind, but we are determined to go back as nowhere else will be able to compete!