Esalen Institute

I have dreamt of visiting Esalen for years. The 5Rhythms program with Lucian Horan was incredible! I would absolutely come back again. Property, bath house, massage and food were all wonderful. My only disappointment was the cleanliness of my bunk room bathroom, clearly mold residue and not what I expected for the cost allocated. Overall a memorable and positive experience.

The property itself is 10/10, but the people who come… maybe 2/10. Old, judgmental hippies — that’s how I’d describe them. Super loud during meals (isn’t this supposed to be a retreat center?), gossiping about you at lunch, and staring at you in the mineral baths. The pool? Also a naked zone. Most of the staff are volunteers, so don’t expect top-notch service. The idea of the institute is amazing, but the reality… kinda meh.

I booked the month long retreat and had high expectations as a massage therapist. The land is absolutely magical, the flora and fauna providing as close to a Garden of Eden as I’ve ever experienced. The property including the permanent buildings were in deep disrepair. Understandable for the age, but not reflective of the pricing which was far out of sync of what was offered. The staff was absolutely horrific. Upon arrival I was greeted with profound disrespect, the sessions were “canned” and felt nearly identical to a group therapy setting in addiction recovery. One of our practitioners was also unhinged, later found out that individual was perusing litigation against Esalen for egregious racial discrimination and harassment. Was supposed to stay for 30 days and left after just under 48 hours. I hold hope that new management is found in the future so that I can perhaps have a better glimpse of the true magic that once flowed from this place.

I was a bit worried after reading a lot of the negative reviews, but I had an amazing 5 day / 4 night experience at Esalen. It may depend though on the accommodations -- if you can swing it, I would highly recommend splurging for one of the Pointe Houses or similar. Large, spacious, rustic, but modern enough, super clean, and literally on the edge of the cliffs. Very comfortable for 2-4 people. I did Esalen's self-guided experience where you can do as much or as little as you want. I visited the hot springs, pool, had several massages, alternative therapies, attended a few workshops, etc. The massages were exceptional, set next to the hot springs, cliff-side where all you hear is the crash of waves. The beauty of Esalen is breath-taking, every day. Amazing gardens. And the sea - wow. Stay up late to see the stars -- with near zero light pollution, it's a stunning sight to behold. I've stayed at a lot of 5 star resorts, and this setting is superlative. The food is truly amazing, much of it right from the garden, and not only tastes incredible but is so nourishing to the body and soul. That said, Esalen is not a 5-star resort... and it's not intended to be. Please do yourself a favor and read about Esalen ahead of time, the history, the founders, its purpose. Even if you are just going to relax (as I primarily was), it will help set expectations, I think, to understand this is a very special place with a special history. And I do agree with other reviewers that the staff can be unprofessional... because many aren't professionals. They are often younger volunteers, especially in the kitchens, garden, or around the property in exchange for an Esalen experience they probably couldn't otherwise afford. The staff is there experiencing Esalen just like you are. Treat them with respect, a bit of grace (and sometimes patience), and in my experience, I never found anyone to be unkind or rude. If you approach Esalen with an open heart and mind, ideally with few expectations, I think you'll find the same joy that I did ... and that so many others do. Everyone I spoke with during the week I was there loved it too. It truly was a transformative experience.

5 stars, Self guided myself in the Art Barn! Meet 25 other artist who sat next to me during my multi day stay and they all created something inspiring, from the 8 year old girl making a treasure box to the old soul who was making his first collage. I had a art teacher sit down next to me and make some really cool art on paper and he even doodles on napkins people did not want to throw away, I gave him a red circle canvas and he did a octopus no AI needed... lol The hot springs are great, the gardens, the buffet is probably my favorite in all the world, they did a good job with the fish, breakfest eggs were perfect, everywhere you turn there are vegan delights, whats not to like? Even my ukulele was perfectly in tune the whole weekend! Esalen is what you make of it and magic happens when you meet all these nice people in the art barn and painting the views alla prima outside!

Beautiful location. Went for a 4 night (Mon-Fri) retreat in 2/2025. Weather was beautiful, food was good. Stayed in the "Premium Plus King" room which was pricier but I appreciated having my own space and the building was conveniently located right next to the retreat sessions.

If you ever get the chance, go to Esalen. The place is amazing and hard to describe. It is a beautiful place to relax, attend workshops, and meet new people. Now, be warned there is no cell service. But that is a good thing it forces you to disconnect from your everyday life and makes you stop and take a breath, smell the flowers, and take in the beauty around you. It makes you talk to people. The food is amazing, and the hot springs I can not disturb them you just have to experience it for yourself.

Esalen cannot quite be described, it is an experience to be had, savored and remembered. Mine was certainly an experience of a lifetime and I know I will be going back to soak up not just the hot springs but everything else, physical, spiritual, and human that makes Esalen magical. On a more practical level, the place is extremely well managed, from spaces, rooms, grounds to classes and food.

A friend had an art exhibit there and invited me to buy a day pass. The grounds are beautiful, the ocean and scenery is spectacular, people were friendly and relaxed. They ring the dinner bell three times a day and serve extremely healthy food. Chocoholics like me you should bring your own desserts :-) I had to park up on the road, and it's an surprisingly steep driveway so if that's a challenge for you, see if you can get a ride up and down - they have carts that will take you if you need it. Everyone I encountered there, was friendly.

Finding myself a bit stuck and lost. Came here for another much needed visit. What a beautiful trip. I got Cypress studio this time around (will post photos separately). A lovely studio within the point house right off the cliff. View is excellent as usual and I enjoyed the sunsets on the deck and waking up to the sunrise over the ocean. I was finally able to book a massage appointment with Tom. It was excellent. I didn't have much luck with prior massage therapists on site but Tom is the gem. Felt amazing after. I also booked the herbal clearing ritual with michq. It was so much fun! If you have the time and curious about the herbs, I would highly recommend the session. My workshop was inspiring and exactly what I needed. I also tried the bath ritual this time and felt like a kid again. Again, another magical and healing trip. Saw 6 shooting stars again. The star gazing at night was unreal. Come for a visit and find yourself again!

Where to start? .. Ten years ago going to Esalen for a Songwriting workshop (6 in 2 years 2012 - 2013) was magical, beautiful, transformative and nurturing to ones soul. The staff was polished, professional and helpful. Today however? Esalen is Fascist, paranoid, irrational, fragmented and out of touch with reality, truth, facts and science. Esalen has gone from being a positive place of hope to being hopelessly "woke". We were looking to book the November Koren Brothers workshop "The Healing Voice" for our 17 member professional songwriting group but, upon reading their tyrannical requirements to even get on the property we discussed it and unanimously decided nope....We'll do our own in Cambria instead. Not about to compromise our health for political agendas or those who support blind compliance with nonsense. Not for anyone or anyplace. Especially Esalen.

Where to even begin. I had some doubts about coming here, but now all I can think about is when I can come back. The drive in was beautiful. We stopped at Nepenthe for lunch, highly recommend. The guard at the gate was helpful, the gals at the front desk were friendly, the map and info to get to our room was very straight forward. The grounds are breath taking. We enjoyed every meal and were delighted at the options, and the variability of the food. All the staff we interacted with were lovely, but JJ is really a stand out. I wish I could thank him again. We enjoyed the hot springs, our room was comfortable and clean, the guided activities were enriching, and the openness of the facilities was very appreciated. What a wonderful retreat, thank you all so much.

My week at Esalen was blissful. I was looking for a retreat for some healing and restoration, and that's what I got here at Esalen. Firstly, the grounds are absolutely magical. The drive down from the Bay Area is stunning, and the view from the main center is gorgeous, with rocky cliffs going down to the beach (ohh the sunsets!). I signed up for a workshop, which I quickly realized wasn't the right fit for me. It didn't matter, there were many self-guided classes I could take throughout the week. I spent my time with yoga, mediation, qi gong, dance, and arts. Of course, I also partook in the hot tubs and got a legendary massage (their own proprietary method). It was nothing less than transformative. I would be remiss to not mention the food. Every single meal was delicious. There were plentiful vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options. Much of the food comes from their own garden, and the freshness is obvious. If you're looking to have a spiritual experience or simply spend some time in nature, this is the place for you.

I took classes here many many moon ago and recided there for a while. I was assigned to kitchen duties, cooking (they found out I could cook), gardening, cleaning etc. Back then the place was kept immaculate and it was an equal shared effort that each individual was proud off. Back in those days it earned 10 stars. Today, ive had many clients and friends I recommended and they left early. Last time Imy husband and I visited I seriously got emotional. The rooms were filthy. Employees had NO desire to help anyone and if you asked they made sure you sew them rolling their eyes. Dirty plates with food left on the tables outside and critters eating out of them. Naked guess and employees getting to close to feel comfortable (please get a room) the food was disappointing and everyone was complaining. One guess took her plate and told the kitchen she'd show them how to cook. Anyway, this was years ago and I'm surprised I still have enough memory to share this. I would never go back even if wasn't on my way out. I'm so so sorry for Esalen Institute and Hot Springs because they use to be fantastic and Number 1. Bad management will definitely kill a place. Ohhhh one piece of advice, I can not remember her name but she use to answer the phones and book rooms etc. NO NO NO I hope she has retired by now. Never have I dealt with such rude %^& person. All my clients, students said the same exact thing. She was SPECIAL and a big part of your bad reviews. Esalen continues to have outstanding views and last time I was there, the gardens were still beautiful. Again, good luck and I hope it gets turned around for my next life. Blessed Be

Absolutely stunning and historical organization. Highly recommended to anyone who's open to exploring spiritual growth and self-healing. Amazing place to kickoff the new year. Happy 2023!

The most life changing experience ever!!! Yes it's expensive, but it was worth every penny. You can either do a self guided journey or do a workshop. I opted to do a workshop and I'm so glad I did. The community is the best part about this place and really made this place more memorable for me. Everyone smiles at you and is just so warm and friendly. But - if you want to have a solo self care moment - just as powerful to do self guided. Whatever your heart desires! Also the food is incredible. Don't skip on the hot baths and the MASSAGE!!!!

This is not an ashram, so don't expect a vigorous program schedule. It's a institute that takes from many different disciplines. They do offer workshops but also offer self guided experiences. I did a self guided experience. I enjoyed it immensely. The food is delicious (farm to table), the housing is great. They are known for their natural hot springs, This is absolutely an amazing experience! (Warning that it's clothing optional in the baths/pool but most will be nude). They also offer massages which was simply amazing. I definitely will be coming back here yearly.

Mystical magical incredible energy. Beings come here to relax, rejuvenate, and self-actualize. It's easy here. You are free to be yourself. It is soft, light, and tranquil. Spent the early morning in an 80 degrees F mineral hot spring bath, while breathing in the cool Pacific Ocean mist situated on the edge of a rocky cliff with a clear view of the endless blue sparkles while hearing the soft roaring waves crash against the rocky shore. Esalen is also known for their messages, which is a unique experience, also situated along the cliffside while you listen to crashing of the rhythmic waves against the rocky shore. Many workshops to choose from. Food options at every meal are fresh and flavorful. Produce are cultivated on the 150 acre sacred land. WiFi located in the dining room is open 24/7. If you are over worked, burnt out, need to recharge and reconnect to nature, to yourself and the universe, you've found the spot. You are a sponge absorbing every beauty around you with ALL your senses.

I spent a relaxing weekend here and it was worth it for me. I attended the workshops, enjoyed the mineral baths and ate healthy food which is included with the room charge. People come here solo or coupled up. I met a few friends looking for spiritual growth and enjoyed yoga and art together. I chose a private, basic room but had a wonderful view of the ocean, it was definitely worth the splurge. I will come back again in the future and recommend this place to anyone looking for spiritual growth and transformation. I'm grateful for opportunity to spend time at such a special place.

Oh hi. If you've never heard of Esalen, please let me pop your cherry. Esalen is a Big Sur oasis nestled in the cliffs above the Pacific ocean. And when I say "above the ocean," I literally mean that there is nothing obstructing your view of the water from any place on this property. It is very private, very expensive, and very exclusive. Typically you can only stay here if you are taking a woo-woo workshop. But, because of Covid, they are permitting small numbers of people to go and stay on the property without signing up for anything. Buyer beware, however: this is NOT a luxury resort. Accommodations are very sparse. You will get a room with cold tile floors, two small beds, two lights, and nothing else. There is no Wi-Fi anywhere on the property except for the main dining hall. Nothing to complain about if you're someone who appreciates simplicity and doesn't mind doing without fancy adornments. All you need is access to the Hot Springs, which come with the (exorbitant) price of the room. In the Before Times, Esalen was also known for its food - which used to be plentiful and delicious, with many different menu options, a bread bar, a salad bar, and a dessert bar. Despite the fact that the cost is the SAME (head exploding), you get unremarkable, small, pre-packaged meals in plastic containers. It is totally understandable that food options would be more limited due to Covid; at the same time, you would expect them to knock a significant amount off the price. However. The Hot Springs are absolutely astounding. Couples can sign up to share a large bath, or you can bathe alone in a smaller bath. The water comes directly from the thermal hot springs running underground throughout Big Sur, and you can adjust your tub temperature with a cold hose. Warning for the self-conscious: clothing is optional, and most bathers are naked. If you are ogling or staring, you will be kicked out (and thank God for that). The views from the baths will blow your mind. 5 stars for the Hot Springs 5 stars for the coastal, peaceful location 3 stars for accommodations 2 stars for the food 1 star for the ridiculous price

My first visits to Esalen were in the early 80s. In those days I was a psych student, and searching experiences. I found it a surreal, magical place, in the spiritual and sensual sense. Esalen was unique considered by many to be one of the "power energy centers" akin to Stonehedge and the like. My recent updating on Esalen, indicates some modernizations, like Wi-Fi, which to me seem out of place from the spiritual ( not meaning religious ) energy perspective. It' a beautiful place and can be a powerful experience. Many comments about the nudity from different perspective.......it is a very liberal environment. One can make it what one wants it to be within the context of a friendly, respecting, intelligent environmen.

I am giving 2 stars based on the customer phone service. I called with several questions, but the person that answer the phone shows no interest in answering my questions, it was short and sweet. As I read reviews dating back to 2015, it seems this place is going south.

Take the Holotropic breathwork class!! You will learn the power of the breath. The food is incredible too!

For me, this was a life-changing experience. I have wanted to come here for decades. I never seemed to have the time or the money at the same time. Thankfully, I finally managed to go. Better now than never! A workshop entitled "Cultivating Authentic Happiness" by www.Iraisrael.com sealed the deal. Hearing the waves crash against the rocky Pacific Coast while relaxing in the hot mineral baths was hypnotically tranquilizing. The food was well thought out with harmonizing choices for vegans and omnivores alike. I enjoyed crossing over to try out vegan dishes that were so expertly prepared. I seriously couldn't tell the difference between the real eggs and the vegan ones, thanks to "Simply Eggs". I was happy to find outstanding coffee there and even an interesting selection of great wine in the evenings. I was surprised to read some of the other reviews that pointed out the accommodations were disappointing. I was quite satisfied with my basic double room choice. It was clean and appropriately minimalistic with what I assumed was organic bed and bedding that I never wanted to leave. For those wanting something a bit less rustic, there were more luxurious accommodations at twice the price.

I love it here. Lots of shooting stars at night. Beautiful butterflies in the winter and whales just off the coast in the summer. Lady liberty is thriving here

Magical, epic place to drop in to yourself. Transformational. I was just there on a day pass and decided to review after reading the other reviews with negative comments. The guests I ate with were returning guests - up to 3x returning and every one remarked on the quality of the workshops and the transformational experiences they had. Taking a break from screens was the best. I met people. I reflected on the importance of community and talking with people with different viewpoints. I need more of this in my life. The history here is superb - just go on You Tube to go deeper into that. The main building has wifi and super delicious vegan (and non) foods created from the gardens. Whatever will I do at home without fresh flowers on my food? I'm spoiled forever, lol. The baths did wonders to my body pains. Really. So amazing. The workshop attendees were intelligent and provided an enlivened community ...sure Alan Watts isn't here anymore (duh), but the spirit of the place lives on in a contemporary context. Esalen meets us where we are at. Insights, transformation, and expansion are plausible. It's a great place to dream up where you are headed next. The vibes of energy work, genuine compassion, movement arts, freedom of expression and being, positivity.... it's all here. I couldn't ask for more and I can not wait to return!

The thrill is gone. Esalen Institute has significantly changed for the worse since it first opened in 1962 and I first was there in 1974. The only thing worse than training employees and losing them is not training them and keeping them. I particularly enjoyed their physics conferences in years past https://www.hippiessavedphysics.com/about/ . At an Esalen Institute meeting in 1976 that I attended, tai chi master Al Huang said that the Chinese word for physics is Wu Li, "patterns of organic energy." Journalist Gary Zukav, a former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) officer with Vietnam Service, and the others present then developed the idea of physics as the dance of the Wu Li Masters--the teachers of physical essence. Zukav explains the concept further: "The Wu Li Master dances with his student. The Wu Li Master does not teach, but the student learns. The Wu Li Master always begins at the center, the heart of the matter.... deals not with knowledge, which is always past tense anyway, but with imagination, which is physics come alive, which is Wu Li.... Most people believe that physicists are explaining the world. Some physicists even believe that, but the Wu Li Masters know that they are only dancing with it." A Wu Li Master would teach us wonder for the falling petal before speaking of gravity. Generally speaking, people who attended Esalen Institute in the 1970s and 1980s can be grouped into two categories of intellectual preference. The first group prefers explorations which require a precision of logical processes. These are the people who become interested in the natural sciences and mathematics. They do not become scientists because of their education, they choose a scientific education because it gratifies their scientific mental set. The second group prefers explorations which involve the intellect in a less logically rigorous manner. These are the people who become interested in the liberal arts. They do not have a liberal arts mentality because of their education, they choose a liberal arts education because it gratifies their liberal arts mental set. Esalen Institute used to be a spiritual experience with everybody being calm, polite, helpful, and nice to everybody else so that no stress is created and enlightenment can be individually and collectively sought and obtained. I was born in the 50s raised in the 60s so I'm fully aware of what Karma, spirituality, Peace, Transcendental Meditation, Affirmations, Gestalt, New Age, etc. are and this place today has nothing to do with any of that. Go to your local town's Recreation Department and get genuine, sincere and clean service for no longer do you get it at Esalen Institute. For Esalen Institute has gone from a child of the universe to greedy, surly, slovenly unprofessional business with no heart. Customer Rule: Never patronize again a business that has treated you poorly. THE PROS The location and setting. The types of classes and conferences you can attend here. THE CONS during our most recent visit. The food mimics fast food take-out. There is no mechanism in place for an emergency. Any emergency. Health, vehicle, etc. emergency. None of the employees display any First Aid Training. None of the employees display any Customer Service training. There is no Lost & Found department. Although it is a non-profit, it is run as a for-profit with its high prices, not clean rooms, poor customer service, and greedy policy of no refunds no matter what the circumstances requiring the cancellation or very high processing fees if one can wrangle a cancellation out of them. The web site is unhelpful. The people who answer the phone, when they do answer the phone, are unhelpful. Your vehicle may be vandalized. Your possessions may be stolen. The food presented was NOT healthy or tasty and was NOT served hygienically. It has become a toxic corporate culture.

Esalen is absolutely beautiful. It's on the California coast near Big Sur. Here's 10 things you need to know. 1. Bring warm clothes. The weather can change in an instant and you don't want to get cold! 2. The food is good. It's not great but it's certainly not bad. Lots of fresh vegetables, that are crunchy. The food is probably spectacular when we aren't in a pandemic. 3. Book your hot springs bath a week before you go. Yes, you want to soak in a hot springs tub that hangs off a cliff! Book your massage too! 4. Pay the extra money and go to a workshop. The speaker may not be great but It's a great way to make new friends. 5. The bookstore does NOT carry a wide selection of toiletries and snacks. Prepare wisely. 6. Staff is friendly and helpful. 7. There are steep hills and stairs. Bring your walking shoes. Sometimes I use a walking stick and I could manage The terrain. 8. Bring a blanket so that you can relax on the grass and watch the ocean. 9. Cell phone service is almost non-existent. I liked the break! 10. The room was nice and over looked the ocean. You get a comfy bed, hot shower and place to put your clothes. No coffee maker, tv, phone or hair dryer. The trade off? The ocean. Did I mention it's spectacular!

My husband and I arrived late in the evening, checked in, and the receptionist gave us a flashlight to use since it's extremely dark. As we were unloading luggage from the car, we noticed a couple of large raccoons near us in the parking lot, a bit too close for our liking but we moved out of their way and decided to take a different path to our room. As we walked along a path to our room, about 8 raccoons came very close to us, within a foot or two, about 6-8 more were in the bushes as we could see their eyes. I was extremely scared!! No, I'm not some city girl who isn't used to a rural area. I grew up in CA camping, hiking etc. I understand wildlife and love animals. I was so frightened that they were going to jump on us, I started screaming and backing up but they kept coming closer to us. Eventually, the parking lot guard shouted from a distance and asked if I needed help, yes, I answered. He walked over and dismissed our concern and fear and said the raccoons just want food. I found out the next day, people have been HAND feeding them. Not only is this dangerous for humans but for the animals as well, as they are clearly used to human contact. My main complaint, is that our fears for ourselves and the animals were dismissed by all the staff. The guard made no attempt whatsoever to assist us to our room or shoo the raccoons away. I didn't go out of my room the following evenings because I was truly frightened. I'm sorry to say, this ruined my weekend experience. It is expensive, which I could overlook. The rooms are tiny but clean. The food was good. Unfortunately, I won't return nor will I recommend to others because of the staff.

Omg this place is literally magical. My husband and I did the middle of the night hot spring soak. You can hear the waves crashing below and see the moon and stars above you. The experience was worth every penny. The raccoons came down the hill and got a little crazy on another lady there- just beware haha but what can you expect when you're out in nature. This was very healing and tranquil and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Such an amazing massage, hot springs, and beautiful scenery everywhere - this is Big Sur after all. After my last massage in Los Gatos left me seriously injured and sore for days (to the point where I wanted to meet with a personal injury lawyer about the horrible pain that I was in), I was determined to get a massage therapist who could comprehend and speak fluent English, and whom I could communicate with effectively. No disconnect worries here. Very relaxing massage and communication was easy. I stressed extremely light pressure on the neck and spine (I don't need any injuries in these very delicate spots) and that's exactly what I got. So needed this! Expensive but you get what you pay for.

The location is stunning, and rejuvenating. However, Esalen apparently hasn't made any improvements to its facilities since it opened. The place is run down. For example, the shower and faucets in our bathroom was falling off the wall. Also, for the weekend we stayed, Esalen forced us to enroll in a workshop, which was expensive and not that interesting. We bailed on the workshop, and so did scores of others. Esalen would be better served by making the workshops an option. The staff is largely worthless. It has the feel that the place is being run by a band off-season ski resort employees who are too busy flirting and chatting with each other to provide any customer service.

What does a masseuse know about the body? Having held one hundred heads and squeezed the ankle and wrist into so many. Pushed their thumb into a heel. Over and over again, touching a new person in a way they could never touch themselves. No person has thought as long and as hard as what it means to have a body and to hold one than they have. Some curiosity brings them back to their field every day, for decades, to body work. Here they call them healing arts, but what is happening is too quick to constitute healing. Here I have been mended. This masseuse is threading around broken bits of spirit and muscle, springing forth a new supple back, a refreshed calm mind. What is a massage but a reminder that you are not able to care for yourself alone? That I am in this body alone and you are alone in yours? "I am cradling your face in my hands, stranger" they seem to say with the skill they hone here in workshops, along cliffs, with flowers from a garden. I come here to to be fed and babied, to be loved and held by strangers, to take a long bath and a nap. I'd give the masseuse all the stars if I could give stars, I mean really give someone a star.

Beyond comprehension beautiful. Cant wrap my head around how this place is real and it feels like a secret. Worth every penny!

I don't think this place has changed much in the last few decades. The dated look of the website, which lacks the bells and whistles of a slicker, modern and cooler page, makes a lot more sense when you arrive. We signed up for the offsite guest massage, and when we arrived the lady manning the security booth let us in somewhat reluctantly. Possibly offsite guests are a necessary evil to offset the cost of the more holistic yogis seeking the path of enlightenment. Either way there was a serious lack of instruction and we trundled off to what looked like the massage and spa area. No one knew where we were supposed to get our towels but a nice worker took pity on us. Towels are apparently a luxury item there. The default setting here is nude co-ed. There is no private changing area which I guess makes sense, since you will be mingling naked in the hot tubs. We were the only one in bathing suits which stuck out like a sore thumb. We were also the least in shape so I feel we should get a pass. The massage was so. good. You are in a peaceful room with a few other tables of patrons getting massages, there is a glass wall that allows you to overlook the waters. Afterwards we took advantage of the one hour gratis in the hot tubs. But honestly - there were no clocks and did not seem to be a lot of staff so if you stayed longer I don't think anyone would notice. Stewing in the baths while watching the waves crash up to the coast after a nice massage is incredibly therapeutic! The only odd part was the woman who brought her kid, about 5 years old. He starting wailing and screaming at one point. I wouldn't consider this a child friendly venue and it ruined a bit of the relaxing moment. Afterwards we walked the grounds...which we probably weren't supposed to since we weren't staying there...but if you can sneak away the scenery is worth it!

Inattention to detail Dead flowers on tables Food mediocre I didn't expect the Ritz but a little more caring would be nice. How about some glasses in the sleeping rooms or access to flashlights for walking at night or something to carry coffee in in the morning or just plain coffee as I went there this morning and there was none. The fruit was unappetizing..hard and bruised. Food was so disappointing. How about some homemade bread? The room was pleasant and the bed was comfortable The Class taught by Cassandra was good. She handled the Covid issues well. The mechanics were problematic not enough paper the first day the microphones were not handled well her slides weren't that great and she should've given them out right away. Distribute the hand outs so you can write on them. Don't send them out afterwards Cassandra needs to pay attention to the difference between introverts and extroverts Introverts don't like jumping in that fast. Her introductory questions were too invasive too fast. How about Her objectives Ground rules a longer meditation meet people The question could be why did you come and what do you want to get out of the next two days. Meet at least eight new people and ask the same question what the audience wants to get out of the next two days. Read Priya parker's the art of gathering "

I was so excited to stay at Esalen but was met with great disappointment. This is not a luxury resort and I was well aware of this when I paid $2,400 for two nights/1 room. But what I do expect is a clean room, free of a strong stink and fleas. The room we were given at check in was in poor condition, we requested to move and were moved to a room that we could survive in for two nights free of fleas and a smell so impregnated into the carpet we had to hold our nose. The second room was tolerable but also in poor condition with a dirty bathroom (I had to clean the bathroom from all the hair left from the previous customer) and a musty smell that when even leaving the two windows open in the room did not help to rid the smell. I enjoy simplicity but cleanliness is essential. Also, if you decide to stay bring your own soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, all the essentials that even the most basic hotel has because they do not. There is no reason to stay here overnight, book the spa and tour the grounds which are beautiful! The hot springs were enjoyable, the food delicious but not enough. The two evenings we had dinner they were out of the vegan offering even though I indicated on our initial paperwork that we are not meat eaters and we were met with "sorry" we are out of the vegan option. The overall effort they put into the "programs" is dismal compared to the price. CONS -Rooms are in poor condition (fleas, stinky carpet, dirty bathroom, musty smell) -Yelling children on the lawn and in the pool both days -Rituals workshop was poorly put together, they have since revised the language on their website to say "self guided". We were expecting something more than just yoga (which was fantastic) -Request for more blankets because the heater did not heat the room were ignored by the front desk Pros -Great yoga instruction -Spring baths are great with a spectacular view -The views from the lawn are lovely -The gardens are beautiful -Stargazing -Great breakfast

i'm not a supporter of any business or non-profit who is using covid as an excuse to offer less, less quality and charge the same or more. no great meals, no great rooms, no great staff, no great or even customer service...

This review is for their relaxing and therapeutic late night spa that runs from 1-3AM daily. I knew I was in for a treat, but I did not know just how big of a treat it was going to be. The drive to Big Sur was soothing in itself, the famous highway 1 roads are windy but not too much that it feels dangerous or strenuous at night, and you have a view of the moon reflecting off of the calm ocean waters of the Pacific throughout the entire ride. Once we arrived at Esalen, around 12:45, a guide came to take us down to the spas (~5min walk), gave us some basic information and let us roam around. There are two sides of the spas (the quiet side and the silent side): Quiet Side: This is the area to go to if you want to immerse yourself in warm and soothing sulfur spring waters under the star-filled night sky while listening to the calming ocean waves splash around the beach underneath you. The sky is so clear that you have a picture-esque view of the milky way and the air is so crisp that you cannot help but let go and relax. Just like the description says, this is the area where you should be quiet, meaning you can talk softly among each other. There are also several smaller spa and bath tubs where you can go to for a more personal feel as well as massage tables for any couples or even if you just want to lay down. This was my favorite side as the silent side is entirely indoors. Silent Side: This area is a talking-free zone, it's a space where you can go if you want to meditate or just rest in complete silence. It is a great place to go to to relax however it's indoors so you do not have the view of the midnight sky nor the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. But to each his own, I'd still recommend going here at some point during your stay. They do have towels in the changing area and they also have a water fountain for when you get thirsty but the water fountain is quite old so I'd recommend bringing your own water (preferably a cold one) to put in the locker room (outside food/drinks prohibited) so you can hydrate throughout the night (after being in the spa for so long, a nice cold one feels amazing...) This is an incredibly relaxing experience which heals the soul. It is an incredible place to go with friends, on a date, or even just by yourself. Reservations are hard to come by so be diligent, it's so well worth it. The drive back home (bay area) was a little harsh, (thank you Pat for driving), so getting a hotel or airbnb wouldn't be a bad idea at all. highly recommended and will definitely be a repeat customer!

Let me start by saying my husband and I love going to spiritual/yoga retreat centers, and I'm so glad Esalen exists. The catalog is a "who's who" of spirituality in the U.S. today. :) I wanted to LOVE this place. BUT two stars are because for the (steep) price - and compared to the competition - it's facilities & customer service are *deeply underwhelming.* SPECIFICS: Pros: -Unbelievably beautiful grounds - to the point where it doesn't even look real. Cliffs. The ocean. Mmmmmm. Amazing to watch over the ocean while reading, journaling, sipping coffee! Make sure you head north from the main area - see the gardens, huge waterfall, meditation hut, working farm, preschool, art barn, sweet little perches everywhere to sit. -Best massages of our lives - a special Esalen technique ($145 for 75m is the only one they offer.) -Huge assortment of spiritual books for sale - as in every spiritual leader since 1962, plus fiction. -Bread (toast) bar open all day with 7+ kinds of spreads. -Physical design of the bath-house was so artistic; gorgeous open air honeycomb design. Cons: -Overall level of effort they put into this experience is very low compared to the price. Very low/basic customer service. Meaning: -Our rooms were ready when we arrived at 3 but they wouldn't check us in til 4. Very brusque. -You have to make your own bed (they leave the sheets in a pile) -No hair dryers. No shampoo. No lotion. No maid service. -Meal house and bar hours are as narrow as they could get away with. There's a big rush to make sure you get enough food. Dessert ran out for us on the second night. :( -Food itself is very bland and repeats daily. -No money seems to have been spent on capital improvements. Ie. Our "motel luxury double" had a bathroom with faucet falling off and rust coming through the skylight. And the keys to get into the rooms are from 1970's and barely work even with a bunch of wiggles. -Staff seemed very aloof - very minimal help offered. Not very friendly. It was never clear who worked there or was in charge. Like a student run college cafe. Or like a ski resort where the staff are all smiling and great friends with one another but barely crack a smile at the guests. -When you get down to the baths there's no instructions about where to go, change, wait for your massage. I had to ask someone with a mop. That person found & introduced me to my male massage therapist (who was on break -coming out of a bath) so I met my male masseuse when he was standing there naked - so that was weird. -There are tons of kids running around yelling and getting yelled at. (Def not that kid free retreat center chill vibe - like 1440 Multiversity or Kripalu have). Confusing: -The nudity aspect. I figured this place would be edgier / more spicy (like Harbin Hot Springs or estatic dance), but Esalen has more like an asexual/practical vibe (like nudity in a Korean bathhouse). -We were made to sign up for a workshop when we just wanted R&R. (We attended two sessions but it wasn't our style so we stopped going. Our two friends skipped it all together. Two problems: we felt bad seeing the teachers around and ditching their retreat- and we wish the money had gone to Esalen to fix their rooms not to a teacher we didn't really attend). -They make you use your bath towel the whole time for showers and the tubs and swimming. I love saving the planet but the price you pay to go there makes you think it's going to be more luxe. -The WiFi barely (slow and sooo spotty) worked all weekend. It's fine to not have WiFi- just say it's a cell-free environment! But don't say there's WiFi and then have it not work.

Probably my favorite mineral hot springs for many reasons. We visit twice a year, sometimes with a workshop, sometimes on a personal retreat. We've stayed for a week, or on the weekend both summer and wintertime. PCH-1 The drive, the corners, the music, the anticipation. Get going early to avoid the traffic. The ocean views are just breathtaking. If you are lucky you may see whales and California Condors. (Look for the Zebras on Hearst Ranch, San Simeon.) BIG SUR - cool, comfortable, layering the sweater weather, hippy dippy scarves and hats, aromatic forests, contained fire smoke. OCEAN CLIFF setting,- sunsets, whales, seals, dolphins, crashing waves, negative ions. GARDENS- Green gorgeous grass, trails, trees, flowers, succulents, super fresh vegetables. NOURISHMENT - Love to eat here, everything tastes so fresh, healthy, & alive, Can't seem to drink enough water. Cafeteria style, picnic tables with benches, great way to meet or not. You can bring your own alcohol and enjoy in the enclosed "bar" area. They also have wine for purchase. HOT TUBS- choice of; indoor, outdoor, covered, exposed, large, small, group or single bath tubs, hot or cold. The BATH HOUSE showers - talk about a view. CONVERSATIONS - People from around the globe are attracted to this special place. Depending on which workshops are occurring at that time, will draw people from certain industries. Limited Wifi window times in the lodge and no cell activity!!! WORKSHOPS -you name it, check out their catalogue. Something for everyone. SUN BATHING on the deck, walking, hiking, swimming, MASSAGE, yoga, meditation, dance, SOAKING 24 hours in a NATURAL MINERAL HOT SPRINGS. PERSONAL RETREATS - Do whatever you want, sleep late, visit Deetjen's for breakfast, great coffee and the most amazing Benedicts. Hang in town, visit the Maiden Publick house for good beer, and gift shops. Shop The Phoenix, enjoy views at Nepenthe, appetizers at Ventanna on the patio, Sierra Mar at Post Ranch for dinner and a killer view. PROBLEMATIC- Reservations, online or by phone, it is very difficult to find someone to help you make your reservation. 3 visits ago a cashmere sweater was taken from our workshop and shoes from the bathhouse! Seriously, you try walking up that hill barefooted on a cold night. Parking - good luck if you stay out late. Rooms do need to be updated, so get over it. You won't be spending a lot of time there except to sleep. What are you expecting? This is not a business. Look at how many people are work study positions. It is not for profit. Leave your ego at home. It is what it is. Soak in the tubs, it will take the fight out of you, and you sleep like a baby. I really love this place for it's uniqueness. That's why we keep coming back year after year.

This review is for the public night bathing experience only. We arrived as instructed, at the front of the institute at 12:45am. There was a group of about 20 of us all waiting. The staff member that greeted us thoroughly informed us of any risks and then took us on a 5 minute walk through the dark grounds to the bathing area where he explained how to use the baths and also the choices of bathing on the "Silent" or "Quiet" side. After he set the group free, he was no where to be found. My fella and I chose to bathe on the "Silent" side first while we got comfortable with the "clothing optional" feel. Problem was, we, nor could others, figure out how to fill the large communal baths (again, our host was nowhere to be found), so we figured out how to the single tubs instead. We got comfortable with the clothing optional feel, and then went over to the "Quiet" side which is the side you want to be on! The "Silent" side was enclosed, the "Quiet" side was outside in the open on the cliff sides. The tubs were pretty full but we managed to nuzzle into 1 and enjoy the absolutely breathtaking views of the sky and the sounds of the ocean. I docked 1 star for the user friendly aspect and not having an attendant immediately available for assistance. What an experience! There's nothing quite like it.

This review is for the public hot springs only! They're not kidding when they say reservations go quick! My husband and I planned our anniversary trip up the Cali coast and since Friday morning was our last time in a well-serviced area, we opted to visit Esalen that evening. I set my alarm for 8:55 a.m. and kept refreshing the reservation site until 9 a.m. As soon as the clock struck 9, I made our reservation. (Heads up: just for kicks, I checked the site 15 min later and they were completely booked.) The website was flawless and seemed like a much easier way to reserve rather than trying to get through via phone (I understand if you're already in Big Sur and don't have strong enough service to load the website). On Friday, we set up our campsite, hung out by the fire, took a power nap and was on the road by midnight heading to Esalen. Cars were already lined up but we later learned that the first half of the group already walked down to the registration booth while the rest of us waited till about 12:50 for the staff member to escort us down. The walk down to the "resort" is STEEP. So glad we wore our tennis shoes rather than flip flops. When you arrive at the springs, there's a restroom, some towels, cups for drinking fountain water and a big changing room. If you're planning on getting the full, naked experience, it will start in the lit changing room! My husband and I aren't the most free spirits, but we knew we wanted to get the full experience so we didn't bring bathing suits to force us to commit! As we started undressing in the changing room, we looked around and everyone was in swimsuits! I immediately felt super timid but I look over at my husband and he was already strutting his naked body down to the showers. (They ask for everyone to rinse off before entering the baths - again, no stalls here, people.) I loved the showers! Nice, warm water that was open and you could hear the waves crashing along the rocks. By then, we noticed more people in the buff and were glad we weren't the only ones! We stayed on the "quiet side" and there are two large pools outside and a few individual tubs indoors. After an hour, we were the only ones left in the pool. People found other places to soak and relax and it gave me time to just float around and stare at the amazing star-filled sky. I'm glad we went. We've never done anything like that before (nor are we typically awake at 1 a.m.) and I'd recommend it to anyone but I don't think we'd need to do this again. I'd rather return as a guest because the grounds are absolutely breathtaking. The vibe is very earthy and grounding while still having a modern and updated feel.

Here are a few photos curated from my get away retreat at @esalen, nestled in the beautiful #bigsur #california coast. I went with my lovely mother in law visiting from #australia . . You can find more on my Instagram fitness account : @sally_arnott or my mommy homeschooling account @grey_and_gold_blog . I was at Esalen Institute for a Brazilian drumming and dancing course (MIL did a BodyWise course) but I chose to enjoy the grounds for the weekend instead because it's not often I get "time off" for myself, especially as I have a toddler who just started potty training. During the days, I exercised and then lazily read books by the pool, soaking up the sun and breathing in the ocean air, listening to the waves crash on the shore and occasionally slipping in the warm saltwater pool. My favorite part of the trip was exploring a stunning tree lined canyon with a little river that ran down the center that made my inner child feel so alive, bursting with a mix of adventure and calmness I have not felt in a long time. It's incredible to be able to watch the sunset over the ocean and then view the million stars in the sky while soaking in their outdoor mineral baths or floating in their salted pools nestled in the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. (Clothing is optional here and I was the only one I saw that left my bottoms on). Esalen boasts its self sustaining eco friendly vibe and has a huge vegetable garden that they make all their incredible buffet style dinners from.. . .

HOT SPRINGS!!!!!! But before I go on... Esalen is an institute that promotes self-discovery and personal growth. Their seminars, workshops, and programs are for Big Sur residents. Their hot springs though, is open to the public from 1am to 3am. Yes, late. $20 per guest. Reservations only. The hot springs area is located by the cliff next to the ocean. What a magnificent view! The facility is beautiful. Large changing room and shower room that overlooks the ocean. The tubs are out on the patio; large tubs for sharing and small private tubs. This will be a good time to mention that its clothing optional. You may think now, naked people + hot tubs = orgy or something of the sort. But sorry to disappoint, there is no alcohol allowed and noise is to be kept to a minimal level. I think the idea is to forget that there are people around you and be comfortable in your own skin. There are no lights in the tub area. Only moonlight, if the night permits. This allows one of a kind experience, where you submerge yourself in total relaxation, gaze at stars and listen to waves as they crash along the shore. Personally, the experience was not entirely without discomfort since I'm quite self-conscious. But with those feelings aside, it was truly a unique, serene and relaxing experience. Everyone needs to do this.

This review is solely for the Esalen Institute Night Bathing experience. I've heard about this public night bathing thing off the coast of Big Sur for the last couple years and have always been interested. I FINALLY had the chance to do it last weekend and it was such a magical experience!! I originally thought $35pp was quite pricey to just sit in hot springs from 1am -3am, but now I think it's definitely worth it. It was a bit eerie driving on Hwy 1 after midnight. No cars on the road, pitch black. We noticed that the only other cars on the road seemed to be going to Esalen as well! We parked on the side of Hwy 1 and met the group around 12:45am. It felt so funny meeting a random group of strangers in the dark, like we were joining a cult or something. But in reality, we were all about to see each other butt naked. It also kinda felt like science camp all over again when we were walking down as a group in 50 degree weather. There were changing rooms & showers at the bottom of the hill. Left side was for the "silent" side and right side was for the "quiet" side. The silent side seemed to only be indoor, but maybe I didn't see all of it? The quiet side had a bunch of bath tubs and stone tubs built into the ground. I think all the water is natural spring water, so it smelled like sulfur & made our skin sticky. I would definitely recommend the 2 hot springs at the edge of the cliff. It was awesome being able to see the waves crashing underneath us and looking up at the 100000 stars in the sky. SO SURREAL! I saw like 10 shooting stars that night. We also decided to drive home in a convertible with the top down, just to continue to stare at the stars. I can only imagine how beautiful this place is during the day time!

This used to be an amazing place. This was the birthplace of the human potential movement, and some of the greatest practitioners ever have taught here. No more. Now Esalen is run by a Silicon Valley manager who is trying to squeeze every nickel he can out of the people who visit. On a recent workshop, the cheapest room was $1600 per night. And are the rooms clean? Often not. Read the other reviews. Shocking that they have gotten away with this. I have been here many times. No more

I can't believe I haven't made it to Esalen sooner - oh, wait - yes, I can. It's HELLA expensive! You're looking at a minimum of $500 for a weekend workshop and a bed in a bunk bed with 3 other people sharing one room. That's not cheap but - you get a pretty good package out of your two night stay, including meals and the workshop and use of the hot springs. The food is vegetarian - some of it is pretty good and sometimes it's not very appealing or exciting -- if you are vegan (like me) -- the kitchen staff are very kind about putting together something yummy for you (yay for tofu with marinara!). Unlike Harbin - they have no ban on alcohol here. Bring a bottle of wine - they have glasses (and bottle openers). The bar staff are also very nice! The hot springs are fantastic and super enjoyable. Bring binoculars - you will want to watch what is happening on the waves and it makes the question of "Is that a sea otter or is that seaweed?" moot. I enjoyed my workshop - it was basically my first experience with group meditation (it's really hard to avoid falling asleep!) and it seems like most of the workshops are pretty heavy on meditation. The grounds are gorgeous and well maintained. The room was clean and the beds surprisingly comfortable. Really - there's no reason to shower in your room if you are sharing with roommates (and monopolize the bathroom) when you can just go shower at the bath house. Everyone at Esalen was so incredibly nice and fun to talk with. Looking foward to another visit!

Towels and good directions about parking and location of the baths were provided to us by the kind man at the booth when we drove up. I saw some reviews that said this was missing so I think they have fixed this issue. This was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I'm a massage therapist (16 years in the business.) Esalen was incredibly dreamy from the hot soaking tubs, hearing the ocean crashing into the cliff below, to the nurturing massage that left me feeling so peaceful and vibrant. Thank you, Nick!

After much debate over the subject of my 100th review, Esalen it is! This place is absolutely magical and transformative. I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend many workshops here in the 3 years that I have lived in CA. Each experience from a Time to Reflect weekend to a full week Tantra workshop has been magical, awe inspiring, guided and attended by incredible people. Sitting in the hotspring under the stars or during a relaxing morning is my favorite place to be on earth. The waters are healing and the setting is spectacular. The bathhouse looks out onto the Big Sur coast and mountains, I have seen whales, otters and other beautiful creatures playing in the surf. All of the masseuses here are very talented and there is nothing more relaxing than an open air massage to the sound of crashing waves (more private rooms are available as well). Esalen serves a vegetarian menu with very lovely options. Farm to table is taken to the next level with much of the food grown in the gardens. After a few days I feel nourished and glowing. The customer service orientation and focus on customer satisfaction could be stronger. There are some problematic points that have persisted for some time (cabin cleanliness, transportation, etc) but nothing that is a deal breaker if you keep an open mind and consider this more of a camping experience rather than a hotel. Esalen is a place of peace, transformation, beauty and wonder. If you have the inclination to visit, definitely do!

I am very ambivalent about writing this review. I've been going to Esalen regularly for over 20 years and this place has been a sanctuary to me and I've had life changing experiences there. I last went in March. The workshop leader was great (Dorthy Charles) as were the other participants, and that is why I went, but I feel compelled to write about the change in the "vibe" at Esalen; especially of late. It was always supposed to be a equitable community where pretenses were left outside. When I worked in the kitchen in 1994 as a monthly work scholar there used to be sign over the door that says "everyone's job is as important as everyone else's" - or something to that affect. That sign is no longer there. Over the years they started making "premium rooms" and courting a more affluent bunch of people. It has never been cheap to go there, but it was a lottery of sorts before. You paid for a standard room and if you were lucky you got the Big House; if not Motel Row. First they took away staff housing and made expensive Pointe Houses. Now even the group space that was initially built for Fritz Perlz when he was a resident is part of a "premium room" set-up. So sad. That is where Gestalt Awareness Practice with Dick Price was born, and where the last group at Esalen with Christine Price was held. She no longer affiliates with Esalen and I suspect I am pointing out the reason why. So the last time I was there I paid for a five-day workshop (over nine hundred dollars) and was in one of the bunk rooms. I've done this many times. While it was always very simple, it was at least clean. Not so this time. I am posting these pictures to show that no effort is being made to even maintain (much less improve) the "cheap" rooms. It was also the first week of the new construction and overnight a wall of straw bales went up making my roommates and I have to walk a huge detour to get to the lodge. No apologies. No compensation. Nothing. Now on the emails I get from Esalen PR they brag how the construction has not been any disruption at all. I know they know that's not so. I wrote on the feedback form how unfair I felt the experience was and left it in the office. My name and number was on it. No response. I posted my thoughts on their Facebook page. It got deleted. Oh...and the food used to be so great. Not so any more. I think they are cutting corners. More than once they ran out of things mid-meal time- like the desert. Not near the variety or quality as in years past. And lastly, as many people have said over the years, the staff/work scholars can often treat the seminarians rudely. NO reason for that. Case in point - one morning I got up early and went to the lodge for coffee and toast before the 7am yoga. I was rudely told to get out of the lodge because they were locking it for the morning mopping. So much for 24-hour service of coffee and fresh breads. But as I was leaving some guy in a bathrobe wandered in and the same person who told me to leave said to him; "Good morning! We have fresh coffee in the kitchen!" I think it was the dot.com guy who owns AirB&B and who "donated" a million dollars to the new renovation. I'm pretty sure he's not in one of the bunkhouses. Esalen, I am very sad. I see what you have done to yourself be a microcosm of the culture at large. It seems Eslalen is aligning itself to the "1%", and sadly losing its soul and purpose in the process.

I called Esalen Institute to get more information about their scheduling and pricing because I wanted to pay a visit since I was going to be staying at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Let me just say this. The woman on the phone was probably one of the rudest reservationists I have ever spoken to. Not only was she interrupting me multiple times while I was speaking to her, she kept sighing as if I was a nuisance for even speaking!! Not something you'd expect from a "holistic Institute that promises a safe and compassionate environment for self transformation" I've honestly been to Asian nail salons with nicer service and people than they have.

I really had a hard time keeping this to a minimum after my experience. The time flew by, and I only wished I'd booked a longer stay. I'm going to make this short but sweet. After reading all of the other reviews posted before leaving on my trip, I had a hard time believing all the negative post and wanted to see for myself. So here we go.. Pros: The front desk, gate person, maintenance man & volunteers were so kind and friendly. I was told by the desk that they're always getting a new crew of worker & volunteers, so it's a huge turnover of workers. So with this said, you never know who you're going to get on staff. The Garden was beautifully kept. Bees were humming, butterflies were flying, and the birds were sticking around to see what's for dinner. Just spectacular! They compost everything, I mean EVERYTHING! They really know how to live off of the land. The 22 acres of land is beautifully kept up- with tons of trees, California natives, herbs, and a beautiful pond with Lilly pads and various pond plants & trees surrounding it, Just gorgeous! And you can hear the ocean every second of the day. It's simply paradise. The hot spring tubs were wonderful, right off the side of the cliff looking over the ocean. It's bathing suit optional for the person who feels uncomfortable. I never saw a person with their suit on. Use your own judgment. The Food: They definitely cater to any dietary needs. Raw, vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, they have it for you. I thought the menu was very creative every day. The soups, salad bar was my favorite. Most of the food came from their garden- so fresh and clean. I'm a mostly raw food eater, so it was perfect for me. I never had a bad meal. Cons: None. I will definitely be back. ;)

Heaven.on.earth. There's a few places that act as tools when life gets overly stressful, need a mental/emotional/physical recharge, and when I just need to indulge in some self love... this is one of them. Unreal location, you can't even dream this place up. Beautiful, spiritual, and calm. Please check your ego at the door. Thank you so much Esalen! Love

Esalen has changed in the short year since my last visit and not for the better. This sentiment is echoed amongst the many decades long attendees I've spoken to as well. Something has happened with the meals- clearly the budget for ingredients isn't what it was a year ago. About half the meals had no dairy-free option for a main- this used to be a healthy place conscious of many healthy dietary choices and now it's very run of the mill. Once-fish but cooked in so much oil it was more than the fish! Mostly low cost ingredients and sloppy, oily cooking. Even the cooked greens-way too much oil and sugar. Sad. I feel like I'm at a national park for catering more than esalen. I've been making my own entrees by adding the diminutive salad bar ingredients to the soups. Don't get anyone started on the dining remodel. One has to cross people's paths about 4 times to get through the line. It could not be more inefficient and frankly irritating. The staff is not pleasant to make up for any of these deficiencies including running out of food less than halfway through a meal. As another reviewer pointed out- who is in charge here? There is no code of conduct. Volunteers should not provide lesser service; what kind of work study is that? I got scowled at for asking for a coffee cup and dismissed when I asked how long it would take for them to finish cleaning them. Hey, we're all on a class schedule here...paying lots of money...I'm nice to you, be nice! I hope they revisit these policies, reinvigorate the quality of the dining and change the flow of the dining hall. One likes to see a place like this maintain quality. Update- Thanksgiving dinner was sad. WHY cook kombucha squash with butter, which it does not need, so that dairy free or vegans cannot eat it? That's such a waste and ruining it with butter is bad-chef moves. Running out of the vegetables NOT cooked in duck fat before the meal service is halfway done, and unwilling to provide more? Really sad. This place is not inexpensive by a long shot. Come on, Esalen. It would be sad to tolerate the place because the grounds and/or instructors are good. Get it together.

The reps are full of attitude. This is supposed to be a spiritual experience with everybody being calm and nice to everybody else so that no stress is created and enlightenment is sought. But no, their employees are full of contempt like you are absolutely bothering them. And then the place charges over $1,000 for a bunk bed in a room that you share with 5 other people? It's a money making mill - look at the schedule, there are 3 workshops each weekend. Avoid.

6 hours of driving (and a tank of gas) for no bath, no refund for a week, and one majorly pissed off customer. I drove 3 hours down to be told the night bathing was cancelled. This drive was after I had checked their website for how they're affected by the fire (the website said to travel safely but did not state cancellation). They claimed they sent cancellation emails but I see none in my inbox / spam. I called them every day for the next week to understand what happened, and to receive my refund- their call box was unattended during business hours for a week, until I finally got thru them today. The lady was prompt in giving me a refund but defended Esalen doing everything in their power to notify people. I don't buy it, since 1) no email, 2) I couldn't even call them, 3) their website didn't reflect anything about the closure (in fact, encouraged safe travels to Esalen). To be clear, I absolutely support their decision to shut down the night bathing activity. However, I do NOT support their how they do business. Employees were empathetic but three people I talked to all diverted the blame to someone / something else. That is one unprofessional business. Unless you are local, a trip to Esalen requires a bit of coordination and planning. I recommend that you don't waste your time and money here. Esalen has good people, I am sure, but bad business practice ruined any chance for a re-visit. p.s. this struck me really weird- I got my refund because I called them. Shouldn't they have given a refund regardless of me calling them?! What happened to everyone else whose tix got cancelled but they didn't bother calling them?? Seems scammy!

This place is a catastrophe. The setting is amazing and the views and natural surroundings are beautiful and spiritual. But the people who "work" there and "staff" the property are absolutely cultish in every way. Everything that should be clean is filthy and dirty. The food is horrible: open to the elements, flies, etc. I feel badly for the people who are taken in by the holistic/gestalt pose. If you go (and I'm trying to save you from doing so), don't try to justify and ratify your great (or even moderate) expectations and "adjust" upward your honest evaluations. Trust your intuition: it's a cultish effort to manipulate you into second-guessing yourself. As a child of the sixties (approaching 70), I can assure you that I'm fully aware of what spirituality, Transcendental Meditation, Gestalt, etc. are and this place has nothing to do with any of that. Instead, it is a facility staffed by sadistic cynics which "caters" to people who feel they must karmically deserve this kind of treatment and experience. You don't. Value yourself more than that. Stay away from Esalen and go someplace that is genuine and sincere. Namaste.