Dominika, our Sales & Marketing Executive, recently paid a visit to Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, Mexico. Words can't really express how much she loved it - she thought it was the perfect place to relax and re-energise, surrounded by stunning nature and lovely people.
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
Firstly, I was blown away by the sheer size of the place. The grounds are vast (I was still getting lost after 2 days there despite having a map) but it doesn't feel large and impersonal - in fact, quite the total opposite. It feels like a safe haven and was perfect for a single traveller like myself. I felt very 'at home' from the start and met so many interesting people. My bedroom had a private terrace where I loved to sit and read my book and I also enjoyed star gazing there every night – beautiful.
What do you think makes the resort so special?
Rancho La Puerta is very well-established (it's one of the USA's pioneering wellness destinations and was founded in the 1940's) with plenty of repeat clients, some of whom visit up to 3 times a year. Service is top-notch and they've really thought of every single detail. For example, I arrived late at night and there was a delicious meal waiting for me even though I hadn't thought to order one. There's also a nice fabric bag to carry all your stuff around and a water bottle waiting for you in your bedroom - there's a drinking water tap in the room so you can keep topping it up and stay hydrated during your stay. All these thoughtful touches make your stay extra special. I was also given a little thank you gift (hand-made lavender scrub) for being a first-time guest.
What was your favourite treatment?
Rancho has separate female and male health centres (plus a skin centre) and I think my favourite spa treatment was the 'Wellness Journey' massage which aims to "soothe the soul and allow the body to heal physically and emotionally". I had hot compresses laid along my spine so that the essential oils could penetrate the nervous system and it was blissful. It was so relaxing and the pressure was just right too so the therapist was clearly highly-trained.
What was your favourite activity?
The resort runs around 50 activities per day such as group fitness, yoga and meditation classes as well as hikes, workshops and talks so it’s quite hard to choose which one to do first! I enjoyed the level 2 yoga classes, the morning meditation sessions and the sound healing classes the most. I also loved the the meditative silent morning hikes although at 6.30 am, it was a bit of a struggle to get out of bed. So worth it though as the scenery is spectacular all around.
How was the food?
Breakfast and lunch are buffet style whilst dinner is 4 course meal served to you - there is a sharing table if you are feeling sociable or you can, of course, sit on your own table. The food is organic (much of it comes from the on-site gardens) and vegetarian with the occasional choice of fish but there is no meat. I tended to have yummy porridge with nuts and seeds or home-made granola for breakfast and plenty of exotic fruit but you are really spoilt for choice. Lunch was usually a salad bursting with colour and flavour plus nutritious soup and a warm option such as a stir fry. Dinner was soup, salad, main and dessert which sounds a lot but portions are just the right size. The dishes are deliciously healthy and, as a vegetarian, it was food heaven for me! No boring choices here - the chefs are very talented.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
This place is just awesome and it’s difficult to pick one thing as I loved every second of it. My stay really wasn't long enough to fit in everything that I wanted to do so I am already plotting to return! I particularly enjoyed having a digital detox (there is no Wi-Fi or TV in the bedrooms) and having some quality time on my own exercising, reading and walking.
Any insider tips to share with us?
Try not to fill your day with back-to-back classes (tempting as that is) as the surroundings are just too beautiful not to spend time chilling out and soaking them up. There are four outdoor, heated swimming pools with loungers around them as well as hot tubs and hammocks everywhere so walk around, find the one with your name on it and settle down for some heavenly peace and quiet.
Who would you recommend Rancho La Puerta to?
Everyone regardless of age - it really is the most incredible place. It has a special 'soul' to it and it's so warm and friendly that it's ideal if you are a solo traveller too. You'll feel very looked after and there's plenty of opportunity to get talking to fellow guests - perfect if you like to make new friends or have a bit of 'buzz' around you. Go - you will be wowed like me!
For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 7555.
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