Esalen institute Reviews

Came here for a weekend workshop. Had an amazing stay. Very peaceful place. I found all of the staff to be friendly and professional, nothing like some of the bad reviews I read here. Food was pretty good. But really it's about the location - it can't be beat. Highly recommend coming here just for a peaceful retreat. Enjoy the nature and sounds of the ocean as well as the creek nearby. The baths were awesome and the workshop itself was worth the while too (intro to mindfulness with James Baraz).

Esalen is a unique place full of history and extraordinary natural beauty. It is a retreat center, not a luxury hotel, although it does offer some luxury accommodations. The Institute offers a variety of workshops and retreats, and carefully vets the people who lead them. Many giants in the health, wellness, and spirituality fields have led programs here. Esalen is also rightly famous for its stunning natural hot spring baths, poised on the edge of a cliff above the Pacific surf, and its superb massage offerings--some of the best in the world. This gem was almost wiped out by the closure of Route 1 a few years ago followed by the current COVID crisis, but its dedicated staff are carrying on Esalen's long tradition of hospitality. It is not for everyone, but if it IS right for you, you won't want to leave.

As an Esalen Bodyworker, I will always cherish the memories made on the beautiful grounds of the institute. Unfortunately, Esalen has shifted away from their origins of a non-profit with the focus on Human Potential a long time ago. Much worse, they have become so discriminatory and in favour of segregation that you can only work, teach or visit the 'holistic' Esalen institute if you are vaccinated. Even if they choose to revoke their vaccine mandate, Esalen will never be the same after this..

I attended an herb workshop here many years ago. The workshop was great - but this place is magical! This was a one day workshop, but I was allowed use of the hot springs - and all was ok that day! The feeling of being here has been with me for over 20 years. The Big Sur coast is beyond words - very special indeed.

I have attended 3 workshops at Esalen, assisted 2 workshops, done 5 personal retreats there, and have taught 15 workshops on happiness and authenticity over the past 9 years. I always meet the most fascinating people who are trying to make the world a better place - people who are committed to loving, supportive relationships. Since I've been going to Esalen not a week has passed when someone I met at Esalen hasn't reached out to me. If you are looking to make life-long friendships, enjoy great food (especially from the new chef Alex), and learn from renowned authors and therapists, don't miss Esalen.

Magical, peaceful, grounding and the baths are one of a kind. You won t regret being here.

Amazing location and grounds. Super friendly people. Good food.

This place is funny. They fail to practice what they preach, we were met with hostility and pomposity from the guard. Immediately felt unwelcome, with outrageous prices it baffles me to see what this place is supposedly about. I drove several hours, to be so put off that I had to leave. I would not recommend. Save your money and find a place worth your time. You re better off in your car with a podcast, for something valuable and worth your time.

Magical place which is well past its prime. In terms of human potential I'll quote Jack London, there was no there in the there there. The last seminar I took basically amounted to a corporate style fiesta of narcissistic Kabuki. It had nothing to do with spiritual development or personal creativity but more to do with the seminar leader's desire to fill up time via ostentatious displays of drama.
My massage done by Corrine was heavenly.

Clean food, yoga retreat with hot springs access overlooking Pacific Ocean. Massage was phenomenal brought me to tears. Kinda awkward being unclothed in hot springs with strangers