Sarah will teach daily yoga classes focusing on alignment: Coursing your attention through the body from the ground up enables you to engage your mind in the moment. The nature of the mind is to flicker, and by bringing it to focus intentionally, the quietude illuminates the inner freedom that is accessible any time you need it.
Sarah will teach also workshops about how bringing the principles of yoga to your daily life will impact your capacity for equanimity amidst the challenges of our modern life.
Afternoon workshops offered for alleviating “text neck,” and restorative yoga classes for experiencing deep rest.
Sarah Bell has been a longtime Ranch enthusiast since her first visit (and first formal yoga class ever) in 1989.
Sarah has been teaching Hatha Yoga since 1994. Her interest in Yoga deepened with Erich Schiffmann in Santa Monica, who became her first teacher-trainer and mentor. She was a sought-after teacher there at Yoga Works for a decade, under the tutelage of the late Maty Ezraty, until she left California to join the fitness staff at the Ranch in 2004.
Sarah moved to New York City and taught more than 30 teacher-training courses for Yoga Works there, across the country, and internationally.
She continued to refine her teaching skills at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York, where she assisted James Murphy in his beginner classes.
Sarah moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 2018 and continues to teach privately and online. She mentors teachers in communication, methodology, and philosophy.
Her love of the ever-evolving practice of Yoga and her joy in sharing the wisdom of its principles with new and seasoned students alike keep her classes fresh, instructive, light, and intuitive. Sarah invites students of every level to be curious about how their minds work to create trouble, and guide them to cultivate a sense of humor so they can take the reins themselves and discover sustainable inner peace.
Vicki Foster is a 5.0 pickleball player and teaching professional based in Scottsdale, Arizona. With over 15 years of coaching and competitive experience across North America, she has captured multiple gold medals in the 5.0 division at the USA and Canadian National Championships. As a former National Coach Developer for the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), Vicki trained and certified more than 800 new instructors throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. A sponsored Team Selkirk player, she also serves as a lead professional on luxury international pickleball retreats, sharing her expertise with players around the world. In addition to pickleball, Vicki competes in USTA tennis and is a former Division I tennis player and a USPTA Elite Pro.
Chef Vivian Mercado is a young culinary talent with roots deeply intertwined with the vibrant flavors of her homeland, Baja California. Graduating from the Culinary School at the University of Baja California UABC in Ensenada, Vivian embarked on a culinary journey that began by honing her skills at a wholesome meal prep kitchen. Eager to explore the diverse tapestry of local Baja flavors, she took the role of a young manager at a culinary venture, where she delved into the realms of local wines, specialty coffee and artisanal bread. After three enriching years, Vivian returned to Tecate, where she found her culinary sanctuary at Rancho La Puerta. Starting at Tierra Alegre Juice Bar, Vivian delighted our guests with delicious and nutritious smoothies and cold pressed juice creations; a year later she had the opportunity to join the main Rancho La Puerta kitchen as Sous Chef for three years. Now, at La Cocina que Canta, Head Chef Vivian brings her expertise, creativity, and unwavering passion for culinary excellence to every dish she crafts, to every class she teaches.
Segundo Romero is an acclaimed Argentine culinary expert with over 20 years of international experience. Known for his bold creativity and refined technique, he has made a lasting impact in top kitchens across México, the United States, and Argentina. Celebrated as an ambassador of Argentine, Latin American, and European cuisines, Chef Romero blends tradition with innovation to create dishes that are both authentic and contemporary. His distinguished career includes leadership roles at prestigious establishments such as the Alvear Palace Hotel, Sofitel, Barceló Hotels, Monarch Restaurants, and Grupo Carbón México. Beyond the kitchen, he is a respected consultant and educator, passionate about mentoring aspiring chefs and sharing the transformative power of food. At Rancho La Puerta, Chef Romero brings a fresh culinary vision centered on wellness, sustainability, and the celebration of global flavors.
Diane Wheatley is a Pilates and Yoga teacher based in Port Townsend, Washington. Meditation for Diane began like many others: uncomfortable, attention challenged and confusing. Through persistence and exploration, she discovered her own personal meditation practice – one size does not fit all, but there is a practice ideally suited to you and your personality. Sometimes we just need practical and clear guidance – then the joy happens.
A former National Aerobic Champion, star of the iconic Abs of Steel videos, and creator of the over 1-million selling Discover Tai Chi series, Scott Cole has lectured in over 30 countries and been a guest on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, The View, CNN, The Early Show, The Doctors, and more. He has trained Hollywood elite (Christian Bale, Barry Manilow, Stefanie Powers, Gena Lee Nolin), and was featured in The Wall Street Journal for his unique blending of the martial and healing arts. After 5 years of Clinical Pain Management, Scott is poised to help RLP guests improve balance, strength, mobility, and flexibility, AND reduce stress.
Zen Bon Jacques-Pierre is a Buddhist monk, Qigong instructor, speaker, and author of Seven Attempts, 17,000 Thoughts, available on Amazon. His life’s journey has been one of deep transformation ~ shaped by adversity, service, and self-discovery.
Gay Gasper began her fitness career on Fit Tour, completing nine tours teaching fitness workshops in the United States. Additionally, Gay has shared her expertise by teaching at various Fitness Conventions around the world. Gay is the choreographer of over 40 fitness videos, has worked at QVC and HSN. She currently works full-time at a (CCRC) Continuing Care Resident Community as the Director of Fitness and teaches at numerous fitness facilities around Charlotte, NC. Gay continues to travel and teach, presenting fitness education for Interactive Fitness Trainers of America.
