Esalen Institute

Esalen Institute is a holistic retreat and nonprofit educational institute located in Big Sur, California, established in 1962 by Michael Murphy and Richard Price. Considered the birthplace of the human potential movement, it offers workshops, massage, healing arts, self-guided explorations, and research conferences on its Big Sur campus. Esalen's mission is to sponsor pioneering initiatives and offer personal, spiritual, and social transformation programs for residents, interns, and workshop participants. The campus resides on land historically inhabited by the Esselen Tribe, with whom Esalen has been engaged in healing and reconciliation work since 2019. Throughout its history, Esalen has hosted pioneering thinkers, artists, spiritual leaders, and researchers exploring consciousness, psychology, and holistic health. The organization offers an immersive curriculum of experiential workshops, self-guided explorations, and professional certification programs—most notably pioneering the signature Esalen Massage and bodywork modalities. By fostering open inquiry, creative expression, and deep community connection, Esalen provides individuals with a transformative environment to explore human consciousness and cultivate lasting personal and cultural renewal.