Rancho La Puerta is a place and an experience you didn't know you need in your life. Once there,…read moreyou realize how vital this place is to your well-being.
As of 2025, this was my 3rd retreat to RLP and it won't be my last. I plan on making this an annual trip. It's hard to put into words how great it feels to be here, and even harder to show how beautiful it is because the photos never do it justice.
Pros:
- The food. It's delicious and makes you feel good from the inside out. Dining happens in the dining hall which is this beautiful building where meals are treated as more than nourishment for your body, but for your soul as well. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style. You can sit outside with beautiful views of Mt. Kuchumaa or sit indoors. There are small tables and large tables to sit with new and old friends. Dinner is served table side. Each meal is crafted with care using a delicous, fresh variety of foods that include whatever is growing in their gardens (more on the gardens later).
- The property. The entire property is rustic but cared for and loved. The grounds and gardens are meticulously maintained.
- Mt Kuchumaa. My absolute favorite part of RLP are the morning (sunrise) hikes. Many different levels of hiking and no experience required. My favorite hike is Coyote and the Breakfast Hike.
- No wifi or televisions. It's a great way to unwind.
- The classes; fitness, art, speakers....there is so much to learn.
- The rooms are rustic and clean. You have all the amenities you need.
- Spend time relaxing at one of the amazing pools and spas.
- Shuttle service from San Diego is great. They are also wonderful if you need to arrive or depart in an off-day.
- I always felt safe and cared for
Cons: (this list could be kinda short)
- Sometimes it's confusing to navigate the property. Especially if it's your first time. Also, if you have mobility issues, you will want to keep that in mind as there is a lot of walking to do to get from place to place....BUT, with that said, I saw a lot of people with less mobility than myself getting around just fine. :) They may not be on sunrise hikes, but they were in all the classes, concerts and dinners.
- Highway Noise. Unfortunately, you can hear the highway from the ranch, which is so strange because it feels like a different world...but yes, it's close to the major highway and you will hear semi truck air brakes quite often. Some casitas are closer than others.
This is my must-do list:
- Hiking Mt Kuchumaa. They have several options every morning.
- Gourmet Breakfast Hike
- Cooking class
- Spa (getting a treatment or just spending a few hours relaxing in the women's only spa pool/hot tub)
- Sound bath sessions
- Instructor-led classes - so much variety!
Pro-tip suggestions:
- Don't go hungry...need more protein and avocados for breakfast or lunch? Just ask, they will bring it to you from the kitchen.
- Don't go hungry....order a meal and a half at dinner or get half of each entree.
- Don't over-schedule yourself, but DO make sure you look at everything that's offered all week.
- This is not the Marriott or Ritz. It is a rustic, wonderful health resort that reflects the vibe they are going for.
- Be open and relax.
- Sign up right away for classes that fill up like the Organic Breakfast hike and things that cost more like the Cooking Class.
- Review your folder and take a couple of hours to acquaint yourself with how things work, the classes and grounds.
