Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
Learn More.

Learn more.

Due to road closures along Highway 1 to our north and south, Esalen is closed through April 11.
Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.

Esalen opens May 3, 2024

Visitors are now able to access Esalen as well as other businesses and trails in northern Big Sur via twice-daily convoys on Highway 1 operated by Caltrans.

Convoys run only at 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day. These are the only opportunities to travel into and out of Big Sur, so visitors must plan accordingly.

Learn more.

Learn Esalen® Massage

Are you inspired by the healing power of touch? Passionate about the mind-body connection? We utilize a unique, evolving approach to massage and bodywork developed in the 1960’s here in Big Sur. Combining the art of touch with mindful awareness, we train practitioners to provide not only a satisfying and therapeutic treatment, but also to hold space for clients to experience a transformative inward journey.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring practitioner, our massage workshops and certification programs empower you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to practice a method of massage that embodies an active participation between giver and receiver, helping clients return to a natural state of balance and alignment.

Our certified instructors are not only highly skilled therapists, but also dedicated educators committed to nurturing your growth. They bring years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, creating a supportive learning environment that encourages exploration and creativity.


Study in Big Sur

Experience the beauty and serenity of our majestic coastal campus while diving deep into the healing art of massage. Our on-campus workshops offer an immersive experience where you learn, practice, and refine your techniques while ensconced in the breathtaking natural land and oceanscape of Big Sur, California.


Train Beyond Big Sur

If you can't join us on campus, you can still experience Esalen massage education through our network of certified teachers worldwide. Explore our Esalen Massage website to find courses taught by skilled practitioners who bring the essence of the work to locations near and far beyond Big Sur.