What is the esalen institute known for? Esalen Institute. The Esalen Institute, commonly called Esalen, is a non-profit American retreat center and intentional community in Big Sur, California, which focuses on humanistic alternative education. The Institute played a key role in the Human Potential Movement beginning in the 1960s.Do massage therapists at esalen allow clothes? When massage therapists are trained at Esalen, they are instructed to proceed very gently and introduce people to massage in the most non-threatening way possible. Outside of Esalen Institute’s setting, this means giving clients an option of being fully clothed, wearing undergarments or going nude.What time do you have to arrive at esalen? You may arrive at Esalen any time after 2:00 p.m. on the day your reservation begins. The hot springs are available to all guests with reservations to stay at Esalen. Beginning August 1 we will be back to full communal bathing in our larger tubs.How does esalen raise money to support its programs? In 2012, the board hired professional executives to help raise money and keep the institute profitable. Until 2016, Esalen offered over 500 workshops yearly in areas including personal growth, meditation, massage, Gestalt Practice, yoga, psychology, ecology, spirituality, and organic food. In 2016, about 15,000 people attended its workshops.