Fortitude Ranch Is A Survivalist Vacation Spot For Couples

Men's Dating

Fortitude Ranch Doubles as a Survival Bunker and Outdoorsy Vacation Spot for Couples Prepping for the Future

Hayley Matthews

Written by: Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

Hayley has over 10 years of experience overseeing content strategy, social media engagement, and article opportunities. She has also written hundreds of informational and entertaining blog posts. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including Bustle, Cosmo, the Huffington Post, AskMen, and Entrepreneur. When she's not writing about dating news, relationship advice, or her fantasy love affair with Leonardo DiCaprio, she enjoys listening to The Beatles, watching Harry Potter reruns, and drinking IPAs.

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Edited by: Lillian Castro

Lillian Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.

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The Short Version: Thousands of couples from around the U.S. have started preparing for the future by becoming members of Fortitude Ranch, a survival community of connected lodges and bunkers. Membership provides individuals, couples, and families with a guaranteed spot on a ranch during a catastrophic situation, and the facilities include food, supplies, and other amenities. Fortitude Ranch has properties in picturesque locations, so couples can enjoy visiting the lodges for a romantic getaway any time of year.

With the world in the midst of a global pandemic and civil unrest in many U.S. cities, it’s not surprising that some people may be planning for an uncertain future. People want to know that they and their loved ones can take care of themselves even if the worst happens.

That’s why many couples choose to enroll in a survival and preparedness training session with Fortitude Ranch. During the intensive training, they learn how to hunt, fish, protect themselves, care for animals, and grow vegetables. They also learn to start a fire and how to barter in the event of an economic collapse.

Photo of Fortitude Ranch cabin

Fortitude Ranch offers couples peace of mind and a cozy place to get away.

Some learn so much during their survival training that they decide to become full-fledged members of Fortitude Ranch and gain access to its properties. But even in times of peace and harmony, Fortitude Ranch locations around the country offer members plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind away from the hectic pace of city life.

If a catastrophic situation were to take place, members can return to those same properties to ensure their safety until the danger passes. For instance, if the United States power grid were to collapse, it could cause mass chaos. But member couples could travel to their nearest Fortitude Ranch, where they’d have guaranteed space and plenty of supplies.

Members who should find themselves away from home when the worst happens can travel to one of Fortitude Ranch’s 12 completed or in-progress ranches around the country.

“We are expanding to 12 sites around the nation because of the demand. We’re going into hyperspeed, so we have enough ranches for all the people who want to join,” said Alicia Cachuela, the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Fortitude Ranch.

These multifaceted experiences that include training, vacations, and long-term survival preparedness form the cornerstone of Fortitude Ranch’s mission. The company’s motto is “Prepare for the Worst… Enjoy the Present.”

The Ranch Offers Plenty of Leisure Time

Fortitude Ranch is like a timeshare vacation home, but with a survivalist twist. Most people initially become interested in the ranch because they want to prepare themselves for the worst. That gives them the confidence of having a plan if something were to force them from their homes.

“They can check ‘feeling mentally safe’ off their list,” Alicia said.

Every Fortitude Ranch location is in a picturesque, remote location somewhere in the country. And only members can stay there for a low fee of $25 per night. That’s why many couples take advantage of the lodges’ proximity to nature and plan romantic getaways at Fortitude Ranch.

Each location offers plenty of outdoor recreation for couples. For instance, couples can hike in the wilderness or hunt for their food. They can also take a horseback ride or interact with farm animals. All ranches include a firing range, as well. Some guests even bring gear to go cycling, boating, or rock climbing.

screenshot of Fortitude Ranch summer activities

Couples have plenty of options for summer activities at many Fortitude Ranch locations.

“Think of a dude ranch or an adventure vacation. We’re not about super luxury; we’re about nature and sustainability,” said Alicia.

The lodges themselves are certainly a step up from camping or RVing in the wilderness. Upscale log lodging includes private rooms with running water and cooking facilities. Solar power and backup energy sources allow couples to relax and watch TV during their nights in.

Many member couples decide to take part in survival training, at least for part of their stay at Fortitude Ranch.

“Survival training is becoming more and more popular and can be a bonding experience for couples,” Alicia said.

Providing Accommodations for Different Membership Levels

Depending on their needs and budget, couples can become members of Fortitude Ranch for a low annual fee. Ranch members have several features secured for them in case of an emergency. All couples or families will have space in the lodges or bunkers, and have access to necessities, including food, heating supplies, medical supplies, and arms and ammunition. Members also receive a lockbox to store their personal gear.

These basic amenities are included in every membership package, but couples can the membership level that best suits their lifestyle. Fortitude Ranch offers three levels of membership: spartan, economy, and luxury.

“If you choose the spartan plan, you’ll have less square footage and simple furniture. The luxury membership gives you a private bath and nicer furniture,” Alicia said.

However, Alicia reminds prospective members that the luxury plan doesn’t promise a Four Seasons-style experience.

Screenshot of Fortitude Ranch locations

Fortitude Ranch has plans to build more locations across the United States.

“We’re all about giving anyone a practical plan if they need it,” she said.

Economy and luxury plans guarantee private space while members can choose either private or shared space on the spartan plan.

In addition to the membership levels, couples can also decide how long they want to reserve a spot.

“You can do a five-year, 10-year, 25-year, or 50-year plan. Many people sign up for 50-year plans so they can pass them on to future generations,” Alicia said.

Securing membership at a Fortitude Ranch can be competitive, especially in parts of the country that are prone to more natural disasters or unrest. As of 2020, the Fortitude Ranch planned for Arizona and Nevada have waiting lists of more than 1,000 Californians.

Fortitude Ranch Teaches Guests What to Do in Survival Situations

Fortitude Ranch provides couples with the peace of mind they need to stop worrying about the future. In the meantime, Alicia said people should consider which skills they can contribute to a survival situation and assess the survival skills they need to learn.

For instance, if someone likes to cook, he or she could plan to take care of the garden, or tend to the cattle, chickens, or goats.

Alternatively, those interested in community safety may want to consider joining the guard which protects the ranches. Bunkers underneath the lodge dwellings provide a haven for more dangerous survival situations.

Members who are unsure of how they would contribute to the ranch in a survival situation could decide to take a training class. The training is free for ranch members and is available for a fee to non-members. The classes are also effective ways to get a sense of the ranch lifestyle before becoming a member.

“One thing couples can do together before a survival situation happens is take the survival training here,” Alicia said.

The Fortitude Ranch team is happy to provide its service to couples and families, and it offers plenty of affordable options.

“People are grateful for this idea. Anyone who wants to join can try to make it work financially. Our team is glad to protect the health and safety of American families,” Alicia said.

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