welcome!
Prepare to connect with nature, yourself, and community in a meaningful way to restore and renew. We are coming together because of the need for thoughtful, human-centered collaboration and acceleration of exponential tech for the benefit of humanity. You play a critical role in that, and we want to honor that and ensure that you prioritize and take care of yourself throughout the process.
faqs
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
Check-In: You are welcome to arrive at Esalen any time after 2:00 pm. Room keys are available from the Gate or the Office/Bookstore after 4:00 pm. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ENJOY DINNER BEFORE THE START OF THE SUMMIT, IT IS SERVED FROM 6PM-7:30PM.
ORIENTATION: 9/30/18 sUNDAY EVENING 7:30PM - We and Esalen highly recommend that people attend this especially if YOU have not been to Esalen previously.
Check-Out: 10/5/18 Check-out time is 10:00 am on departure days, although you are welcome to stay for lunch and remain at Esalen until 2 pm. You must have your belongings out of your room before the start of our final session (10am).
Summit SchedulE
RE-IMAGINE REALITY Summit Sessions
9/30/18 Sunday 8PM-10pm
10/1/18 Monday 10am-12:30pm | 3pm-6pm | 8pm-10pm
10/2/18 Tuesday 10am-12:30pm | 3pm-6pm | 8pm-10pm
10/3/18 Wednesday 10am-12:30pm | 3pm-6pm | 8pm-10pm
10/4/18 Thursday 10am-12:30pm | 3pm-6pm | 8pm-10pm
10/5/18 Friday 10am-12pm
meal Schedule
Breakfast
SERVED FROM 8:30am TO 9:45am
Lunch
SERVED FROM 12:30pm TO 1:45pm
(on Fridays and Sundays, LUNCH service is from 12:15 pm-1:30 pm)
Dinner
SERVed FROM 6:00pm TO 7:30 pm
TRANSPORTATION
information on getting to AND FROM Esalen can be found here: https://www.esalen.org/page/getting-here
We have added some information below for your convenience.
questions, clarification, additional information?
please contact Esalen directly: 888-837-2536
RIDESHARES
There are two ways to connect and carpool:
When booking your accommodations you can request to be added to Esalen's carpool list for our Summit and they will pair you with others in your area.
You can also do a shout out in the Digital Raign Impact Community on Facebook, indicating that you are headed to the Summit and are looking to carpool.
Our past attendees have had great success finding carpools and quite a few partnerships and friendships originated from these shared journeys.
Shuttle SERVICE
you can book a Shuttle that will pick you up at the Monterey airport, more information regarding this can be found here: https://www.esalen.org/page/travel-esalen-shuttle.
The associated cost is $80 from Monterey Peninsula Airport. This price includes round-trip transportation and is payable upon arrival to Esalen. No discount applies if return trip is unused. Return service must be confirmed with the Esalen office at least 48 hours prior to departure. You are welcome to park in long term parking at the airport and Esalen will provide you with a validation ticket that will grant you a 50% discount per day towards the long term parking fees.
MassageS
If you would like to book one of Esalen’s infamous massages during our scheduled sessions, and/or need to miss parts of the sessions to enjoy massages, we are strong advocates for balance and self-care and support you in following your preferences regarding attendance. That said, ask and expect Summit attendees to attend the schedule sessions as much as possible - your presence is value additive, contributes to the group field, community and to the actionable outcomes we are aiming for as a collective.
Sessions Cost $155 and last for 75 minutes.
Massages are offered at 7:30am, 9:10am, 10:50am, 1:00pm, 2:40pm, 4:20pm, 6:30pm and 8:10pm.
Although massages can be scheduled in person in the bookstore, to ensure that you secure a session at a time that does not conflict with your workshop schedule, we recommend booking in advance by calling Esalen Reservations at 831-667-3002.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://www.esalen.org/page/massage-healing-arts-0
the tubs
We understand that the springs, and in particular a tradition there of going “clothing optional” can still elicit strong reactions. So some context is in order. Visiting the springs (also known as "the baths" or "the tubs") sans clothing is not mandatory.
But neither are the springs a mere amenity. For those who do choose to soak in the springs–whether in a bathing suit or without, daily or once in a lifetime–the experience embodies much of what continues to make Esalen a singular place of adventure. As a place of stunning beauty, an awe-inspiring respite for mind and body, and a great equalizer, the Baths nourish conversation, contemplation, and community. Their warmth and familiar strangeness prompt us to rethink and reaffirm.
The hot springs serve as a constant reminder that Esalen is not just another retreat; literally and figuratively, the hot springs enable us to savor life on the edge. For more information on the hot springs water and its healing properties, see the hot springs analysis.
Camping
Unfortunately you cannot Sleep in a car, RV, or Tent. To reduce their environmental impact, Esalen does not offer camping (car or tent) on property. Please note that Esalen does not have parking spaces for RV's and large vehicles. Large vehicles need to park on Highway 1 at the Esalen entrance.
guests
Unfortunately, you are not able to to bring a Guest, your spouse or your partner. Esalen is small by design (with only 125 beds on property) and when you make the pilgrimage to Esalen you (and you only) become part of the community. For this reason, and to protect the privacy and experience of our other community members, they do not allow you to bring visitors or guests.
What to Bring
Accommodations can be a little rustic and drafty and the coastal weather unpredictable. we recommend bringing a few items to make your stay more comfortable and safe. Many of these items are also available at Esalen's bookstore.
In addition to layered and comfortable clothing and items necessary for your workshop, we encourage you to bring:
Flashlight
Alarm clock
Hair dryer
Medications
Toiletries (shampoo & conditioner)
Water Bottle (NON glass)
*Cash –There is no ATM onsite
Hiking shoes/ Sneakers
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
*Earplugs and/or nose guards
A watch (as cell phone service doesnt work here)
*Warm layered clothing
*Money: Esalen is able to accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Please bring sufficient funds for incidentals, as Esalen does not have an ATM, nor are we able to cash checks.
*Snoring: Most of Esalen's accommodations are shared. this includes sleeping bag, bunk bed and standard accommodations. You or your roommate may snore. Please come prepared (nose guards, ear plugs, etc.).
*cLOTHING: THERE IS NO 'DRESS CODE' AT eSALEN NOR FOR THE sUMMIT. PLEASE NOTE: IT CAN BE QUITE HOT AND/OR QUITE COLD IN bIG sUR, PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
OPTIONAL
Warm liquid cup with a Closable lid
bLANKET OR THROW
a journal
mUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
yOUR *pre-DOWNLOADED Demo/s AND ANYTHING YOU NEED TO RUN THE DEMO
* YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DOWNLOAD AT eSALEN, PLEASE SEE THE SECTION ON CONNECTIVITY CONTAINED IN THIS faq SHEET FOR MORE INFORMATION
What not to bring
Candles or incense or anything flammable as the fire danger is severe and they are not allowed by the institute.
Any illicit drugs as Esalen has a strict anti-drug policy.
Pets which are not service animals. If you need to bring your service animal, please contact Esalen in advance to arrange this.
Expensive valuables as Esalen does not have safes and cannot guarantee their safety.
the place
whether you know Esalen well or are new to the institute, please, watch this trailer by ELEVATE to learn or remember the magic of this incredibly special place, the community itself and the overarching commitment to exponentially expanding human potential, invitation into exploration, transformation and emergence. It will seed our time together and provide insight into one of the macro themes we are threading throughout the Summit.
For a longer and more in depth version of the above clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVo92yoLhaY
connectivity
Many visitors to Esalen imagine that there is unlimited streaming and access to the Internet, this is not the case.
Esalen has minimal electronic communications available
For those of us in tech, this can be surprising, challenging and sometimes disappointing.
Esalen is located approximately 45 miles from "civilization," and there is currently no cell coverage. This isolation and tranquility, while deepening the experience of your stay at Esalen, can also be a significant change.
Wireless internet is available in the lodge anytime minus during mealtimes. if you need more access, you will need to reserve a premium accommodation type and specifically request a room with wifi access.
While there is no cell service, there are three pay phones and calling cards available in the bookstore.
there are some pay phones and terminals available for internet connection. There is no cell phone service at Esalen.
esalen uses a bulletin board for important messages and calls from home and offer a few wired Internet kiosks for limited use.
If there is anything you need to Download, you must do this before the Summit. we and Esalen will not be able to accommodate download, internet access.
Please come prepared to unplug, disconnecting in order to invite connection is a rare opportunity and one that Esalen uniquely facilitates given their remote location and the lack of connectivity.
Health Services
Esalen has no medical services or pharmacy on site. If you will require medical attention or supplies during your stay, please come prepared to administer to your own needs.
film/photography
Esalen holds the privacy and experience of their guests in strict confidence and sacred trust and expect all visitors to do the same. All electronic works must be produced within an air of reverence, sanctity and minimal intrusion to both guests and staff.
You are welcome to photograph or videotape on the Esalen grounds (excluding the hot springs baths) for personal use only. you will need to sign a a legally binding document certifying that you agree to these stipulations prior to gaining access to the property.
GIVING BACK
Esalen
vOLUNTEER OPPORTUNUTIES
Esalen is a learning community/organization made up of guests, students, staff, and volunteers. A variety of contributions go toward enhancing this community. Guests contribute to this in many ways, including making their beds and bussing their dishes. Guests are also welcome to contribute a couple of hours to work with the Esalen staff, usually in the kitchen. Your help enables us to meet the pressures of peak working times and enables you to experience Esalen from the inside out. Contact ESALEN'S reservations office for further details.
The Friends of Esalen Fund
When you become a Friend of Esalen by making a donation of $65 or more, your generous contribution helps to fund those projects and initiatives that are most important and urgent to Esalen. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING HOW THESE FUNDS ARE USED AND THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A FRIEND OF eSALEN: https://www.esalen.org/page/become-friend-esalen
Esalen Institute
Contacting Esalen:
You can register for workshops online or by calling their reservations office.
Contact Esalen by phone toll-free in the US: 1-888-8-ESALEN (888-837-2536)
International callers can reach Esalen at 1-703-342-0500 (note: this is not a toll-free line).
reservation lines are open every day from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Pacific Time.
Massage Reservations
Book massage appointments online or by calling 831-667-3002 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.
For General Information or Inquiries, Call 831-667-3000 or email us at info@esalen.org.
Due to the high volume of inquiries we receive, please allow up to 72 hours for a reply. Please note that we do not process any form of reservation request by email.
questions, clarification, additional information?
please contact Esalen directly.