General Information

The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 as an alternative educational center devoted to the exploration of what Aldous Huxley called the "human potential"- the world of unrealized human capacities that lies beyond the imagination. Esalen soon became known for its blend of East/ West philosophies, its experiential/ didactic workshops, the steady influx of philosophers, psychologists, artists, and religious thinkers, and its breathtaking grounds and natural hot springs.

Once home to a Native American tribe known as the Essalen, Esalen is situated on 27 acres of spectacular Big Sur coastline with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising sharply behind.

There are variety of ways we invite you to experience Esalen. We offer:

Because Esalen values and protects the privacy of it's guests, a reservation is required to visit the Big Sur campus in any capacity. Please click on one of the links above or learn more about our reservations here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Catalog Subscriptions

The printed, 100-page Esalen Catalog is available at no cost in the United States via mail as supplies allow. In other countries, a one-year subscription to the catalog (two issues) is available for $35. Send your request for a catalog (include a check or money order in U.S. currency for $35 if the catalog is to be mailed outside the U.S.) to: Subscriptions, Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA 93920.

The Hot Springs at Esalen

We would like those people who are planning their first visit to Esalen to know that swimsuits are optional, and nudity common, in the hot springs massage area, and swimming pool. We encourage each individual to choose what is most comfortable, either wearing a swimsuit or not, and emphasize that the environment we strive for at Esalen is one of personal sanctuary and respect for the human body.

In addition to round-the-clock availability for Esalen guests, the hot springs are open to the general public, by reservation only, from 1am to 3am. There is a $20 fee, payable by credit card only. To make reservations, call 831-667-3047.

Continuing Education at Esalen

Esalen is a provider of continuing education credits for nurses, psychologists, MFCCs, LCSWs, massage practitioners and bodyworkers.

Approved workshops are noted in the Workshops section, as well as listed separately in the Continuing Education section. Those workshops for which approval is still pending are noted in the Workshops section only.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

A vital part of Esalen's mission is to help those seeking to acquire the skills and knowledge to transform their lives and the world at large. Esalen is committed to making this possible through need-based scholarships.

Our scholarship funds are limited, so awards will be made to those who will take what they have learned back to their homes, workplaces and communities.

We allow one scholarship per person per year.

Although personal growth is an essential step towards social transformation, almost all of our workshop scholarships are reserved for individuals who will use the information they gain to impact social change.

Priority is given to workshops focused on:

  • Sustainability
  • Community building
  • Social justice
  • Conscious business

Work Exchange for Workshops

Esalen occasionally offers assistance to workshop participants in exchange for a work commitment in the kitchen or cabins (housekeeping).

Please request a work exchange when making your reservation. Approved work exchange recipients will receive their work schedule upon arrival.

We allow one work exchange opportunity per person per year.

  • 5 day workshop- reduced fee of $100 for 8 hours of work
  • Weekend workshop- reduced fee of $50 for 4 hours of work.

Disabled Access

Here at Esalen, even though many of our paths are paved, they are extremely steep due to our cliffside location. In fact, Big Sur is the steepest meeting of land and sea in the continental United States. Nonetheless, we at Esalen are committed to accommodating guests who have disabilities.

If you have a disability and think you might need assistance, and you would like to visit Esalen or participate in a workshop, please give the office as much advance notice as possible about your needs. Although we are in the process of increasing our disability access, access to some parts of our property continues to be difficult. With enough planning, arrangements can be made for access to many of our facilities.

Because of the large volume of guests at Esalen, we require a minimum of 72 hours' notice to arrange for accessible accommodations. If you will need sign language interpretation at an Esalen workshop, we require at least two weeks' notice to arrange for interpreter services. In all cases, we will do our best to assist you with your needs.

Reservation Information

Learn how to make your Esalen reservation and find pricing, accommodations options, transportation and more.

Recommended Reading and Mail Order Merchandise

Most books listed as recommended reading for workshops are available through Esalen's bookstore and through our Online Bookstore. All other bookstore items are also available via mail order. For ordering information please call 831-667-3049.

Ongoing Residence Program

From mid-September to mid-June, the Ongoing Residence Program is for those desiring an intensive workshop program over a long term. A Residence Program stay is 26 days (4 "weeks" and 3 weekends). Participants may select any five-day workshop offered during their stay, with weekends open for Personal Retreat.Occasionally workshops are canceled; second choices are advised.

The discounted cost is $4880 per 26-day period for standard accommodations. No other discounts apply. If you cancel or change any part of your Residence Program reservation at least seven full days before its start, there will be a $150 cancellation fee. If you cancel with less than seven days' notice, the cancellation fee is $330.

Esalen Is Tax-deductible

Contributions to Esalen Institute are tax-deductible. The expenses of attending Esalen, including travel, are deductible for federal income tax purposes as an educational expense if incurred to maintain or improve professional or work skills (See Income-Tax Regulation I.162-5.)

Esalen Frequently-Asked Questions List

Please see our new section, Frequently-Asked Questions and Their Answers, for more information on a variety of topics.

 

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