85 Years of Rancho La Puerta: A Living Legacy of Wellness

As Rancho La Puerta celebrates its 85th anniversary and co-founder Deborah Szekely begins her 103rd year, we pause to honor a place and a philosophy that helped shape the modern wellness movement. What started in 1940 as a simple health camp in the foothills of Baja California has grown into a 4,000-acre retreat dedicated to vitality, sustainability, and human connection.

In the words of Deborah herself:

“We didn’t set out to start a movement. We simply believed that health—real health came from movement, nourishment, rest, and purpose.” — Deborah Szekely.

Here are 12 defining moments that reflect the spirit and evolution of Rancho La Puerta:

1. Founding in Tecate (1940)

In June 1940, Deborah and Edmond Szekely opened a summer retreat in Tecate. Guests paid $17.50 a week and helped with daily chores, hikes, lectures, and vegetarian meals, seeding the philosophy of wellness through simplicity and nature.

2. Launching the Wellness Movement (1940s–1950s)

From those early days, Rancho La Puerta emphasized whole, plant-based meals, daily exercise, and time in nature—decades before the concept of “wellness” entered popular culture.

3. Deborah Szekely’s Enduring Leadership (1940–present)

Deborah’s wisdom and vitality remain at the heart of the Ranch’s identity. At 103, she continues to share her message:

“I often say, ‘Do right, eat right, move right, sleep right, think right.’ I do not worry; I just do my best.” — Deborah Szekely

4. Founding of the Golden Door Spa (1958)

In 1958, Deborah opened the Golden Door in San Marcos, California, redefining self-care by merging luxury with holistic wellness.

5. Creation of Fundación La Puerta (mid-1970s)

Founded to care for Tecate and its surrounding ecosystems, Fundación La Puerta supports conservation, education, and cultural initiatives rooted in shared stewardship.

6. Culinary Expansion with La Cocina Que Canta (Early 2000’s)

The Ranch’s culinary center, La Cocina Que Canta—”The Kitchen That Sings”—became the Ranch’s vibrant culinary center, celebrating the connection between food, health, and joy. Nestled within the property’s organic farm, the kitchen offers hands-on cooking classes led by renowned guest chefs who teach seasonal, garden-driven recipes.

Over the years, it has grown to include wine-paired, chef-plated dinners, where guests gather to savor multi-course meals crafted from the day’s harvest. This experience blends nourishment, artistry, and community in every bite. La Cocina is more than a kitchen; it’s a place to connect with the land, learn new skills, and taste the essence of the Ranch.

7. Recognition as World’s Best Destination Spa (2010s)

Voted “World’s Best Destination Spa” by Travel + Leisure and other publications throughout the 2010s, the Ranch earned global recognition for its comprehensive, integrative approach to health.

8. Sustainability Leadership (1980s–present)

Long before it became a trend, the Ranch prioritized sustainability through organic gardens, composting systems, and an ethos of reverence for the land.

9. Growth into a 4,000-Acre Retreat (by 2000s)

From makeshift tents to an adobe and canvas roof, the Ranch evolved into a 4,000-acre sanctuary featuring trails, mountains, meadows, and spaces for solitude and discovery.

10. Leadership by Sarah Livia Brightwood Szekely (2000s–present)

As president, Sarah Livia has deepened Rancho La Puerta’s roots—preserving its soul while leading with artistry, land stewardship, and community vision.

11. Establishment of The Villas (early 2000s)

To offer guests greater privacy, comfort, and luxury while still being immersed in nature, Rancho La Puerta introduced The Villas—a collection of thoughtfully designed casitas nestled throughout the property. Blending elegant architecture with handcrafted Mexican details, each Villa invites guests to relax in quietude while enjoying proximity to hiking trails, pools, and gardens.

12. Looking Ahead: Regeneration and Legacy (2020s and beyond)

As Rancho La Puerta looks to the future, its vision remains rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and community. With the development of advanced water reclamation systems, the Ranch continues to lead the way in eco-conscious hospitality—recycling wastewater to nourish its extensive gardens and minimize its environmental impact.

The introduction of The Residences at Rancho La Puerta marks a new chapter—inviting long-time guests and wellness seekers to call the Ranch home. These private homes, nestled within the natural beauty of the Ranch’s landscape, offer a way of living aligned with its core values: community, vitality, and reverence for the land.

13. 85th Anniversary Culinary Event: Ranch Originals (2025)

In 2025, we celebrated “Ranch Originals,” a tribute to the beloved recipes and chefs who’ve nourished guests over the years—one lovingly plated meal at a time.

14. Spirit and Strength Wellness Package (2025)

Launched in our 85th year, the “Spirit and Strength” package honors the core of the Ranch: resilience, movement, joy, and renewal at every age.

Still Growing After 85 Years

“The Ranch is located between two mountains, and for many people, it’s the door to a new life. That’s why they come here: to open that door again, and each time, they receive different messages, depending on what they’re ready for.” — Deborah Szekely,

A Legacy That Lives On

As we mark 85 years of Rancho La Puerta, we celebrate not only milestones but also honor a living tradition of care, connection, and renewal. The journey continues with every guest who walks our trails, shares a meal, or simply takes a deep breath beneath our oaks. Here’s to the next chapter rooted in purpose, guided by wellness, and open to all who seek it.