Spa-cation: Rancho La Puerta in Mexico

An hour’s drive from San Diego, Rancho La Puerta offers the ultimate health and fitness getaway.

Located on 3,000 acres in Tecate, Mexico, people from all over the world seek refuge in Rancho La Puerta to heal and empower the mind, body and spirit through wellness spa treatments, energizing activities, and natural, nutritious cuisine in a tranquil setting of gardens, meadows, and 25 miles of mountainside hiking trails.

The ever popular modern destination spa vacation is a shadow of how globetrotting culture has evolved in recent years. Those that prioritize personal health and happiness opt for holidays dedicated to self improvement, from detox cleansing to indulgent pampering, challenging fitness, and culinary education. Although we can’t help but crave an ice cold margarita on an exotic white sand beach, alternative wellness resorts are on a mission to change the way we view vacation, and in turn, transform what we get out of vacation.

We San Diegans are lucky to live in such close proximity to Rancho La Puerta, one of the world’s first health and fitness resorts, and the recipient of numerous awards, including World’s Best Destination Spa in 2010 Travel + Leisure readers’ poll. After an hour’s drive across the border into Mexico, you can’t help but give in to the overwhelming rush of energy that inspires from within as you nosh on organic fruit and tour the soothing sun-lit grounds. Whether you stay for one week or one day, you're encouraged to create your own schedule and honor a balance of action and renewal.

Rancho La Puerta offers a variety of fitness classes, everything from Bar Method, Pilates, and Yoga, to Dance, Tennis, and Volleyball. Results-oriented recommendations include Cardio Boxing with focus mitts and boxing gloves; Circuit Training with balance, strength, and coordination workouts; Yoga Sculpt with dumbbells and yoga postures; and Alex’s Oak Trail, a two-mile hike climbing 350 feet in elevation. Low intensity activities range from H20 Sport Conditioning, to Partner Thai Massage, and Cooking Classes.

Three on-site Health Centers and Beauty Salons use all-natural Primavera and Amala products and medicinal herbs grown in the ranch’s organic garden to create holistic healing therapies. Guests can enjoy Facials, Massage, Reflexology, Body Wraps, Body Treatments, and Hydrotherapy, as well as hair and nail services. Treat yourself to a Hydrating Warm Stone Deep-Moisture Facial, Four-Hand Massage, Energy Balance Therapy, Seaweed Wrap, or a dip in the Deluxe Aromatic Hydrotherapy Tub.

Edmond and Deborah Szekely founded the world’s first destination fitness resort and spa in 1940, nestled within a sheltered valley in Tecate, Mexico. Today, Rancho La Puerta continues to thrive as an award-winning institution of peace, balance, and perspective. For more information about fitness, spa and culinary amenities, or to view weekly packages and “Saturdays at the Ranch” special offers for San Diego locals, please visit rancholapuerta.com.

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