As we highlighted the inspiring women in North Florida and beyond the state borders this month, we must not forget about Deborah Székely. At 102 years old, she is a living testament to health, longevity, and peace of mind. Székely, co-founder of the renowned wellness resort and spa, Rancho la Puerta, has touched the lives of many, including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Kate Winslet, Jane Fonda, and Bill Moyers.
Deborah Székely: A Legacy of Health and Longevity
Székely, born in Brooklyn, New York, has led an incredibly adventurous life, filled with accomplishments that resonate with her core values of healthy living and sustainability. After co-founding Rancho la Puerta in 1940, she also started the Golden Door, another premium spa and resort located in San Diego. At 60, she ran for Congress and served as president of the Inter-American Foundation, and at 80, she founded the New Americans Museum and Immigration Learning Center in San Diego.
Her value for health and wellness was instilled in her by her mother, a registered nurse and a vice president of the New York Vegetarian Society. This was further amplified by her husband Edmond Székely, a Romanian immigrant, and health guru. Their shared passion for health and wellness led to the establishment of Rancho la Puerta and later the Golden Door.
The Founding of Rancho la Puerta
Originally, Rancho la Puerta started as a bring-your-own-tent camp for $17.50 a week. As the couple’s reputation grew, so did their ranch, evolving from tents to cabanas and then expanding to include vegetable gardens, exercise classes, and a dining hall with mostly raw vegan food. Today, the resort is managed by their daughter, Sarah Livia Brightwood.
Currently, Rancho la Puerta spans 10,000 acres, with only 300 actively used by guests, in an effort to maintain a minimal environmental footprint. The resort offers week-long packages starting from $5,100 per person, providing a range of facilities including 11 gyms, a cooking school, an organic farm, three spa treatment centers, and various programs.
Deborah Székely’s Secrets to Longevity
- Active lifestyle: Having never eaten red meat and still walking a mile a day, Székely’s active lifestyle has definitely contributed to her longevity.
- Healthy mental habits: Székely’s approach to life is to focus on things she can change and not worry about the rest, maintaining a positive outlook.
- Continuous learning: Székely’s love for reading, particularly ninth-century Japanese mysteries, keeps her mind sharp and active.
Deborah Székely’s life is a shining example of how a dedication to health, wellness, and continuous learning can lead to a long and fulfilling life. Her story serves as an inspiration to the residents of Suwannee County and beyond.
