It’s all about the pickleball … or is it?
Rancho La Puerta, a wellness resort in Tecate Mexico , close to the border of San Diego is the lifelong project of 103 year old Dorothy Szeleku and her daughter. Listen to Dorothy’s tale of arriving in Mexico, the work she has achieved with the local community and obviously her take on a way-of-life that has seen her age gracefully. With the backdrop of the Kachumaa mountains, today the ranch has extended into landscaped gardens dotted with sculptures, hiking trails and farm-to-table meals.
Wellness, longevity and healthspan are key, yet a new addition, Pickleball week became a feature and that’s what caught my eye. Hosted by Mario Boschi, co- owner of the Denver Iconics and Rick Witsken, no.1 NPL Pickleball player for the 50+ group were our coaches. Three hours of pickleball coaching , 6 days a week had me relearning my serve, dinking softly , and resetting volleys.
Yet I was also drawn to the range of activities and lectures and forced myself out of bed for the 6 am morning hikes. The meditation hike, walking in silence was a highlight. From the time I opened my door each morning where the cool, crisp mountain air tickled my nostrils, to my evening of solitude with the crackling of a fire, I ensured that each hour had a specific intention which focused on relaxation, meditation and well being. I did not feel guilty to give myself this time.
I would definitely return. I met those like me who have ventured into our first foray at the ranch and others who had visited close to 20 times. I understand why they return. I will be a returnee..
Visiting the farm with an organic breakfast and later that evening for a cooking class was also in the top 3 of my experiences. Harvesting from the garden with their head gardener who had tended to these vegetable and fruit beds for over 30 years was wonderful. Listening to his stories, the local community who have become a staple of this ranch and together foraging for fresh radishes, snow peas, and cilantro was so satisfying. I am manifesting a time where I too can slow my life and tend to a garden filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
With communal tables for meals and digital detox encouraged, (sleeping bags for our phones were provided and only certain areas had WiFi coverage) conversations flowed and I relished conversations shared – life experiences , reasons why they came to visit the Ranch and enjoying the healthy and clean eating.
With new friends formed, a new and positive outlook on my healthspan and the ability to handle a backhand return slice on a pickleball serve meant the week far exceeded my expectations.
As we boarded our bus to depart to the US border we were left with a message ,
“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”
Wendy Wuland
Pro Pickleball weeks at Rancho La Puerta, 2026
June 20-27, 2026
December 5 – 12, 2026
December 12 – 19, 2026
