Long before health spas became trendy getaways and yoga pants were considered fashionable street wear, there was Rancho La Puerta. Founded in 1940 by Edmond and Deborah Szekely in the Mexican border town of Tecaté, “the Ranch” is the template for the modern health spa resort. This place is a far cry from the mass hotel chains that think that by simply tacking the words “& Spa” to their name and adding a few massage tables, they can instantly transform into a health spa (“Casino & Spa”, anyone?). No, Rancho La Puerta is the real deal. Here, people walk the walk (or sometimes run, depending on the class) and talk the talk (except during meditation sessions, of course). Neither glossy nor trendy – though the rustic-style resort is replete with modern amenities – the primary goal is to encourage guests to participate in a diverse program of activities that are free of pretense.
Grounds at Rancho La Puerta
The peaks of Mount Kuchumaa surrounding the Ranch provide a breathtaking backdrop to the 3,000 acres of grounds. The landscape designed by Szekeley’s daughter, Sarah Brightwood is filled with lush gardens and wildflowers that resemble a Monet painting. Foot paths wending their way around the expansive property lead guests to the dining hall, many fitness buildings and pools as well as the treatment villas. Though finding your way around can prove daunting at first, guests will get their bearings soon enough. And until they do, one of the friendly staffers will be more than happy to escort you to your destination.
Guests begin their day going on one of the guided hikes beginning around 6 a.m. (and if a pre-hike java doesn’t wake you up, then the sign warning you of possible encounters with Mountain Lions en route surely will). These scenic hikes are followed by breakfast and a daily schedule tailored to suit the guest’s goals, be it an active regime that includes Pilates and “Par-core” (an amped-up boot camp class) or an inward journey through yoga classes and lecture workshops.
A yoga class
The fitness instructors at the Ranch are versatile and adept at leading a variety of classes. Longtime staffer Joe heads the orientation session as well as the bird walks, armed with an in-depth knowledge of his subject-matter. The affable Mike might choreograph a cardio-dance class with all the vim and vigour of a Broadway producer, and then quickly segue into the role of volleyball coach on the property’s sand courts. Marco, the Ranch’s patient yet witty tennis instructor, might also be your leader on the not-to-be-missed organic breakfast hikes. Still, there are a few specialists on staff, including Hazel and her amazing hula-hoop class. Starting the beginners off with the basics of hoop-dance – to the thunderous sound of crashing hoops, natch – she concludes the session with a brief but dazzling performance of her own. If an exercise class could be described as “eye-candy”, then Hazel’s hoop class is one to see.
Amidst this assortment of activities, there is an overarching feeling of inclusiveness. The fitness levels of the guests run the gamut, from the newbie who has never followed an exercise regime in her life, to the long-distance runner who has signed up for both the Boston and New York marathons this year. And yet, there is no culture of competition emanating from either the instructors or the guests.
Guests can take cooking classes at La Cocina Que Canta
This communal spirit spills over at meal-time as well, where guests are encouraged to sit at one of the group tables located either in the large dining hall or outdoors in the pretty gardens. And for those who believe they are in for a week of bland health food, think again. The Ranch’s menu is international in nature and designed with flair. The cuisine is pesco-vegetarian, the highlights of which might include Grilled Yellowfin Tuna on Asian Edamame Bean Salad or Butternut Squash Gnocchi. For a splash of decadence, desserts are served at dinner and wine is offered on Fridays. But powdered white substances – i.e., sugar, flour, and salt – are strictly verboten. Instead, seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from the garden at La Cocina Que Canta, the Ranch’s cooking school, are used. (Guests wanting to explore the benefits of “slow food” cooking using organic ingredients should sign up for the hands-on cooking classes available).
After a day filled with rigorous activities, guests can unwind either by lying in one of the strategically-located hammocks, or by getting a treatment at one of the Ranch’s health villas – perhaps a Hot Riverstone Massage, a Life Flow body treatment or an enriching scalp treatment (If booking treatments online, guests should check their itineraries for the location of the specific treatment center). Evenings at the Ranch can also be spent watching a movie in the library lounge where current DVD releases are screened each night; or perhaps taking in a piano concert. Of course, Bingo Night held each Wednesday is a perennial favourite. Finally, Deborah Szeskey pays a visit to the Ranch each week to provide a lecture to guests. Vivacious and inspirational at eighty-eight years-old – she takes Pilates classes three times a week – Szeskey could be dubbed the Betty White of health spas. Her informative talk includes helpful tips about sustaining a healthy lifestyle through no-nonsense means (hint: a balanced diet does not require fasting or sugar substitutes).
Get foot treatment at the spa!
It is a testament to the spa’s passionate following that many of the guests are return visitors, several times over. Indeed, a few have clocked in more than a hundred visits. So while the latest resort trends come and go, Rancho La Puerta remains firmly planted in its roots. And if some of those roots happen to appear on your dinner plate, rest assured, they will be quite tasty.
For more information, visit www.rancholapuerta.com
Travel subsidized by Rancho La Puerta
Photos courtesy of Rancho La Puerta
