While we were only able to do a short stay this time due to hectic schedules, it was still every bit as wonderful as I remember. c/o R.L. Rancho La Puerta's sprawling property ensures that no matter what you're interested in, you can do it. Read on and find out! or sometimes 90s, but our very low humidity makes the air feel dry (thank you, desert!). Sitting across the aisle from us was another mother/daughter combo. Summer days are usually in the upper 80s (thank you, ocean!) Their Covid protocols made us feel very safe. In reference to my last review, "Christmas at the Ranch" - Summer is a whole different experience then coming over the holiday but both PERFECT! There was a library, boutique, gazebo, courts for tennis and volleyball, an art studio and a laundry room. As wonderful as it is..it is always a little bit different. the transfer across the border and to the ranch as well as the return runs as smooth as silk. Everything is nice and clean, but bathroom vanities are topped with painted ceramic tiles rather than marble, and floors are of Saltillo tiles, rather than reclaimed wood. #savortheranch. Should I be concerned about drinking the water? Crossing the border took 10 minutes. Im not much of a garden or landscape person, but I know beautiful ones when I see them. (We were there in March, and on return visits, I learned that, with the exception of a block of summer weeks, Ranch evenings are almost always chilly enough to warrant a fire.). Dear Susan S.,Thank you for your fabulous review! Visit our COVID-19 page for full details on our protocol. Dear silkpaintermom, thank you for sharing your recent experience at The Ranch. Destination: Arizona, Baja : Low-Fat Desert : Rancho La Puerta and Canyon Ranch, two of the world's best 'ranch' spas, are close by, but there are differences. Our staff makes every effort to see that your week is a total delight. We believe that wine is an ancient, nutritious, and healthful (in moderation) food that has its place at the table and at lifes celebrations. In your villa there are sleeping bags for your cell phone which we readily took advantage of putting the electronics to rest. Although service charges are not included in your bill, they are greatly appreciated by each recipient. While the room may not be ready until 3pm, we encourage our guests to arrive early and begin taking advantage of the program. I learned that the owners took out a loan so that they could play their workers a percentage of their salaries during the time it was closed and that they helped others to retire. This allows for some winter frost, which is a requirement for many fruit trees, but is mild enough for citrus and olives. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals, as well as those who may be departing an hour or two after check-out time. The villas differ in size and layout and average around 2,600 square feet, inside and out. Your room is equipped with a digital safe deposit box. That inspires me to get up and watch the sunrise every morning? In the middle of a small dirt track was a vineyard. We have two complimentary self-service laundry facilities on the grounds. I would have liked my massage outdoors for Covid precaution reasons. Phones for use by guests are also conveniently located in the Administration Building and lounges. Being alone, I very much appreciated that they would sit you with other people for dinner (if you wanted) to avoid awkward introductions to people you didnt yet know. Kuchumaa has been considered a special and sacred place for Native Americans and others, where people are often graced with moments of clarity and wisdom. According to U.S. Customs, crossing the border with any type of illegal drugs, in any amount, may result in extravagant fines, seizure of vehicle, federal record, and/or imprisonment. The classes, spa treatments, and accommodations exceeded our expectations so much that we planned our return 4 months later! There were more than 20 full-time gardeners. Contact: 03-2164 2133. 2. It gave us the chance to make friends. Each activity especially that nap energized me. Learn More . There were about 70 casitas and villas. Get 40% off Select Items at Rancho La Puerta w/ Discount Code: FALL40. Visithttps://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/cbp-reqs-mexicofor more details. Not to be missed either is Bazar del Sol, enjoying the sunset over a glass (or two!) (See Tips on Tipping.) Other incidental charges). The bed, in fact, was super hard and not at all comfortable. What is your COVID-19 health and safety protocol? While there has been negative media coverage about Mexico, 140 guests each week from the USA and other countries have enjoyed their stay at Rancho La Puerta in complete safety. Demographically, I definitely felt like an outside. My mom and I took the last available bus back to the airport. On prior trips, I had been so focused on the more challenging fitness classes that these mellower options didnt even register. We do not have a physician on the premises. Tecate, CA 91980. If you would like to talk with a recent guest of Rancho La Puerta about any safety concerns, we are happy to connect you with one of our longtime guests. If you choose to use your credit card for a cash advance ($250 USD maximum) a transaction fee will be added. Should the need arise, we will work with authorities so our guests can travel with little or no impact. We provide scheduled, complimentary ground transportation for your Saturday arrival and departure to and from San Diego International Airport. 5, nearly a year ago was my reward at the end of 18 months of cancer treatment. Stay Informed with The Ranch Newsletter Be the first to find out about special events, discounts, Ranch news and more. Dear Morgan T.,Always a pleasure to have you with us. My casita was nice but not luxurious. When your luggage arrives, our guest service team will help you pick up your luggage on the US side of the border and transport it into Mexico. $5-$10 for each 30-minute treatment Important to note that Web-based email services (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo!, etc.) You can also view our Events Calendar and see that North Americas top authors, thinkers, scientists, entertainers, media and others choose to vacation at Rancho La Puerta and they are vacationers just like you. We provide environmentally safe detergent. Trips Alerts Sign in. We believe that wine is an ancient, nutritious, and healthful (in moderation) food that has its place at the table and at lifes celebrations. And then two years after that. shirt plus fleece vest) that allows you to be warm, or cool down, as needed. Siempre Mejor! For spa treatments, boutique, personal training sessions and most other incidentals, cash, checks and credit cards are welcome. Rancho La Puerta's 4,000 acres include 40 miles of hiking trails, 32 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, an organic farm, and La Cocina Que Canta cooking school. How can I obtain a Mexico Forma Migratoria Mltiple (tourist visa) before visiting The Ranch? Cost for a week's stay is $6,300 for single occupancy, $5,550 per person, double occupancy, plus tax. I wasnt sure if this would be the place for me but thought Id give it a try. We make all teas, coffees and ice with filtered water. The bed, in fact, was super hard and not at all comfortable. Border hours: 6am-10pm Phone #: 858-925-1214, Ext. The Ranch is four miles from the USA. The food is delicious and super healthy. I designed a gorgeous pair of earrings, but flailed in the actual making of them. 2013-2023 Rancho La Puerta Inc., All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy| Reservations: 800-443-7565 | 858-764-5500 | reservations@rancholapuerta.com. Before your trip, be sure to ask your carrier if service is available while you are in Tecate and get an idea of what your roaming fees will be. Had enough service to stream it in YouTube. (The secret to the guacamole is to substitute pureed peas for about a third of the avocado.). Sweet B2B massage Meet Our b2b Spa Therapist Professional and Highly trained staff in the field of b2b massage therapy R E L A X . Pancakes made with cucumber and spring . For example, there are fourteen gardeners, three if them master gardeners working every day to maintain the campus. Each room has a telephone with a personal voice mail service that alerts you when a message has been received. The Ranch has an extensive lending library of current fiction, classics and non-fiction. These werent negative comments by any means, but just illustrate the environment. Warm-up suit or other lightweight-but-warm layered clothing system (i.e. Should I be concerned about drinking the water? In both cases, WE serve the wine usually a vintage from a wine region nearby known as Valle de Guadalupe. We also have CDs for you to borrow from our library. There are even gift shops and quiet areas off the path to get some down time. Please email your visa and payment receipt toguestmessage@rancholapuerta.combefore you arrive. On a luxury motor coach . Other guests who are enjoying the quietude of their garden patios will appreciate that you do not use your phone on your casitas patio. Well broken-in hiking boots or shoes with aggressive lugged tread are REQUIRED for mountain hikes. An easy drive across the border from San Diego leads you to this superbly landscaped destination spa, which virtually started the wellness craze in the 1940s. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals, as well as those who may be departing an hour or two after check-out time. If you question your ability to participate in a vigorous fitness program, please discuss your concerns with your physician prior to your arrival at the Ranch. If you choose to use your credit card for a cash advance ($250 USD maximum) a transaction fee will be added. I highly recommend the Ranch to reclaim and boost your being! On a luxury motor coach, our luggage stowed below, my mom and I rolled away from San Diego International Airport. With the weather being warmer, opportunities arise, as in more dining alfresco and having a sunny day to lay by the pool while catching up on a good book. We do not allow the selling of any products, or the solicitation of new business, by any guest of another guest. BIRTHDAYGIFTORFORGOTTENITEM) TO AGUEST, If using FedEx or UPS for your shipment, use the following address only: offer excellent results while dedicated email applications (such as Microsoft Outlook) may run afoul of Mexicos strict anti-forwarding regulations, resulting in your not being able to send messages. (Dina Mishev) I had signed us up for a cult. The Ranch very much has an adult summer camp feel, in all good ways. They used chocolate on some of them from the chocolate factory next door, and it was to die for. $15-$20 for each 50-minute treatment If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Breakfast and lunch were buffets. Im a carnivore and loved my meat free week. Check-in on Saturday after 3 p.m. Check-out the following Saturday before 11 a.m. Please purchase and print your Forma Migratoria Mltiple, or FMM (tourist visa) and payment receipt prior to arrival. I should know, i have been to Rancho la Puerta more than 20 times. 406 Tecate Road We invite you to give yourself the gift of health! Ranch guests must be 14 years of age or older, except for Family Week, where we welcome children ages seven and older. Guests are welcome to bring their own laptop or other computing device. Siempre Mejor! Pregnant women should carefully consider whether or not to visit if not accustomed to exercise. I've forwarded your comments to our department managers. The food was spectacular and we still dropped a few pounds. I thought the food was great and fresh and tasty with a good variety of choices. The Ranchs were the most spectacular I had ever seen. Here is astep by step guideon how to obtain your tourist visa. Spa: the spa treatment rooms are small and do not have great ventilation. It is quite well done with many class options for all ages throughout the day. As word spread that there were newbies on the bus, veterans offered us tips on how to make the most of our upcoming week guests stay Saturday to Saturday at the 76-year-old destination spa, including favorite classes and favorite foods. Please purchase and print your Forma Migratoria Mltiple, or FMM (tourist visa) and payment receipt prior to arrival. Please purchase and print your tourist visa (Forma Migratoria Mltiple, or FMM) and payment receipt prior to arrival. We invite you to give yourself the gift of health. ), Through all of this wound paved pathways that connected the various buildings on campus. Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta. Operating Hour: 12pm - 2:30pm, 6pm - 10:30pm. Ive never seen, or heard, such beautiful sunrises. (Applicable April through October), $15 per guest for your room maid, to be given the end of the week, $25 per guest for the maitre d and dining room staff, placed in their gratuity box at the end of the week, Spa Services Founded in 1940 by Deborah Szekely, Rancho La Puerta continues to be a hit with T+L readers. Rancho La Puerta Promo Codes, Coupons & Deals for April 2023. Dance. The pair of women in the seats in front of us had been to The Ranch note the capital T and capital R 18 times. You can also view our Events Calendar and see that North Americas top authors, thinkers, scientists, entertainers, media and others choose to vacation at Rancho La Puerta and they are vacationers just like you. Image Credit: mynaziz & quejemange. Everyone made me feel so pampered! Phones for use by guests are also conveniently located in the Administration Building and lounges. I cant imagine getting a facial or a treatment without a mask in these rooms. Enjoy lectures. Should I be concerned about traveling to Mexico? Do I have to pay duty and taxes on items I buy in Mexico? The attention to detail and concern for the guests was unparalleled, and Ive been to many resorts. The spa treatments were excellent. Founders Edmond and Deborah Szekely discovered our location in 1940 during Edmonds worldwide search for what he considered an ideal year-round climate. We do not have a physician on the premises. During my fourth trip to The Ranch, my relationship with it deepened. The Ranch was the same; I was not. Is it OK to conduct business with my fellow guests? Elevation is 1,700 feet (note: we are not in the desert). Most of the gardens lie at 1,600 to 1,800 feet. Rancho La Puerta is across the USA-Mexico border in Tecate, a town in the mountains east of San Diego. Why? For hikes in late fall, winter and early spring, November to March. (Opportunity does not knock. What started as a summer health camp in which guests brought their own tents and paid $17.50 . The Ranch is a vacation sanctuary environment. My mom was new to everything, and enjoyed the fact that there was so much everything to be new at. The average person at the Ranch was a white female between 55-70 years old. I understand each casita is different so my experience may be unique. Im a married guy in my early 40s with two kids and a wife. Your visa will be emailed to you. The Ranch is magical. The Only Real Respite in the Middle of a Pandemic. . There is real pride in the work that they do and the commitment they have. Three gourmet spa meals, beverages and snacks daily. Guest or Staff members name On the drive during that first visit, I planned to look over the weeks seven-page schedule, which a Ranch representative gave me at the airport as part of a welcome packet. Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash and Body Lotion: Our Core Essentials line is available in all of our guest rooms and spas for your daily use. A sign marks the way to the 3.5-mile Pilgrim Hike at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. Please see our partners for more details. We are in constant communication with the USATecate Border Officials and the Mexican Immigration Authorities for updates on border crossing information. Scientific studies have shown that the presence of cell phones is disruptive and fatiguing (learn more in thisinteresting articleby Ron Friendman at CNN). My favorite place to detox and relax for a week. Hint. Im a married guy in my early 40s with two kids and a wife. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Room tip: The houses at the base of the mountain are the most secluded, quiet and private. In the winter, we had breakfast delivered to our villa and ate by the roaring fire, but this summer we walked to the nearby Villa Pool and had breakfast poolside with the birds and a couple of squirrels. A stretching class proved one of my long-held hypotheses: I am astoundingly inflexible. Highlight: morning hikes! more. SENDINGANOVERNIGHTLETTERORPACKAGE(I.E. I guess I probably will at some point in the future - but may wait until I get older, and come with my wife the next time.More. Skip to main content. Coming up with a description after five visits was more difficult than after one. Loose weight or just enjoy as much delicious food as you please. A valid passport is mandatory for travel to Mexico from the US.*. Get Free Shipping Storewide RanchoLaPuerta.com w/ Coupon (Activate). That was unfortunate because I didnt sleep well all week, and part of the experience was supposed to be restful. Tipping is optional, however, many guests do choose to tip in cash for some services they consider more than satisfying. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While there has been negative media coverage about Mexico, 140 guests each week from the USA and other countries have enjoyed their stay at . When I initially made my reservation for this week, I was a little put off by the Saturday-to-Saturday stay mandate. 1. Rancho La Puerta If you would like to talk with a recent guest of Rancho La Puerta about any safety concerns, we are happy to connect you with one of our longtime guests. Tecate, CA 91980, Border hours: 6am-10pm The nearest US medical facility is 45 minutes from the Ranch. We do not drive through Tijuana or anywhere near it. We invite you to give yourself the gift of health. I was asked if I would return again. One tip for getting a great night of sleep is to remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom. We live in a time of heightened media focus on the challenges Mexico faces. Almost everyone there is a return guest - that stat tells you how special this place is. Most people I met during my week had been coming to the Ranch for years - some even for dozens of years. No cotton socks, please (they cause blisters). Skip to main content. Kuchumaa the dominant landmark above our . The desserts were artful yes, the portion sizes were small, but they hit the spot. I was there for the fifth time last October. Instead of ordering our dinner by the fireplace, we ordered each evening and sat by candlelight on our own villa patio while looking at the day leaving the mountains, and the night beginning. I understand each casita is different so my experience may be unique. We have two complimentary self-service laundry facilities on the grounds. Visit: https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.htmlto obtain your visa, andsave the payment receipt when it is generated. There are over 32 acres of gardens, 11 gyms, several pools, spas, casitas and areas to eat including the main dining hall. All rooms have faucets that dispense water filtered by reverse osmosis. Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, Mexico Julie Mikos. Roberto A, General Manager at Rancho La Puerta, responded to this review. Elevation is 1,700 feet (note: we arenotin the desert). Most evenings, at least one of the lounges two fireplaces was going. Mexico is a wonderful, convivial country that warmly welcomes over 38 million tourists each year. Since then, Ive been to The Ranch four more times, at high and low points in my life. Laundry: for $1.50/pound, the resort will do your laundry in one day. We look forward to your return. Our gift shop has a small selection of books, often by authors who are speaking at the Ranch, or have recently been guests. Orthese and other hiking items are sold in our small store. I arrived at The Ranch new to The Ranch, but not new to destination spas or their treatments. We look forward to your return. If the border temporarily closes, the worst-case scenario would be that you are stuck in paradise for an extra night or twoon us! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Every week a different adventure awaits you. The food is delicious and super healthy. We look forward to your next visit. Being a native New Yorker, where the Rancho de La Puerta is not so well known I had always found a reason to go somewhere else.When we became unexpectedly free for thanksgiving, he said lets go to the Ranch! My mom and I almost always ate these outside on one of two expansive patios. My villa had decent cell service which I only used very sparingly (to check the weather in the morning) and once to look up the Eply maneuver when I had an attack of vertigo. Its hard to believe weve been back to our daily lives for a week. Scientific studies have shown that the presence of cell phones is disruptive and fatiguing (learn more in thisinteresting articleby Ron Friendman at CNN). Barely anyone is masked for any indoor exercise classes and there is no class capacity or social distancing. Theyre a great way to surprise a friend or loved one with a stay at the Ranch, or treat them to a few spa treatments after they arrive. To bring alcohol back into the U.S. from Mexico at a California point of entry please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection websitefor current laws. You may wish to bring some of your favorites. With workout classes including circuit training, spinning, cardio drumming, interval training, hula hooping and yoga every hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., The Ranch can certainly be a fitness boot camp. Rooms are cooled by fans, and insulated by naturally thick masonry walls. She went birdwatching and took a class that trained her balance. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Sunscreen Hair dryer Robes Umbrella Reading material (we have a lending library) Tote bag(not a fanny pack or backpack) Flashlight Safes Free do-ityourself laundry Coffee Pot . Rancho La Puerta: Greatest Spa Week of All Time - See 354 traveler reviews, 304 candid photos, and great deals for Rancho La Puerta at Tripadvisor. Rancho La Puerta is across the USA-Mexico border in Tecate, a town in the mountains east of San Diego. There are multiple hand washing stations everywhere. Granted, there were quite a number of women who were there solo. All but the last 3.3 miles of the drive are on U.S. roads. Our meals on Saturdays are served from 11am 3pm (lunch) and 5:30pm 7:30pm (dinner). Visit: https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.htmlto obtain your visa, andsave the payment receipt when it is generated. We, personally do not enjoy dining in the great hall, but prefer having our meals surrounded by nature. Fanny pack or small lightweight day pack (capable of carrying a water bottle and snack on hikes). Due to busy tourist traffic between the Mexico and US border we strongly advise you to leave your car on the US side of the border. Rates include all meals, daily snacks, round-trip transportation from San Diego International Airport, fitness classes, guided hikes, lectures and seminars. Being alone, I very much appreciated that they would sit you with other people for dinner (if you wanted) to avoid awkward introductions to people you didnt yet know. Primarily because the Ranch is a retreat that values real conversation and connections. Readers of fancy magazines such as Travel + Leisure and Cond Nast have consistently rated Rancho La Puerta the best destination spa in the world, but the casitas and health centers are decidedly not fancy. The kitchen is able to whip up pasta or cheese quesadilla for a picky eater. Bring several pairs of synthetic or light wool hiking socks, and liners. Our gift shop has a small selection of books, often by authors who are speaking at the Ranch, or have recently been guests. All other men there were with partners except for one. Room tip: You can always ask for avocado from the kitchen. My most recent trip to The Ranch visit No. DIVISION 1. Other guests who are enjoying the quietude of their garden patios will appreciate that you do not use your phone on your casitas patio. At Rancho La Puerta we do NOT allow alcohol in our dining room or public areas throughout the week except at two functions, the welcome reception and the farewell dinner Friday night. A I think that most people were very considerate and tried to do the right thing. It feels so distant! We request that you doNOTuse your computing device at meals or other public areas other guests may not want to be reminded of their workaday world. You will however, see a few armed guards and an . Cell phone use in public areas is prohibited. Of the 150 people there my week, there were about 20 men. Your room is equipped with a digital safe deposit box. There were spaces for quieter activities, including restorative yoga, meditation, sound healing and Feldenkrais physical therapy. The food is delicious and super healthy. Review. It was so wonderful to meet so many incredible, beautiful, authentic people. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals, as well as those who may be departing an hour or two after check-out time. ), Trellises were everywhere, many abloom with wisteria flowers, each as big as a full bunch of grapes. Mt. Our meals on Saturdays are served from 11am 3pm (lunch) and 5:30pm 7:30pm (dinner). Mexico is a wonderful, convivial country that warmly welcomes over 38 million tourists each year. How do I capture a place that makes me feel good when I fail? The womens health center is very dated and needs an upgrade desperately. These werent negative comments by any means, but just illustrate the environment. https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html, U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/cbp-reqs-mexico. (Before I left, I asked about the staff. synthetic fleece), Long, loose-fitting pants (warm up or hiking pants). ($50 should be sufficient). All rooms have faucets that dispense water filtered by reverse osmosis. Cr: @wimboprakoso. After my first visit in 2019 I intended to go annually. Dear Stephanie S.,You've captured an ideal stay at The Ranch! I loved all the wild rosemary and fragrant herbs and flowers definitely a nature lover's paradise. In order to return to the United States after visiting Mexico, all U.S. guests need a current passport, passport card, or other approved travel documents (See more info here). We also have CDs for you to borrow from our library. Love the contrast of fires burning in the fireplace to wild flowers in full bloom and grapes hanging from vines. Please keep in mind we are located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and a valid passport is mandatory for travel across International Borders. While I was in Tecate, my soon-to-be-ex-husband was moving out of our house. TheI went to the Ranch by myself in August 2021. Rancho La Puerta is blessed with a mild, Mediterranean climate characterized by cool, moist winters and warm-to-hot, dry summers. 410. Your week can be whatever you make it. All rooms have a CD player and two or three music CDs. Note: Not all cellular phones work at the Ranch, depending on your carrier. Doors were often opened for classes (if I got there early I would open them, and many teachers did too. Be advised that if you chose to drive across, border wait times on Saturday are typically between three and five hours long. Tipping is optional, however, many guests do choose to tip in cash for some services they consider more than satisfying. Please do not send advertising and/or marketing proposals to this address. And, like most families, its special for different reasons at different times. It is ok to travel with doctor prescribed medications, but please make sure all the medication is in the original prescribed packaging with your information on it. $25-$30 for each 80-90-minute treatments. If you forget a brush or razor - they have them at the spa. PO Box 69 Guests are welcome to bring their own laptop or other computing device. Tips cannot be added to your bill. There was now a wine bar, and the weekly schedule had changed. There are a few yummy salads throughout the week but mostly, the food is basic and inedible, especially for younger kids. Request a gift certificate here. Two Facial Coverings (Facial coverings will also be available in the Mercado) Hand Sanitizer (Hand sanitizer will also be available in the . Ask silkpaintermom about Rancho La Puerta. If you're looking for a discount, contact me for a referral rate. This year was special because the daughter had just graduated from business school and was about to get married. Im a married guy in my early 40s with two kids and a wife. Attn: Your Name We are located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico just 45 miles southeast of San Diego. Adequate fluid intake enhances performance, and is important in revitalizing a body that may be unaccustomed to dawn-to-dusk movement. Dear robinpeggy, Thank you for your wonderful review and for sharing some of the highlights of your stay.
