I spent last week at Rancho la Puerta. While I was definitely unplugged for much of the time there, it was a press trip so a certain amount of due diligence had to be done. Such as wandering the grounds and photographing the beautifully landscaped surroundings. It’s a tough job, ya know?
As you might expect from a spa retreat that’s focused on healthy living, the grounds at Rancho la Puerta are immaculately sculpted and very well taken care of. You can’t help but relax as you meander along the brick walkways. The thick trees and shrub hide most of the buildings so you always feel like you’re isolated – in a very good way, of course.
Rocky, rolling hills surround the Ranch while grapevines (not yet growing) and wagon wheels dot the open spaces.
Buildings are tucked away down quiet walkways so that only a few rooms and suites are clustered near each other, making it very quiet.
A short walk from the Ranch is the cooking school, La Cocina Que Canta. The acres of land around the school are meticulously kept by Salvador, a true master gardener. In addition to the plethora of fruits and vegetables, flowers magically burst from the ground.
Of course I’ve come home to Seattle completely inspired to dive into my own garden. But I have to deal with the reality that we just don’t have the same beautiful year-round desert climate as the Ranch, located just over the border in the hills of Mexico. It’s a week at Rancho la Puerta that makes me wonder out loud why I do live here in Seattle with our 9 months of gray and rain. (Oh woe is me!)
See other lovely photos at DeliciousBaby!
Travel Well!
Meg Noble Peterson says
Omigod, Beth…I’m headed out to that ranch! We don’t have quite as much rain and darkness as you, but this year, since my return from broiling hot India, where I had not one day of rain, we’re making up for other springs I can barely remember. I head to NYC tonight, dressed in my Himalayan down jacket. It just ain’t fair. It’s April after all. Love your photos as always. So glad you had time for a much-deserved rest. Meg
Camels & Chocolate says
I love all the colorful flowers…SO PRETTY.
Lisa says
Beth, the flowers are so gorgeous! I’m glad you had the week away for some down time.
Dominique says
It’s gray and rainy here in Michigan this week, too…so these photos were a nice visual break for me today ๐
Kent @ No vacation Required says
If that place has you pondering the awesomeness of Seattle, it must be great. Heading to the website now…. ๐
Terry@Overnight New York says
I sat next to Deborah Szekely at a luncheon in New York a couple of years ago, and she was a delight. She was at least 92 at the time, but looked and sounded years younger as she recounted Rancho la Puerta’s beginnings as a retreat from the stresses of World War II. Much of the spa culture we know today stems from what she and her husband pioneered at that time. After lunch she planned to grab a cab and zip down to the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca to see their spa, which features elements of classic Japanese architecture. Hardly surprising as Japan was a big influence in her other spa creation, the Golden Door.
jade says
Ah- did you go with Melanie from Travels with Two?! She was telling us all about her trip- sounds super relaxing!