Rancho La Puerta: A Sanctuary For Holistic Health

Rancho La Puerta is known as the original wellness resort in North America. Founded in 1940 by husband-and-wife Edmond and Deborah Szekely, “The Ranch,” as it’s come to be known, was espousing the importance of holistic living decades before its time. The foundational principles of living a well-balanced life that started The Ranch — emphasizing daily exercise, eating freshly harvested produce, getting good sleep, and maintaining healthy friendships and social connections — are the same driving force behind the wellness resort today.

Being immersed in nature is essential to The Ranch. With daily guided hikes on more than 40 miles of trails, it is a paradise for nature lovers, walkers, and adventurous hikers alike. Its 4,000 private acres of rolling terrain afford each guest a plethora of panoramic sights and an expansive feeling of freedom and well-being. With a program of more than 40 fitness, wellness, and inner journey classes per day, four pools, three spa centers, 11 gyms, six pickleball courts, and a six-acre organic farm, there is no place quite like Rancho La Puerta.

A man and woman wearing white robes sit on a stone wall outdoors at Rancho La Puerta, surrounded by lush green plants. They are smiling, leaning towards each other in this tranquil sanctuary of holistic health.

Photo courtesy of Rancho La Puerta

What should I pack for a stay at Rancho La Puerta?

Casual comfort is key at Rancho La Puerta! For a week’s stay, the resort recommends bringing a variety of workout clothes and some warmer layers for those mornings that may have a slight chill and the beautiful evening breeze. Hiking boots and socks, cross-training shoes, running shoes, and court shoes are all recommended footwear for the variety of activities you may want to participate in. You will want to bring bathing suits, swim shirts, and aqua shoes for shallow water classes, and don’t forget your water bottle! Avid birdwatchers should bring their own binoculars for bird walks and general birdwatching, as it is a bird sanctuary. You can find a full packing list here. The one thing you absolutely must bring? Your passport.

What’s included in the price of a stay?

The all-inclusive rate includes accommodations in one of 87 individually designed casitas, all gourmet farm-to-table meals plus daily snacks and beverages, all scheduled fitness classes and activities, lectures, and entertainment, use of all facilities, and scheduled transportation to and from San Diego International Airport on Saturdays.

Do I have to follow a schedule, or can I choose my own activities?

Every day is yours to choose your own adventure! There is no required schedule or program. Every day has a full menu of activities, fitness classes, lectures, hikes, creative workshops, and spa opportunities for you to choose to do as much — or as little — as you’d like. Think of it like a wellness buffet — you get to choose what feeds your soul each day. Whether you want to push yourself, recharge, get creative, or just relax, you’re in charge of your own rhythm.

What kinds of classes are available?

The Ranch offers a wide range of fitness classes, from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training, trail running, strength and conditioning, aerial yoga, water aerobics, pickleball, and more. Other unique wellness offerings include meditation, forest bathing, sound healing, a labyrinth, and a silent dinner. With more than 40 classes offered every day, there is truly something for everyone.

Four women stand in a swimming pool holding foam dumbbells as an instructor at Rancho La Puerta guides them. Red lounge chairs and umbrellas create a sanctuary-like atmosphere in the background.

Photo courtesy of Rancho La Puerta

What kind of fitness options are there?

Rancho La Puerta is a perfect choice, whether you’re ready to get in shape or want only to move a little. You can treat your week like a bootcamp and select classes and activities with higher levels of intensity and challenge. To avoid overtraining and risking injury, aim for no more than three to four classes per day, plus a daily hike for maximum benefit. If you’re looking for a more restorative, relaxing retreat, The Ranch is all about moving for joy, not pressure. Enjoy stretch and mobility classes, aerial yoga, sound healing, breathwork, forest bathing, and meditation hikes to slow down and feel refreshed by the end of the week.

Are the programs suitable for all fitness levels?

Many classes are accessible for all fitness levels or are labeled “gentle” to encourage participation. Fitness instructors also offer modifications and support, so if you’re new to yoga, Pilates, or strength training, you’ll be guided with care. There are also plenty of options for those looking for more intermediate and advanced options – HIIT, circuit training, TRX, advanced strength, and bootcamp-style workouts are always on the schedule as well. It’s important to keep in mind that guests will get plenty of movement through what The Ranch calls the “incidental exercise” of walking the property – due to the size of the grounds, guests typically walk three or four miles per day just moving back and forth from their casitas to meals, classes, and the spa.

A woman in athletic clothing reaches forward to hit a pickleball with a paddle on an outdoor court at Rancho La Puerta, with trees and mountains creating a natural sanctuary in the background.

Photo courtesy of Rancho La Puerta

How safe is it to travel to Tecate, Mexico?

Traveling to Tecate, Mexico, is generally considered safe for tourists. The town is known for its charming atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and, of course, being home to Rancho La Puerta for the past 85 years. As a part of the all-inclusive stay, Rancho La Puerta also offers complimentary round-trip transportation from San Diego International Airport to the resort. Ranch hosts are always on site to assist guests in crossing and processing their visa upon arrival at the U.S./Mexico border.

Please visit Rancho La Puerta online for more information!