– Written primarily based on insights from Alex Glasscock, Founder/CEO, The Ranch Malibu.

In the quest for a transformative wellness experience that seamlessly blends physical, mental, and spiritual health, The Ranch Malibu, founded in 2010 by Alex Glasscock and his wife Sue, has been a beacon of holistic well-being. Now, this globally renowned wellness program finds a new home at the iconic Palazzo Fiuggi in Italy, bringing its unique blend of health, nature, and luxury to the heart of the Lazio region.

The Ranch has garnered a prestigious clientele, including A-list celebrities such as Rebel Wilson, Mandy Moore, and Lea Michele amongst others. With a strict limit of 25 guests each week, participants embark on a transformative journey, adhering to a disciplined 1,400-calorie vegan, gluten-free, caffeine-free, sugar-free, and alcohol-free menu.

In an exclusive interview with Alex Glasscock, the Founder and CEO of The Ranch Malibu, we delve into the intricate nuances of this life-enriching methodology presenting a comprehensive overview of The Ranch program, revealing everything you need to know about this exclusive and transformative wellness experience.

PL: Share a brief History of The Ranch Method.

Alex Glasscock: My wife Sue and I founded The Ranch in 2010 in Malibu, CA to offer a transformative wellness experience that reinvigorates physical, mental and spiritual health.  Our combined passion for health, wellness, nature, design and hospitality led us to create a thoughtfully structured and fun program for people who desire a meaningful and positive change in their lives in an intimate group setting.  

This is accomplished through the guidance of our very talented staff who educate and nurture our guests each week in a journey that can lead to an improvement in mental and physical health including fat loss, muscle gain, full body detoxification, mental clarity and an increased sense of self-confidence and empowerment. 

During their time with us, we inspire and guide our guests through a simple, yet effective program, immersed in nature and designed to allow guests to discover a renewed sense of joy, vitality, and purpose by emphasizing nutrition, endurance, and overall wellness. Our caring and close-knit team of experts fosters a community of individuals committed to living their fullest lives. Our inspiration to continue to provide an exceptional experience is in seeing the positive impact of our programs on the lives of our guests, both those visiting us for the first time and those who return again and again. 

PL: What inspired the decision to bring The Ranch to Palazzo Fiuggi?

Alex Glasscock: Italy is a very special country. The culture, as we know, values balanced living filled with time in nature and slow and joyful eating. There is an abundance of organically grown produce and the Italian flavour profiles are delectable. The geography in the Lazio region of Italy is filled with breathtaking Apennine mountain and valley views, running streams, glistening lakes and small welcoming ancient villages. The climate is conducive to hours of outdoor hiking and activities as well. We also love the attentiveness and kindness that Italians exhibit toward their guests along with their detailed and caring focus on five-star hospitality.

As we wanted our Ranch family to expand and grow outside of California, Palazzo Fiuggi embodied our values in every aspect. It’s a private sanctuary with world-class fitness and spa amenities. Fiuggi itself has a rich history of healing, attracting royalty, popes, nobility, and Renaissance masters for centuries, drawn to its miraculous, oligomineral water— so we felt it was an ideal complement to our active, results-driven program. 

There’s also nothing like our program in the European market, and we’re so happy to introduce the Ranch’s philosophy to the region.

PL: What makes Palazzo Fiuggi an ideal location for hosting The Ranch program?

Alex Glasscock: Nestled amidst Italy's picturesque rolling hills, it’s an extraordinary private sanctuary with world-class fitness and spa amenities and easy access to spectacular hiking trails while also being ideally situated just outside of Rome. This location also allows us to incorporate medical services into our program, which was important as we sought to give guests a slightly different experience from what is offered in Malibu. Here, guests are able to gain a deeper look at their health through diagnostic and blood testing along with a medical consultation.

The property features a private section for our guests to enjoy afternoon classes and dining, but they also have access to the Palazzo’s state-of-the-art spa. Our guests have been particularly enthusiastic about, not only enjoying the wide range therapeutic treatment pools but also booking additional services during their stay.

Lastly, the nutritionally dense, artfully prepared plant-based menu is created by The Ranch Malibu’s Executive Chef Meredith Haaz and prepared by 3-star Michelin Chef Heinz Beck and his Palazzo Fiuggi culinary team. Prior to opening, Chef Haaz spent time with the Palazzo Fiuggi team and visits regularly to ensure meals are consistent with what is served in Malibu.

PL: What can guests expect when they participate in The Ranch program at Palazzo Fuiggi? Can you take us through the workings of the program? 

Alex Glasscock: The Ranch Italy combines our award-winning, results-oriented fitness programme with the services and expertise of a renowned medical wellness retreat.  

Guests can expect a unique and transformative experience in a small group setting of no more than 25 guests each week.  The intimate environment fosters a special bonding experience as guests participate together in an active program that offers a complete picture of their overall health and longevity. Guests leave with a greater sense of self, feeling rested and rejuvenated while having lost fat and gaining muscle.

With both week-long and 4-night programs, the daily schedule mirrors Malibu’s signature structured program. Each day includes the choice of a two or four-hour morning mountain hike, nap time, afternoon strength and core training classes, yoga and daily massage.

Each program begins with a walk through the cobblestone streets of the charming town of Fiuggi to learn more about the history of this special region. Along hiking trails, guests have the opportunity to explore historic pilgrimage trails, traverse Ancient Roman trading routes or take a dip in the healing waters. Depending on the season, you might also be able to forage for wild asparagus or blackberries, have an encounter with delightful truffle puppies in training or walk along the trails to the chorus of cowbells. Weeklong guests will also enjoy a cooking class and dining in a local Italian restaurant before they depart. 

Afternoon classes along with nutritionally dense, plant-based meals are held in private fitness and dining spaces for our guests.  

What is also really interesting and allows guests a deeper dive into their health journey is the opportunity to undergo diagnostic and blood testing with one of Palazzo Fiuggi’s physicians. The biomarker testing not only informs the medical team of any deficiencies or underlying concerns one might be experiencing but also opens the conversation up to areas that can be improved or optimized to increase vitality.

PL: What are the benefits of the methods used?

Alex Glasscock: The Ranch is designed to leave guests with transformational and sustainable mental and physical results.  Through time in nature, a detoxifying plant-based diet and the active daily schedule combined with sharing the experience with like-minded individuals, guests can experience a variety of profound benefits including fat loss, muscle gain, mental clarity, digital detox and an inspiring sense of personal accomplishment.  

In each of our destinations, nature also has a profound impact on guests’ results. Spending time immersed in and around natural environments has proven to lower stress levels and reduce blood pressure and heart rate, while simultaneously enhancing creativity and short-term memory. 

Our method works as exemplified by a return rate approaching 50%.  Guests trust The Ranch to provide a memorable experience that gives them the opportunity to determine where they are on the road to balanced and healthy living along with the knowledge and tools to make small, long-lasting changes to create big shifts. Upon returning home, many make long-lasting, impactful changes to exercise routines and diets, even breaking habits that have been ingrained for years. 

PL: Do you have a personal story to share?

Alex Glasscock: My entire career has been filled with interesting stories! Every day there are new challenges, that all teach and inspire me in my personal life, as well as professional. Through the many years of my career, I learned the value of listening to guests' wants and needs – it's what keeps our guests happy. Listening to our guests led to the launch of programs outside of Malibu, not only in Italy but in Hudson Valley, New York which launches in the Spring, along with our two cookbooks, culinary collection, and beauty line. By listening, we are able to deliver programs and products that our customers truly want.

I would also add that the most important lesson I have learned is to have open-mindedness and flexibility when proposed plans change. Each time we’ve had to pivot from “the plan” it’s brought something even better than we anticipated.

In Conclusion

As The Ranch Method extends its reach to the historic and luxurious Palazzo Fiuggi in Italy, it promises a transformative wellness experience, blending health, nature, and luxury. Under the guidance of Alex Glasscock and Sue Glasscock, The Ranch continues to redefine holistic well-being for individuals seeking a holistic and enriching experience. As Alex aptly states, "Guests trust The Ranch to provide a memorable experience that gives them the opportunity to determine where they are on the road to balanced and healthy living."

To know more about The Ranch at Palazzo Fuiggi and start your revitalisation journey, Contact Us today.