Enlarge Photo

Rancho La Puerta is just one hour from San Diego but feels a million miles away from city bustle. Set in 3,000 acres between the sea and the desert, the resort has been a favorite spa destination since it opened in 1940. Founded, owned and run by the Szekely family, the resort emphasizes back-to-nature living, whether you’re hiking in the valleys beneath Mount Kuchumao, practicing yoga in the beautifully landscaped gardens or eating meals from the ranch’s own organic farm, Rancho Tres Estrellas.

For most guests however, a highlight is time spent in the spa, which boasts three health and beauty centers, including a skin care boutique. All have outdoor showers, saunas, steam room and hot tub and offer package deals, including an unlimited spa ‘passport’ which allows you as many treatments as you can pack into your stay. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary skin care analysis and consultation.

Accommodation is in a series of ‘casitas’, which range in size from 470 square feet (ideal for couples) to a home away from home 1,140 square-feet villa. No two are exactly alike but all feature colorful Mexican folk art, fireplaces and no televisions. Meals are served in the grand Spanish dining room in the heart of the farm, with an ever changing, seasonal menu that always includes a seafood dish and vegetarian option. The all-natural diet is so popular with guests the resort now offers cooking classes (demonstration or hands on practice) and have published a book ‘Cooking with the Seasons’ (Stewart, Taboori & Chang, $35). Stays are for a week-long program, no exception. Proof of how good the program is: the incredibly high rate of repeat guests, who return faithfully every year. You’ll find groups of women who met here and reunite for the same week dozens of years on. From $2795 per person per week.

Read destination reports of Riviera Maya and Cabo

Read about Indagare’s favorite spa getaways

Read ten tips on how to choose the spa that’s right for you