Esalen Frequently Asked Questions
Page 1: About Esalen
Introduction
What is Esalen Institute?
Esalen is a non-profit organization that has been devoted to the exploration of human potential since the 1960's. Historical luminaries like Aldous Huxley, Joseph Campbell, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Joan Baez, and countless others have gathered here to develop revolutionary ideas, transformative practices, and innovative art forms. Today Esalen is a retreat center where people live and work in a communal setting. Residents and guests participate in an incredible variety of alternative education and personal growth programs in subjects ranging from meditation to massage, yoga, psychology, ecology, spirituality, art, music, and much more.
Esalen Institute, renowned for its healing natural hot springs, has long been recognized as a world leader in alternative and experiential education. Dramatically situated on the Big Sur cliffs over the Pacific Ocean, the sacred beauty of the land—clear air, pulsing sea, garden path and waterfall, steaming mineral water bubbling up from deep within the earth—is itself transformative. Now in its fifth decade, Esalen offers more than 500 public workshops and seminars a year, accenting personal growth and social change, in areas traditionally neglected by mainstream institutions. A non-profit educational foundation, Esalen is also known for its research initiatives, invitational conferences, residential work-study programs, and long-term internships. Part pioneering lab and college for alternative practices, magical restorative retreat, and creative think-tank for the emerging world culture, Esalen is dedicated to exploring work in the humanities and sciences that furthers the full realization of the human potential.
Location
Where is Esalen?
Esalen is located on the Big Sur coastline of northern California at the edge of the Ventana Wilderness and is a place of stunning natural beauty. We are on scenic Highway 1 about a three-hour drive south of San Francisco and an hour from the Carmel and Monterey area. Please see our Directions page for more details.
Attractions
What can I experience at Esalen?
Esalen's attractions include:
- a wide variety of workshops geared towards alternative education and personal transformation
- hot tubs fed by sulfur-rich natural geothermal springs, accessible for clothing-optional communal bathing 24 hours/day
- professional massage and various forms of body work and energy work for additional fees
- a movement and meditation program including such activities as yoga, dance, and meditation
- communal activities including the sweat lodge and "open seat"
- special educational and experiential programs presented by Esalen leaders and guest teachers including the Wednesday Night Program
- the opportunity to participate in community work as a volunteer
- organic flower, herb, and vegetable farm and garden
- a bookstore and gift shop
- heated outdoor swimming pool
- the Arts Center
- sitting meditation center, accessible 24 hours/day
- beach
- 27 acres of lovely grounds to enjoy exploring
- local attractions including Big Sur national parks, galleries, and restaurants
Visiting
How may I visit Esalen?
There are a number of ways to visit Esalen, including a two- or five-day workshop, the 28-day Work Study program, a massage session, an overnight Personal Retreat,the Night Bathing Program, and more. You may download the Esalen Catalog through the Workshops area of our web site for further details.
Can I just drop by some time for a few hours?
With a few notable exceptions (see above), no. A reservation and prepayment are required for most visits. If you are passing through Big Sur and wish to enjoy an Esalen Personal Retreat without having made a reservation in advance, you may check on room availability by calling our main office at 831-667-3000 or by visiting our gate in person. Passersby have the option to participate in the Night Bathing Program for a small fee.
The Esalen Catalog
How can I get a copy of the Esalen Catalog?
You can download the Esalen Catalog or order a printed Esalen catalog.