I spent a week at an amazing retreat in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico called Rancho La Puerta. It was one of the best weeks of my life and gave me a whole new spin on my favourite country! Read on to learn more about my week of ultimate wellness!
“How do you describe a week long wellness retreat in Mexico that feels like in just three days it’s taken 5 years of stress off of your life? Magic. I feel like this photo perfectly captures everything Rancho La Puerta has been for me so far. A getaway. An escape. A portal into everything I’ve ever wanted out of wellness – amazing nourishing food, daily constant exercise, brilliant conversations with the kindest people, and unforgettable experiences. I can’t wait to share more about my week here but right now I’m going back to being off the grid. Besos de Mexico ”
These were the words on my first Instagram post after just a few days at Rancho La Puerta. By the end of the week, I was in tears that I had to leave. I spent a week of wellness in my favourite country and it was absolutely spectacular — here’s a clear account of that experience, what to expect, and tips for making the most of a stay.
What is Rancho La Puerta?
Rancho La Puerta is a renowned wellness resort and spa located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. Picture this: you wake early after a deep restorative sleep, step onto your casita patio and breathe in cool mountain air while birds sing. You stroll through shaded paths to a nourishing breakfast, greet fellow guests, then move through a day filled with movement, rest and nourishment. Classes range from dance and circuit training to restorative sound baths; evenings can include massages followed by multi-course dining. The property spans hundreds of acres of gardens, gyms, pools, spa facilities, casitas and quiet corners for reflection. The atmosphere feels like a grown-up version of summer camp — with great food, expert instructors, and the chance to focus on wellbeing.
Rancho La Puerta offers abundant choices so everyone can design their ideal week. Gardens and outdoor spaces invite exploration, eleven gyms and multiple studios host classes all day, and pools and spas provide space to rest. Dining areas and small shops round out the experience, while quiet spots tucked off paths offer solitude when you need it.
The Food at Rancho La Puerta
The resort serves a primarily vegetarian menu with plentiful vegan options, thoughtfully prepared and well seasoned. Meals include soups, salads, grains, cooked vegetables, tofu and more—variety is a strength. I found myself looking forward to their soups and experimenting with different breakfast and lunch choices each day. Avocado or salsa toast with oatmeal became go-to options, and the French toast was a standout treat.
Dining is accommodating for dietary needs. When we mentioned being vegan upon arrival, the team noted it and provided clearly marked trays so vegan alternatives were available for almost every dish. Plant-based milks were always on hand, and special dishes like a vegan spanakopita were prepared. If you follow a plant-based diet, you’ll feel included and well cared for.
The Week at Rancho & How to Get There
You build your own schedule from over 100 classes and activities. My week included dance classes, multiple massages, a sound bath, aerial silks and bird watching. I learned new skills, reconnected with old hobbies, and met warm, fascinating people.
To reach the ranch, most guests fly into San Diego. The ranch team handles border transit and assists with the Mexican visitor permit, then transports you directly to the property. Once there, daily logistics become effortless: no shopping, cooking or cleaning, and classes and meals are all nearby. If you need to do work, there are quiet lounges; if you prefer to unplug, laundry and other chores are optional and laundry facilities are available for free.
Top five things to try while at Rancho La Puerta
1) The dance classes / try something new
Trying a dance class on day one changed my week. I discovered a joy for movement I hadn’t expected and found myself dancing in my casita between sessions. Be open to new activities — you might leave with a new passion.
2) The Breakfast Hike
The organic breakfast hike is beloved by regulars for a reason. Even with a recent foot injury I debated skipping it, but decided to join and was rewarded with stunning views and a memorable meal at the top. The hike is very doable for many guests and the payoff—fresh, delicious breakfast and a sense of accomplishment—is worth it.
3) Bingo night
Bingo at the ranch is fun, social and full of personality. A lively host makes it laugh-out-loud entertaining, and simple treats like popcorn create a relaxed, communal vibe. It’s an easy way to meet people and enjoy an evening of light-hearted fun.
4) A massage
After active days, a massage is restorative and indulgent. I had a hot stone massage that ranks among the best I’ve had: professional, calming, and deeply relaxing.
5) A leisurely day
One of the best pieces of advice from orientation is to schedule at least one slow day. The temptation is to pack every hour with activity, but relaxing on a swing bed, reading, or simply wandering the gardens makes the experience restorative rather than exhausting. Balance activity with unplugged downtime for the most benefit.
Lessons learned at Rancho
1) Life doesn’t need to be overplanned to be enjoyable.
Some of my best days there were unplanned. Leaving space for spontaneity made the week feel lighter and more joyful.
2) Always try something new.
Being in an environment designed for exploration encouraged me to step outside my routine and discover new interests, like dance.
3) You can turn anything into a paradise or a prison.
I learned this the hard way when a stressful work email briefly clouded a perfect day. Being at the ranch helped me step back, and a seminar on stress pointed out how often we let small things hijack our enjoyment. The reminder was powerful: choose to treat the setting as a paradise.
4) Memories are richer when we disconnect.
The ranch encourages limited phone use—no phones at dinner and fewer devices around the property. I put my phone away for stretches and used a sleep bag provided for phones. Without constant screen interruptions, I felt more present, took photos with a camera, and left with vivid, lasting memories.
This trip offered a different side of Mexico than I’d experienced before: quiet mornings, intentional movement, nourishing food and meaningful connections. If you’re considering a week focused on wellness, Rancho La Puerta delivers an immersive, well-supported experience where you can rest, learn and return refreshed. What would you try first?
Disclaimer: Thank you to Rancho La Puerta for inviting me to spend a week at their resort. While the experience was gifted, all opinions and text here are my own.
