Origins of the Ranch
Rancho La Puerta, founded by Edmond and Deborah Szekely in 1940, is the original destination fitness resort and spa. It has always been at this location, and always family-owned and operated.
Take the JourneyRancho Origin Journey
Deborah Szekely at age 100: a life of multiple lifestyles and careers
Deborah Szekely and her late husband Edmond Szekely (1905-1979) started “the Ranch” as a “health camp,” and welcomed their first guests to the same location that Rancho La Puerta occupies today. Eighty-two years of operation have seen the once-primitive camp, set in a sweeping valley that flanks a mountain considered sacred by the Kumeyaay, evolve into a luxurious, but also unpretentious, resort. Rancho La Puerta today consistently wins “World’s Best” spa-category accolades from Travel+Leisure magazine and other top travel magazines.
Read Deborah Szekely at age 100
Origins of the Ranch, Part I
Rancho La Puerta, founded by Edmond and Deborah Szekely in 1940, is the original destination fitness resort and spa. It has always been at this location, and always family-owned and operated.
Early in the year 1934 two expeditions left Europe for the South Sea Islands.
After two weeks of treatment I felt much better than I had for many years.
Origins of the Ranch, Part III
The daytime was devoted to the physical part of the cure, while the evenings were set aside for the mental development and activity.
We were encouraged to solve problems as they arose; to analyze them, do what we could about them, and then put them out of our mind
Detailed attention was given to put the mind in good order.
Read Origins of the Ranch, Part IV
We experienced many unpleasant things when we were getting rid of our ailments, but these symptoms varied according to the nature of the disease we had.
Read Origins of the Ranch, Part V
We experienced many unpleasant things when we were getting rid of our ailments, but these symptoms varied according to the nature of the disease we had.
Read Origins of the Ranch, Part V
Origins of the Ranch, Part XII
Because of war conditions in Europe, Szekely could not return to the continent, and lacking a visa to enter the United States (despite already being in the U.S!), could not settle there.
He knew that Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, had a wonderful climate with maximum sun and would be conducive to healthy living. He journeyed there on June 4, 1940.
Several interpretations have been proposed for the word Kuchamaa..."the ones that cure"
Origins of the Ranch, Part XIV
Because of war conditions in Europe, Szekely could not return to the continent, and lacking a visa to enter the United States (despite already being in the U.S!), could not settle there.
Kuchumaa is a sacred mountain where only shamans and their initiates were allowed.
The mountain played an important role in the acquisition of healing skills. Delfina Cuero, a Baja California Kumeyaay, relates a story about a relative who after becoming a healer traveled to Kuchumaa.
He spent five days there receiving his healing songs, probably through the dream experience.
Longevity and Legacy: Celebrating 85 Years of the Ranch
Deborah Szekely at age 100
Origins of the Ranch, Part XVII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XVIII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XIX
Origins of the Ranch, Part XX
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXI
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXIII
Origins of the Ranch, 80th Anniversary
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXV
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXVI
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXVI
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXVII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXIX
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXX
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXI
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXIII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXIV
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXV
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXVI
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXVII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXVIII
Origins of the Ranch, Part XXXIX
Origins of the Ranch, Part XL
Origins of the Ranch, XLI
Origins of the Ranch, XLII
Origins of the Ranch, part XLIII
Origins of the Ranch Part XLIX
Origins of the Ranch Part L
Origins of The Ranch Part LI
Origins of the Ranch Part LII
Origins of the Ranch, Part LIII
