Food for the Soul & An Electrolyte Smoothie!

I have just spent a wonderful, inspiring week at a magical place called Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. It’s the top-rated destination spa and fitness resort in the world for good reason.

It boasts 3,000 acres of lush, fragrant gardens, several swimming pools, and instead of a random hotel room, you have a unique casita with patio. The “shangri-la” peaceful vibe is underscored by majestic Mt. Kuchumaa, bestowing it’s mystical tranquility over all beneath it. There’s also a wonderful organic farm where much of the food they serve is grown.

This is my sixth visit to the Ranch, and what brings me back is how all stress melts away hiking Mt. Kuchumaa and absorbing the spirit and strength of it, feeding my soul. As you hike along, you might even see wild horses and cows on the trails!

Besides the beautiful Alex’s Oak, there are special rocks as you walk along like Skull Rock, the Worry Rock, and the open Shark mouth rock. There’s a bit of a ritual I was taught the first time I came upon them. It’s said that you should place your forehead against the Worry Rock and give it all your worries. Then walk on to a rock that looks like a large shark with it’s mouth open wide. Take pebbles from the ground, give them your hopes and dreams, then place them on the shelf, in the “mouth” of the rock to set your intentions. You might think it’s hokey but doing this feels really freeing and optimistic. I’m buying in!

The cuisine is vegetarian with some fish. There are gluten-free options too. It’s delicious. There’s also a swanky little wine bar on the premises – oh YEAH!

Besides hiking, there’s a variety of fitness classes such as pilates, water classes, boot camp, dance, yoga, tennis, pickleball, etc. And if that doesn’t appeal to you, there’s always a lounge chair by one of three elegant, refreshing pools. As you meander along the grounds, you’ll also see many hammocks strewn across trees just waiting to be enjoyed in the cool shade. In my week, we had visiting instructors Odile Zelenak teaching pilates and Craig Stuart of HydroFit teaching water classes. I learned so much and had a great time!

After all that work, there’s only one thing missing – spaaaaaaaa treatments! I indulged in one each day. No other place I’ve been to compares with the care and quality of these. There’s such an appealing variety of options, it was hard to choose! One that sounds so minor called Happy Hands & Feet is anything but. You leave feeling so relaxed. My top treatment of the week was the Mountain Sage Hot Stone Massage. The effects of it lasted for hours and got all the kinks out of my tight muscles.

Special events are featured each week. In my week I was excited to learn from author Leslie Levine, literary agent Joëlle Delbourgo of Joëlle Delbourgo Associates, and St. Martin’s Press Executive Editor Brenda Copeland who each gave entertaining and informative sessions on writing, the business of writing, and how to get your writing out in the world. As I work on book #2, this was invaluable.

There’s a juice bar by one of the pools where the wonderful Alejandra Garduño made the most delicious electrolyte smoothie that she shared with me. You’re going to love it!

Here’s how:

INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1-1/2 cups ice
• 1 large banana
• 1 handful fresh spinach
• 1 handful fresh mint
• 1 cup mango, cubed

DIRECTIONS:
1) Combine all ingredients and blend about 30 seconds or until well mixed. Enjoy!

I am blessed to have gone to Rancho La Puerta not just once, but six times. I’m not alone. 90% of the guests are return visitors – some have been going for 30 years! There’s not 200 guests each week from all over the country and the world, and everyone is so friendly. I’ve met amazing people who have become such good friends. This week I met new people who have already impacted me and will surely be strong forces in my life too.

There’s something restorative about the Ranch. All your worries & stress instantly dissipate and you become focused and centered, you return to your true essence. The fragrance in the air intoxicates you. The staff is accommodating, warm, and friendly – true professionals all. Before I left, I booked for the same time next year. I already can’t wait to go back!

Ohhhmmmm,
Annette