A Great Destination Spa Bargain Right Across The Border

Right now I'm visiting Rancho La Puerta, the original destination spa. It was started in the 1940s by Deborah Szekeley (who also founded Golden Door) and her husband in Tecate, Mexico, just four miles across the border. (It's far from Tijuana and they take good care getting you here and back, so don't worry!) I've been here for less than 24 hours and already I've learned an MTV dance number (and laughed hard doing it), tried Feldenkraise, and heard author Ellen Sussman, an unrepentant bad girl, talk about her collection of essays on that tantalizing topic.

"She shocked even me!" said Hayes, a lawyer from Arkansas who has been here about 25 times and calls it a part of his life. In fact, most of the people I've met so far come here year after year - ten times, thirteen times. It's something they do for themselves once or twice a year -- to get inspired, to try new things, to connect with their healthiest, happiest self.

A lot of people are confused about what a destination spa really is. In part it's because some writers don't know the difference between an overnight spa and a destination spa. In part it's because some resort spas have misused the name. But once you've been to one -- a Canyon Ranch, Golden Door, as Rancho La Puerta -- you know the difference.

Rancho La Puerta also happens to be one of the great bargains in destination spas, with rates starting at $3,000 (dbl) for a seven-night stay, including food, classes and treatments. And through December 27, 2008 you can stay for three or four-nights. If you've never been to a destination spa before, this is a great one to check out.