Luminous Yoga Spring Renewal

Luminous Yoga Spring Renewal is a yoga retreat at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, led by Ulrika Engman. It is a workshop for people who want to refresh body, mind and spirit through flow yoga, somatic movement and skin and bathing rituals, and it suits anyone with at least three months of yoga practice behind them.

What to Expect

The days move through energizing movement, flow yoga, core activations, meridian sequencing, tapping and rejuvenating holds, alongside cleansing rituals based on the five elements. A central practice is yoga for the skin, a five-step cleansing ritual meant to slough off the old. Fluid, revitalizing sequences then bring muscles and mind together. The group also makes use of Esalen's natural hot springs, with specific bathing rituals. Ulrika describes the daily practices as fresh, fun and rejuvenating.

The retreat runs from Monday to Friday. It opens on Monday with an orientation, "How to Drop into Esalen," from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, followed by a welcome and opening session from 7:15 to 9:30 pm. Tuesday through Thursday follow a steady rhythm, with a morning session from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and an afternoon session from about 4:00 pm to 6:00 or 6:15 pm.

- Tuesday: morning yoga and meridian sequencing, then afternoon flow and core work.
- Wednesday: five-element practices and the skin cleansing ritual, then rejuvenating holds and reflection.
- Thursday: flowing sequences and somatic movement, then bathing rituals in the hot springs.
- Friday: a final integration and closing practice from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.

About Ulrika Engman

Ulrika Engman leads Barefoot Luxury Yoga Journeys around the world. She is certified in Anusara Yoga and in the Halprin Life Art Process. Her teaching blends yoga with somatic movement therapy and Swedish skin rituals, drawing on the elements of nature as movement medicine. She pairs movement with yoga, breath with music, and nature's wisdom with philosophy. Her approach gives balanced attention to the physical and the energetic, the form and the formless, and the individual and the collective patterns we share.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits on the Big Sur coast, known for its hot springs, ocean and forest views, and its long tradition of openness and exploration. Guests choose from a range of lodging. Options run from shared sleeping bag space and bunk rooms to standard private rooms, premium rooms with ocean or forest views, and wooden yurts. Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 9:45 am, lunch from 12:30 to 1:45 pm and dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

Access to northern Big Sur has at times depended on Highway 1 conditions. Caltrans has run convoys at 7:00 am and 5:00 pm for travel in and out, so check current travel advisories before you plan your arrival.

Before You Go

The workshop encourages at least three months of yoga practice. Bring a dry brush, coconut oil and a facial clay mask for the skin rituals.

Workshop registration includes instruction with Ulrika, housing, three daily meals, coffee, tea and snacks, access to the hot springs and campus features, and the classes on Esalen's open schedule. Healing Arts sessions such as Esalen Massage, specialty coffee and tea, bar purchases and bookstore items are extra. Day passes and an off-site stay are also offered.