California Central West
Developed
Description: This is primarily a retreat for Buddhist meditation and study, located in a secluded valley in the Ventana Wilderness. 5 hrs south of San Francisco, 8 hrs north of Los Angeles. The japanese style baths and facilities are only open to the general public and overnight guests in the summer. There are lots of rules and visitors should research thoroughly before making a reservation… and a reservation seems to be required for everything, including meals. You can’t just show up. It’s hard to get to and a $35 non refundable coach to take one over the treacherous cliffs is recommended.
$$-$$$ Day use 9am – 9pm $25 adults and $12 children. Lunch in the dining room (reservation only) $12 adults and $7.50 children. Bring your own towel. Baths free to overnight guests.
Payment accepted: only checks, cash or travelers’ checks.
Clothing optional? only during the day and in certain places. Coed at night only.
Clothing required in swimming pool.
Accommodation: yurts, cabins, stone rooms start at $127 per person. Work/study guests with shared accommodations and a strict early morning meditation, study, and work, schedule, pay $55 per day for shared guest accommodations (minimum stay of three days). See website for details.
Food: 3 vegetarian meals a day provided to overnight guests.
Address: Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, 39171 Tassajara Rd, Carmel Valley , CA 93924
phone: Reservations (415) 865-1899, For day guest reservations call 831-659-2229 no more than two weeks in advance. Information (415) 865-1895, Work Programs: (831) 659-2229
Email: tassrez@sfzc.org
Website: www.sfzc.org/tassajara (very informative)
Details:
Guest season April 29 – Sept 11, open to the general public for bathing and overnight accommodations. Retreats and workshops available. Morning and evening meditation sessions, and 4pm meditation sessions, open to all wearing dark pants and long sleeves. Bathhouse is Japanese-style and has separate sides for men and women. Co-ed bathing is permitted in the evenings. Each side includes a tiled indoor hot plunge, an outdoor plunge, large decks appropriate for sunning and yoga, a steam room, showers and a small private bath with hot springs and cold water spigots. There are also steps leading down to the creek.
For directions (that includes a coach): see their website
Share reviews, tips, and comments about this Hot Spring…