Summary
Rancho La Puerta is the original destination spa and still one of the very best. Established in the 1940s by Edmond and Deborah Szekely, Rancho La Puerta is located just four miles across the border from California. This destination spa is renowned for its exceptional dining, diverse classes, breathtaking hiking opportunities in the mountains, inspiring guest speakers, and warm atmosphere. It’s conveniently situated only an hour from San Diego, offering excellent value compared to other destination spas in the U.S., attracting regular visitors who affectionately refer to it as “The Ranch.” Many guests return time and again, often visiting ten, thirteen, or even twenty-five times.
Food
At Rancho La Puerta, the focus is on health and enjoyment rather than weight loss, and savoring delicious food is a crucial part of this philosophy. Meals at Rancho La Puerta are characterized by a festive and social atmosphere, reminiscent of delightful dinner parties. With its own six-acre organic farm, the spa ensures that the ingredients used are of exceptional quality. Additionally, with only 120-150 guests during most weeks, the kitchen can dedicate significant attention to the preparation and presentation of dishes.
The highlight of the culinary experience is the beautiful culinary center called “La Cocina Que Canta,” located just two miles from “The Ranch.” For those interested in exploring the flavors, an excellent cookbook titled “Cooking With The Seasons At Rancho La Puerta: Recipes From The World-Famous Spa” showcases many of their delightful recipes.
One of the most popular activities is an early morning walk that invites guests to enjoy a special hearty breakfast at La Cocina, featuring Mexican hot chocolate, followed by a tour of the organic gardens. It’s a memorable experience to witness the gardener pulling up freshly harvested beets and carrots.
Moreover, guests are encouraged to participate in cooking demonstrations or hands-on cooking classes at La Cocina, which are frequently taught by guest chefs. For instance, during my last visit, Mary Karlin guided us in creating dishes such as grilled herb flatbreads, hummus, smoky olive tapenade, tagine of spice-rubbed fish, and grilled fruits with lemon zabaglione. These dishes were not only impressive but also surprisingly simple to prepare.
Hiking, Dance Classes, and the Arts
Fortunately, a multitude of activities allows guests to indulge in delicious meals without the worry of weight gain. Morning hikes in the sacred mountains surrounding Rancho La Puerta invigorate participants. While most guests return by breakfast, some opt for extended hikes that can last half a day. If you return earlier, consider joining a stretch or yoga class after breakfast.
The dance classes are particularly engaging, including an exhilarating MTV-inspired class led by Demetreous, where participants were encouraged to move energetically as if they were part of a Britney Spears music video. It proved that exercising can be both enjoyable and entertaining!
After lunch, guests may attend lectures by the captivating nutritionist, covering topics such as “Protein: How Much Is Enough?” Additionally, fiction-writing classes taught by novelist Ellen Sussman provide a creative outlet for aspiring writers.
In the evenings, guest speakers offer enlightening sessions, such as Pepper Schwartz, PhD, who discusses the significance of intimacy for overall health. Schwartz is known for her work in “Prime: Adventures and Advice on Sex, Love, and the Sensual Years.”
Guests can also engage in artistic pursuits, such as a jewelry-making class in the art studio or a postural therapy class, or simply relax in their accommodation. The Junior Villa features stunning mountain views, gorgeous Mexican folk art, and a real fireplace.
Spas
At Rancho La Puerta, guests spend considerable time walking, as the expansive main campus covers many acres and features winding paths that can be easy to navigate. The resort includes three distinct spas—one designed for men and two for women—along with a beauty salon. It can be slightly confusing to know where each treatment occurs, as therapists are predominantly Mexican, and language skills may vary.
Offered services include “Healing Therapy Massage,” focused on Trigger Point Therapy. While this treatment may not be suitable for everyone, it’s an excellent option for those looking to address chronic pain.
Returning to The Ranch
Among the highlights is the Energy Balance Massage, which integrates traditional body massage with energy work. This 90-minute treatment emphasized massage while also incorporating the use of a “special lotion” (possibly witch hazel) on my neck and head, followed by a refreshing bundle of cool, fresh herbs to cleanse my aura. This combination left me feeling both relaxed and rejuvenated.
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Rancho La Puerta is the connections you form with other guests. Many individuals choose to make reservations for the same time the following year, ensuring they can reunite with newfound friends. This experience can be inspiring and even transformative.
- Type of Spa: Destination spa
- Location: Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. Just one hour southeast of San Diego.
- Rates: Packages include meals, fitness classes, and lectures. Spa services and cooking classes are an additional cost.
- Phone: US toll-free 800-443-7565, Worldwide 858-764-5500
