Master Chungliang “Uncle Al” Huang, a beloved Esalen faculty member, brings more than 50 years of teaching experience to an introduction to China’s ancient qigong tradition.
In this workshop, Master Huang will guide participants through the most essential qigong exercises, weaving together movement, storytelling, and subtle energy practices. Designed for those who want to build a steady daily practice for mind, body, and spirit, the experience is both accessible and deeply enriching.
Using metaphors, visualization, sonic chanting, meditation, and deep circular breathing, he offers easy-to-follow, adaptive exercises that welcome every learner. Along the way, participants will also explore the long history of this practice as Master Huang shares his extensive knowledge.
Joyful and engaging, this weekend is open to all ages and levels of experience. Together, we will learn how to bring this healthy practice into daily life as a lasting habit: Wei Wu Wei — “doing by not doing, spontaneously.”
Beginners and advanced beginners are welcome.
Chungliang “Al” Huang teaches Tai Ji philosophy, East/West synthesis, and movement meditation. He is the founder and president of the Living Tao Foundation and director of Lan Ting Institute in the Sacred Mountains of China. His best-selling books include Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain and Tao: The Watercourse Way, co-authored with Alan Watts.
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.
Chungliang “Al” Huang shares a distinctive approach to Tai Ji philosophy, the blending of Eastern and Western wisdom, and the practice of movement meditation. As the founder and president of the Living Tao Foundation, and director of the Lan Ting Institute in the Sacred Mountains of China, he brings a deep and wide-ranging perspective to his teaching. His work is grounded...
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Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Nov 29