Home-at long last...

Home at the Source...

Home-where the baths have always belonged...

THE BATHS ARE OPEN and they are magnificent! After four and a half years, several million dollars and a series of challenges that were almost insurmountable, the restoration of the Esalen baths on their original site at the source of the hot springs is complete.

The footprint of the “new” baths is only 10% larger than the old baths that were destroyed in the El Nino storms of February 1998. But the design by award winning architect Mickey Muennig is spacious and has a gracious quality to it. Made primarily of board-formed concrete, sandstone, and clearstory windows, the design matches simple elegance with enduring strength and easy maintenance.

The first thing you will encounter when coming down the hill is the upper level with its outdoor massage deck and “living” roof planted in native coastal grasses. Also on the upper level is a completely ADA accessible changing room, bathroom, massage room, and hot tub. The massage room is equipped with a hydraulic massage table (a gift from a generous donor) which can be raised or lowered in an instant to the appropriate height. Also included is a hot tub equipped with a special lift for handicapped access.

The cantilevered ceiling of the massage room, changing room, and bathroom is designed with wood alternating with plexiglass to create soft opaque lighting in the upper level rooms.

The outdoor tubs

The lower level of the baths is entered by descending steps toward a lovely perpetual fountain. Water flows over a tiled mosaic crafted by artist Elle Leonard based on a Japanese print by Hokusai entitled “Amida Waterfall on the Kiso Road.” The design was chosen to represent a peaceful recollection along a journey.

Turning right you go down more steps past the bathrooms and storage room to the lower level. You will turn left to enter the ”south” or “silent” side. Here, there is a changing room; a massage room with three massage tables; and the large bathing area with two large hot tubs, 2 individual bath tubs, and 6 massage tables.

Graceful arches are a design theme throughout the baths.

Turning right you go toward the “quiet” or “north” side where you will find another changing room and a beautiful shower room perched over the ocean. The baths were designed to optimize the views of the ocean whether it be in the tubs, the shower, or the massage rooms.

The outside area to the north is designed so that the first section containing two large tubs and several private claw foot tubs is partially covered but open to the ocean views and breezes. Further north on the cliffside edge are two large open stone tubs that offer the incomparable experience of being suspended above the rocks and ocean. The outside tubs resemble the ones at the old tubs.

The rebuilding of the baths has been a challenging project on one of the most difficult building sites in the world. Architect Mickey Muennig calls it “a labor of love.”

A special lift will assist people with disabilities.

The remoteness of Big Sur made finding contractors and workers difficult and expensive. The old cinderblock baths evolved organically in an era when building codes, earthquake design, and liability laws were non existent or less stringent.

To save the original site we needed to stabilize the slope above and install a new foundation below the baths. We knew, however, if we abandoned this site, we would never be able to build there again. New public buildings are rarely allowed on a coastal cliff face.

The site, on the rocky ledge perched just 50 feet above the Pacific, is unparalleled in history and in its majestic beauty. Natural hot springs flow from the ground at 119 degrees at 80 gallons/minute. These same healing waters have been flowing for centuries providing respite for Esselen Indians and others.

A mosaic fountain (left) crafted by Elle Leonard greets you as you enter the baths. the "silent" or south side (below) features large indoor tubs.

The new baths’ proximity to the ocean offers rare and up close glimpses into the lives of sea creatures such as otters, seals, birds, and migratory whales with their young.

Three Outdoor tubs on the north side are perched just feet above the ocean.

The temporary wooden tubs up the hill near the Fritz building have served us well over the past four years. In agreement with the use permit we received from the county, they will be removed.

The upper deck features an outdoor massage area and a living roof planted with native grasses. In the backgrond is a massage room, changing area, and bathroom which are designed for people with disabilities.

Many thanks go to the project managers, Torrey Waag and Jerry Parks, as well as to the crews of general contractor Butch Kronlund.

Many thanks also to our fabulously generous donors who have helped over the years to provide the funds to complete this project. We could not have done it without you!

In addition to round-the-clock availability for Esalen guests, the hot springs are open to the general public by reservation only from 1am to 3am. There is a $20 fee, payable by credit card only. To make reservations, call 831-667-3047.