At an age when most people look back with nostalgia, Deborah Shekelly continues to redefine wellness travel and embody the Blue Zones principles of living. Now 102 years old, Shekelly is often referred to as the “Godmother of Spa,” a title she earned through decades of groundbreaking work in the health and wellness industry.
Shekelly’s journey began in the 1940s when she and her husband found a small cabin in the mountains of Baja California, Mexico. This humble beginning evolved into Rancho La Puerta, a renowned fitness and wellness resort that has been attracting health-conscious visitors for more than 80 years, reports Conde Nast. Today, the ranch is run by her daughter, Sarah Revere, but its original mission remains “to guide those interested in a program of healthy, balanced living.” The spa offers holistic therapies, organic cuisine, and a variety of activities.
Even at over 100, Szekely remains active and engaged. She told Condé Nast that she walks a mile every day, attends cultural events, and continues to oversee the development of Rancho La Puerta. Her wellness philosophy is simple yet profound: focus on positive thinking, participating in activities that bring you joy, and nurturing relationships with people of all ages.
“We own our minds. We are the ones who direct through them. There are scary things in the world. I don’t think about them,” she said.
But Szekely’s influence extends beyond Rancho La Puerta: In 1958, she founded the Golden Door Spa, a favorite of Hollywood’s elite, including Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland and Oprah Winfrey.
Zekely’s century-long commitment to health and wellness serves as an inspiration to those who want to live life to the fullest as they age.
