Rancho La Puerta: A Holistic Wellness Retreat Journey and Transformative Health Takeaways

In late August, my partner Connor and I embarked on an extraordinary four-night journey to Rancho La Puerta, an acclaimed fitness and spa retreat nestled just outside San Diego in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. This wasn’t merely a vacation; it was a profoundly memorable and powerful experience, unlike any other trip we’ve ever taken. While its essence is challenging to capture in words, I am eager to share the transformative impact it had on us.

Leading up to our visit, I had been grappling with some new and frustrating digestive health issues, both personally and professionally. The timing of this invitation, therefore, felt incredibly serendipitous. Our usual travel style, driven by Connor’s limited time off, often leads to ambitious, “go-go-go” itineraries. While we get to see a lot, we frequently return home feeling like we need a vacation from our vacation – a sentiment many busy individuals can surely relate to. This retreat offered a much-needed antidote to that cycle, promising genuine rest and rejuvenation.

The opportunity to fully disconnect, unplug, and immerse ourselves in the ranch’s tranquil environment and its extensive offerings – all centered around holistic nutrition and mind-body wellness – proved healing in countless ways. We both returned home feeling incredibly refreshed and genuinely good, a stark contrast to our usual post-vacation fatigue. Since our return, we’ve made a conscious effort to integrate some of the invaluable lessons from Rancho La Puerta into our daily lives. I’m excited to share several of these practical wellness tips below.

But first, let me delve deeper into what made our time at this exceptional wellness destination so special. If there’s one message I hope you take from this article, it’s a strong recommendation to consider a dedicated wellness retreat for your next getaway. (As a quick, joyful update, my digestive issues have thankfully cleared up since our trip!).

About Rancho La Puerta: A Pioneer in Wellness Travel

Rancho La Puerta is more than just a spa; it’s a living legacy. This family-owned and operated retreat was founded in 1940 by the visionary Edmond and Deborah Szekely. While it began with humble origins, hosting a handful of guests in simple tents, the resort has evolved dramatically over the decades, consistently maintaining its position as a global leader in wellness, fitness, and nutrition. Its enduring mission has always been to provide a serene oasis where individuals can genuinely step away from the distractions of the outside world, connect with like-minded people, explore new activities, and ultimately leave feeling profoundly renewed and inspired.

We were incredibly fortunate to attend a lecture by Deborah Szekely herself on our final night. Even at 95 years old, she is an unbelievably spunky, fascinating, and inspiring woman. Her vitality is infectious; she attends Pilates classes five days a week, continues to offer weekly lectures at the ranch, and travels extensively across the country. I could have listened to her captivating stories and wisdom for hours. Her insights into longevity, healthy living, and the history of wellness are truly remarkable. If you’re curious, I highly recommend watching this video of her discussing the ranch’s rich history and philosophy. Her dedication to fostering a holistic environment for personal growth and well-being is palpable in every corner of Rancho La Puerta.

Grounds, Accommodations, and the Digital Detox Experience

A typical stay at Rancho La Puerta spans between four to seven nights, though we encountered several guests who extended their visits for two weeks or even longer, testament to the profound impact the retreat has. Despite its proximity to the Tecate border, just a few miles away, the property itself is a vast 4,000-acre nature preserve. The landscape is a breathtaking fusion of desert beauty and cultivated tranquility: a stunning array of cacti, succulents, lush green spaces, inviting swimming pools, and ancient trees, all set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kuchumaa. Contrary to my expectation of intense heat in late August, the weather during our stay was absolutely perfect – mid-80s Fahrenheit during the day with zero humidity, cooling down to the mid-50s at night, creating ideal conditions for both activity and rest.

The ranch comfortably accommodates approximately 140 guests per week. However, the expansive grounds are so thoughtfully designed that you often feel as though you have the property almost entirely to yourself. Guests reside in charming garden casitas strategically spread throughout the preserve, ensuring a remarkably quiet and serene atmosphere. This design fosters a sense of privacy and intimacy, a refreshing departure from the more crowded or impersonal experiences sometimes found at other resorts. It truly felt like a secluded sanctuary.

Our junior villa, a haven of comfort, featured two queen beds (perfect for sharing with family or friends), a spacious living area, a gorgeous bathroom, and two private outdoor lounging areas. We fully embraced these outdoor spaces, enjoying our morning coffee while watching the gentle fog roll up the mountains – a truly blissful break from the constant rush of city life. One of the most distinctive and beneficial features of Rancho La Puerta is its commitment to being a digitally 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 rooms. Guests are actively encouraged to turn off their phones or keep them on silent for the duration of their stay. Upon our arrival, we found an adorable “cell phone sleeping bag” pouch in our villa, which we happily utilized throughout our visit. This deliberate detachment from digital distractions fostered a heightened sense of presence among all guests, profoundly enhancing the overall retreat experience. It allowed for deeper connection with oneself, with nature, and with fellow travelers, making every moment more meaningful and impactful.

Diverse Activities, Enriching Workshops, and Inspiring Fitness Classes

One of the true highlights of a stay at Rancho La Puerta is the extraordinary breadth and depth of activities, unique experiences, and diverse classes offered throughout any given week. Upon arrival, each guest receives a comprehensive schedule, allowing for complete flexibility in structuring their days. Whether you’re feeling ambitious and want to pack in as much as possible, or prefer a more relaxed pace, spending an afternoon by the pool, the ranch truly offers the best of both worlds in terms of a holistic vacation. This adaptability encourages guests to listen to their bodies and minds, choosing activities that truly resonate with their current needs for wellness and personal growth.

Every morning begins with various guided hikes, catering to different fitness levels, allowing guests to connect with the stunning natural environment. Throughout the day, an impressive array of over 50 different fitness classes is available. These include foundational options like meditation and gentle wellness practices, alongside more invigorating pursuits. The class roster spans familiar favorites such as TRX, cycling, yoga, Pilates, circuit training, and kettlebell workouts. For those looking to explore new horizons, there are also more unique offerings like gyrokenesis, drumming workshops, dance classes, and deeply relaxing sound healing sessions. This vast selection ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of their fitness background or interests.

Crucially, both fundamental and more advanced classes are offered in nearly every fitness specialty, with many building upon skills throughout the week. This thoughtful structure makes it incredibly easy and unintimidating to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Often, the fear of “not knowing what I’m doing” can deter us from trying a new exercise class (something I’m definitely guilty of!). Rancho La Puerta cleverly removes this barrier, fostering an environment of encouragement and exploration. Beyond physical activity, the ranch also hosts insightful lectures by various guest speakers throughout the day. We particularly enjoyed these, gaining valuable knowledge and new perspectives on topics ranging from nutrition to mindfulness and personal development.

During our relatively short stay, we managed to experience a remarkable range of activities: four invigorating mountain hikes, at least seven different types of fitness classes, six enriching lectures, and countless engaging conversations with fascinating guests from across the country. To give you a clearer picture, here’s an example of our packed yet incredibly fulfilling schedule for just one day at the ranch:

Morning tennis clinic
Yoga fundamentals class
Water aerobics class
Attended a ‘Food + Mood’ lecture by a guest nutritionist
Relaxed by the main pool
Pilates reformer class
Guided meditation session
Attended a ‘Techniques for Managing Media Questions’ lecture

They even extend their creative offerings to art classes, ranging from sculpture and jewelry making to watercolor painting. It’s an opportunity to tap into different aspects of your well-being and discover new passions – how incredibly fun is that?

Exceptional Food and Mindful Nutrition

Last, but certainly not least, we must talk about the food. I had heard wonderful things about the culinary experience at Rancho La Puerta prior to our trip, but I honestly didn’t know what to expect. While the ranch is emphatically not a weight-loss spa, I confess that Connor was slightly concerned he might be subsisting solely on 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 holistic wellness, all meals (which are fully inclusive with the rate) are meticulously designed to be incredibly nutritious, wholesome, and, notably, vegetable-centric. In fact, aside from a few thoughtfully sourced sustainable seafood options, the vast majority of the meals are naturally vegetarian. A significant portion of the fresh produce served comes directly from the ranch’s own on-site organic farm, ensuring peak freshness and nutritional value. One of the most beloved and memorable activities on the property is the organic garden breakfast hike, which involves an invigorating morning trek to the farm, a guided tour of the bountiful gardens, and culminates in a delightful buffet breakfast featuring the freshest ingredients.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style in the welcoming main dining hall, offering a plethora of choices to suit every palate. Dinner, a more formal affair, is a beautifully presented three-course, sit-down meal. The ranch’s culinary philosophy dictates that no refined sugars are used; instead, natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey are incorporated judiciously. Every dish is crafted with whole grains, is rich in fiber, and thoughtfully designed with balanced portion control in mind. This approach ensures guests feel satisfied and energized without feeling deprived.

For guests with dietary restrictions, Rancho La Puerta is truly a dream come true. There are always abundant gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options available at every single meal. Additionally, jars brimming with nutritional yeast, ground chia or flax seeds, and other superfood toppings are readily available to customize salads and meals, actively encouraging guests to branch out and get creative with their plates. While every meal was delicious, breakfast was my personal favorite, often featuring scrambled eggs, vibrant fresh pico de gallo and other homemade salsas, and the most delicious muesli, among many other delightful choices. We ate incredibly well, and the impact on how good we felt, both physically and mentally, was undeniable.

Beyond the main dining hall, the pool-side juice bar offers another delightful experience. Here, we savored healthy mint chocolate chip smoothies (prepared with fresh mint and cacao powder – I’ll definitely be sharing the recipe on the blog soon!) and invigorating sunrise smoothies, perfectly complemented by homemade guacamole and crispy chips. It was pure heaven, providing healthy indulgence without compromise.

The On-Site Culinary Center and Organic Farm Experience

On our last evening at the ranch, we were treated to a complimentary weekly on-site cooking class at La Cocina que Canta, the ranch’s renowned cooking school, featuring a visiting chef, Barbara Fool Fenzl. This immersive experience was a fantastic way to conclude our culinary journey.

The class began with a visit to the organic farm, where we had the pleasure of picking fresh vegetables directly from the earth. I personally selected a few vibrant leeks, connecting firsthand with the source of our ingredients. We then returned to the stunning, state-of-the-art kitchen at La Cocina que Canta, ready to transform our harvest into delicious, healthy dishes. Under the chef’s expert guidance, we prepared a delightful array of culinary creations, showcasing the versatility and flavor of fresh, plant-based ingredients. Our menu included a refreshing watermelon gazpacho, a hearty lentil salad, perfectly grilled nopales (cactus), homemade herb pasta served with succulent shrimp, and roasted poblanos generously stuffed with a flavorful elote salad. It was a wonderful change of pace for me, allowing me to engage with food in a different, more hands-on way, and I’m pretty sure Connor enjoyed having someone else in charge of the kitchen for a change!

5 Easy-to-Implement Wellness Tips and Enduring Takeaways

Our time at Rancho La Puerta was nothing short of extraordinary; we could not have loved or enjoyed it more. The staff and our fellow guests extended such warmth and hospitality, making us feel like family. We left the ranch not just rested, but equipped with practical tools and a renewed desire to make small, yet lasting, changes in our daily routines to significantly improve our health and overall wellness. It was a truly phenomenal and life-affirming experience. I wholeheartedly recommend looking into a week-long stay (or even a shorter visit!) at the ranch, or, at the very least, seriously considering wellness travel for your next vacation.

Here are a few key wellness tips and actionable ways we’ve successfully brought the invaluable lessons of the ranch home with us:

Disconnect Every Day: By this, I mean a literal unplugging or turning off of your digital devices for a dedicated portion of each day. Physically place your cell phone in a separate room of your home, away from your immediate reach. Consider investing in an old-fashioned alarm clock to remove your phone from your bedroom entirely. This simple act of digital detox can have a profound impact. You’ll find yourself more inclined to read a book, experience significantly better sleep quality, and engage more meaningfully in conversations with those around you. It’s astonishing how such a small, conscious change can lead to such a huge improvement in mental clarity and presence.
Create a Mindful Morning Routine: Your morning routine doesn’t need to be extensive; it can be as brief as five minutes or as long as your schedule allows. Far too many of us begin our days by immediately checking our phones, exposing ourselves to a barrage of notifications, emails, and ever-growing to-do lists. This is a remarkably stressful and unsettling way to start any day. The world, truly, can wait. Instead, dedicate these precious morning moments to setting positive intentions, enjoying a book with your morning coffee, or engaging in mindful meditation. I highly recommend exploring guided meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer. Numerous studies have consistently shown that mindfulness practices have a profound positive impact on overall health and well-being. Best of all, mindfulness is a free and universally accessible practice that can significantly reduce stress and enhance your daily life.
Treat Food as Medicine: If there was one overarching takeaway from our time at Rancho La Puerta, it was the profound importance of consciously treating food as medicine. While I’ve always been a strong believer in this philosophy, it’s easy to lose sight of it amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, often leading to the formation of less-than-healthy habits. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as low energy levels, persistent digestive issues, or other health concerns, it is incredibly important to take an honest and thorough look at your dietary choices. The link between what we eat and how we feel is undeniable. Our food choices have a tremendous, often underestimated, impact on our mood and overall mental health. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods can be a powerful healing tool for both body and mind.
Stay Curious and Try New Things: I’ll be the first to admit that I absolutely love the comfort and predictability of a good comfort zone! However, at the ranch, I loved (and consciously noted how much I loved) the experience of trying new activities. Whether it was dipping my toes into a watercolor painting class or bravely attempting a Pilates reformer machine for the very first time, the novelty and challenge were incredibly fun and rewarding. This takeaway encourages us to break free from routine and embrace new experiences in our everyday lives. Take that art class you’ve always considered, try a new hobby, or simply explore a different route on your daily walk. Staying curious keeps your mind active and engaged. You don’t need to aspire to be an expert or have grand plans for something to provide immense value and joy in your life. The act of trying, learning, and experiencing something new is valuable in itself.
Age Is Just A Number: Rancho La Puerta’s inspiring founder, Deborah Szekely, offered a profound perspective on aging. She made a point of emphasizing that one of the key ways she has maintained her remarkable health and fitness over the years is by actively cultivating and seeking friendships with people 20 years younger than herself. Even at 95, she rarely dwells on her chronological age. Instead, her focus remains steadfastly on how she *feels* – her energy, her engagement, her vitality. Best of all, she has never allowed her age to deter her from pursuing new goals, learning new things, or trying anything she desires. She continually makes an effort to expand her horizons and embrace new experiences. This mindset is an incredible way to approach life, demonstrating that a youthful spirit, continuous learning, and vibrant social connections are far more impactful than any number on a birth certificate for truly living a full and meaningful life at any age.

Disclaimer: Rancho La Puerta generously provided us with a complimentary all-inclusive stay. I did not receive any other compensation for this post, nor was I obligated to write about our experience at the ranch. All opinions and text written here are entirely my own. Thanks for your support!