Esalen® Massage Global Village 2026

Hands of Esalen Massage practitioners forming a circle on wooden floor, symbolizing community and belonging at Global Village 2026 in Switzerland.

One heart, many hands — gathering as one community, many voices.

We bring the international Esalen® Massage community together in presence, touch, and shared growth—nourishing body, mind, and spirit through connection, co-creation, and embodied learning.

We envision a vibrant, international village where Esalen Massage teachers and practitioners honor the roots, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of our shared practice—helping to build a more connected, compassionate world through the healing power of touch.

Part 1: Teachers’ Gathering — July 6, 2:00 PM – July 8, 1:00 PM, Kiental, Switzerland
Part 2: Practitioners’ Gathering — July 8, 5:00 PM – July 12, 2:30 PM, Kiental, Switzerland

Teachers first. Practitioners follow. Together we create the Esalen Massage Global Village.

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Why We Gather

For the first time, Esalen Massage teachers and practitioners from around the world will gather in the Swiss Alps.

We come together to:

  • Reconnect with ourselves and our practice.

  • Honor the roots of Esalen Massage and the Human Potential Movement.

  • Celebrate the present moment of our community.

  • Inspire the future of this living lineage.

seoHands forming a circle – symbol of community and connection at the Esalen® Massage Global Village

It is a homecoming — a global village where presence, touch, and belonging flow together.

Where We Gather

In the quiet Kiental Valley of the Swiss Alps, we meet at Kientalerhof—a retreat center for learning, rest, and renewal. Mountains as steady companions, clear air, spacious studios, nourishing meals. A simple, caring home for our Esalen® Massage Global Village.

Shows the view from the retreat center Kientalerhof into the mountains.

Who It’s For

This gathering is open to all who feel called into the circle of touch and presence. Whether you trained in the USA, Bali, Japan, China, Switzerland, Scotland, Germany, Spain, or Argentina—you belong here:

  • Teachers
    Esalen Massage teachers wishing to exchange wisdom and strengthen the living lineage.

  • Practitioners
    Certified or in training—renew your inspiration, deepen your flow, and connect with peers.

Shows woman during a practice session of an esalen massage certification training in Switzerland.

Our shared language is the heart and hands.

Guidance is in English with simple words. Non-native speakers are warmly welcome.

How the Week Unfolds

Teachers’ retreat followed by the practitioners’ gathering:

Teachers’ Gathering

July 6, 2:00 PM – July 8, 01:00 PM, Switzerland, Kiental.

A dedicated 3-day retreat for Esalen Massage teachers to co-create, share wisdom, deepen the living tradition, and renew old friendships.

Show Esalen Massage Teacher explaining the basics of a long stroke in an esalen massage introduction course.

Practitioners’ Gathering

July 8, 5:00 PM – July 12, 01:00 PM, Switzerland, Kiental

A 4-day international gathering for practitioners — with morning and afternoon workshops to refresh and expand your skills, early-morning meditation and somatic movement to ground your body, and evening community events to connect, celebrate, and belong.

Esalen Massage practitioners in a mindful exchange

What You’ll Receive

  • Real connection
    Meet international peers. Learn and share in supportive circles.

  • Morning and afternoon classes to choose from. New techniques, fresh approaches — and you choose your teachers.

  • Daily practices for your own body
    Meditation and somatic movement to prevent burnout and feel at ease.

  • Confidence through feedback
    Supervised exchanges, demos, space for questions.

  • Renewed joy and purpose
    Remember why you love Esalen Massage—and carry it home.

Ingrid May teaching gratitude and Esalen Massage in Switzerland

Organizers and Community

Esalen® is a registered trademark of Esalen Institute.

This independently organized gathering is for the Esalen Massage international community and is hosted by the Swiss Esalen Massage network in collaboration with the Esalen Massage & Bodywork Association (EMBA).

The event is organized and guided by the Global Village Committee (Robin Fann, Patrick Stockstill, Lili Imboden).

If you have further questions about the program or registration, please contact Lili Imboden at: info@esalenmassageschweiz.ch.