Rancho La Puerta is located on sacred Native American land three miles from the US border in Tecate, Mexico. It was founded in 1940 by Deborah and Edmond Szekely. At 83, Ms. Szekely certainly walks her talk about holistic health, living your best life, and constantly challenging yourself at any age to try new things and renew your spirit.
As a ranch guest, you are first whisked from the San Diego International Airport and taken on an hour-long ride to the ranch via rolling hills at a climb of 1750 feet above sea level. Then, you are shown to your room or casita, which adheres to the “plenty of space” motto. Although not fancy or luxe, the accommodations are charming and perfectly Mexican, with tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces (certain rooms), a lovely private patio, and lots of original regional artifacts and wall hangings.
After a newcomer’s orientation, you are flooded with overwhelming opportunities to indulge yourself. This is the best opportunity to experience the abundant buffet of fitness classes offered in one location. The fitness facilities are astounding with eleven gyms. There are over seventy different indoor and outdoor classes and activities, including over fifty lectures, discussions and special guest presentations.
If you’re a “type A” personality, this place is a workout-junkie’s dream come true. You can run from 6am to 6pm or you can go on a mountain hike. Also, you can experience a vast array of cardio and strength building classes: Cardio Challenge, Sculpt and Strengthen, Spinning, Pilates (both mat and reformer), Progressive Yoga, Circuit Training, and dozens of other choices. For the more relaxed types, you can do: Water Works, Tai Chi, Feldenkrais, Meditation, Inner Journey, Stretch, and lots of dance classes. There are even arts and crafts sessions to help you to unleash your inner Picasso.
If you feel like being pampered, the spa menu is overflowing with luscious seaweed and herbal wraps, all kinds of massages and facials, and the ultimate in total body care. All Golden Door Skin Care products are used at the ranch and formulated with the finest plant oils and oceanic extracts.
Throughout the day, you will interact with lots of wonderful new friends and get a chance to dine with them. Your meal time breaks are a cornucopia of healthy food at its best, with delicious, organic, home-grown vegetables, fruits and fish prepared by gourmet chefs who have your health in mind.
If you’re serious about finding your bliss and experiencing all the joy and fun of “summer camp” in a sophisticated and splendid manner, then this is your dream come true.
Contact Rancho La Puerta at www.rancholapuerta.com or call 800.443.7565.
By Marjorie Hope Rothstein