Rancho La Puerta

Hikes start as early as 6 a.m., and guests can explore the mountain terrain of Mt. Kuchumaa, ramble over wildflower-strewn fields, and thread along an oak-shaded creek bed. Some trails traverse up to five miles of challenging terrain, while others are perfectly suited to easy, almost-level nature walks at your own pace. Fitness classes begin at 9:00 a.m., and more than 50 exercise classes are offered during the course of the day, with guests encouraged (of course, nothing is required!) to choose one per day from each of four categories--strength building, stretching and flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular, and "inner journey or mindfulness. Water aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and Fitball are a small sampling of the fitness offerings at Rancho La Puerta. There is a huge array of strength training and fitness machines at the resort. Several of the 10 gyms are dedicated to Body/Mind/Spirit harmonizing classes such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi. A full-scale labyrinth is located in a secluded oak grove. Another favorite spot is Kuchumaa Gym where fitness and dance classes are held behind incredible James Hubbell stained glass doors and underneath sparkling chandeliers. Guests spend leisure time birdwatching, attending art and jewelry making classes, taking cooking lessons, relaxing by the pool, or resting in one of the many hammocks slung around the grounds. Evening programs feature noted speakers such as former Secretaries of State, poet laureates, noted scientists and sociologists, novelists, and broadcasters, to name a few.

The spa recently opened a Pilates-only gym, which features a wide selection of equipment including two studio reformers, five "Allegro" reformers, a trapeze table, a combo chair, a West Coast-style step barrel and baby arc, a Biomechanical Asymmetry Corrector, spring circles, and a mat work table.