Welcome!
Dear food writing colleagues and food lovers,
Have you been dreaming of a chance to dream, imagine, write, re-ignite yourself? Welcome and warm wishes to each of you! I look forward to your joining us in Baja California near San Diego in October. This year, our retreat will take place at the stunning Rancho La Puerta world-class spa. The serene beauty of the 3000-acre grounds and mountains at “The Ranch” will bring you and your writing to life.
This advance-notice invitation is being sent to you as you make harvest plans. Read on to learn all the details!
Joining us? To save your space, e-mail me by deadline July 20 at antonia@fcs.netor call at 707-963-0777. (Please do not register through Rancho la Puerta for our special group.)
Deadline for your deposit is due to me August 1, 2011
I look forward to sharing this extraordinary retreat with you!
Fondly,
1. Basics: The retreat will take place at Rancho la Puerta in Baja California. It is open to 10 attendees. In-house coaches will be Antonia Allegra (link to home page) and Don Fry who will present group sessions on food writing, as well as individual and group sessions on career directions and publishing. Also, we will take part in a hands-on cooking class taught by Chef John Ash (LINK: http://www.chefjohnash.com/) at La Cocina que Canta cooking school. Of course, all attendees are welcome to attend the full range of more than 50 daily classes in art, sports, stretches, hiking and more. www.rancholapuerta.com
2 Travel in the U.S. Unlike the standard $4,000. per week costs at the Ranch, the fee for our 4 ½ days at the Ranch is offered at a special rate of $1996, tax included per person, based on a 4-night stay and all meals. Wish to stretch the week to a full 7-night stay? That fee is still a bonus at $2938. Please note that those who depart on Weds., Oct. 5 will need to arrange transportation at the Front Desk for a van to the San Diego Airport. Cost for that non-Saturday van is $30 per person. Those who remain until Saturday, Oct. 8 have departure transportation covered.
Total Oct. 1-5: $1996 + $30 = $2026. (1 guest, group villa, 10/5 van, 4 nights)
Oct. 1-8: $2938 = $2938. (1 guest, group villa, 7 nights)
Oct. 1-5: $1996 + $30 + $500 = $2526 (1 guest, private casita, 10/5 van, 4 nights)
Oct. 1-8: $2938 +$500 = $3438 (1 guest, private casita, 7 nights)
Deposit: $500 to Antonia Allegra by deadline: July 20, 2011.
Personal costs: There are only two places you’ll be asked to pay above our base cost: Dinner in Tecate, should we choose, AND for your massages/treatments. The reason spa treatments are separated out is that some Retreat attendees may choose not to have a neck and shoulder massage or a sport massage or an herbal wrap or a 90-minute Energy Balance massage or Hot Riverstone or one of the many other personal treatments. So, if the ah-h-h-h side of this week calls you, you’re on your own. You could be pampered every day. (See the treatments at www.rancholapuerta.com/spa-main.html) The good news is that the cost of any of these highly professional treatments is probably less than your local spa fees!
3. Lodging As we have shared accommodations during other retreats, we will be 3- or 4- to a beautiful casita. Should you wish a private casita or to share one with one other person, there is a $500 supplement fee per person for the 4 nights. Whatever you choose will be ideal. Of course, spouses and food-loving friends are welcome to join our group!
Lodging includes living room, bathrooms tiled in Mexican tiles, kitchenette, fireplace, maid service, private patio, splendid views, plus all the activities and food, hot tubs and more. The casitas at the Ranch are generous in size, well-lit, and comfortable, peaceful surroundings. Safe, potable water from the Colorado River in the U.S. flows throughout the Ranch, with filtered water on tap. For room descriptions, please go to www.rancholapuerta.com
- How about calling three pals and arranging your own group within the group? All accommodations are lovely with beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.
4. Transport Fly directly to San Diego Airport where the resort’s van will meet you for a drive through San Diego County for about an hour. The destination is a quiet border town, Tecate. Only the last five miles of the trip are in Baja California. We will settle into comfortable casitas arranged with a community feeling—such an important element of our Retreats—amidst beautiful gardens. The security level is extremely high, with 24-hour care and attendance. See note re departure van for Oct. 5, under Costs.
5 Packing You’ll need casual clothing, swimwear, walking shoes, hiking shoes (if you wish to hike), sandals, laptop if you wish, writing pad(s) or booklets, writing tools. sweater or jacket for evening, a sun hat. October temperature can range; check before to travel to Baja. A good book (tho’ there is a Ranch library).
6 Inspiration The Food Writers’/Food Lovers’ Retreats weave inspiration with dedication to the art of writing. We’ve seen it happen in Umbria and Burgundy, no question. We have witnessed the birth of cookbooks and heard stunning readings by food writers, both novice and seasoned. Lives have been changed and friendships forged. We all have been enriched by the shared wisdom of this group. One couple even chose the Umbria location for announcing their engagement! Who knows what will come alive in Baja California? Under the tutelage of writing/career coaches Don Fry and Antonia Allegra, we’ll have a chance to dream, to take risks, and to move ahead in our writing that merges the pen and pan. Our food writing activities will center on mornings and afternoons of writing prompts, exercises, coaching, and time to work on your project…as well as to lie in a hammock and relaxxxx.
7 Ranch Activities Part of the attraction of the Ranch is its many options each week. ~ Walking is the norm, from casita to Dining Room to outside gazebo lounge…and throughout the 3000-acre estate. ~ You’ll take part in Ranch activities of your choice including access to over 50 daily classes such as fitness, massage, hiking, art (Mexican art tour, jewelry making and sculpture), bird walks, swimming pools and hot tubs, soulful lectures, tennis, yoga, dance. Walk the labyrinth, play the wackiest game of Bingo you’ve ever experienced. Use the computers. ~ Enjoy delicious food straight from the six-acre organic farm as well as other local sources, such as fresh-caught wild seafood brought directly from Ensenada, the nearby seaport. ~ Without question, there are many adventures for all. www.rancholapuerta.com
8. Outings and Retreat Events: The Ranch will host a special welcome dinner for our group on Oct. 1. And, time allowing, I’d love to show you the nearby town and El Mejor Panaderia in Tecate ( “The Best Bakery in Tecate”) that features over 80 variations on rich Mexican bread. And I suggest heading to town for dinner, too.
9. Fine Print: Here’s the fine print from Rancho La Puerta:
• Final confirmation and $500 deposit are due by July 22, 2011.
• Group Cancellation policy: Standard cancellation policy applies:
- $50 cancel fee up until 30 days prior to arrival day. Balance refunded.
- Within 29-14 days of arrival day, $250 cancel fee. Balance refunded.
- From 14 days to 1 day before arrival day, $500 cancel fee. Balance refunded.
- Arrival Day: Entire payment will be forfeited.
• With Cancellation Waiver (available for purchase with initial deposit for $50 per person/week)
- Full refund up until 14 days prior to arrival day.
- From 14 to 1 day before arrival day, $250 is held on account as deposit for future visit within 1 year. Balance is refunded.
- Arrival day cancellation: $1,000 fee assessed, with remaining balance held on account for a future visit within 1 year.
- BLUE info being checked with Rancho la Puerta
• Between 60-45 days before arrival, A.Allegra needs to confirm at least 10 paying guests or the excess rooms will be released. A complete rooming list must be received at this time.
• If the group cannot commit to at least 10 paying guests between 60-45 days before arrival, your group discount may require a change and will need to be renegotiated.
• If the group or a group member cancels between 60-45 days, Rancho La Puerta will hold the deposit for a future visit within one year.
• Rate does not include Private Hikes, Spa Services, Private consultations with onsite specialists, Airfare.
• Guests, spouses, friends are welcome. Those who are not part of the retreat but are part of the group because they accompany a group participant receive the same discount as retreat guests.
10.Website: To view the spectacular Rancho La Puerta grounds, organic farm, and La Cocina Que Canta (“The Kitchen That Sings”—the Ranch’s cooking school), and to learn about the resort’s extraordinary 70-year history, founded by Deborah Szekely and her husband Edmond Bordeaux Szekely, please go to: www.rancholapuerta.com..
This advance-notice invitation is being sent to you as you make harvest plans. Read on to learn all the details!
Joining us? To save your space, e-mail me by deadline July 20 at antonia@fcs.netor call at 707-963-0777. (Please do not register through Rancho la Puerta for our special group.)
Deadline for your deposit is due to me August 1, 2011
I look forward to sharing this extraordinary retreat with you!
Fondly,
1. Basics: The retreat will take place at Rancho la Puerta in Baja California. It is open to 10 attendees. In-house coaches will be Antonia Allegra (link to home page) and Don Fry who will present group sessions on food writing, as well as individual and group sessions on career directions and publishing. Also, we will take part in a hands-on cooking class taught by Chef John Ash (LINK: http://www.chefjohnash.com/) at La Cocina que Canta cooking school. Of course, all attendees are welcome to attend the full range of more than 50 daily classes in art, sports, stretches, hiking and more. www.rancholapuerta.com 2 Travel in the U.S. Unlike the standard $4,000. per week costs at the Ranch, the fee for our 4 ½ days at the Ranch is offered at a special rate of $1996, tax included per person, based on a 4-night stay and all meals. Wish to stretch the week to a full 7-night stay? That fee is still a bonus at $2938. Please note that those who depart on Weds., Oct. 5 will need to arrange transportation at the Front Desk for a van to the San Diego Airport. Cost for that non-Saturday van is $30 per person. Those who remain until Saturday, Oct. 8 have departure transportation covered.
Total Oct. 1-5: $1996 + $30 = $2026. (1 guest, group villa, 10/5 van, 4 nights)
Oct. 1-8: $2938 = $2938. (1 guest, group villa, 7 nights)
Oct. 1-5: $1996 + $30 + $500 = $2526 (1 guest, private casita, 10/5 van, 4 nights)
Oct. 1-8: $2938 +$500 = $3438 (1 guest, private casita, 7 nights)
Deposit: $500 to Antonia Allegra by deadline: July 20, 2011.
Personal costs: There are only two places you’ll be asked to pay above our base cost: Dinner in Tecate, should we choose, AND for your massages/treatments. The reason spa treatments are separated out is that some Retreat attendees may choose not to have a neck and shoulder massage or a sport massage or an herbal wrap or a 90-minute Energy Balance massage or Hot Riverstone or one of the many other personal treatments. So, if the ah-h-h-h side of this week calls you, you’re on your own. You could be pampered every day. (See the treatments at www.rancholapuerta.com/spa-main.html) The good news is that the cost of any of these highly professional treatments is probably less than your local spa fees!
3. Lodging As we have shared accommodations during other retreats, we will be 3- or 4- to a beautiful casita. Should you wish a private casita or to share one with one other person, there is a $500 supplement fee per person for the 4 nights. Whatever you choose will be ideal. Of course, spouses and food-loving friends are welcome to join our group!
Lodging includes living room, bathrooms tiled in Mexican tiles, kitchenette, fireplace, maid service, private patio, splendid views, plus all the activities and food, hot tubs and more. The casitas at the Ranch are generous in size, well-lit, and comfortable, peaceful surroundings. Safe, potable water from the Colorado River in the U.S. flows throughout the Ranch, with filtered water on tap. For room descriptions, please go to www.rancholapuerta.com
- How about calling three pals and arranging your own group within the group? All accommodations are lovely with beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.
4. Transport Fly directly to San Diego Airport where the resort’s van will meet you for a drive through San Diego County for about an hour. The destination is a quiet border town, Tecate. Only the last five miles of the trip are in Baja California. We will settle into comfortable casitas arranged with a community feeling—such an important element of our Retreats—amidst beautiful gardens. The security level is extremely high, with 24-hour care and attendance. See note re departure van for Oct. 5, under Costs.
5 Packing You’ll need casual clothing, swimwear, walking shoes, hiking shoes (if you wish to hike), sandals, laptop if you wish, writing pad(s) or booklets, writing tools. sweater or jacket for evening, a sun hat. October temperature can range; check before to travel to Baja. A good book (tho’ there is a Ranch library).
6 Inspiration The Food Writers’/Food Lovers’ Retreats weave inspiration with dedication to the art of writing. We’ve seen it happen in Umbria and Burgundy, no question. We have witnessed the birth of cookbooks and heard stunning readings by food writers, both novice and seasoned. Lives have been changed and friendships forged. We all have been enriched by the shared wisdom of this group. One couple even chose the Umbria location for announcing their engagement! Who knows what will come alive in Baja California? Under the tutelage of writing/career coaches Don Fry and Antonia Allegra, we’ll have a chance to dream, to take risks, and to move ahead in our writing that merges the pen and pan. Our food writing activities will center on mornings and afternoons of writing prompts, exercises, coaching, and time to work on your project…as well as to lie in a hammock and relaxxxx.
7 Ranch Activities Part of the attraction of the Ranch is its many options each week. ~ Walking is the norm, from casita to Dining Room to outside gazebo lounge…and throughout the 3000-acre estate. ~ You’ll take part in Ranch activities of your choice including access to over 50 daily classes such as fitness, massage, hiking, art (Mexican art tour, jewelry making and sculpture), bird walks, swimming pools and hot tubs, soulful lectures, tennis, yoga, dance. Walk the labyrinth, play the wackiest game of Bingo you’ve ever experienced. Use the computers. ~ Enjoy delicious food straight from the six-acre organic farm as well as other local sources, such as fresh-caught wild seafood brought directly from Ensenada, the nearby seaport. ~ Without question, there are many adventures for all. www.rancholapuerta.com
8. Outings and Retreat Events: The Ranch will host a special welcome dinner for our group on Oct. 1. And, time allowing, I’d love to show you the nearby town and El Mejor Panaderia in Tecate ( “The Best Bakery in Tecate”) that features over 80 variations on rich Mexican bread. And I suggest heading to town for dinner, too.
9. Fine Print: Here’s the fine print from Rancho La Puerta:
• Final confirmation and $500 deposit are due by July 22, 2011.
• Group Cancellation policy: Standard cancellation policy applies:
- $50 cancel fee up until 30 days prior to arrival day. Balance refunded.
- Within 29-14 days of arrival day, $250 cancel fee. Balance refunded.
- From 14 days to 1 day before arrival day, $500 cancel fee. Balance refunded.
- Arrival Day: Entire payment will be forfeited.
• With Cancellation Waiver (available for purchase with initial deposit for $50 per person/week)
- Full refund up until 14 days prior to arrival day.
- From 14 to 1 day before arrival day, $250 is held on account as deposit for future visit within 1 year. Balance is refunded.
- Arrival day cancellation: $1,000 fee assessed, with remaining balance held on account for a future visit within 1 year.
- BLUE info being checked with Rancho la Puerta
• Between 60-45 days before arrival, A.Allegra needs to confirm at least 10 paying guests or the excess rooms will be released. A complete rooming list must be received at this time.
• If the group cannot commit to at least 10 paying guests between 60-45 days before arrival, your group discount may require a change and will need to be renegotiated.
• If the group or a group member cancels between 60-45 days, Rancho La Puerta will hold the deposit for a future visit within one year.
• Rate does not include Private Hikes, Spa Services, Private consultations with onsite specialists, Airfare.
• Guests, spouses, friends are welcome. Those who are not part of the retreat but are part of the group because they accompany a group participant receive the same discount as retreat guests.
10.Website: To view the spectacular Rancho La Puerta grounds, organic farm, and La Cocina Que Canta (“The Kitchen That Sings”—the Ranch’s cooking school), and to learn about the resort’s extraordinary 70-year history, founded by Deborah Szekely and her husband Edmond Bordeaux Szekely, please go to: www.rancholapuerta.com..
How could you not join us? The lovely people at the Ranch are truly offering our group a particularly low rate. Treat yourself! Since just about everything is covered from Oct. 1-5, including transport from San Diego to the Ranch, think about this: Our Retreat in Burgundy cost $3200 plus costs of the flight to/from Europe and extra meals. This is a fantastic deal at a gorgeous world-class spa with great food, plus two recognized writing coaches and the friendship and creative atmosphere of our Retreat…And who knows what inspiration will take hold?
Love to you all, with hopes of enjoying this creative week together
Antonia@fcs.net or 707-963-0777