Iconic wellness and fitness destination Rancho La Puerta is under new leadership with the appointment of Eliezer Quiñones as new general manager.

A hospitality industry veteran with more than two decades of experience, Quiñones will be leading the iconic Baja California resort in Tecate, which spans 4,000 private acres of gardens, mountains and meadows.

“We’re pleased to welcome Eliezer to our Ranch family,” said Sarah Livia Brightwood Szekely, president of Rancho La Puerta.

“His expertise in the luxury hotel industry makes him the ideal fit for us. We look forward to seeing his positive impact on our guest experience, and beloved community and nurturing the next generation of leaders at The Ranch.”

Originally from Puerto Rico, Quiñones’ hospitality career began in the US 25 years ago but grew and blossomed in Mexico, where he has opened luxury resorts and residences such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Auberge Resorts Collection, Capella Hotels & Resorts, TAFER Hotels & Resorts, and The Luxury Collection.

Most recently, he was the general manager for Banyan Tree Group in Valle de Guadalupe.

Looking ahead, Quiñones is determined to continue to build on The Ranch’s legacy and its recent residential development called The Residences at Rancho La Puerta.

More about Rancho La Puerta

Rancho La Puerta was founded in 1940 by spa industry icon Deborah Szekely together with her late husband, Edmond Szekely, with a focus on living simply, respecting the body’s inherent wisdom and embracing a life in nature – principles that still guide the resort today.

Szekely, now a centenarian, is one of the most respected figures in the industry and is often referred to as the 'godmother of spa' – read Spa Business’ exclusive interview with Szekely here.

Rancho La Puerta is famous for its wellness and healing retreats. Guests staying at the 86-key property are offered access to more than 70 indoor and outdoor classes and activities with 20 full-time instructors in residence.

The destination is also home to a 47-treatment room spa which provides a menu of massages, aromatherapy, scrub treatments, scalp rituals and facials.