Hi friends!
One of the many things we love about working on Mexzine is the chance to talk to the people behind some of Mexico’s coolest projects. Today, we’re excited to present a chat with Roma Maxwell, VP of Marketing at the legendary Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja California. We loved getting a behind-the-scenes peek at one of the world's most coveted wellness retreats. We also embark on a tequila tasting (because balance) and get a preview of a promising hub for next year’s Art Week in Mexico City.
Let’s go!
–Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor
Let’s Chat: Roma Maxwell, VP of Marketing at Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Baja California
For more than eight decades, Rancho La Puerta has been one of the top wellness destinations among those in the know. With its extensive programming and holistic approach, it’s the kind of place we all dream of escaping to every once in a while. Cristina Alonso talked to Roma Maxwell about the ranch’s personalized approach to wellbeing and its long-standing legend status in the industry.
Mexzine: Rancho La Puerta is a pioneer in the world of wellness hospitality. How has it remained such a legend over the years?
Roma: I’ve been at the property for 22 years, and what I find incredibly compelling about this place is the very roots of how it all began, because that philosophy and those pillars of wellness are still an integral part of the experience at Rancho La Puerta. The owner, Deborah Szekely, co-founded The Ranch in 1940 when she was just 17 years old, and today, at 104, she is a wonderful example of longevity; someone who walks the walk, talks the talk, and has lived a long life from a very holistic, natural, and integrated point of view.
Everything Rancho La Puerta stands for starts with its natural surroundings. We are fortunate to have 4,000 acres of privately owned land that has been nurtured and revered since our founding. It’s about slow wellness. Our approach has always been rooted in the belief that wellness doesn’t have to be clinical or overly complicated. We believe that our guests can get their routine medical care when they’re in their own homes, in their own lives. They come to Rancho La Puerta for something different: an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, nourish their bodies, and focus on their well-being in a way that feels both meaningful and enjoyable. It’s about creating the space to truly take care of yourself, without the pressures and distractions of everyday life.
Mexzine: What can someone expect when visiting Rancho La Puerta?
Roma: Rancho La Puerta promises transformation. Coming to The Ranch means returning to yourself, mind, body, and spirit. That transformation takes place while you’re surrounded by nature. I think any wellness property today has to have a component of nature. We are located at the foot of Mount Kuchumaa, on 4,000 acres of privately owned land, about 2,000 of which is set aside as a nature reserve.
We have 40 fitness and wellness classes that you choose from. Your transformation over the course of the week that you’re with us –and that’s seven nights from Saturday to Saturday – is about what you are bringing to your vacation. Do you want to focus on strength training, longevity, and stretching? Do you want to focus on nutrition? Do you want to focus on relaxation? On top of that, The Ranch has visiting presenters and speakers –like chefs, coaches, and nutritionists – every week. Sometimes, we emphasize a certain theme. In January, for example, we have a Brain Health Week. We have two culinary weeks in the year, and even weeks dedicated to pro pickleball.
Mexzine: Speaking of pickleball, there are many topics that are part of the zeitgeist these days. How do you choose which trends or novelties to incorporate into the program, and which to leave out?
Roma: When you’ve been around for 86 years, you have stood the test of time. The way you do that is by not being so trend-happy. I remember a few years ago, when chocolate was this big thing, especially because of the Mayan tradition. Everybody was like, “we should do a ceremony, and we should have a hot chocolate treatment.” And that makes a lot of sense because it is part of Mexican tradition. But one must be mindful. For example, if we’re going to incorporate chocolate, it should be dark chocolate because of its greater health and nutritional benefits.
We must always keep in mind our pillars of wellness: movement, farm-fresh food, recovery, sleep, and community. When new trends appear, we consider how they align with who we are, our identity, and the legacy of The Ranch. Any new offering must fit within the narrative of the guest experience. That’s what guides us.
Mexzine: How do guests structure their stay?
Roma: We don’t have a classic pre-arrival exchange. The structure of the week is Saturday to Saturday – although we can also do three - and four-night stays – and the classes are all laid out. Once you arrive on property, you can meet with a fitness guide who can help you navigate the programming based on your goals and expectations. We have a first-time orientation where you can meet people, as well as a tour for new guests, because the property is really vast.
Mexzine: Who are the guests who are arriving at Rancho La Puerta? What are they in search of?
Roma: We tend to welcome more women than men, with many of our guests being 45 and older. They’re incredibly well-educated, well-traveled individuals who come to The Ranch looking for an opportunity to press the reset button and do something meaningful for their health and well-being. Sometimes you return from a vacation feeling like you need another vacation because you’ve been so busy! Rancho La Puerta is really the opposite of that. Whether you’re joining us for a full week or a shorter stay, the experience is designed to give you the time and space to rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. We want guests to leave feeling rejuvenated, having enjoyed wonderful food, made meaningful connections, and experienced the warmth and community that have made The Ranch so special for more than 85 years. I think it’s a testament to that experience that more than half of our guests are repeat visitors.
Mezine: Do you ever have people who arrive there and have a little bit of a resistance to the program?
Roma: Not really. I think most guests arrive at The Ranch knowing what they’re looking for, whether that’s an opportunity to reset, reconnect with themselves, or simply take a break from their everyday routines. The beauty of Rancho La Puerta is that it’s not a boot camp. You have the freedom to do as much or as little as you’d like and really make the experience your own. Some guests come with specific wellness goals, while others simply want to slow down, enjoy nature, and recharge. Ultimately, it’s about giving yourself the time and space to focus on your well-being, whatever that looks like for you.
Mexzine Moments: Taste of Time at Casa de los Leones, Mexico City
If you’ve ever sat at a bar and glanced at the bottle selection, chances are you’ve spotted Clase Azul’s iconic tequila and mezcal decanters. Earlier this year, the brand’s agave selection and distinctive design found a home in Mexico City. Set in a 1940s casona in Polanco, reimagined in partnership with C Cúbica Arquitectos, Casa de los Leones sets the stage for an inspiring tasting journey featuring five of the house’s most beloved tequilas, each paired with an intriguing bite (I especially loved the Reposado + short rib tostada combo). For a spirited souvenir, check out the boutique, stocked with Clase Azul classics and limited editions. –CA
Art Focus: Casa Kahlo, Mexico City
Anyone who’s been to Mexico City during Art Week (or plans to) can feel a bit overwhelmed at times. With shows and events all over town, having a hub to go back to can be a life-saver –especially if it’s packed with creativity and inspiration, and is still steps away from the action. Enter Casa Kahlo, a private home in Colonia Cuauhtémoc that will welcome like-minded art lovers throughout the week (February 2–7, 2027), imagined by Trip Whisperer founder Jess Parker. In between exhibitions and happenings, the house will host chef-led dinners, mezcal tastings, and other tasty adventures, developed in partnership with Anais Martínez, founder of Devoured food tours. –CA
And that concludes today’s issue of Mexzine. Want to send us a story idea, suggestion, or introduce yourself? Email us at Brandon@Mexzine.com or Cristina@Mexzine.com.
