Retreats & Vacations

Item Description

Plan to step away from the busyness and pressures of your life in the summer of 2019. Find the rhythm of your own breath at Tassajara, San Francisco Zen Center's mountain retreat. Enjoy the renowned gourmet vegetarian food, bathe in the hot springs, cool off in the creek or swimming pool, meander along the trails, and just generally slow down, unwind and relax. The successful bidder for this item is invited to book a two-night, three-day stay for two during the 2019 summer guest season.

Before the turn of the 20th century, people began to make the arduous journey to “take the cure” in the natural hot springs of Tassajara Creek. Within a few years, plans for a resort had been presented, and soon stages were leaving the James Ranch on a regular basis to make the 14-mile journey over the 5,000 foot pass at Chew’s Ridge. Each stage was led by a fresh team of four horses and on the final, hair-raising descent into Tassajara required a twenty-foot pine tree chained to the rear axel to slow them down. Tassajara Springs Resort, as it became known, had a colorful history, enduring a major fire and several changes of ownership and eventually earning a reputation for fine dining.

The Japanese-style bathhouse has separate sides for men and women (the men’s side has co-ed bathing in the evenings), and is clothing-optional. Each side has two hot plunges, a steam room, communal showers, a private bath, spacious sun decks, and creek access. 

San Francisco Zen Center was established in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. The Center supports three residences: Zen Center in San Francisco; Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in the  Ventana Wilderness inland from Big Sur; and Green Gulch  Farm in Marin County.

Item Special Note

All prices $USD

The Two-Night Stay offer is based on a double occupancy (two people). For the 2019 season, the rate to add a child (4-11) is $59, and the rate for an additional guest (12 and older) is $125.50 (Sun-Thu) and $153 (Fri-Sat).

There are a very limited number of cabins/rooms that are child-friendly, and we do recommend that guests first experience Tassajara before deciding whether to bring children. Because we strive to maintain the quiet and tranquil atmosphere at Tassajara, we may request that guests address their child's volume level. There is no childcare or designated children's play area, we require that children be supervised by someone in their party.

Cost of transportation not included.

Cost of item will be charged to credit card on file at end of auction.