GOODBYE GLUTEN!
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| Crunchy and gluten-free, these muffin "corks" will satisfy even the most ardent wheat-lover |
“How can one little protein cause so much trouble?” a guest recently asked Rancho La Puerta Nutritionist Yvonne Nienstadt.
“For starters,” she answered with a sympathetic smile, “gluten is a protein that is pervasive in the American diet. Wheat, rye, barley...they all contain gluten and must be restricted if you suspect that you are sensitive.
But at Rancho La Puerta we’ve been offering gluten-sensitivity alternatives to guests for many decades now.” Most guests at Rancho La Puerta stay for 7 nights/8 days on a 3,000-acre property that includes its own organic farm, making it the perfect vacation destination to jump-start a new diet, or make a vacation into a seamless, no-trouble continuation of a gluten-less lifestyle.
Starting October 29, 2011, the “Gluten Sensitive” 7-night package includes:
- 10% off any accommodation
- $300-plus value in services and amenities. (Rates start at $2500 per person double occupancy plus tax.)
- Seaweed Wrap
People who are allergic to gluten often have skin problems. A 30-minute seaweed wrap is helpful in removing toxins through both metabolic stimulation and absorption. Our wrap helps to not only pull out toxins but also replace them with nutrients that are good for your body. - Therapeutic Massage
(We recommend that this therapy follow your Seaweed Wrap immediately.) Better blood circulation, increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles, is a result of receiving massage therapy on a regular basis. Our 50-minute massage gets to the root of pain by relaxing tense muscles and increasing flexibility, and of course stress release is another benefit. - Nutritional Consultation
An in-depth, one-on-one 45-minute session during which you can ask our in-house Nutritionist any burning questions you may have on how to follow a sustainable, nutritionally-balanced gluten-free diet. - Hands-on gluten-free cooking class with Executive Chef Denise Roa
Learn to prepare a seasonal, healthful menu with our cooking school’s Head Chef. - Complimentary copy of “Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta”
Enjoy plenty of recipes in the comfort of your kitchen and for special occasions.
Please note: Although the Rancho La Puerta chefs are vigilant about preparing foods for a guest with gluten sensitivities, Rancho La Puerta is not a medical or special dietary facility. If you have celiac disease or are in any way severely sensitive to gluten, please note that we cannot guarantee the complete absence of any trace of gluten.
Thousands Head Out to Fundación La Puerta's World Environment Day Celebration in Tecate
Educating and inspiring the citizens of Tecate to respect and celebrate the environment is what draws thousands of visitors to Fundación La Puerta's Annual World Environment Day. This year's event drew more than 5,000 visitors from the local community and beyond including visitors from San Diego.
Among the more than 50 exhibits were activities for school-aged children to learn about the importance of protecting wildlife and marine species and the preservation of the natural environment of Baja California. Local and regional charity groups, including a handful of ICF's partner organizations in Tecate, Tijuana and Ensenada and regional governmental entities brought hands-on learning and exposure of many critical ecological issues for the entire family. Schools, researchers, and museums also were given booth space to share information on such topics as recycling, organic gardening, composting and the demonstration of water quality monitoring provided by the local Tecate Water Authority.
Festival participants were also treated to delicious traditional Mexican foods, regional music, dance and theatre performances.
To learn more about Fundación La Puerta or future events, please visit: http://www.fundacionlapuerta.org/. Consider making a U.S. tax-deductible donation today to Fundación La Puerta!
We "raised the bar" at the Ranch...
Interest in The Bar Method workout, which is offered at the Ranch as well as studios throughout the U.S., is getting hotter every day. Most recently, The Wall Street Journal wrote a story on the workout and posted a great video. Check it out here.
2012 Bar Method Weeks
Twenty-five of the best videos made on Bar Method are now available on YouTube's Bar Method channel.
Rancho La Puerta Unites with Amala and Primavera Skincare, World Leaders in All-Natural Green Beauty, to Offer More than "Skin Deep" Benefits
"We searched for several years for a company and skincare line that reflected our respect for the earth and nature's healing potential. I was 
delighted to discover Primavera Life and their luxury brand, Amala. Founded by Ute Leube, her company's passionate mission mirrors my own...to connect people with nature. Ute's concept of beauty is about balance, serving both the skin and the soul, benefiting everyone. They have gone far beyond organic certification. Supported by twenty years of research and long standing relationships with growers, the products are processed to the highest standards in a green building complex. In every aspect, from soil to skin, Amala shines with its own integrity and authenticity. The products are beautiful, pure, uplifting and nourishing. We can't wait to share our discovery with you."
–Sarah Livia Szekely Brightwood, President, Rancho La Puerta
Here at the Ranch we're pleased to announce the debut of our new partnership with like-minded Amala and Primavera Life Skincare. The certified NaTrue™, German-based, all-natural beauty company carries its commitment to pure and responsible products and wellness practices far beyond being simply "green"—just as we strive to do at Rancho La Puerta. Many of our exclusive new health and beauty therapies offer skin and health benefits, as well as foster a much deeper balance and invigoration of the body itself. For example, Primavera's Five Elements Body Treatment, a unique formulation only offered at Rancho La Puerta, has been created to balance the "Qi" energy of body and mind, while helping to release blocked emotions and restore equilibrium.
Rancho La Puerta is now offering only Amala and Primavera products in all of its spa therapies. All facials will use only the Amala line, while 
other treatments will only employ Primavera. Both Amala and Primavera are formulated with 100% whole plant ingredients, sustainably sourced from a global network of fair trade farm partners. Ingredients are organically grown in their native habitats, custom distilled to ensure they retain their full therapeutic value, and are completely pure and natural with zero preservatives, chemicals, parabens, or artificial fragrances.
"There is no reason green shouldn't be synonymous with performance," says Ute Leube, who along with her partner, Kurt Nuebling, founded Primavera, Germany's largest aromatherapy company. They launched Amala in May, 2008, with the goal of raising the bar in the natural beauty category. They soon legitimized certification standards proving green performs equally well as conventional and doctor-developed formulations. By using Amala and Primavera products – made without any additives – guests at Rancho La Puerta are assured that their skin will absorb only those pure, complete nutrients occurring in nature and free of any harmful or questionable chemical changes that can occur during manufacturing. The effect on both the physical body and the spa-goers attitude toward their personal well-being is truly transformative.
To download a copy of our new Spa brochure, click here.
On Leadership
A keynote speech by Deborah Szekely, founder of the Golden Door and co-founder Rancho La Puerta
Recently Deborah was invited to give a keynote speech at a Leadership Conference where she received a standing ovation! Read it here! (PDF)
Have YOU been to YouTube lately?
Rancho La Puerta features a new video posting on YouTube approximately once every two weeks. To view our latest, click here.
The Ranch introduced “Four Hand Massage” during its 70th year
The ultimate body massage now offered! Rancho La Puerta Four Hand Body Massage originates from the ancient Ayurvedic technique involving two therapists drizzling warm herbalized oil on the body, then massaging it in with brisk and/or long and flowing movements. Two therapists use essential oils infused with lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, or lemongrass, and work together in a choreographed manner to heighten the massage experience. The dynamic flow and release created when two massage therapists work synchronously is a must experience for the experienced client as well as those wanting to indulge in an unforgettable journey. Available now. $150, fifty minutes.
Want to jump start your fitness goals? Let the Ranch “Navigator Program” develop a fitness program that is just right for you.
Our new personalized fitness concierge service debuted this summer! Soon after
your arrival one of our health and fitness staff experts will meet with you
(at no extra charge) to discuss your fitness goals, interests, and particular
challenges…. And help you plan a very personalized fitness schedule for the
week. You are taught how to “navigate” the myriad of classes, exercise genres
(i.e. Pilates, Yoga, et al), and regimens available during your stay. And there
are many—the Ranch has the most complete fitness program of any destination
spa in the world. The benefits will carry over to your return home as you create
a program to live the healthier, longer life.
Current La Cocina Que Canta Special Guests
Experience cooking with seasonal, organically grown ingredients in the heart of an organic six-acre farm. This unforgettable culinary experience combines the opportunity to cook side-by-side with great teaching chefs and enjoy a fine meal you helped
Week of January 28th: Marie Simmons is an award-winning cookbook author, recognized food writer, talented cooking teacher and lively storyteller. Marie is the former senior food editor at Cuisine magazine and test kitchen editor at Woman’s Day magazine. Marie has made hundreds of radio and TV appearances including: CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Mike and Maty, CNN Cooking 101, TV Food Network, Home Matters, The Main Ingredient, and At Home. She has written a monthly column, “Cooking for Health”, for Bon Appetit magazine and a syndicated newspaper column, “Fresh & Fast”, for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate, for over 15 years. She currently writes a bi-monthly column, "Simmons Sez," for the Contra Costa Times. In addition, her recipes and articles have appeared in over a dozen popular consumer magazines, including Eating Well, Food & Wine, Fitness, Shape, Cooking Light, Ladies Home Journal, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Modern Maturity, Redbook, Prevention, Real Food and McCall’s.
Week of February 4th: Romney "Nani" Steele is a writer, a cook, a visual artist, and the author of “My Nepenthe: Bohemian Tales of Food, Family and Big Sur” (2009) and “Plum Gorgeous: Recipes and Memories from the Orchard” (Andrews McMeel 2011). As the granddaughter of Bill and Lolly Fassett, creators of Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur, she grew up at the family business and opened Café Kevah, located on the grounds of the cliffside property, at age 26. For the past ten years, Romney has worked as a freelance writer, recipe consultant, food stylist and cookbook author. She is currently the executive chef of Grace Street Catering in Oakland, CA where she highlights local, organic and seasonal cooking with a painter's sensibility. As a cooking teacher, she promotes creativity and fearlessness in the kitchen by following your intuition and using all the senses. Romney holds a graduate degree in creative writing from Mills College.
Week of February 11th: Jill Melton is editor of Relish, a newspaper-distributed monthly magazine that celebrates America’s love of food. Relish debuted February, 2006. Previously, Jill spent 15 years on the editorial staff of Cooking Light magazine, where she was instrumental in guiding the food style that made Cooking Light the top epicurean magazine in America. As a registered dietitian, chef and author, Jill has shown readers how to create great tasting food that is good for you too. She is a native of Cincinnati, and has a BA degree in nutrition and an MA degree in public health nutrition.
Week of February 18th: Jordan Russell is a chef, music lover and a self-proclaimed nomad. Russell has landed back in California to enjoy the year-round growing season and to take advantage of the endless supply of farm-fresh produce. He has traveled throughout the country in pursuit of new experiences and inspiration for life and food. His travels have taken him through Honolulu, Austin, San Francisco, South Florida and San Diego. After working in restaurants for most of his childhood, he received his formal training at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He has trained in kitchens across the United States, including Spice Creek Café, under renowned chef, Rebecca Stewart and Jsix in the Gaslamp District of San Diego. After years of restaurant work, Russell sought to broaden his horizons in the culinary field.
Current Specialty Weeks
Week of January 28th
Five Days to a Fit Back with Traci Schafer-Bacon, P.T.
Week of February 4th
Ashtanga Yoga and Restorative Yoga with Jenny Barrett & Lisa Fischer
Week of February 11th
Dancing Your Bliss with| Rachel Fleischman
Week of February 18th
The Bar Method with Kate Arnold
Spirit Week: Yoga and Everyday Mindfulness with Phyllis Pilgrim & Elana Rosenbaum
