Rancho La Puerta Fitness and Health Resort Guide
Staying at Rancho La Puerta Feels Like You Died and Went to Fitness Heaven
Before wellness retreats were even a thing, there was Rancho La Puerta. Located in the desert of Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, the Ranch — as it's fondly called — was established in 1940 to provide a healthy escape from everyday life. "We provide the true luxury of time and space," says founder Deborah Szekely. "That which is most lacking in today's life. Space to breathe freely, to relax and enjoy what will be the longer-living, younger life."
It's hard to describe how special the Ranch is unless you've been there, which is why I urge everyone to go! More than a just a wellness retreat, you leave there feeling like your best self: refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on almost anything. Starting at $3,750, the price of the week-long experience is on par with other fitness retreats I have seen, but you'll be hard-pressed to find amenities like you'll find at the Ranch. From luscious grounds to outstanding organic cuisine and a workout schedule that would rival any top gym, the worst thing about being at Rancho La Puerta is knowing you'll have to leave.
One of the Ranch's newest and most exciting offerings is its running program, where guests can go on a run with the resort's "running concierge." There's also a running clinic available, which will help guests practice speed drills and breathing techniques. Trails on the Ranch range from three to nine miles.
If that weren't enough, expect to see unique offerings like African dance, tennis, boxing, Feldenkrais, aqua exercise, and cardio drumming. Five different classes are offered every hour from morning until early evening; take as many — or as few — as you want.
You can also submerge yourself into a sound healing class. Other mindful offerings at the Ranch include a labyrinth, Tai Chi, and reflexology.
