Most of the U.S. is under ‘heat-wave’ conditions and yet there is a mountain sanctuary less than two hours from San Diego, CA  that’s experiencing milder temperatures.  If you thought it was too late for a summer vacation, think again.  Rancho la Puerta, one of my favorite destination spas (and the World’s #1 Destination Spa by the readers of Travel+Leisure) in Tecate, Mexico is offering an amazing summer promotion that you should know about.  If you’ve been to Rancho la Puerta, then you know this is something special and if you haven’t had the opportunity to experience a week at the ‘Ranch,’ then now might be a good time.

Read my latest article about Rancho la Puerta (pages 62-64)
in TravelWorld International Magazine.

SUMMER VILLA & SPA PROMOTION:
- 20% off Any Villa, Any Number of Guests -OR-
Save 25% when four share a Two-Bedroom Villa or Three share a Villa Studio

- Valid for weeks through August 27, 2011
- 7-night stays are from Saturday to Saturday

Spa Bonus:  You’ll also receive THREE COMPLIMENTARY MASSAGES**
** Per Person and not valid with the Four-Hands Massage

What does my week include?
7-nights – Saturday to Saturday**
A week at the ‘Ranch’ includes all (vegetarian) meals
Hiking, fitness classes, wellness classes and activities
Ground Transfers from San Diego Airport (Saturday only)

The weeks ahead include:
Water Week (7/23), Writer’s Week (7/30), Ballet Week (8/6 & 13), Pilates Week (8/20) and
Rancho Reads & Writes Week (8/27)

Are you a first timer?
Let me know when you call me directly and we can review much more about Rancho la Puerta!

My gift to you:
In addition to the Summer Spa Savings above,  I’d love for you to enjoy a little more pampering so when you call me directly (1-800-532-5590) to reserve your week, you’ll also receive -one- 50-minute Relaxation Massage as my gift.

Renew, Relax and Rejuvenate at the Ranch!

Call me directly at 1-800-532-5590 with any questions and the week that interests you. My week was amazing and I hope you’ll consider a week that could help you change your life for the better.  There’s still time to make 2011 your best, most fit and healthiest year ever!

It’s cold just about everywhere in the United States and I don’t know about you, but I’m already thinking about leaving the snow behind for warmer weather.  One of my favorite destination spas, Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico is offering an amazing end of year promotion that you should know about.  If you’ve been to Rancho la Puerta, then you know this is something special and if you haven’t had the opportunity to experience a week at the ‘Ranch,’ then now is the time.

Reservation and Deposit:
Before you continue reading, there’s an important point to this -
Reservations must be made by Friday, Dec. 31, 2010 to receive this reduction

Details, nothing but the details:
Save 25% on weeks between Jan. 8 – Feb. 12
* A couple of January weeks have limited space
Save 20% on weeks between Feb. 19 – June 4

What does my week include?
7-nights – Saturday to Saturday**
A week at the ‘Ranch’ includes all (vegetarian) meals
Hiking, fitness classes, wellness classes and activities
Ground Transfers from San Diego Airport (Saturday only)

** Based on availability, you may also consider a shorter stay for
Wednesday-Saturday or Saturday-Wednesday
Ground transfers are available on Saturdays only

A Sample of the Weeks Ahead:
Jan. 15 - Pilates Week
Feb. 5 – The Truth About Sleep with Dr. Rubin Naiman, Ph.d.
March 12 – Hatha Yoga Week
Develop your Personal Power
March 26 – Focus on Golf
All weeks – Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta

My gift to you:
Spa services are a la carte, however I’d love for you to enjoy a little pampering so when you call me directly (1-800-532-5590) to reserve your week, you’ll also receive -one- 50-minute Relaxation Massage as my gift.   Renew, Relax and Rejuvenate at the Ranch!

Kick off the New Year with the gift of wellness. 
Call me directly at 1-800-532-5590 with any questions and the week that interests you.

My week was amazing and I hope you’ll consider a week that could help you change your life for the better.  Make 2011 your best, most fit and healthiest year ever!

Your Adventure Awaits You at Rancho la Puerta

Is anyone else out there experiencing cabin fever? I am not one to stay put for a very long time and I am ready to go someplace very soon…..and now is the time to consider a long awaited getaway. We’ve been reading and hearing about making cutbacks and recently one of my articles was published about our current economic atmosphere and how people are cutting back and one example was about making lattes at home; well it doesn’t seem that way when I’m waiting in line for my soy latte at Starbucks. Travel is another area that has been affected by our current economic atmosphere and although travel buying habits have changed, people are traveling. Travel and tourism is one of our nation’s greatest resources for jobs and economic growth and support is vital. Simply put, travel supports the economy let alone the other benefits of our well-being, relationships, and rest to name a few. Whether you’re dealing with cabin fever, monkey mind or sleep deprivation, traveling can set you free and open your mind to possibilities, a new awareness and maybe that’s what we need to consider now more than ever.

Many resorts are offering amazing values right now and some are advertised while many aren’t and that’s when working with a travel professional becomes important. So, with that, I’m going to cover 4 different promotions that are being offered right now. Take a look and consider one of these options. It may be just what you need for your vision of hope and well-being.

Rancho la Puerta
Bring a Friend Promotion
Travel the week of February 7-14, 2009
or February 21-28, 2009

There is too much “room at the inn” in these particular weeks, so there is an offer rarely seen at Rancho La Puerta. All guests staying one week (Saturday to Saturday) can bring a friend at 50% off. Share the room…share the savings…and most importantly, share the one and only experience that is Rancho La Puerta.

ALL-INCLUSIVE seven-night packages. NEVER A SERVICE CHARGE.
Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. One-week stays only. May not be combined with other promotions.

There are several room types available. Call me directly for pricing and availability.

Life is an Adventure. Travel!

Hi – well, this just came in and you’re the first to know….okay, second……I’ve never seen a special like this during peak season at Rancho la Puerta and I’m excited that there’s another opportunity
to experience Rancho la Puerta at a special rate. Here are the details:

Enjoy “Bring a Friend” weeks and save $1500 to $2200
January 17-24, 2009 | February 7-14, 2009 | February 21-28, 2009

All guests staying one week (Saturday to Saturday) can bring a friend at 50% off.
Share the room…share the savings! Now is the perfect time to visit Rancho La Puerta,
legendary luxury fitness resort and spa founded in 1940. Only one hour east of San Diego.

ALL-INCLUSIVE seven-night packages. NEVER A SERVICE CHARGE.
Private garden casitas…three healthy, organic meals daily…over 50 cutting-edge fitness classes…3,000 private acres…guided hikes, tennis, swimming…organic farm…cooking school…soothing spa treatments transportation to and from San Diego Airport included.
(Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. One-week stays only.)

Call Spa Vacation Experts at 1-800-532-5590 to reserve your adventure!

Rancho la Puerta, Tecate, Mexico – Rancho la Puerta offers an abundance of fitness classes, hiking opportunities for the beginner to advanced, cooking demos, lectures and plenty of options for pampering in their health centers. Meals are nourishing, vegetarian and simply delicious. The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious and decorated with folkloric Mexican art and very comfortable. Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities.

And, for a limited time, Rancho la Puerta has extended their partial stays through the week of Feb. 14th. Transfers are only included on Saturdays, however there is a cab service from San Diego airport that costs about $100 (per car, not per person).

And we can still get 2008 rates for 2009 stays. I’ve included some highlights for upcoming weeks…….are you ready to make those changes you promised yourself…are you looking for a fitness class that is better suited to you, do you want to learn how to cook healthy, are you ready to tap into your inner artist, or perhaps a topic like Feeding the Future will inspire and motivate you? Take a look….you’re sure to find something that interests you. Spa Vacation Experts can help you find the destination spa that fits you best and your budget. Rancho la Puerta is one of those options. Let’s all do what we can to create and enjoy the best year ever!

Jan. 17:
Gyrokinesis | Cathleen Murakami
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Chef Ana Lorena Najar
The Oscar Race 2009 | Roger and Chaz Ebert
Sex Over 40 | Debra Haffner
Concert | Jeanne and Karl Anthony
Feeding the Future | Michael Ableman

Jan 24:
Pilates | Kelly Kane
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Chef Ana Lorena Najar
Point of Impact — Bring your Camera | Pat Harrison
Crossword Puzzles: An Inside Look | David J. Kahn
Have You Had Your Annual Meaning Checkup? | Richard Leider
What is Your Plan to Build Bone Health? | Stan Bassin, Ed.D.
Feeding the Future | Michael Ableman

Jan 31:
Pilates Week | Jean Sullivan
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Chef Ana Lorena Najar
Your Home, Your Sanctuary | Clodagh
Concert | David Shostac, David Low and Bryan Pezzone
The Matters That Matter…No Matter What | Molly Davis and Kristine Van Raden

Feb 07:
Feldenkrais® | Betsy Ingalls
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Visiting Speaker Barbara Haber
Introduction to Sacred Sound for Meditation & Healing | Diane Mandle
Details to Come… | Susan Gail

Feb 14:
Pilates Week | Jill Winegar
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Visiting Teacher Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Dream On: Exploring Your Dream World | Veronica Tonay, Ph.D.
Collage: Discover Your Inner Artist | Susan Ross
With Purpose: Going from Success to Significance… | Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D.

There’s still time to celebrate the new year and a new you at many of the destination spas, however this is the latest for Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico – about two hours from San Diego.

Last minute plans?

Consider this weekend for a short stay…or the whole week with the “pre-inauguration special” for the week of January 3-10, 2009, which offers three- four-, or seven-night stays with big bonuses:

Three- and four-night stays receive one complimentary Relaxation Massage and complimentary transportation from San Diego Airport and return on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Seven-night stays receive a complimentary Relaxation Massage, one Golden Door Facial, one 3.5-hour cooking class in La Cocina Que Canta, and complimentary transportation (of course!) from San Diego Airport and return on Saturdays.

Time is short and the results can be long lasting: call as soon as possible at 800-532-5590.

All 2009 rates are still holding at 2008 levels…

Indefinitely! Any reservation made before they finalize 2009 rates will be honored at 2008 prices—a savings that may be 5 percent or more. Rancho la Puerta accepts Saturday arrivals for 7-night
stays (except where noted above and last minute partial stays).

NEW Villa Spa Getaway Special…
Guests staying during the weeks starting January 17, 2009 and ending February 21, 2009, who stay 7 nights in any of the three types of villas can now receive a $300, $400, or $500 spa credit per person!

These are largest rooms accommodating two to four guests: perfect for girlfriend getaways, families, couples.

Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Happy New Year!

There’s still time to plan your ‘kickstart, get healthier, spa vacation’ to welcome 2009!

Miraval has extended their Remedy promotion for travel through Feb. 28th – there’s still time to
visit one of the highest rated destination spas in the U.S. and do all that you can for a healthier and more balanced you.

Canyon Ranch in Tucson – I still have limited space for an amazing rate for Jan. 2 – 6; a 4-night or longer stay beween Jan. 29 – Feb. 5 and Feb. 19 – 26. Now is the time to save on a healthy
spa vacation and invest in yourself – afterall, isn’t investing in yourself a sure thing!

Red Mountain Spa has lowered their rates through the winter and Green Valley Spa has an amazing weight loss program exclusive to their resort.

Rancho la Puerta is still offering 2008 rates for 2009 stays and has introduced a pre-Inauguration
special for the week of Jan. 3rd as well as extend their Villa Special.

Remember, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step,” (Lao Tze)….isn’t
it time to take that first step?