Mexico Attractions

Venue: Rancho La Puerta Spa    When: Daily

Sixty years ago, 17 year-old Deborah Szekely and her Hungarian husband, the late Edmond Szekely, settled across the Mexican border in an adobe hut with lots of good intentions. Fast forward to today and you'll find the popular Rancho La Puerta Spa.

Rancho La Puerta, one of the oldest in North America, began with intrepid guests doing calisthenics in the open air and sleeping in their own tents. Sixty years later, it scores highest in many spa aficionado's ratings since it offers a huge variety of activities and exercise programmes, while visitors can now relax in comfortable casitas.

The property has also grown to encompass a sprawling 3000 acres of undeniably beautiful Baja countryside, littered with hiking trails and the best that nature has to offer. However much you wander around however, there's little chance of losing fellow chill-out junkies, as everyone eats together in the dining room. The vegetarian menu, also prides itself on serving "clean food" (organic, in spa parlance).

The Spa's website should tell you all you need to know and more - it is very comprehensive. Part of its charm is that it is well tucked away: 35 miles south east of San Diego and three miles from Tecate, although only about an hour and a half's drive from the San Diego Airport. The location was selected by Deborah Szekely and the late Edmond Szekely for its ideal year-round climate, with a pleasant breeze, sunny days and clear starry nights.