Leading one of the most romantic trends of the year is Rancho La Puerta (Tecate, Mexico), which debuted a new wedding program in 2014. An enchanting destination spa renowned for its divine setting, temperate climate, charming accommodations, healthy food grown on-site, and a host of award-winning fitness and wellness offerings, the property is also now providing the ultimate nuptial solution for wellness-minded couples. Duos can tie the knot at La Cocina Que Canta culinary center and organic farm, which can host weddings of up to 120 people, complete with organic healthy cuisine, a lush landscape, and views of Mount Kuchumaa. A variety of options are available, ranging from a single-day experience to a destination package that includes accommodations, meals, and access to The Ranch’s fitness classes and activities for the couple and guests. Pre- and post-wedding spa and beauty services can also be arranged.
“La Cocina Que Canta and Tres Estrellas have been hosting farm-to-table cooking classes and specialty dinners since they opened,” says Roma Maxwell, director of sales and marketing. “It was a natural progression to expand into the wedding industry and share this magical location with couples looking for a memorable place to celebrate their marriage. It is an unforgettable setting that offers picturesque indoor and outdoor spaces with a gorgeous backdrop.”
A few other spas are also embracing this nuptial trend. A handful of destination spas, like Ananda in the Himalayas (India) and Pangkour Laut Resort (Malaysia), have hosted weddings. And The Inn and Spa at Loretto (Santa Fe, NM) offers Wellness Weddings, which spa director Suzanne Chavez says, “give couples the chance to celebrate their love in a pure, healthy way without sacrificing elegance and fun.” There, intimate ceremonies can be held at the Spa at Loretto against the backdrop of the candlelit fireplace with soothing aromas of custom-crafted oils, and other options include farm-to-table menus and green wedding initiatives, all of which help guests create “a wedding celebration that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.”
While spas have long been places for bridal parties to enjoy pre-wedding prep and post-wedding pampering, this new spin on wedding day wellness is prime for growth, considering the number of superb spa destinations that would make for perfect wedding sites. “As wellness continues to infiltrate daily patterns, it seems like a natural progression for this lifestyle shift to transcend into wedding ceremonies and celebrations,” says Maxwell. “Like-minded brides and grooms who are passionate about their wellbeing are seeking out sites that reflect their essence and complement their beliefs in fitness, wellness, and spirituality.”