From the moment you meet the awaiting staff in the San Diego airport terminal, it’s hard not to notice the sincere smile of inner happiness they have because you are there. The staff is friendly beyond words, completely bilingual and so excited for you to experience “their” Ranch.
A short journey by bus takes you to the USA/Tecate border, where the staff walks you into Mexico without issue. The RLP staff guides you through the process and once thru, helps you onto the shuttle that takes you to this magical place, a short 10 minutes away. Entering the RLP gates, reminded us of the special feeling you get in one of those famous Florida resorts, minus the mouse and everything commercial. The elegant balance of nature’s harmony and the beauty of the grounds and buildings that have become Rancho La Puerta for more than 80 years.
My wife and I have traveled the globe for a myriad of photography assignments over 30 years, and none have left us as speechless and stary-eyed as this world-class wellness resort and spa. More than 4000 acres (6 square miles) to see and enjoy alone or in groups, while every aspect of your day and evening has been thought through, but not over-programmed.
The first-day orientation pearl of wisdom came from David, one of the resident staff who said, “it’s OK not to do everything, sometimes it’s OK just to listen to the birds chirp.” Great words to live by, especially there. Your first meal might be lunch or maybe dinner, either way. Once in the dining hall, your senses of smell, taste, and touch will be taken to a new level. 75% of the food served comes from the organic garden on the property. As stated right on their website, “La Cocina Que Canta (“The Kitchen That Sings!”) celebrates the magical results of cooking with just-picked organic ingredients. The colors, aromas, and tastes that emanate from La Cocina are nothing short of amazing.” I promised you won’t go hungry with three amazing meals a day, not to mention snacks & smoothies between meals.
Enjoy shopping, a coffee shop and wine bar all in the same place when you visit Bazar de Sol overlooking the NEW RLP private residence expansion. This new endeavor is for those looking to truly live a lifestyle unlike anything in the USA. Visit https://rancholapuerta.com/ to learn more.
Rancho La Puerta offers you every opportunity to truly disconnect from everyday life and find your inner self. Reconnect with yourself and your special someone on a hike in the hills, or while taking advantage of the multiple full-service health centers, spa treatments, or while playing tennis or even Pickleball.
We thought it a bit odd when we first got on the bus from the airport and were presented with a folder of RLP information including serval sheets of paper that told us who would be joining us for the week and the party of the country or world they came from. Monica and I were so surprised to see how many people were there from the northeast. Please note the photo of 11 women all currently or previously from Montgomery County.
The ranch has a permanent staff as well as guest presenters and teachers. I was personally excited by seeing a “Story-Teller” (presenter) named Joel Ben Izzy.” This late afternoon and evening program transported me from my earliest childhood memories to professional challenges and how to explain them to others. Joel hails from Berkley, California which is also where I grew up – more magic of this place and how it brings people together.
A few short paragraphs can’t truly explain how you meet people and find out how everyone seems to have something in common. We will never forget this week at the Ranch, the people we met from Toronto, California, Idaho, Florida and the DMV.
Can’t wait to get back.
Feature Photo of 11 Women:
Andrea Glickson, Liz Rose, Elise Feingold, Andrea Shandell, Terry Whitehouse, Kathy Sklar (standing), Carol Koenigsberg, Susan Kitt, Jodee Lichtenstein, Barri Bernstein, Diane Zack (formerly from Chevy Chase, now living in the Bay Area)