A Golden Birthday: Spa Pioneer Deborah Szekely Turns 90
It’s a spa celebration!
General Manger, Rachel Caldwell (L); Deborah Szekely (M); Executive Director, Judy Bird (R)
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in the spa industry who hasn’t heard of Deborah Szekely. The beloved founder of the world’s first destination fitness resort, Rancho La Puerta (Tecate, Baja California, Mexico; opened in 1940), and the legendary Golden Door (Escondido, California; opened in 1958), Deborah has been dubbed the “godmother of the wellness movement,” vowing to change the world, one healthier body at a time.
On May 18, more than 150 guests gathered at the iconic Golden Door for an evening gala to celebrate Deborah’s 90th birthday ─ and this golden girl shows no signs of stopping: She currently serves on the Board of the Congressional Management Foundation and Center for Science in the Public Interest both in Washington, D.C., along with being creative director of Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door. Previous acclaims comprise being the first woman in California and the fifth woman in the nation to receive the Small Business Administration Award, and being appointed “Mrs. San Diego” by the San Diego Rotary, only the fourth woman in its history to win this honor. Deborah Szekely
Deborah’s accomplishments continue, including a spot on three Presidents’ Councils for Physical Fitness: Nixon, Ford and Reagan.
Read about the history of Rancho La Puerta and the Golden Door in SpaFinder’s 25th Anniversary coverage.
What an accomplishment. You look beautiful at 90 and hope you can make another 90. I have friends who have been to Rancho La Puerta and have loved it, however, I have not been able to afford it. Maybe someday. Happy Birthday.
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