Practitioners’ Gathering Program
Welcome to the Esalen® Massage Global Village 2026 — four days of learning, practice, and community, from July 8–12 at Kientalerhof in Switzerland. The rhythm is simple and spacious — designed to support your body, your curiosity, and your rest.
Arrival and first evening (Wednesday)
You may check in at Kientalerhof from 14:00 to settle into your room and enjoy the surroundings.
Our gathering officially begins on Wednesday at 17:00 with the Opening Circle.
Afterward, we share dinner, followed by a gentle evening program to arrive in community.
Optional: If you wish, you may already arrive on Monday as a private guest of the seminar house. This gives you two extra days to enjoy the quiet beauty of Kiental, explore the mountains, and go hiking before the gathering begins.
The Daily Rhythm (Thursday–Saturday)
For the next three days the rhythm is steady: mornings begin with awakening practices and teacher-choice workshops. After lunch and a good rest, the afternoons continue with more workshops. In the evenings we come together for circles, singing, movement, music, or quiet spaces for massage exchange.
07:00 – 08:00 Morning Awakening (meditation, somatic movement, or a quiet walk)
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 12:30 Morning Workshops
12:30 – 15:00 Lunch and Rest
15:00 – 18:30 Afternoon Workshops
18:30 – 19:30 Dinner
20:00 – Evening Community Gathering
We have five seminar rooms at our disposal, and each day there will be workshops offered in every room. This gives you a wide range of choices and enough space to learn and practice in smaller groups.
An online registration tool will be available for those who register and pay the event fee for the whole gathering. With this tool, you can select in advance which teachers and workshops you would like to join.
Please note: workshop places are assigned on a first come, first served basis.
This means that those who register and pay early (from January onwards) will have the widest choice of workshops. Once a workshop is full, it will no longer be possible to book it.
Faculty assignments are subject to change. If a teacher is unable to lead their scheduled workshop due to illness or other unforeseen events, the organizing team will arrange for a qualified substitute.
You choose your own rhythm — whether that means many workshops, more time in nature, or simply space to rest.
Closing Day (Sunday)
On Sunday morning our teachers will guide supervision sessions in the workshop rooms. After lunch we gather once more for a Closing Ritual — giving thanks, sharing farewells, and completing the circle together. The gathering ends at 14:30.
What to bring
Kientalerhof provides massage tables, chairs, and one set of linens for each participant.
Please bring the following items with you:
An extra set of linens (if you need more than one).
Your own massage oil (no glass bottles, please).
A small refillable bottle with sunflower oil will be available on site for a small price if needed.A small towel or cloth to cover the chest during massage sessions.
A large bath towel, in case you or your partner feel cold on the table
A face cradle cover (headrest cover) for the massage table.
A pair of socks to protect the floors when getting up from the massage table.
A large bag to carry your linens and oil, with a name tag.
If you come by car: an extra massage table and cushions for the side-lying position are very welcome.
→ Please contact Lili at info@esalenmassageschweiz.ch if you can bring these.Hiking gear if you want to explore the trails around Kiental.
A swimsuit for the natural swimming pond.
