Having been to Esalen a few times over the years, it has changed much in the last 15 or so years. It feels like it is catering to less the one looking for a retreat and one wanting more pampering. The grounds, tubs, and food are still special.
Tassajara is a place I plan on returning too. My first trip, I was doing a retreat and engaged in some of the chanting and meditation -- it took awhile to get used to it. I also explored the tubs, the grounds, and used the complete disconnect from communication to let myself just relax, calm down, and renew a bit. The food was very good. Being based in a valley between a set of hills, the heat can be quite intense during the day.
Getting away to day, for me, are the mountains and deserts and more remote areas of California. I have lakes I can be on in 20-30 minutes, lose myself at a mining claim exploring for hours and days, or hot springs in the eastern sierras mere hours away.
Most of the grounds mentioned, I've been to a number of them. They are quite amazing. There are places you can go on your own and find unique experiences and relaxation.
Tassajara is a place I plan on returning too. My first trip, I was doing a retreat and engaged in some of the chanting and meditation -- it took awhile to get used to it. I also explored the tubs, the grounds, and used the complete disconnect from communication to let myself just relax, calm down, and renew a bit. The food was very good. Being based in a valley between a set of hills, the heat can be quite intense during the day.
Getting away to day, for me, are the mountains and deserts and more remote areas of California. I have lakes I can be on in 20-30 minutes, lose myself at a mining claim exploring for hours and days, or hot springs in the eastern sierras mere hours away.
Most of the grounds mentioned, I've been to a number of them. They are quite amazing. There are places you can go on your own and find unique experiences and relaxation.