At a moment when many men are reexamining the inherited roles, social expectations, and narratives that have shaped masculinity, this workshop offers a courageous space for exploration. Through movement, honest self-reflection, and the profound learning that emerges when men gather, participants will uncover challenges, witness one another’s vulnerability, and open to new ways of belonging, relating, and being.
Set within the healing environment of Esalen Institute, this five-day immersive workshop invites you to return to the body, reconnect with inner truth, and explore more conscious, relational ways of inhabiting masculinity. Through the moving meditation practice of 5Rhythms®, guided somatic inquiry, live and DJd music, and shared witnessing, the group will create conditions for honest self-discovery, deep connection, and the embodied leadership the world calls for now.
This is not about fixing men or offering a single model of manhood. Instead, it is an opportunity to investigate the many ways masculinity is lived, inherited, defended, softened, and transformed. Together, participants will explore how agency, accountability, tenderness, courage, grief, power, and presence live in the body, and how conscious movement can open new pathways toward choice, responsiveness, and relational integrity.
As the week unfolds, participants are invited to:
Grounded in trauma-informed principles, the workshop centers agency, consent, personal choice, and respect for boundaries. It welcomes men of all backgrounds and movement experience. What is asked is simple, though not always easy: a willingness to arrive, listen deeply, move honestly, and meet yourself and one another with courage.
Together, participants will discover what becomes possible when men move beyond performance and into presence, beyond separation into authentic connection.
This workshop includes an additional $100 of faculty tuition.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Designed for shared stays, this room type accommodates four to six guests in a welcoming, gender-inclusive setting, with a maximum stay of seven consecutive days. It’s a practical choice for retreat participants who value comfort, simplicity, and a sense of community during their time away.
Each bunk room includes twin-size bunk beds and a private bathroom with a shower, offering the privacy and convenience guests need throughout their stay. Fresh towels, bath soap, and bed linens are provided, so you can settle in with ease and focus on your experience rather than the details.
With its straightforward layout and thoughtfully provided essentials, this accommodation supports a restful and uncomplicated stay, making it well suited for those looking to share space while still enjoying comfort and functionality.
Ideal for guests who want a more social stay without the atmosphere of a dorm, this cozy shared room offers a comfortable and practical setup for up to three people of the same gender. The space is arranged with three beds: two on the main floor and one tucked into a sleeping loft, creating a simple, welcoming environment that still feels private and restful.
Each room includes an in-room bathroom with a shower, making daily routines easy and convenient. To help you settle in with ease, towels, bath soap, and bed linens are all provided. Whether you are traveling for a retreat, a wellness stay, or a peaceful getaway with others, this room offers a warm balance of connection, comfort, and simplicity.
Designed for guests seeking a little extra privacy, this inviting room offers a peaceful place to unwind within the charming, Big Sur-inspired motel atmosphere of the property. Thoughtfully located for convenience, it overlooks the main campus and garden, giving you a calming view to return to throughout your stay.
Inside, you’ll find a private bathroom and a comfortable setting that supports rest, simplicity, and easy access to the wider retreat experience. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, well-situated space to recharge between wellness activities, meals, and moments of relaxation.
If you’d like to share the room, one additional guest may join for an extra $250 per night.
Settle into a relaxed stay surrounded by the charming motel-inspired atmosphere of Big Sur. This Standard Two Double Beds room offers a comfortable, unfussy space designed for easy rest and shared travel. With two double beds and a private bathroom, it is a practical choice for friends, couples, or family members looking to enjoy time together while still having room to unwind.
The room’s simple, welcoming feel makes it easy to slow down after a day of exploring, reconnecting, or simply enjoying a peaceful break. Whether you are traveling for a quiet getaway or a shared adventure, this space provides the comfort and privacy you need for a restful stay.
Designed for a serene Central Coast escape, this room invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into a truly restful stay. A luxurious queen bed creates a comforting place to unwind after a day of exploring, offering the kind of refuge that feels both elevated and easy. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing, with thoughtful details that help guests feel instantly at ease.
Depending on the room, you may enjoy one or more of the following features:
Whether you are here for a peaceful getaway or simply looking for a more refined place to rest, this room offers a welcoming balance of comfort, charm, and natural beauty.
Settle into a Premium Plus King room and take in the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur from a space designed for rest and renewal. After a day of exploring the coastline, unwind on a private deck in an upstairs unit or a patio on the ground level, both offering a front-row seat to the ocean views. Inside, picture windows welcome in natural light and create a calm, airy atmosphere from morning to evening.
These accommodations are ideal for guests seeking the comfort of a king-size bed along with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Expect elevated bathrooms and decor, plus premium in-room WiFi for added convenience during your stay. With its blend of comfort, style, and unforgettable scenery, this room offers a serene retreat for travelers looking to experience Big Sur at its most inspiring.
Set against the dramatic beauty of Big Sur, this premium wooden yurt offers a peaceful stay with a strong sense of place. After a day of exploring the coastline, unwind on your private deck and take in the sweeping ocean views in total privacy. Inside, the space is designed for rest and ease, with a queen-size bed, a comfortable sitting area, and picture windows that welcome in the morning light.
Thoughtfully appointed for guests seeking a more secluded Big Sur experience, this yurt also includes an en suite bathroom and premium in-room WiFi for added convenience. It’s an inviting choice for travelers who want to feel close to nature without giving up comfort, privacy, or a restful night’s sleep.
Set among the breathtaking landscapes of Big Sur, this premium wooden yurt offers a peaceful stay with a strong sense of privacy and comfort. Designed for up to three guests, it features a queen-size bed, a cozy sitting area, and a private nook with a twin-size daybed, making it a thoughtful choice for those seeking a more spacious retreat experience.
Step outside onto your private deck and take in sweeping ocean views, or unwind indoors as natural light filters through the picture windows. The en suite bathroom adds convenience, while premium in-room WiFi helps you stay connected throughout your stay. Whether you are returning from a day of exploration or simply slowing down to enjoy the scenery, this yurt creates a serene setting for rest, reflection, and a memorable Big Sur escape.
Set within the former residence of Esalen co-founder Dick Price, this suite offers a rare sense of place for guests seeking both inspiration and ease. Here, you can settle into a creative, grounding atmosphere, or simply slow down, breathe, and be fully present. Designed for a restful and restorative stay, the suite centers around a luxurious queen bed that invites deep sleep and quiet refuge beyond the ordinary.
Thoughtfully arranged with accessibility in mind, the suite can accommodate ADA needs and includes a main bedroom with a queen-size bed, a private pathway leading to expansive ocean views, upgraded bathrooms and decor, a kitchenette with a dining alcove, a private outdoor area, and premium in-room WiFi. Whether you are looking for a serene retreat or a comfortable home base for reflection, this space blends privacy, comfort, and coastal beauty.
Set high above the Esalen Hot Springs, this newest suite invites you to slow down and take in the dramatic beauty of the Big Sur coastline. From its elevated setting, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as it meets the cliffs, creating a deeply restful backdrop for your stay. Inside, the atmosphere feels both refined and grounding, with upgraded decor and a spacious bathroom designed for comfort.
The main bedroom features a luxurious king-size bed, hand-built from recycled redwood, offering a unique sense of warmth and character. A kitchenette with a dining alcove adds extra ease, while the private outdoor area gives you space to breathe in the coastal air and take in the surroundings. Premium in-room WiFi is also included for added convenience.
Designed for guests seeking a deeper sense of ease, this room invites you to slow down, unwind, and settle into a more restful pace. A luxurious king bed sets the tone for restorative sleep, while the overall atmosphere supports comfort, calm, and quiet retreat from the everyday.
Depending on the room, you may enjoy one or more of the following features: sweeping ocean or forest views, upgraded bathrooms and decor, and a private outdoor area that extends your living space into the fresh air. Each detail is chosen to enhance the feeling of privacy and relaxation, creating a stay that feels both elevated and soothing.
Whether you are here for a peaceful escape or a longer wellness-focused stay, the Premium King Room offers a refined setting where you can breathe deeply, recharge, and simply be.
Settle into a space designed for reflection, relaxation, and ease. Tucked behind the peaceful Esalen Garden, these cliffside accommodations sit above the Pacific Ocean and offer some of the most beautiful sunset views along the coast. After a day of discovery, you can unwind beside the warm glow of a fire you’ve created or step out onto the deck to listen to the restorative rhythm of the waves.
Inside, the suite offers a comfortable and inviting layout for a restorative stay, with thoughtful details that support both rest and quiet connection. Amenities include:
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Mon, Nov 9 – Fri, Nov 13