Rancho La Puerta: Your Ultimate Guide to a Transformative Wellness Retreat in Mexico and Lasting Health Habits

Late last August, my partner Connor and I had the incredible opportunity to spend four nights at Rancho La Puerta. This esteemed, award-winning fitness and spa retreat is nestled just outside San Diego, in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a profoundly memorable and transformative experience, unlike any vacation we’d ever taken. While words can barely capture its essence, I’ll do my best to convey the magic of “The Ranch.”

Leading up to this trip, I had been grappling with some new and challenging digestive health issues, a period that was frustrating both personally and professionally. Although I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Rancho La Puerta, the timing felt nothing short of serendipitous. It was exactly what my mind and body needed.

Connor’s work schedule often limits his time off, which typically leads us to plan ambitious, fast-paced vacations. While this “go-go-go” approach allows us to see a lot, it often leaves us feeling like we need a vacation from our vacation. I’m sure many of you can relate to that feeling of exhaustion after a trip meant to be relaxing.

At Rancho La Puerta, we fully disconnected from the outside world and immersed ourselves in the serene environment and activities. Everything at the ranch is thoughtfully designed to promote nutrition, fitness, and overall mind-body wellness. This focus proved incredibly healing. Neither of us had ever returned from a vacation feeling so genuinely refreshed, rejuvenated, and simply *good*!

Since our time at the ranch, we’ve made a conscious effort to integrate some of the invaluable lessons we learned there into our daily routines. Below, I’ll share several of these practical wellness tips.

But first, I want to delve deeper into our experience at the ranch and what makes it such a special place. If there’s one key takeaway I hope you gain from this post, it’s a strong recommendation to consider a wellness retreat like Rancho La Puerta for your next vacation. (As a happy update, my digestive issues have thankfully cleared up since our trip – hooray!)

About Rancho La Puerta: A Legacy of Wellness

Rancho La Puerta isn’t just any spa retreat; it’s a family-owned and operated institution with a rich history dating back to 1940. Founded by the visionary Edmond and Deborah Szekely, the resort has evolved dramatically from its humble beginnings of simple tents and a handful of guests. Yet, its core mission has remained steadfast: to be a global leader in wellness, fitness, and nutrition.

The Szekelys envisioned a relaxing oasis where individuals could truly step away from the distractions of the outside world, connect with like-minded individuals, explore new interests, and leave feeling profoundly renewed. This enduring philosophy continues to shape every aspect of the Rancho La Puerta experience.

On our last evening, we had the immense privilege of attending a lecture by Deborah Szekely herself. At 95 years old, she is an incredibly spunky, fascinating, and deeply inspiring woman. She still attends Pilates classes five days a week, delivers weekly lectures at the ranch, and continues to travel extensively. I could have listened to her captivating stories and wisdom for hours. Her resilience and zest for life are truly remarkable. (For those interested, I highly recommend watching this video where she speaks about the fascinating history of the ranch.)

Immersive Grounds and Tranquil Accommodations

A typical stay at Rancho La Puerta spans between four to seven nights, though we encountered many guests who extended their visits for two weeks or even longer, a testament to the retreat’s allure and restorative power.

Despite being only a few miles from the Tecate border, the ranch feels worlds away, thanks to its expansive 4,000-acre nature preserve. The landscape is a breathtaking blend of desert beauty, featuring stunning cacti, vibrant succulents, lush green spaces, inviting swimming pools, and ancient trees, all set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kuchumaa.

Given it was late August, I had anticipated scorching heat, but the weather was absolutely perfect. Days were comfortably in the mid-80s with zero humidity, cooling down to the mid-50s at night, creating an ideal climate for both activity and relaxation.

Rancho La Puerta typically hosts around 140 guests each week, but the vastness of the grounds means you often feel as though you have the property to yourself. Guests are accommodated in charming garden casitas spread throughout the estate, contributing to the incredibly quiet and serene atmosphere. This sense of privacy and intimacy was a refreshing change from other resorts I’ve experienced, allowing for deeper introspection and true relaxation.

Our junior villa was a haven of comfort, featuring two queen beds (perfect for sharing with family or friends), a spacious living area, a gorgeous bathroom, and two private outdoor patios with lounge chairs. We cherished our mornings here, sipping coffee and watching the fog gracefully roll over the mountains. It was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the most distinctive and beneficial features of the ranch is its commitment to being a digital noise-free environment. Wi-Fi access is intentionally limited to just one or two designated buildings on the property, and is not available in individual guest rooms. Guests are strongly encouraged to switch off or silence their phones for the duration of their stay. Upon arrival, we even found an adorable “cell phone sleeping bag” pouch in our villa, which we happily utilized. This policy profoundly enhanced the overall experience, fostering greater presence and deeper connections among everyone at the ranch. It truly demonstrated the power of disconnecting to reconnect.

Activities, Workshops & Diverse Fitness Classes

One of the true highlights of a stay at Rancho La Puerta is the incredible breadth and depth of activities, unique experiences, and fitness classes offered throughout the week. Each guest receives a detailed schedule upon arrival, allowing complete flexibility to structure your days as you wish, right up to the last minute. If you’re feeling energetic, you can pack your day with numerous activities. If you find yourself needing a slower pace towards the end of the week, you can easily opt for relaxation by the pool. This dynamic approach truly offers the best of both worlds in a wellness vacation.

Every morning begins with various guided hikes, catering to different fitness levels. Throughout the day, over 50 different fitness classes are offered, encompassing everything from high-energy workouts to calming meditation and specialized wellness options. Furthermore, inspiring lectures by guest speakers are a regular feature, providing invaluable insights into health, nutrition, and personal growth – we particularly enjoyed these and learned a great deal!

The range of classes is astonishing. You’ll find familiar favorites like TRX, cycling, yoga, Pilates, circuit training, and kettlebell classes. But the ranch also encourages guests to explore less common, yet equally enriching, options such as gyrokenesis, drumming, dance, and even sound healing. What makes the program particularly accessible is the availability of both fundamental and more advanced classes in every fitness specialty. These classes often build upon each other throughout the week, creating a progressive learning experience. This thoughtful structure makes it easy to step out of your comfort zone and try new things without the intimidation factor that often prevents people from joining an unfamiliar exercise class – a feeling I’m certainly guilty of!

During our relatively short stay, we managed to experience an incredible amount: we embarked on four invigorating mountain hikes, participated in at least seven different types of fitness classes, attended six enlightening lectures, and connected with countless fascinating guests from all walks of life. The diversity of the activities ensures there’s always something new and engaging to discover.

To give you a glimpse, here’s an example of just one active day at the ranch:

• A lively morning tennis clinic to kickstart the day.
• A foundational yoga class to stretch and center the mind.
• An energizing water aerobic class in one of the beautiful pools.
• An insightful ‘Food + Mood’ lecture led by a visiting nutritionist.
• A relaxing period by the pool, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
• A challenging Pilates reformer class to strengthen core muscles.
• A calming guided meditation session to unwind.
• An engaging lecture on ‘Techniques for Managing Media Questions.’

Beyond physical and mental wellness, they even offer creative art classes, ranging from sculpture and jewelry making to watercolor painting. How wonderfully enriching is that?!

Nourishing Food and Exceptional Nutrition

Last, but certainly not least, we must talk about the food. I had heard wonderful things about the culinary offerings at Rancho La Puerta prior to our visit, but I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s crucial to understand that the ranch is not a weight loss spa, but rather a place for holistic wellness. I’d be lying if I said Connor wasn’t slightly concerned he’d be limited to celery sticks and energy balls for four straight days! Thankfully, his fears were entirely unfounded.

In perfect alignment with the ranch’s unwavering commitment to wellness, all meals (which are fully inclusive with the rate) are meticulously designed to be nutritious, wholesome, and predominantly vegetable-centric. In fact, with the exception of a few sustainable seafood options, the vast majority of meals are naturally vegetarian, highlighting the incredible flavors and benefits of plant-based eating.

Much of the vibrant produce served at the ranch is grown on its very own organic farm, located directly on the property. One of the most beloved and memorable activities offered is the organic garden breakfast hike. This experience combines an invigorating morning hike to the farm with an informative garden tour, culminating in a delicious and bountiful buffet breakfast served amidst the fresh produce.

While dinner is a more formal, three-course, sit-down affair, breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style in the main dining hall. The culinary team strictly avoids refined sugars, opting instead for natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey. Every dish is crafted with whole grains and is rich in fiber, with thoughtful portion control in mind. This approach ensures guests feel satisfied and energized without feeling deprived.

A true dream for anyone with dietary considerations, there are always abundant gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options available at every meal. Additionally, jars brimming with nutritional yeast, ground chia, or flax seeds are readily available for guests to customize their salads and meals. This freedom encouraged us to experiment and get creative with our plates, discovering new flavor combinations and nutritional boosts.

Breakfast was my personal favorite, but honestly, everything we tasted was absolutely delicious. Offerings included perfectly scrambled eggs, fresh pico de gallo, an array of homemade salsas, and the most incredible muesli, among countless other delightful choices. We ate incredibly well and consistently felt light, energized, and truly good from the inside out.

The ranch also boasts a fantastic poolside juice bar. Here, we indulged in healthy mint chocolate chip smoothies (prepared with fresh mint and cacao powder – a recipe I’ll definitely be sharing on the blog!) and invigorating “sunrise” smoothies, alongside fresh homemade guacamole and chips. It was pure heaven, combining healthful ingredients with delicious flavors.

The On-Site Culinary Center: La Cocina que Canta & Organic Farm

On our final evening, the ranch generously treated us to a complimentary weekly cooking class at their stunning culinary school, “La Cocina que Canta” (The Kitchen that Sings). This was an unforgettable experience, led by the talented visiting chef Barbara Fool Fenzl.

Our culinary adventure began with a visit to the organic farm, where we personally selected fresh vegetables – I remember picking some beautiful leeks! Back in the state-of-the-art kitchen, we collaborated to prepare an array of delectable dishes. The menu featured innovative creations such as refreshing watermelon gazpacho, a hearty lentil salad, perfectly grilled nopales (cactus paddles), homemade herb pasta with shrimp, and roasted poblanos stuffed with a vibrant elote salad. It was a wonderful change of pace for me to learn new techniques and flavors, and I’m quite sure Connor appreciated having someone else take charge in the kitchen for a change!

5 Easy-to-Implement Wellness Tips & Lasting Takeaways from Our Retreat

Our time at Rancho La Puerta was nothing short of extraordinary. We were enveloped by the warmth of the staff and fellow guests, who truly made us feel like family. We left not only rejuvenated but also equipped with practical tools and a renewed desire to integrate small, lasting changes into our daily lives to enhance our health and overall well-being. It was a phenomenal, life-affirming experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend exploring a week-long stay (or even a shorter visit) at the ranch. At the very least, consider the transformative power of wellness travel for your next vacation.

Here are a few actionable wellness tips and strategies that we’ve successfully brought home with us from Rancho La Puerta:

1. Disconnect Every Day: The Power of Unplugging – This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a fundamental shift. Literally unplug or power off your electronic devices for a significant portion of each day. Physically place your cell phone in a different room of your home, away from your immediate reach. Better yet, invest in an old-fashioned alarm clock and remove your phone from your bedroom entirely. By doing so, you’ll naturally be more inclined to read a book, engage in meaningful conversation, or simply enjoy moments of quiet reflection. This practice has been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and foster deeper connections in relationships. It’s astonishing how such a small change can lead to such a profound positive impact on your mental and emotional state.
2. Create a Sacred Morning Routine: Set Your Day’s Intentions – Your morning routine doesn’t need to be hours long; it can be as little as five minutes or as extensive as your schedule allows. Far too many of us begin our days by immediately checking our phones, bombarded by notifications, emails, and burgeoning to-do lists. This creates an instantly stressful and unsettling start to any day. The world, truly, can wait. Instead, dedicate these precious first moments to yourself. Set clear intentions for your day, quietly read a book with your morning coffee, or practice meditation. I highly recommend guided meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer. Mindfulness, a cornerstone of wellness, has been repeatedly shown to have a massive positive impact on overall health and well-being. Best of all, it’s a completely free and accessible practice for everyone.
3. Food as Medicine: Nourish Your Body, Transform Your Health – If there was one overarching takeaway from our time at Rancho La Puerta, it was the profound importance of treating food as medicine. While I’ve always been a strong believer in this principle, it’s remarkably easy to lose sight of it amidst the demands of daily life, often leading to less-than-ideal eating habits. If you’re experiencing low energy levels, persistent digestive issues, or other health concerns, it is incredibly important to conduct a thorough evaluation of your diet. The ranch powerfully demonstrated how our food choices have a tremendous, often underestimated, impact on our mood, cognitive function, and overall mental health. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods that fuel and heal your body.
4. Stay Curious & Embrace New Experiences: Expand Your Horizons – I am the first to admit that I absolutely love the comfort of my routines and familiar activities. However, I found myself genuinely *loving* (and made a mental note of this appreciation) the opportunity to try so many new activities at the ranch. Whether it was dipping my toes into a watercolor class or experimenting with a Pilates reformer machine for the very first time, the experience of trying new things was incredibly fun and liberating. Make a conscious effort to step outside your comfort zone. Take an art class, explore a new genre of music, learn a new language, or pick up a new hobby. Stay curious about the world and your own capabilities. You don’t need to aspire to be an expert or have grand plans for something to provide immense value, joy, and growth in your life.
5. Age Is Just A Number: Cultivate a Youthful Spirit – Rancho La Puerta’s founder, Deborah Szekely, shared a profoundly inspiring insight: one of the ways she has maintained her exceptional health and vitality over the years is by actively seeking and cultivating friendships with people 20 years younger than herself. Even at 95, she rarely dwells on her chronological age. Instead, her focus is entirely on how she *feels*. Most importantly, she has never allowed her age to deter her from pursuing new goals or trying new things. She consistently makes a conscious effort to learn and experience something new. This remarkable perspective – approaching life with endless curiosity and a youthful spirit – is an incredible way to live, reminding us that true vitality comes from within.

Disclaimer: Rancho La Puerta generously provided us with a complimentary all-inclusive stay. I received no other compensation for this post, nor was I obligated to write about our experience at the ranch. All opinions and text expressed here are entirely my own. Thank you for your continued support!