This started on CityRoom (1.5 million) April 20 and went to Spa Tours Worldwide (1.5 million) April 25, 2011 and to the spa tour map. This was written with Brenda C. Hill
http://www.cityroom.com/
http://www.spatoursworldwide.
http://www.cityroommaps.com/
Rancho La Puerta & Spa Tips
April 20th, 2011
By Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
Overlook at Rancho La PuertaRecently, the Hill Team returned from one of our favorite spas worldwide, the renowned Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico., just a short, breathtaking ride south from San Diego. While at “the ranch,” (as the regulars call it,) to present one of our writing workshops, our free time was aimed at refreshing and renewing.
Deep breathing with long walks and short hikes was part of every day. Time was also made for swimming, then relaxing in the private roof tub hot tub au natural; indulging in treatments, steam and sauna and a make-up session with excellent products and some valuable tips.
Both of us took as many enrichment classes as time allowed. Our day was also filled with dancing, learning new techniques from chefs, and time for solitary meditations.
Most pleasant of all, we dined like royalty on the best, fresh, farm-to-fork cuisine from two top chefs and many experienced sous chefs. We have both written and published two books about notable chefs, so we know when we find true passion in the lush gardens and sparkling kitchens.
Additionally, we were asked to share spa tips from “the ranch,”… here are a few tips that could apply at spas worldwide.
Spa Tips:
We both have learned some of our most valuable lessons in life on the late side, but, we have learned. Our first and most valuable tip is to:
1. Take time for yourself.
Choose to go to a spa, (health farm, ranch, wherever, for an hour, a day, or a week without guilt). No matter what you do for work or as a wife or mother, you DO deserve to take some quality time for yourself alone. We learned this lesson the hard way by putting our jobs and others first, and us, last. Now we know. You are doing yourself and everyone you know and love a big favor to simply go, as often as you can. If you think you cannot afford it, try exchanging something, a new outfit, piece of furniture, even dinner out, for your own body, soul, mind and spiritual renewal.
2. Bring half of the clothes you think you need, no make up, and none of the techie stuff.
Rancho LaPuerta has an Internet Access Center and Maralyn managed to limit her time to under an hour a day. Cell phones are not allowed in public areas.
Because we chose a spa in rural Mexico, our cell phones did not work easily or inexpensively, and we never saw a TV.
Because of our work, the computer was used only when necessary. All of the noise, busyness and modern day time savers behind. Our focus was the birds singing, the breeze from the trees, and the sound of our soft footsteps on a solitary path. Well, at first we heard our heavy breathing, but after several days of hiking up gentle hills, our breaths of life were nearly silent. It was difficult, but we told most of our families and co-workers that we would contact them after a week. Funny how life went on without a hitch and without our input.
3. Keep an open mind and positive attitude in your new environment. Learn the local culture by interacting with the people in the village. Try the delicious regional foods or practice a new dance step.
Although this advice is true for any of life’s adventures, it is especially important in order to get the most from your new experience. We do not speak Spanish well, yet we tried, not afraid to make a mistake. Please and thank you are easy words to learn. Our reward was the happy smile of the natives, who were grateful to improve their English with us. Our conversations on our early morning walks to breakfast were – the professional Mexican staff saying, “Hi” or “Good morning” to us, always with a warm smile. We replied, “Hola, Buenos dias” to them. By the next day we were greeted like old friends.
Both of us tried many new experiences from learning new words, making our own jewelry creations, African dancing, foraging for and then devouring fresh fennel from the organic gardens. Once we simply sat on a swing, looking at a tree on the mountain, and did not say a word.
In addition to the wide variety of activities, the Ranch also features a guest chef on a weekly basis. We were able to roam the gardens, cook, taste, and experience the skills of Chef Andrew Schloss.
By the end of our week, we ventured into the charming village of Tecate, to mingle with the locals and learn more about the culture while proudly wearing our hand-made in Mexico, turquoise and purple vests. Each of us were warmly welcomed, and understood, by strangers who have become friends.
Rancho La Puerta is spread out over a natural sanctuary of 3,000 acres. One Ranch pamphlet reads that Ranch La Puerta is “Where healthy people get healthier.” It is not for someone with physical difficulties as the beautifully casitas are spread throughout the property. You may walk ¼ mile to the dining room or 3/4 mile to a classroom, pool or gym. You are encouraged to wear the provided step counter pedometer. Without even trying it was easy to reach our goal of over 10,000 steps a day.
Every morning, you can take part in a 2, 4, or 6-mile hike or simply walk on your own through the lush green countryside or around a labyrinth surrounded by grape vines.
Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. HillWe were both intent on experiencing some of the invigorating and relaxing spa treatments we heard raves about from other guests.
Brenda enjoyed the 50 minute Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage ($80). This is a vigorous massage customized to your needs—your entire body or specific areas. Your therapist can work quite deep to relieve chronic passive tension. When Brenda specified extra pressure for her neck, he therapist knew exactly how to accommodate. By having this early in the week, she felt more energy for hiking, swimming and dancing during the week.
Maralyn enjoyed the pleasures and health benefits of a signature body wrap. For her it was a 30 minute Seaweed Wrap ($45). This is similar to an herbal wrap. The difference is the main ingredient is seaweed. It is a purifying, cleansing treatment that improves circulation and helps skin cells replenish. This was somewhat like a steam wrap that warms you and leaves the surface of your body soft and smooth.
From this point forward, our picks were the same and we were both ecstatic with our choices.
The Hill Team was thrilled to be one of the first to try the new four hands massage ($150) at Rancho La Puerta. Someone had to do the research, and two eager participants are better than one. For Brenda, the coordination and perfect pressure of four hands instead of two from two seasoned Rancho La Puerto masseurs, Jesus and Miguel, was a mountain top peak experience. For Maralyn, she simply said. “This was the best massage ever—utopia.
Two therapists work together simultaneously in perfect unison on muscle groups on opposite sides of the body. The balance and symmetry as they mirror each other’s movements provide the most relaxing experience either of us has ever experienced. We were in awe of this massage technique, from two master masseurs for an ultimate experience.
The other treatment we both needed and enjoyed was the 80-minute Le Grande Classique Facial ($95). This facial is customized to your skin type. Anti-inflammatory plant extracts leave your face soft and fresh. The facial is based on Yon-ka’s “five progressive purifying steps that allow for deep cleansing without irritation.” We both felt like our skin was glowing. As further testament when Brenda’s son saw her a week later he said, “Wow, Mom, you look younger–what have you done? Your skin is like it was before,” The benefits of the treatments and activities at the ranch far outlast the week you are there. This is especially true if you take the class on the last day presented by veteran, Joe Sweeney. Joe helped us all to take the ranch home, with his valuable tips. We tried it and it works.
The Ranch has a full menu of Spa selections for body treatments, facials, massages and salon services. We, who wear minimal war paint, took part in a natural style make-up application and picked up some hints.
We could easily write for hours on all that is available at the Ranch. They have regular activities and guest presenters every week. The list is almost overwhelming. Then it is easy-just sign up for what you love or have always longed to try.
We thoroughly enjoyed the peacefulness of our casita. We sat on our patio and viewed Mt. Kuchumaa every day. The well-decorated casita are private and include living room sitting areas, desks, fireplaces (in most), CD players, mini-refrigerators, robes, irons/boards, safes, umbrellas, flashlights, hair dryers, coffee pots, and other standard amenities. Each has reverse-osmosis-filtered drinking water and a telephone with voice mail service. The size ranges from 470 square feet to 900 square feet with patios from approximately 200 square feet to one that is 1140 square feet—a home for 2 to 4 guests. There are five types of accommodations. Each is a private paradise with its own personality.
Rates vary from approximately $2800 per person to 4200 per person.
We would encourage you to check the Rancho La Puerta website, http://www.rancholapuerta.com. There are all types of specials at various time of year. The spa, yoga and hiking special packages are especially attractive. They also feature a couples week, mother and daughter, as well as other unique package opportunities. Brenda has been to the ranch in February and July. The weather has always been lovely, not that different from San Diego’s delightful climate. Yet each season brings new flowers, birds and crops to the gardens.
The best testimonial for Rancho La Puerta is the return rate at approximately 65%. We met those who had been coming 40 times. Over ten return guest visits is common. This was Maralyn’s first experience and Brenda’s third. They both know that they will return, as often as possible. A stay at the Ranch is an investment in yourself and your future health and well being that you’ll be delighted you made.
By Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
Freelance travel writer Maralyn D. Hill, Epicurean Explorer, is President of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Maralyn focuses on food, spas, travel, and wine, while still covering meetings, incentives, and corporate assignments.
Brenda C. Hill is also a freelance travel writer who is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Brenda focuses on food, spas, travel and wine.
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Rancho La Puerta – A Glimpse of a Wellness Oasis in Sunny Mexico
April 25th, 2011
Travel writers Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill recently traveled to Rancho La Puerta in Tecate Mexico, and shared their journey of wellness with us…
Lookout at Rancho La PuertaThe best testimonial for Rancho La Puerta is the return rate at approximately 65%. We met those who had been coming 40 times. Over ten return guest visits is common. A stay at the Ranch is an investment in yourself and your future health and well being that you’ll be delighted you made.
Rancho La Puerta is spread out over a natural sanctuary of 3,000 acres. One Ranch pamphlet reads that Ranch La Puerta is “Where healthy people get healthier.” It is not for someone with physical difficulties as the beautifully casitas are spread throughout the property. You may walk ¼ mile to the dining room or 3/4 mile to a classroom, pool or gym. You are encouraged to wear the provided step counter pedometer. Without even trying it was easy to reach our goal of over 10,000 steps a day. Every morning, you can take part in a 2, 4, or 6-mile hike or simply walk on your own through the lush green countryside or around a labyrinth surrounded by grape vines. The Ranch has a full menu of Spa selections for body treatments, facials, massages and salon services. We, who wear minimal war paint, took part in a natural style make-up application and picked up some hints.
Rates vary from approximately $2800 per person to 4200 per person, but there are all types of specials at various time of year. Each season brings new flowers, birds and crops to the gardens. The spa, yoga and hiking special packages are especially attractive. They also feature a couples week, mother and daughter, as well as other unique package opportunities.
<< Click here to read more about Maralyn and Brenda’s exciting journey >>
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By Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
Freelance travel writer Maralyn D. Hill, Epicurean Explorer, is President of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Maralyn focuses on food, spas, travel, and wine, while still covering meetings, incentives, and corporate assignments.
Brenda C. Hill is also a freelance travel writer who is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Brenda focuses on food, spas, travel and wine.
