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Finding Bliss in Tecate at Rancho La Puerta

  • BY Debra Bass
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Attractions

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If you’ve ever had any trepidation about crossing the border, this might be the perfect local excursion for those who want to be spoiled. Rancho La Puerta is located about an hour east of the Otay border in Tecate. The spa and health-centered resort renowned for its luxurious weeklong accommodations offers single-day excursions on select Saturdays of every month. The day trip includes a 50-minute classic massage, fitness classes, free time to get in touch with nature or relax by the pool, healthy morning snacks, Mediterranean lunch, a tour of the organic garden, and a cooking demonstration and buffet at La Cocina Que Canta. Round-trip transportation to and from San Diego is included for $345.

My day started with a 7:30am bus ride from the Mission Bay Visitors Center, and within two hours I found myself seated on the second floor of a rustic dining hall nibbling on a breakfast snack buffet of breads and muffins (with and without gluten or dairy), seasonal fruits, and freshly squeezed juices.

I indicated my food preferences as non-dairy and pescatarian, and servers and supervisors attentively directed me to the most suitable choices on the buffet line before I even had to ask. Ingredients and preparations were readily communicated at every meal, making it clear that dietary restrictions are addressed with genuine concern.

We split into groups for a tour of the grounds after breakfast. It seemed a bit overwhelming and sprawling at first, but once I learned to make the loop I realized the property is a series of circuitous paths that make getting lost nearly impossible. Rancho la Puerta is designed with accidental exercise in mind and the amenities are purposely sprinkled throughout to incentivize wandering.

Following the morning tour, the itinerary in my welcome packet described a schedule of fitness classes ranging from intense core workouts to gentle meditation. I selected the abs class, followed by yoga—and then it was time for the Mediterranean buffet lunch. The maître d’ recognized me from breakfast and guided me to accommodating dishes. I ended up with a plateful of salads and vegetables that included a blend of roasted eggplant, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, snap peas, tomatoes, and sweet potato, plus a side salad topped with spicy garbanzo beans.

There was just enough time after lunch for a massage and nap under a blanket in a quiet lounge area, so I decided to skip the two-mile hike up Alex’s Oak Trail.

At 3pm we were whisked off to the resort’s culinary center, La Cocina Que Canta, which translates to The Kitchen That Sings, named after the delightful bird songs from the property’s morning visitors.

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Debra Bass

Debra Bass became foodie famous with a story on savory oatmeal more than a decade ago that was published in a slew of US and international newspapers. She enjoys exploring the San Diego healthy food scene, but indulges in worthwhile guilty pleasures.

If you’ve ever had any trepidation about crossing the border, this might be the perfect local excursion for those who want to be spoiled. Rancho La Puerta is located about an hour east of the Otay border in Tecate. The spa and health-centered resort renowned for its luxurious weeklong accommodations offers single-day excursions on select Saturdays of every month. The day trip includes a 50-minute classic massage, fitness classes, free time to get in touch with nature or relax by the pool, healthy morning snacks, Mediterranean lunch, a tour of the organic garden, and a cooking demonstration and buffet at La Cocina Que Canta. Round-trip transportation to and from San Diego is included for $345.

My day started with a 7:30am bus ride from the Mission Bay Visitors Center, and within two hours I found myself seated on the second floor of a rustic dining hall nibbling on a breakfast snack buffet of breads and muffins (with and without gluten or dairy), seasonal fruits, and freshly squeezed juices.

I indicated my food preferences as non-dairy and pescatarian, and servers and supervisors attentively directed me to the most suitable choices on the buffet line before I even had to ask. Ingredients and preparations were readily communicated at every meal, making it clear that dietary restrictions are addressed with genuine concern.

We split into groups for a tour of the grounds after breakfast. It seemed a bit overwhelming and sprawling at first, but once I learned to make the loop I realized the property is a series of circuitous paths that make getting lost nearly impossible. Rancho la Puerta is designed with accidental exercise in mind and the amenities are purposely sprinkled throughout to incentivize wandering.

Following the morning tour, the itinerary in my welcome packet described a schedule of fitness classes ranging from intense core workouts to gentle meditation. I selected the abs class, followed by yoga—and then it was time for the Mediterranean buffet lunch. The maître d’ recognized me from breakfast and guided me to accommodating dishes. I ended up with a plateful of salads and vegetables that included a blend of roasted eggplant, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, snap peas, tomatoes, and sweet potato, plus a side salad topped with spicy garbanzo beans.

There was just enough time after lunch for a massage and nap under a blanket in a quiet lounge area, so I decided to skip the two-mile hike up Alex’s Oak Trail.

At 3pm we were whisked off to the resort’s culinary center, La Cocina Que Canta, which translates to The Kitchen That Sings, named after the delightful bird songs from the property’s morning visitors.

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KStokes

KStokes

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It wasn’t inevitable, but it sure is a good fit. Katie Stokes brings a love of family, nature, gardening, cooking, animals, reading and travel to her leadership of Edible San Diego.