Kiental Valley in the Swiss Alps—setting for the Esalen Massage Global Village.

Esalen® Massage Global Village 2026

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, 1:00 PM, Kiental, Switzerland

Teachers first. Practitioners follow. Together we become 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.

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.

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, 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.

A man, seen from behind, standing in a group of people. The back of his t-shirt reads: "Trust that what belongs to you will always find you.

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.

Practitioners’ Gathering

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

A 4-day international gathering for practitioners — with workshops each morning and afternoon to refresh your skills, early-morning sessions in meditation and somatic movement practices 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.

  • New techniques and fresh approaches — you choose your teachers

    • Morning block: pick one workshop (different teachers, different themes)

    • Afternoon block: pick another (follow one thread or mix and match)

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

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

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

Esalen® is a registered trademark of Esalen Institute. This independently organized gathering is for the Esalen Massage community and is organized by the Global Village Committee of the Esalen Massage & Bodywork Association (EMBA).