Esalen® Massage & Bodywork
175-Hour International Training in Bali
Venue: Amertha Bali Villas, Bali, Indonesia
Dates: February 14 – March 12, 2027 (28 days)
Program type: Fully residential
Faculty
Teachers: Ellen Watson & Rob Wilks
Teaching Assistants: Jenny Pareno
Table Assistants: Phonik Angel & Syaiful Hadi
This program is taught in English. Indonesian translation is available.
Mandarin and Japanese translation may be arranged in advance for an additional fee.Note: Our professional translators provide seamless live translation. Rarely are our students adversely affected by translation.Accreditation: EMBA Approved · NCBTMB Provider · CE Credits availableProgram Overview
Curriculum & Syllabus: Click here…
One of the few Esalen® Massage Programs Outside California.
People from all over the world travel to Big Sur to learn this healing art. Now we bring it to them. Set on the peaceful coastal village of Pemuteran, and hosted at Amertha Bali Villas, the training unfolds in a quiet beachfront setting, surrounded by gardens and open space; far from the busier areas of Bali, this 28-day residential retreat offers a 175-hour certification in Esalen® Massage & Bodywork — one of the only programs of its kind outside Esalen Institute in California.
Whether you are new to massage or an experienced practitioner, this immersive retreat setting in Bali is where intuitive massage becomes a living practice. The atmosphere and culture of Bali fit our intention to teach this method as a path toward healing.
For many participants, learning the art of Esalen® Massage becomes more than a skill, it is a deeply transformative experience that continues to unfold long after the training ends.
The Esalen Institute is located in Big Sur, California, along the Pacific coastline within the Ventana Wilderness. Founded in 1962 by Michael Murphy and Richard Price, Esalen became the birthplace of the Human Potential Movement, a residential center exploring the integration of Eastern wisdom, Western psychology, somatics, movement arts, breathwork, and the essential practice of touching the body.
"It ought to be against the law to work with the mind and psyche without touching the body." — Jack Rosenberg, PhDWhat Is Esalen® Massage and Where Did It Come From?
Over six decades, the teachers at Esalen developed a distinct approach to massage that goes beyond technique. Esalen® Massage is a moving meditation. It integrates long, fluid strokes with deep presence, breathwork, and genuine attunement between practitioner and receiver. Drawing from Tai Chi, yoga, dance, and somatic psychology, the practitioner learns to move with the body on the table, remaining grounded and responsive.
"Put the body into motion; the psyche will heal itself." — Gabrielle Roth, creator of 5RhythmsWho This Training Is For?
This program is open to all levels of experience, from complete beginners to experienced professionals.
• No prior massage training is required
• Working practitioners may find some material familiar, some new
• All participants are invited to cultivate a beginner's mind
• Open to all genders
Participants should be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and able to engage in group learning.
Whether you are seeking a new career path, deepening your bodywork practice, or engaging in personal healing through touch — learning Esalen® Massage is often a life-changing experience.
We also offer 100-hour programs open only to professionals.
How We Support Your Learning in Esalen® Massage
Our educational approach is experiential, progressive, and well supported. Each day begins with movement arts and experiential anatomy: partner yoga, Chi Gong, conscious dance, and sensory awareness exercises. Breathwork, meditation, and gestalt communication practice are woven throughout.
These prepare the body for the massage table — where students move into the foundational elements of Esalen® Massage, each class building on the previous one with generous time for practice and integration.
The process of self-inquiry is central. Grounding this practice in your own body's experience transforms mere technique into a true healing art.
Program Structure
This program is the Esalen® Massage Practitioner Training Level I. It includes a minimum of 175 credit hours.
Credit hours include: • All scheduled class sessions • Assigned practice sessions • Movement and experiential anatomy practices
Example Daily class schedule:
07:00 – 09:00 Morning class
09:00 – 10:15 Nutrition break
10:30 – 13:30 Class
Afternoon Free break
16:00 – 18:30 Afternoon class
Evenings No scheduled classes
Most weeks include 5 – 5.5 classroom days followed by 1.5 days off. Not all days off fall on weekends. Schedules adapt to group needs and include service trips and cultural immersion activities.
Full attendance is required.
How You Earn Your
Esalen® Massage Certificate
Complete the 175-hour program in Bali (full attendance required; pass a hands-on assessment with faculty)
Give 30 documented massage sessions at your home location (collect a client feedback form for each session)
Submit all 30 session logs as a single PDF to the teachers
Give one final assessment session to a qualified EMBA assessor
Visit massage.esalen.org → create your profile → click 'Certificate'
Pay the USD $150 EMBA invoice
Receive your numbered digital Esalen® Massage Practitioner certificate
This certificate grants permission to practice using the Esalen® trademark and is recognized at wellness facilities, spas, and retreat centers worldwide.
This course is offered through approval from the Esalen Massage and Bodywork Association (EMBA) and matches the approved curriculum of Esalen Institute.
Professional Accreditation
✓ EMBA — Esalen Massage & Bodywork Association approved provider
✓ NCBTMB — Continuing Education credits for licensed massage therapists
✓ CE Credits available for registered yoga teachers
Why Bali?
The atmosphere and culture of Bali fit our intention to teach Esalen® Massage as a path toward healing in a way few other locations can match. In Balinese, the word for 'foreigner' translates as 'guest'; reflecting the warmth, openness, and beauty woven into every aspect of Balinese life. As guests during this time, we will visit local temples and ceremonies at full moon and Balinese holy days.
You will have at least 1.5 days free each week; time to practice, snorkel, visit the spa, rest, or swim. We encourage students to stay for days or weeks after the program ends to absorb this magical island: its tropical beauty, its grace, its world-class diving, and the extraordinary quality of stillness that Bali uniquely holds.
Venue
Our home for this program is Amertha Bali Villas, located in the quiet northwest corner of Bali, far from the busy tourist areas of Seminyak and Kuta.
Here, the pace of life slows. The horizon opens to the turquoise waters of the Bali Sea, with the distant outline of Java’s volcanoes visible at sunrise. This is a more traditional side of Bali, unhurried, spacious, and deeply connected to nature.
Pemuteran is known for its exceptional diving and snorkelling, with vibrant marine life just offshore. Nearby, the West Bali National Park offers protected jungle, wildlife, and coral reef ecosystems, while the surrounding village life provides a genuine experience of local Balinese culture.
Classes are held in the Wantilan; a large, open-sided wooden pavilion filled with natural light, birdsong, and ocean breezes. The space is carefully prepared for the training, with silk hangings and a full range of equipment including massage tables, yoga mats, music, and movement props to support both learning and creative exploration.
Housing
Amertha Bali Villas
Beachfront resort set in lush tropical gardens on the shores of Pemuteran Bay.
Each villa has its shared pool, surrounded by koi ponds, outdoor terraces, and the sounds of the sea.
The Amertha property is grounded in the Balinese concept of Tri Hitas Karana, the harmonious relationship between Human and God, Human and Nature, and Human and Society; a philosophy that aligns deeply with the spirit of Esalen® Massage.
Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa
Part of the same bay and operated within the same local hospitality network, Taman Sari offers a relaxed, garden-style setting with traditional Balinese architecture.
It provides a comfortable and welcoming environment while remaining closely connected to the main program location.
Participants staying here join all daily activities at Amertha, with a short walk along the beachfront as part of the daily rhythm.
We offer two accommodation options for this program, both located along the same beachfront in Pemuteran and connected by a short 5-minute walk on the beach.
Our main training activities are held at Amertha Bali Villas, where all classes take place. Participants staying at either property are fully part of the same program and community, with access to both locations throughout the training.
For those seeking greater privacy and comfort, Amertha offers spacious private villas with their own pools in a quiet beachfront setting. For those preferring a more flexible budget option, Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa offers comfortable bungalow-style rooms and shared options just a short walk along the beach.
Food
Each day begins with a mid-morning brunch, freshly prepared and nourishing, served at the venue during the morning nutrition break. Fruit and light snacks are provided in the afternoon to keep you energised between sessions.
Five dinners per week are included. Saturday and Sunday dinners are on your own, giving you freedom to explore the local warungs and cafes along the beachfront, many within easy walking distance.
Once a week the group gathers for a shared dinner together, a valued part of our community life.
Vegetarian and vegan options are readily available, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Pemuteran is approximately 3.5 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Bali. We are happy to help arrange ground transportation and suggest where to spend your first night.
We recommend sharing the journey with other students who have similar arrival times, we will help coordinate this. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
A 30-day Visa on Arrival is available at the airport. We strongly recommend a 60-day e-Visa for flexibility. Contact our travel agent Ike for smooth, stress-free arrival.
We require that you purchase travel insurance for your journey to Bali. For more information please view Travel Info.
Getting to Pemuteran
Transportation
We are happy to help arrange ground transportation from the airport to Ubud or Seminyak, and assist you in deciding where to spend your first night or nights. The drive from the airport is quite interesting, with varied terrain, and is best enjoyed during daylight hours.
Please note that we do not include or organize flights; however, our Bali travel document offers helpful suggestions on airlines we recommend.
You may also share the cost with others who have the same flight or a similar pick-up time and are heading in the same direction, making the trip even more convenient and economical.
Our professional drivers will take excellent care of you throughout your journey. Each member of our driver team has extensive experience and a deep familiarity with the terrain along the route, ensuring a safe, smooth, and comfortable trip as you travel through Bali’s diverse landscapes. Let our experienced drivers handle the road so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride.
Meet your Faculty
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Ellen Watson - Senior Teacher
Ellen Watson is a senior teacher and international educator in the somatic and healing arts, with over 40 years of involvement in the Esalen Institute community.
She lived on campus in Big Sur for many years, where her learning was deeply rooted in direct experience; working in the gardens, in the kitchen, and immersing herself in intensive study over more than a decade. This foundation continues to inform her teaching today.
Ellen offers retreats and trainings worldwide, integrating a range of embodied practices including Esalen® Massage & Bodywork, Touching Essence™, Vibrance™ Expressive Arts, and 5Rhythms. She is also part of the Grof Legacy Project, working with Grof® Legacy Breathwork.
Her work has been influenced by years of exploration in expanded states of awareness, including mentorship and study with Terence McKenna and Stanislav Grof.
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Rob Wilks - Teacher
Rob Wilks is a full-time bodywork practitioner and faculty member with the Healing Arts Department at the Esalen Institute.
He teaches all levels of Esalen® Massage and has shared this work internationally, including in Indonesia, China, and Italy. In addition to bodywork training, Rob has also led experiential leadership and education programs in the United States and Eastern Europe.
His teaching is grounded in practical experience, presence, and a deep respect for the relational nature of touch.
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Jenny Pareno - Assistant Teacher
Jenny Pereno has been an integral part of the Esalen Institute community for over a decade as both a massage therapist and instructor.
She maintains a private practice in San Luis Obispo, where she continues to work closely with clients while teaching Esalen® Massage.
Outside of her professional work, Jenny is an avid trail runner and marathon athlete. Her connection to movement and nature informs her grounded, attentive approach to bodywork and teaching.
Past Students Experience
Enrollment, Pricing & How to Apply
What’s Included
175-hour Esalen® Massage Practitioner Training
Faculty instruction and table assistance throughout
Accommodation for the full program
Daily mid-morning brunch, afternoon fruit and snacks, and 5 dinners per week (Saturday and Sunday dinners not included)
Full use of Taman Sari and Amertha property
Training manual and all class materials
What’s Not Included
International flights to Bali
Airport transfers (we assist with coordination)
Visa fees (if applicable)
Translator's fee (if using Mandarin, Indonesian, or Japanese translation)
Travel insurance (required)
EMBA certificate fee (USD $150, paid directly to EMBA on completion)
How to Apply
Click here to complete the application form and apply
Upon acceptance, you formally register
Choose your room type (this determines your price)
Download Enrollment Agreement here, sign, and send it back to us via email at contact@movingventures.org
Submit payment (deposit or full amount) with your registration
We confirm, reserve your room, and send periodic updates
Pricing & Payments
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Deposit ($1,000)
If you would like to reserve your space and pay the remaining balance up to 60 days before the start of this program.
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Taman Sari - Shared Studio Room ($6,550)
Twin Bed, air-conditioned garden cottages with open-sky showers and a terrace overlooking tropical lawns. Steps from the beach and Biorock reef. Simple, serene, and full of character.
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Taman Sari - Private Studio Room ($7,050)
Your own air-conditioned cottage with open-sky garden shower, private terrace and views across the lawn to the sea. A peaceful retreat close to the reef and Biorock project.
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Taman Sari - Shared Bungalow ($7,050)
Twin Bed, renovated bungalow with beachside access, open-air garden bathroom, and views of the sea. Individually styled with Balinese accents — a step up in space and atmosphere.
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Taman Sari - Private Bungalow ($7,550)
A renovated beachside bungalow with a private open-air garden bath, Balinese carved interiors, and near-direct access to the beach. Ideal for couples or those wanting extra comfort.
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Amertha - Shared Master Suite ($8,050)
Twin bed, set within a private villa compound on Pemuteran Bay, this suite features a daybed, rainfall shower, private balcony and access to your own pool. Shared with one other student.
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Amertha - Private Master Suite ($8,550)
An entire master suite within a private beachfront villa, shared pool, lush garden, rainfall shower, daybed, and panoramic views of Pemuteran Bay and hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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No prior training is required. The program is open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. All participants are invited to bring a beginner's mind.
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The curriculum, teaching standards, and EMBA certification are aligned with those offered at Esalen Institute. Both programs are rooted in the same lineage and uphold the same depth, integrity, and quality of Esalen Massage training.
The main difference lies in the setting and overall investment. Training at Esalen takes place on its iconic Big Sur campus, known for its dramatic Pacific coastline, natural hot springs, and long-established community. This immersive environment is truly unique and is reflected in the overall cost of attending. For example, even shorter workshop stays at Esalen can reach several thousand dollars including accommodation and meals .
Our Bali program offers the same curriculum within a 28-day residential retreat in Pemuteran, surrounded by ocean, nature, and Balinese cultural life. While the learning experience remains consistent, the overall cost of participating in Bali is generally more accessible; especially when considering travel, accommodation, and daily living expenses.
For participants coming from Asia and nearby regions, Bali also offers a shorter travel distance and greater ease of access, making it a practical and inviting alternative without compromising the quality of the training.
Ultimately, both locations offer something meaningful and distinct; the essence of the work remains the same, while the environment and level of financial investment may guide your personal choice.
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Yes. The certificate is issued by the Esalen Massage & Bodywork Association (EMBA) and grants permission to use the Esalen® trademark globally. It is recognised at retreat centres, spas, and wellness facilities worldwide. This program is also an NCBTMB-approved CE provider.
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Your fee covers tuition, accommodation for the full 28 days. Daily mid-morning brunch, afternoon fruit and snacks, and 5 dinners per week (Saturday and Sunday dinners not included), full use of the Amertha and Taman Sari property (including pools and recreational area), training materials.
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This program is taught in English. Indonesian translation is available. Mandarin and Japanese translation may be arranged in advance for an additional fee.
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At least 1.5 days per week are free from scheduled classes. Evenings are also unscheduled. This is time to snorkel, visit the spa, rest, or explore. We encourage students to stay on after the program to absorb Bali at their own pace.
