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. Ours is a nature preserve that preserves people! The year-round climate, poised as we are in the mountains between sea and desert, is nearly perfect, with sunshine over 325 days a year. It's even better than San Diego's, because we don't get coastal fog.

We're especially proud this year of being named “Favorite Spa in North America,” 2008 Crystal Award Winner, in SpaFinder's 2008 Readers' Choice awards. SpaFinder is the world’s leading on-line magazine and source of spa vacation information and commentary.

Approximately 125 guests enjoy our classic one-week program, arriving and departing on Saturdays. A few each week stay for three or four nights only, while some may stay multiple weeks. Whatever your preference, we’re here for you. 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.

Whatever voice compels you, whichever path brings you to our door, we offer you a health spa experience which is the distillation of almost 70 years of experience. Once you find us, our goal is to provide all you need to find yourself.

We make healthy people healthier! You’ll return home stronger, with the healthful glow and spring in your step that comes from a vacation devoted to relaxation, good eating, learning, and exercise. Find your wellspring of energy in the midst of nature’s beauty, and discover how even one week at Rancho La Puerta can change your life.

	Winner of two Spa Magazine readers’ choice Silver Sage awards for 2008-2009: “Favorite Eco/Green Spa” and “Favorite Destination Spa.”
	Our cookbook was one of only three 2009 Finalist/Nominees for the James Beard award 2009 in the category “Book Awards / Healthy Focus” (the “Oscars” of cookbook publishing)!
	Winner of two SpaFinder.com’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2008-2009: “Best Spa in North America” and “Best Spa in Mexico” also “Top Ten Staff Pick”, “Top Ten Hiking Spas,” and “Top Ten Spas in Mexico.
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