Magazine: Rancho La Puerta best spa in world

By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER



Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 10:10 p.m.



Rancho La Puerta in Tecate had seen demand for its high-end spa services drop during the recession, but has recaptured that lost U.S. clientele in recent months.



Now more good news has arrived for the 70-year-old resort just south of the U.S.-Mexico border: Travel + Leisure magazine has named it the world's best destination spa.



"It tells us that guests appreciate what we're all about," said Roberto Arjona, the spa's general manager. "It's a great honor for Baja California and for Mexico."



The publication's 2010 Readers Poll recognized Rancho La Puerta along with honorees such as Bangkok (best city) and the Galapagos (best islands).



The spa's 88-year-old founder and owner, San Diego resident Deborah Szekely, is expected to attend next week's awards ceremony in New York City. She was traveling Thursday, Arjona said.



A largely loyal U.S. customer base meant the spa suffered far less than much of Baja California's tourism industry. But with rates starting at $2,715 for a seven-night stay, even well-heeled visitors dropped off during the financial downturn. At its lowest point, occupancy fell to 70 percent in 2009, though the spa is back to its 2007 levels.



Arjona said the economy was the strongest dampener of demand last year. Other challenges included the swine flu scare and drug-related violence along parts of the border.



And while the spa's prices may be out of reach for most local residents, the spa also has been a destination for 6,000 Baja California schoolchildren who come each year for environmental education offered through the La Puerta Foundation.

Rosarito Harley Charity Run

As you all know, our destination is Rosarito, Baja California but the children of Ensenada and Tijuana also benefit greatly from this charity event. There have been lots of changes made not only to enhance our experience but also to make Rosarito in general a much safer place to visit and there is no doubt in my mind that this year's event is going to be the best ever! My wife and I have been making regular trips to Baja and the enhancements are pretty obvious; the police for example have a new perspective on how to better protect and serve the community as well as going above and beyond to cater to us tourists. The level of courtesy shown to us is astounding, and it seems to be safer now than I can ever remember, and as you know, we have been going down there for years. Since Rosarito's main source of revenue is tourism, the hotels, bars, and restaurants are literally going out of their way to make our stay as memorable as possible. We are treated like royalty! CLICK TO READ MORE...

OBRAS POR 10 MDP REFUERZAN ATRACTIVOS EN PUERTO NUEVO, ROSARITO BAJA CALIFORNIA

Comunicación Social del Gobierno de Baja California

. Concluyen trabajos de regeneración, remodelación y equipamiento.

. Se ofrece una mejor imágen al turismo nacional e internacional.

Con una inversión de 10 millones de pesos, concluyeron las obras de regeneración, remodelación y equipamiento de Puerto Nuevo en Playas de Rosarito, las cuales refuerzan los atractivos que ofrece este destino gastronómico, informó la Secretaría de Turismo del Estado (SECTURE).
Mayor información...

Most Expensive Summer Homes 2010

Just like we are seeing here in Baja real estate, northern Baja second homes and Baja vacation homes are being sought after at an increasing phase.


Since the end of 2009, we have seen an average of thirty Rosarito ocean properties sold every month.

The sales are mostly for oceanfront and ocean view Baja homes and condos, with an average sales price of $250,000 US.



Most of Rosarito and Ensenada's real estate sales are for retirement or future retirement (35%) second or vacation homes (35%), investment (10%) and other reasons (20%).

We are very excited that most Americans are looking into Baja homes and condos again, says Victor Loza, Rosarito's AMPI treasurer.

We are at levels, both in prices and number of sales, as we where in 2003 and 2004.

Please enjoy the Bloomberg article:

http://www.bajainvestment.com/blogs/bajainvestment/default.aspx

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