Our stay in Santa Cruz was the epitome of tranquility. The hospitality was truly…read morephenomenal--attentive, seamless, and warm. Having a private sauna in the room paired with a thoughtful selection of hot teas made for an incredibly rejuvenating experience. Everything was impeccably clean and well-maintained! Definitely will be back!

One hour's Time goes fast when you're relaxing and taking it all in and enjoying!…read more Service was kind and cordial. Sweet garden oasis is a wonderful view while you're sitting in the hot tub. Sauna fits two people it is small and just enough space, or one person if lying down. Book weeks in advance online. I used to keep checking this place and wondered why it was never available. You just have to plan ahead Left feeling calm with a soothing feeling

Esalen always changes, fluid like the ocean is how they would want me to state it…read more *bring your own blanket. The spare blankets are one grade hire than packing blankets. The blanket on the bed was a thin whatever felt like a Target dormitory special. *Bring your own towel or two, you won't regret it. *The food, some of the changes are good, the coconut yogurt is amazing (I'm not vegan.) The salad, miso, soft boiled eggs are gone. The bread bar isn't a party like it used to be, uninviting and cramped is how I would describe it now. The breakfast classic. eggs, potatoes, meat is now served, although it's comforting, it's not the steamed chard I came for. Since I can remember, people always rave about the food, how healthy they are eating, what their bowel movement was like. Now you can maintain your mundane eating habits if you desire. I appreciated breaking people out of their dietary boxes. There was some shitaki dishes that I really appreciated in the evenings. * At one point I was approached by a very large man wearing all black, he asked for my room key, "for my own safety" it was a security guard. I was sitting in front of the lodge talking with a friend. We had been in the lodge talking but left to avoid him because we wanted our space. Then we had to engage with him and proved we belonged there. I've been to Esalen maybe 15 times and that was a first for me. I did not like it. *im still really irked about having to weasel a face cradle for the massage tables at the baths every time I attend. The cradles mount are 10" in case you couldn't find anyone on the phone to answer that question in advance. At the front desk you SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE A DEPOSIT TO BORROW A FACE CRADLE. Hey Esalen, you have massage courses all the time, please instal a hand washing trough so we can sanitize like professionals. Esalen he's definitely priced out most of its massage students from getting a massage. Which is very ironic. I 100% just told a friend to take massage courses at Esalen the other day. You can't replace that foundation of education. Told him not to join the cult, just take the classes.

I've attended and followed Esalen for years and genuinely believe in the spirit of the work. That's…read morewhy this is hard to write. If you look at the website, you'll see strong language about inclusion and racial equity. But when you move from messaging to mechanics, a different picture emerges. Registration requires a 50% deposit upfront. At the lowest tier, that's about $490. For many workshops, it's $1,000+ depending on accommodations. That's due immediately. In a country with a well-documented racial wealth gap, large upfront deposits are not neutral. They disproportionately exclude people who don't have flexible cash on hand -- including many Black, Brown, Indigenous, and working-class folks. Scholarships are limited and require extensive financial disclosure. I've applied and was denied. When I recently asked if I could split the deposit into two payments, the answer was no. That's not just an inconvenience. That's a structural access issue. It's also difficult not to notice who is in the room. In many sessions, participants of color are limited. Most staff are white. Most teachers are white. For an organization that publicly centers equity language, the lived experience doesn't fully match the branding. I also reached out directly to members of the leadership team to raise these concerns. I received no response. That silence speaks volumes. Esalen offers meaningful programs. But equity isn't a value statement -- it's reflected in payment policies, hiring decisions, and who can realistically afford to say yes. If the goal is broader participation, installment options and more flexible access policies would be a straightforward place to begin. Right now, it's very clear who Esalen primarily serves and who they intend to include as part of the human potential movement.

Omg I Just had the best facial and neck Massage EVER ... my…read moreface is glowing and My skin is so hydrated... I also had A knot on my shoulder which feels So much better ... I'm so hooked ... I will be returning monthly for my facials and Massages ... Well Deserved!!!!!!

You guys, when I say Aubree is AMAZING I mean it!!! I had a deep tissue massage today and omg she…read morebrought me back to life. I highly recommend Bella Luna Beauty, the vibe is everything. I can't wait to come back.

Favorite massage of all time. Professional and attentive to needed areas. I will definitely have…read moreanother massage soon.

Lynn and Julian from Namaste Massage were absolutely incredible! This was hands down the best…read moremassage experience I've ever had. They came to our cabin in Big Sur and gave massages to my family of five, making the whole experience seamless and special. Scheduling was very easy, and communication was clear and professional from the start. Both Lynn and Julian were extremely knowledgeable and educational, tailoring the massage to each of us and explaining techniques along the way. They were professional, kind, and created such a relaxing environment. Truly the best massage I've ever received--an unforgettable experience for our whole family. Highly recommend!

Need a gift for someone (or yourself?) The massages here are a perfect treat! They include hot…read morestones and hot towels (dreamy) and kind and effective masseuses. You can also tell the thoughtfulleness of the business - they provide a glass of water after your massage (since you probably just worked up a passive sweat) and a drink voucher to the nearby True Earth natural foods grocery store. Logistics: - All facilities indoors - Street parking in front or a nearby public free lot around the corner from Robin's - Female and male masseuses available, you can specify when booking online

VYANA Wellness, Cambria (2 stars)…read more I had high hopes for this place. I'd consulted with an AI assistant while planning our Cambria trip and VYANA came back as a top recommendation. When I called to book, I was pleased to find someone answered despite them technically being closed that day. We booked the 90-minute deluxe package, which included 25 minutes in an infrared sauna, a 90-minute massage, and champagne and chocolates. At $495 for two, the bar was set accordingly. The sauna was genuinely enjoyable. Infrared, very dry, got up to about 150 degrees. My partner tapped out after ten or fifteen minutes but I sat in there and sweated happily. That part delivered. The massage is where things fell apart, at least for me. My therapist started with a lavender or rose water spritz and exfoliating gloves, which was a nice touch, followed by hot stones and a hot towel. The setup suggested something therapeutic was coming. It didn't. The entire 90 minutes was an extremely light, non-therapeutic rub, always through the sheet, rarely with any real pressure or intention. I specifically told her at the outset that I had never met a massage with too much pressure and had some pectoral soreness from daily pushups. She acknowledged it and said she would start light and ramp up. She started light and stayed there. She never check-in or inquired beyond the initial 10 second conversation. She did a lot of little massage "techniques" like pinching and pulling the skin along my spine, massing scalp and ear lobes, pinching the webbing between my thumb and pointer finger, etc. but no real massage. For reference, my therapist, who never provided her name was a moderately petite, youngish white woman, probably in her early thirties, from Minnesota, with a shaved head and a long strip of hair running down the back, almost like a female mullet. She was covered in tattoos. If you encounter her, I would strongly suggest having a very direct conversation about pressure and therapeutic intent before the session begins, or simply request a different therapist. My partner had the opposite experience. Same tools, same setup, but her therapist actually worked on problem areas when she found them. She came out glowing. I came out frustrated. After the massage concluded, my therapist never reappeared to check on us. I noticed her sitting in the sauna room on her cell phone as I walked past. My partner's therapist came out and greeted us warmly. The contrast was hard to miss. One more thing: the champagne and chocolates that are part of the package were left in the sauna room and again in the massage room both times without being offered. I had to ask for them at checkout. Small thing, but at this price point the details matter. I left a twenty percent tip because that's what I do, not because it was earned. My partner's therapist earned hers. Mine did not. If you come here, ask specifically about therapist style and pressure preferences, and follow up on it. The bones of this place are good. The execution, depending on who you get, may not be.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

She has provided massages for our organizations spa day and she was fantastic, she has a gift!read more

From the owner: As an California Certified massage therapist I assist people with stress, and pain. Their weekly…read moresessions and treatment plans help my clients cope better with activities of daily living. I am licensed California Esthetician.

Kylie is the most talented and engaging massage therapist I have ever been to. She has amazing…read moreabilities, from hands on massage, energy clearing and relaying to you information regarding what you are holding in your body ...and how to clear it and feel better. I feel totally safe and free to discuss what I'm going through in my life. Kylie listens and gives her expert suggestions and feedback based on the intuitive massage. I always leave feeling lighter, calmer and at ease. I've never experienced anything like it anywhere else. Thank you Kylie for the skilfull healing energy work and intuitive massage you provide. You are THE BEST!!

I always look forward to my massage with Kylie! She is incredibly talented and knows what my body…read moreneeds better than I do. I've had massages done all over the world, and she's by far one of the best. Without hesitation, I fully recommend booking a massage with her.

Rita is a very experienced and gifted massage therapist. Trust me, I've been getting regular…read moremassages for 20+ years. Rita cares, she is intuitive and her complete focus is on your body's needs. I highly recommended her to several of my friends traveling to Cambria.

I just love the vibe when I come in. Music on, kitty cat waiting to be loved. Ahhh then the…read moremassage...absolutely wonderful I feel so much better, thanks!

I had an amazing experience at W Spa. Linda, my masseuse, was very strong and gave extra care to my…read moreknots. I came out of my appointment feeling like jelly. I requested a 90 minute body massage. The full body massage is done with oil first, then hot stones. Afterwards, your face, head, arms and legs are massaged with lotion. The room was very comfortable with dim lighting and calming music. The massage table was heated! There was a chair for you to place your things. I called in a few days early to make sure they have availability. But, I believe they take walk-ins. I'm definitely going to visit regularly. I would highly recommend this to others. Not only is their pricing fair, they're also open late to accommodate different work schedules.

great service and prices! very nice staff, helpful and clean establishment! Thank you everyone for…read morethe great massage!