Rancho La Puerta-Mexico

The modern-day fitness and spa vacation experience began in 1940 in a sheltered valley only an hour’s drive from San Diego, California. Here Edmond and Deborah Szekely founded the world’s first destination spa, Rancho La Puerta. Soon the Ranch became the paradigm of all vacations that encompass health and wellness for mind, body and spirit. An amazing array of fitness activities, luxury spa amenities, superb accommodations, and entertainment awaits you. Our 3,000-acre property offers world-class landscaped gardens, an organic farm, and mountainsides or meadows of great hiking and walking experiences.

Early Days photo collage

A typical stay is one week or more (Saturday to Saturday). In addition, a new program offers a one-day-visit experience (transportation included) to San Diego-area residents: “Saturdays At The Ranch” combines not only a half day of fitness and spa activities, but a long, wonderful afternoon spent in a hands-on class at our new culinary center set in the midst of our organic farm, followed by dinner. Here you will find “La Puerta,” the door to your future…and glorious wellness. Whatever voice compels you, whichever path brings you to our door, we offer you a health spa experience which is the distillation of over 67 years of experience. Once you find us, our goal is to provide all you need to find yourself. We make healthy people healthier!

Rancho La Puerta, founded by Edmond and Deborah Szekely, is the original destination fitness resort and spa — family-founded, -owned and -operated. Today’s guests enjoy the very best resort spa experience, shaped by expertise developed over 65 years.

Each week, some 150 guests share 3,000 acres of mountains and meadows beneath 3,885’ Mount Kuchumaa. The peak straddles the U.S.-Mexico border, and Native Americans consider its slopes and summit a sacred place — so much so that it was the first geographic feature in the U.S. to be named a National Historic Site by the Department of Interior based on spiritual significance.

We provide space — that which is most lacking in today’s life. Space to breathe freely. To relax. To renew, reflect and redirect one’s longer-living life. All facilities and land are for the exclusive use of our guests who come for the week, arriving on a Saturday and departing on the next, ensuring the delights of a warm and welcoming community.

Most of our facilities and lodgings are sprinkled amidst world-class gardens. Probably the world’s first “eco” resort, the Ranch practices sustainable organic gardening and resource conservation, and leads the way in environmental protection and education efforts in the region.

Within walking distance, our organic farm, Rancho Tres Estrellas, grows the healthy fare we dine on daily.