Guest Testimonials
At Rancho La Puerta, wellbeing is not just a program—it is a way of life. Surrounded by mountains, gardens, and open skies, guests come to reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with a community that nurtures body, mind, and spirit.
Over the years, countless guests have discovered moments of renewal, joy, and transformation here at The Ranch. Their stories capture the essence of what makes this place so special.
Here is what some of our guests are saying about their time at The Ranch:
“These past two days at La Cocina Que Canta @lacocinaquecanta at Rancho La Puerta @rancholapuerta felt nothing short of magical. There is something so special about gathering around food, sharing stories, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of seasonal ingredients.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with The Ranch guests and share my love for cooking in such an inspiring setting. A heartfelt thank you to Master Gardener Salvador @tinajero.salvador for so generously sharing the gifts of the garden with us. It truly made every dish come alive. And to Chef Vivian @is__vivs and her wonderful team, thank you for welcoming me into your kitchen with such warmth and generosity.
My heart is full. “
✨ ❤️ Zuliya Khawaja @naturallyzuzu, Visiting Chef, March 2026
“It’s fabulous being back at Rancho La Puerta. This is, I believe, my fourth time, and I’m standing in La Cocina Que Canta, which is this incredible cooking school. And what’s amazing about it is we go into the farm, this incredible farm where Salvador, he grows the vegetables, the fruits, the herbs, the edible flowers. We bring them in here and we cook. I mean, that onion was picked this morning. We just don’t get that these days in our lives. And of course, part of wellness, part of health, part of a rounded diet and a rounded lifestyle is cooking and good food. And what’s incredible about I hope coming to my classes, we make it simple, we make it fun, we make it cool, we make it approachable. We have a giggle, we have a glass of wine, because that’s all part of it. And here we are, Rancho Puerta, La Cocina Que Canta. It is paradise for someone who loves food.”
– Dan Hayes, London Chef, 2026
“Rancho La Puerta is life-changing, really. Every time I come, I take home something that makes my life better.”
–Lauren B. guest since 1985
“People say Rancho La Puerta is magical, and it certainly feels that way, but I can tell you it is all based on science. There are so many intentional programs that actually speak directly to our implicit memory. Things like yoga, chanting, meditation, sound healing, even silent hikes, and the beautiful landscaping all around get directly into a special part of the brain that creates breakthroughs that feel like magic. My name is Dr. Julie Lopez. I’m a presenter here at the ranch, and I can’t wait to be back.“
– Dr. Julie Lopez
“I came to The Ranch as a solo traveler. I’m really enjoying all the activities that The Ranch has to offer, and I especially really enjoy the social engagement. I am so surprised at the history of the people that are here. They come year after year after year. They bring their children, they bring their mothers, and they want community, and it feels really safe and respectful. And I’ve enjoyed getting to know a lot of new women and having a really, really nice time here at The Ranch.“
– Allison, solo traveler
“I would absolutely recommend Rancho La Puerta. It’s a place to just escape from the everyday and just recharge your batteries, and find so many ways to be healthy and go forward. And an incredible part of longevity, I would say, is anybody who is interested in improving their health and longevity.”
– Julie G. 33+ visits
“The reason that I keep coming back is that the ranch taught me about self-care and how important it is. I’ve come here in many moods and many stages of my life, and if my heart is open and I listen, The Ranch always gives me what I need.”
–Jan, 23+ visits
“Every single time we come here, something new has been added, something different, something special. This is an extraordinary place to be.”
– Betty R.
“The Ranch is very, very good for meditating, tai chi, there’s a lot of activities that help me feel at ease. And then on the transformation side, there’s a lot of activities that I can really let some of the pent-up energy out. I was playing pickleball earlier. There are activities like that and ab workouts. All that helps me to release the tension that I had before. So just coming here helps and the food is great.”
– Derek, two visits in a year
“I need to come back again soon, but recommend it for anyone, whether you’re a teenager or you’re 30,40, 50. I’m working out next to a 90-year-old man who’s probably stronger than I am. Everyone is so kind. It’s such a safe space to be in. Everyone’s here for the right reasons, for the same intentions. So at the end of the week, you’re friends.”
–Isela, first-time guest
“I celebrated my 70th birthday here this past New Year’s Eve, and I brought my five kids and husband. It’s life changing for me. I feel like I have a healthy attitude towards living I’ve embraced it in my children. I cook organically. I just love it and I feel healthy and great.”
– Denise, first visit in 1978
“My wife talked me into coming down here, probably close to 20 years ago, with a couple’s week, and it kind of just really resonated. And the ability for us to come together and enjoy everything, experience a lot of different exercises and mental activities, the great food, and the camaraderie we’ve been able to build with the people we’ve met here has been very unique.”
–Mike H, 5th visit
“I’ve been to The Ranch a few times in the past several years, but this last trip has been extra special. Last year, when I was here, I weighed 55 pounds more, and I’ve lost that weight and kept it off for 6 months. A big trigger was being at The Ranch. It disconnected me from processed foods, and I got in touch with what I liked: natural foods and the sweetness of fruit. But even more importantly, I realized that I could exercise and do activities more than once a day. My self-imposed limitations of I’m going to play pickleball so I don’t need to stretch in the morning, or maybe I should save myself because I won’t have energy later. That was a myth, because I was doing things all day, taking breaks and two or three or four activities a day, and when I went home, I took that with me, and I added the exercise. And I think that’s been key, not only in keeping me active during the weight loss, but in keeping it off afterwards, and then to come back to The Ranch and repeat the experiences, which is just super, and I feel very fortunate to be here.”
– Karen K, San Francisco
“I am from County Kildare in Ireland, and this is my first time to Rancho La Puerta. And I really had no idea what to expect beyond what my wonderful friends thought, but I have to say it surprised me on so many levels. It’s got a fabulous mixture of spirituality, exercise, fitness, new things to try, wonderful hikes, and the food’s been fantastic. So all in all, it’s been a really, really nice week. I played pickleball for the first time, tried bungee, did aerial yoga, and took other classes. Sound healing was probably my favorite thing I haven’t done at home, and I’m going to go back and look for it. So that’s been wonderful.”
– Catherine, Ireland
“I first started coming here in the summer of 2000, and I have pretty much grown up here. When I came here, I was in my early 20s, and what I’ve learned at The Ranch is pretty much everything related to wellness. So even me jump starting my career into being a physical therapist, it all started here. So everything about it, I love, and I love how everyone makes me feel like family. Everyone is so nice and kind. There are generations of people working here, state-of-the-art classes, instruction, and it’s a place where I come to just feel content. So when things are happening in my life that need me to kind of recenter, stop, and just pause, I can come here. I can get everything I need and more in just a few days, visit. And it’s just a place I call home, and I love it.”
–Tracy, 25+ visits
“It’s an extraordinary place where you look, and you seek, and you find, and you also try things you never tried before. I’m not much of a hiker, but I did hike here. I’m really not much of an artist, but I tried watercolor painting here, and in fact, after we stopped talking here, I am probably going to go down to the watercolor studio.”
– First time guest
“It’s very artistic. The creativity just abounds, along with the quality and integrity. And I don’t know another place like this. So I really travel here to find myself, and I love the people I meet.”
–Artist, Renee Sandell
“It’s just a very special place. I mean the setting with Mount Kumchuma and the hiking trails, but as beautiful as the setting is, what I would probably say I like most about this place is the people, all these people and their wonderful stories.”
– Alexander H., 3 visits
“I have been coming to Rancho La Puerta for about 10 years now. From the moment I arrived, it has been the most amazing experience and has pretty much changed my life. So now, whenever I’m feeling a little stressed or want to reset, I come to The Ranch. I love it so much that this time, I actually decided to bring my children, who are 26 and 28, and they, too, are having an amazing time.”
– Jillian H., annual guest
“I love it. I love the variety of activities and classes offered. I love the way the day flows. When you’re here, you know you can take a walk in the morning and then have breakfast. Then you start having your classes. And whichever classes you choose, they’re set up so one leads to the next, creating a beautiful little routine you can follow that really uplifts your spirit and mind, and helps you connect with other people out here. That’s another thing I love about here. Just by coming here, you’re already finding other like-minded people that also chosen to come down here to The Ranch and have this experience. So the classes, some lend themselves more to connecting with others. Some lend themselves more to connecting with yourself, with your inner voice, letting go of some of the worries you might have about the outside world, and really finding peace, if at least for a moment.”
– Daniel, 26 years old, 2nd visit
“I’ve been coming to the ranch since 1985. This is my 25th week at the ranch. Since then, when I came in 1985, I had never stretched before, aside from simple runner stretches. In particular, the hike in those days was up some switchbacks to the crest of a hill over behind me, and I thought I would die going up that hill. I had to stop eight or nine times to catch my breath. I couldn’t understand who these people were who just went loping up the hill. Long story short, I came back two years later. I had lost 10% of my body weight, which is still gone. I had taken better care of myself from things I learned here at the ranch, and I went up that same trail the first day without stopping. That’s when it hit me. I looked back at Th Ranch from up on top, and I said, you know, this stuff really works. I came back four months later. Then I got my family to come, and we had family reunions here over the years. So The Ranch is near and dear to my heart. I’ll be signing up today to come back again next year, and I am already anxious to be back.“
–Paul, San Francisco, 25+ visits
“I’ve been coming to The Ranch since 1990 and it’s my special place. It’s my home, really. It really is. And every time I come back, I find more new, interesting things that The Ranch is offering. It’s been transformative. I’ve had huge life lessons here. It’s helped me through some very rough times and some changes in my life. I adore this place so much.”
– Carol J., Toronto, Canada
“I came the first time with my mother as a college freshman in 1971 and have always enjoyed coming here ever since. For me, it’s heaven on earth, the place, the people, the spirit of the place. My mother found Rancho La Puerta, I think, sometime in the 60s and it was also her happy place. She felt very free here.“
–Mimi H., 24th visit
“I’ve been coming to the ranch since 1981 on a pretty consistent basis. I’ve kept coming to the ranch because of the tremendous variety of activities, including hiking, the exercise classes. It’s been a real personal journey throughout the process, but more importantly, I’ve made lifelong friends.”
– Ginger L., Naples, Florida
“What an amazing experience! My heartfelt gratitude to everyone that made this week the greatest getaway that I have ever had. From the airport to the airport, I was amazed by the incredible organization, the spirit of service, the care and every detail.”
– Adriana, first-time guest
“I’ve been daydreaming all week about who it would be fun to come here with. And out of everybody I could think of, I think I’d prefer to come back here with my three kids…because, at the end of the day, it’s like you experienced something so beautiful, and you want to share it with those you love the most.“
–Lisa B., Oregon, first-time guest
“There’s no place like this on the planet, between the mountain, the sacredness of the land, the type of people that it attracts—there’s something magical that goes on here. The Ranch heals your soul, no matter what. Even if you’re just here for a couple of days, you will be healed. It’s the only place I know on the planet that does this.”
– Leslie McGuirk, 40+ visits
“’I like eating healthy, and the healthy eating is built-in here. I always like trying new things, and here it makes that easy… it feels really good…It’s just refreshing; I love it so much.“
–Tessa B., Oregon, High School Senior, first-time guest
“A significant part of the Ranch’s magic & enduring appeal is that it has something for everybody, first-timers as well as frequent repeaters, and always gives you exactly what you need, whether you know what that will be or not.
The Ranch has always felt like a sanctuary & safe place to retreat from the rigors of the “real world”, but now more so than ever. After a year of being constrained by the pandemic, coming here where I can breathe freely & let my soul expand with the joy of life again is the healthiest thing I can do for myself.“
– Heidi M., Sunnyvale, CA
“After day one, Ranch Magic had already set in, and I was so much more relaxed. If you end up going to a lecture, you might be one of a few people there, and you can have a deeper level of conversation with the presenters, and it becomes a much more interesting dynamic. My wife and I bonded with several of the guest lecturers, which rarely happens. Everybody was so accommodating, and the classes were very personalized. We went on the organic breakfast hike twice because we liked it so much and it wasn’t crowded. It was a tremendous experience…We can’t wait to go back.“
–Bob, La Jolla, CA, 8+ visits