COVID-19‍For nearly 60 years, Esalen has welcomed guests to the picturesque Big Sur coastline. COVID-19 safety measures require us to adapt our hospitality — but while our operations will look and feel different, our dedication to exploring and realizing human potential remains the same.

The safety and protection of our guests, faculty and staff is of utmost importance. This will be a time of calm, far fewer people, private baths overlooking the glorious Pacific Ocean, and open grounds to safely enjoy walks, picnics, games, exercise, and the sublime sunsets.
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We are dedicated to implementing and refining new safety protocols, working closely with Monterey County officials and monitoring policy changes on the national and local level. We also follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the state of California. This is our highest priority. The following protocols are in place to ensure your safety:

Face masks
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Under a new statewide mandate, all guests, employees, and faculty are required to wear face coverings on campus. Face coverings are required when inside or in line to enter any indoor public space.
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•  While outdoors in public spaces when it’s not feasible to maintain a physical distance of six feet from others.
•   Face coverings are not required while eating or exercising, such as during a yoga class when on a mat six or more feet apart.

Social distancing

While on campus, guests and faculty should practice social distancing by standing at least six feet away from other groups, including while standing in lines, using the elevator, or moving around the property. Tables in the Lodge and other physical layouts will be arranged to ensure appropriate distancing.

Gate check-in procedures

You may arrive at Esalen any time after 2:00 p.m. on the day your reservation begins. At this time there is no shuttle service to or from campus, so please plan to arrive by car. At the gate, you and every passenger in your car will be greeted by a  Guest Services representative and have your temperatures taken. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about COVID-19 symptoms and any recent travels. Please wear a mask during this process. We recommend that you review the questionnaire in advance to ensure you will be allowed onto the campus.

Yoga Mats, props, and blankets

Guests will find a yoga mat, two blocks, and a strap in their room to use throughout their stay; please do not share yoga equipment with other guests. All items are thoroughly disinfected between guests.

Meeting and event spaces

All seating in meeting rooms will be placed at least six feet apart. If necessary, room capacity will be reduced or classes will be held outdoors in accordance to Monterey County guidelines.

Workshops and guided programs

The following protocols are in effect indefinitely for workshop participants until state and county guidelines are amended:
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• Participants are required to use hand sanitizer before and after each session.
  

• Participants are required to wear masks in the classroom except during exercise (yoga, dance), and to respect 6-foot social distancing guidelines.
  

• Upon arrival at the first workshop session, participants may claim their own “space” for the entire workshop and return to that space each session.
  

• Before leaving that designated space, Esalen asks that each participant wipe down their area, including any used equipment. Esalen staff will do additional general sanitation of the area.
  

• If movement around the classroom is required, masks must be worn. Faculty will provide instructions for how to do so safely.
  

• Each participant will receive an equipment and/or supply list if items are needed for the workshop or class —  please come prepared.
  

• Participants should arrive early for classroom activities outside of workshop times that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. When all designated spaces in the room are full, the event will be considered closed. Enrollment in classrooms is limited in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
  

Office and Conley Bookstore

There will be a designated entrance and exit to the Conley Bookstore, and a set path through the store. Look for the arrows that are six feet apart, which indicate how to stay distant and move through the bookstore. At this time, “testers” and card decks will not be available to sample or peruse, and we will no longer accept cash.

Art Barn and Meditation Hut

The Art Barn and Meditation Hut are closed due to space limitations, per state and local guidelines.

Pool

The pool remains open. Please observe social distancing protocols while swimming or sitting in the pool area.

Cleaning products and protocols

Esalen uses Scrub Free Bathroom Cleaner and EcoLab Peroxide Multi Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant, which meet EPA guidelines and are effective against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. We keep daily cleaning logs, which are inspected regularly by management, using these guidelines:

Public Spaces and Communal Areas: Increased frequency of cleaning and sanitizing in all public spaces with an emphasis on frequently touched surfaces including, but not limited to:

•  Front desk check-in counters
•  Elevator and elevator buttons
•  Door handles
•  Public bathrooms
•  Room keys and locks
•  Stair handrails
•  Dining surfaces and seating areas

Guest Rooms: Industry-leading cleaning and sanitizing protocols to clean guest rooms, with particular attention to high-touch items including:

•  Toilet seats
•  Door and furniture handles
•  All bathroom handles
•  Nightstands
•  Telephones
•  Light switches
•  Thermostats
•  Luggage racks and flooring

All bed linens and laundry is washed at high temperature and in accordance with CDC guidelines.