The Esalen Institute
Big Sur
The Big Sur coastline in California is one of the world’s most famous roadtrips, and it’s also home to some particularly unique lodgings. Emerging from the fog that regularly blankets the Big Sur coastline, The Esalen Institute appears almost magical as it perches on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This retreat and workshop centre is housed on a stretch of fertile land carved out between mountain and ocean, and is also home to a cascading canyon stream and hot mineral springs that gush out of a seaside cliff.