Independent Conferences & Meetings

Now in its fifth decade, Esalen is dedicated to exploring and creating space for work in the humanities and sciences that furthers the full realization of the human potential. Part of this dedication includes offering our facilities to mission-aligned organizations for events such as conferences, meetings, courses, and trainings during the months November through March. We are currently scheduling for January 2011 and beyond. Space permitting, we may be able to schedule small events earlier.

Applying to Hold an Event at Esalen

Please email your coordinator’s name and contact information, the event title with a brief description of its purpose, and the number of participants to Esalen Programs.

Esalen & Its Attractions

Renowned for its healing natural hot springs, Esalen has long been recognized as a world leader in alternative and experiential education. Dramatically situated on the Big Sur cliffs over the Pacific Ocean, the sacred beauty of the land—clear air, pulsing sea, garden path and waterfall, steaming mineral water bubbling up from deep within the earth—is itself transformative. While your group is here, you may enjoy:

• Hot tubs fed by sulfur-rich natural geothermal springs, accessible for clothing-optional communal bathing almost 24 hours/day
• Professional massage and various forms of body work and energy work for additional fees
• Movement and meditation programs including activities such as yoga and dance
• Esalen’s famous Gestalt Sensory Awareness Open Seat
• Special educational and experiential programs presented by Esalen leaders and guest teachers including the Wednesday Evening Program
• The opportunity to participate in community work as a volunteer
• Organic flower, herb, and vegetable farm and garden
• Bookstore and gift shop
• Heated outdoor swimming pool
• The Arts Center open studio when available
• Sitting meditation center, accessible 24 hours/day
• Our private rocky beach
• 27 acres of lovely grounds to explore
• Local attractions: national parks, galleries, and restaurants

Accomodations & Amenities

There are 88 standard bed spaces, 5 premium rooms, and 3 Point Houses available for your participants’ accommodations. Standard rooms accommodate two or three people and most have attached bathrooms. Newly remodeled premium rooms and Point Houses accommodate up to 2 adults and have phone and Internet service. Each Point House has a queen and double bed, along with a full kitchen. For property-wide events, a limited amount of bunk spaces are also available.

Included in the rate for your event are: meeting rooms, lodging, access to farm and garden, use of the mineral baths,daily movement classes, and buffet meals from dinner the night of arrival through lunch on departure day. If your group is here on a Wednesday, the Wednesday Evening Program is available from 8-10 PM, which is open to the entire community including your attendees.

Meals

Esalen provides its guests with three meals a day, some of which are prepared with produce picked fresh daily from our organic farm and garden. Meals include vegetarian, vegan, raw foods, and meat. A vegan option is always available. Coffee, tea, milk, and a selection of breads and condiments are available throughout the day and most of the night. Our drinking water is exceptionally pure filtered spring water. A cash-only bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and fine chocolates is open during dinner.

Conference & Meeting Start & Finish Times

Conferences and meetings start and end on Friday or Sunday. Normally, your meeting room is available any time after 4:30 PM on the first day of your event, and up to 11:30 AM the last day of your event. If your event is property wide, arrangements may be made to access the meeting room(s) before 4:30 PM.

Meeting Rooms

There are several meeting rooms available for your use. Most large groups use the Leonard Pavilion, which can hold up to 140 people seated. All meeting rooms have pillows and back-jacks. Chairs and tables are available upon request. Esalen will provide basic audio-visual equipment and classroom supplies and must know all specific audio-visual and classroom needs, if any, prior to commencement of the event. For more informaton or current rates, please contact Esalen Programs.

Esalen Meeting Rooms
Meeting Room	Room Shape	Room Dimensions (Feet)	Room Size (Square Feet)	Max Occupancy (Seated)	Max Occupancy (Movement)
Big House	Rectangular	28 x 18	504	30	n/a
Big Yurt	Circular	30 dia.	750	35	30
Fritz	Circular	25 x 17	280	18	n/a
Huxley	Rectangular	40 x 30	1,200	50	40
Leonard Pavilion	Circular	43 x 43	1,900	140	55
Little House	Rectangular	15 x 23	345	16	n/a
Maslow	Rectangular	19 x 18	342	16	8
Rolf	Rectangular	30 x 19	570	24	18