Perched on the bluff above the ocean, and nestled beside the healing waters of Esalen’s renowned natural hot springs, a deeply nourishing massage experience awaits you.
Esalen Massage® is best described as the meeting and merging of form, energy, structure, and soul. With its nurturing contact, long strokes, and detailed attention to the whole body, an Esalen Massage provides a state of deep relaxation and healing. Our holistic modality, designed to enhance awareness and balance, achieves therapeutic effects without deep-tissue techniques.
Practitioners combine a full-bodied presence with slow, focused muscle work to release everyday stresses, still the mind, and leave you feeling integrated and relaxed. They are dedicated to connecting deeply with each client, and can usually accommodate specific requests and preferences.
All our healing arts and massage sessions strive to empower you to regain a sense of harmony and to awaken inner resources for healing. It is not unusual for us to hear, "That was the most amazing massage I've ever received."
Single Massage - $175
Our massages are 75 minutes long and take place in private rooms at the Esalen baths. Weather permitting, massages may also take place outside on the upper deck.
Immersion Package - $495
Deepen your experience with three sequenced 75-minute massages, and reap the benefits to your mind, body, and spirit.
- Beginning | Mind: Our practitioner works with you to explore an intention and quality of touch to prepare you for a transformative time at Esalen.
- Middle | Body: This massage is designed to address specific areas in the body that need attention and kindness. The practitioner works with you to identify those areas, and then addresses them directly with “listening hands.”
- End | Spirit: Using presence-based touch, our practitioners work with you to set an intention of integration for this final massage. It’s a solid ending to the immersion series, preparing you for transitions, letting go, and starting anew.
Reserving your Healing Arts experience
Individual massage sessions and massage packages are available to guests with reservations to stay at Esalen.
Prior to your visit, the Healing Arts team will contact you by email with details about reserving massages and time to bathe in the hot springs. You may also contact them directly at 831-667-3000 ext. 4008 or email baths@esalen.org.
Making the most of your visit
We recommend showering in your room prior to walking down to the baths, and arriving at the baths at least 10 minutes prior to your reservation time. Leave valuables locked safely in your room or your car, as there are no lockers. Please note: the baths are clothing optional and co-ed, including changing areas and restrooms.
When you arrive, your practitioner or one of our bathing attendants will greet you, provide you with a towel, and let you know where to change and where you will receive your massage.
Following your session, please feel free to shower off the massage oil. Check in with a bathing attendant to see if a tub is available if you'd like to enjoy a post-massage soak.
Gratuities may be left directly with your practitioner, at the front office, or at the Gate.
Massage changes and cancellations
Massage appointments may be rescheduled at no extra charge with at least seven days advance notice, subject to availability. To reschedule, email baths@esalen.org.
Cancellations at least 48 hours before your reservation time are subject to a $55 non-negotiable fee. The balance of any payments will be refunded to the credit card listed on your account.
Cancellations with fewer than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.
Please submit cancellations via email to baths@esalen.org. To confirm that a cancellation request has been received, call the Healing Arts line at 831-667-3000 ext 4008.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a massage?
Per COVID-19 safety, only guests staying at Esalen can book massages. Guests with reservations will receive an email from our Healing Arts team with instructions for making massage reservations, or can contact Healing Arts directly at 831-667-3000 ext 4008 or baths@esalen.org.
How far in advance can I book a message?
You may book sessions as soon as you reserve your stay at Esalen.
What is an Esalen Massage?
Esalen Massage applies principles of mindfulness to bodywork, offering up a holistic body-mind-spirit experience on the massage table. Through oil application with light to medium pressure and slow rhythmic strokes, the practitioner evokes awareness, a sensory “coming home.” The practitioner follows rather than leads, and adds deeper detail work to untangle stressed muscles, integrating each release into the surrounding tissue and the whole body. Assisted movement or stretches can be applied to free up old holding patterns, and frequent pauses give time for assimilation, energetic re-balance, and a sense of well-being.
What kind of oils do you use?
Practitioners use a variety of oils throughout sessions. Please notify baths@esalen.org if you have any allergies to oils, and inform your practitioner before your session begins.
Can I tip my massage practitioner?
Tips can be given using cash or a credit card. You can leave a cash tip directly with the practitioner, with Guest Services in the bookstore, or at the gate when you checkout. Credit card tips can only be made in the bookstore with Guest Services. We do not have an ATM machine.
Where can I learn more about Esalen massage training?
Please visit https://www.esalen.org/page/learn-esalen-massage®.
How can I reach Esalen Healing Arts by phone?
You can reach us by phone at 831-667-3000 ext 4008. If you need to speak with a Healing Arts Supervisor, call 831-667-3036.