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we camaldolese monks greet you in the peace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.We are a working monastery with accommodations and an environment geared toward spiritual retreats. Those looking simply for overnight accommodations are likely to be better served elsewhere.Here at the Hermitage,we offer retreatants a beautiful place of quiet and prayer. We ask you to maintain silence in your room, the kitchen and the area around the retreat house. If you want to have a conversation with someone, please go for a walk down the driveway with them.Monastic prayer:The monks gather for prayer in the Chapel four times a day. You are most welcome to join us. The bell will ring 15 minutes before Vigils; 5 minutes before Lauds, Mass and Vespers. (The 5:30pm bell is a signal for monks in the cloister only)The regular schedule is as follows:5:30AM vigils (daily) 7:00AM lauds (daily)11:30AM eucharist (weekdays)11:00AM eucharist (Sundays)6:00PM vespers (weekdays)5:00PM vespers (Sundays)Liturgy of the hours:After the opening prayer of each service, a monk will offer assistance to those unfamiliar with the order of prayer. The regular schedule may be changed for Feast Days, Solemnities and Community Days. There is also a silent half hour of prayer every day in the Chapel Rotunda immediately following Vespers.In addition to the daily prayer schedule, retreatants are invited to join the monks to pray the Rosary and participate in Collatio (scripture study). The schedule for these will be posted on the Chapel door.Spiritual counsel and reconciliation:If you would like to talk with one of the monks for spiritual counsel, or to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please make your request to the attendant at the bookstore who will make those arrangements.Meals and retreat house kitchen area:To maintain the gift of silence, all meals are eaten in solitude in your own room or garden.Your room is provided with an electric hot pot for hot water and packets of instant coffee, tea, a tray and dishes provided to pick up your meal from the retreat house kitchen. The retreat house kitchen is always open and is stocked with cereals, milk, fruit, yogurts, breads and a fresh Breakfast item which you may use to prepare breakfast at your leisure. From 1:30pm daily, soup, salad and a fresh Supper dish are also provided. Please be sure to clean up after using any facilities.Take note of the two shower rooms on the right as you enter the kitchen area and the smallloan library in the kitchen. Please return borrowed books to the shelf before you leave so they may be made available to others.Bookstore:Open daily for check-in, books, music and gifts: Mornings; 8:00~11:15 a.m. Afternoons; 1:15~5:00 p.m.Personal calls can be made from the telephone booth at the bookstore whenever it is open.Because we have only this one booth please try to make your calls brief. The nearest public phone is located at Lucia Lodge, a short drive North on Hwy 1.Sending or receiving mail:Items for mailing can be left at the bookstore and the postage paid there. If you are expecting mail, please let the monk at the Bookstore know and check back there.If you are missing any items or have a problem or a particular need, please inquire at the Bookstore and the attendant will gladly help.Recycling:We provide containers in the kitchen area to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. Please be mindful of these when disposing trash.Hiking:Walks are a wonderful way to commune with God through the beauty of nature. We suggest you walk the main driveway, which is two miles long to Highway 1. Sitting areas are provided at various points along the road. Because of the widespread poison oak and in order to maintain the cloister of the monks, retreatants are asked to limit their walks to the drive and not to follow dirt roads or paths into the wilderness area. Please do not feed any of the wild animals.In an emergency:Notify the attendant at the bookstore. When the bookstore is closed use the intercom phone inside the kitchen: Call the GuestMaster, #108. If no answer call #115. For specific instructions in the event of fire please read the card provided in your room.Driving Driections:Our Hermitage is located 50 miles south of Monterey, Ca.; and 45 miles north of Cambria, Ca. on Highway 1. Driving time is about an hour and fifteen minutes from either Monterey or Cambria. Our driveway is located on the inland side of the highway ½ mile south of Lucia (if you are driving from the north); 1 mile north of Limekiln State Beach (if you are driving from the south).
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This is by far the most amazing place I have ever stayed. I started coming in my mid 20's and the last time I was there was in 2008. I stopped traveling because I retired and felt that I couldn't afford to travel anymore. I have been here numerous times and had three wonderful stays in Logos house and then also stayed at the retreat rooms. The view is incredible and looking south it looks like the Napali Coast on Kauai. It is absolutely magical and even if you come here one time it will change your life. I could only enter April 2023 but my last time was September 2008. It stays the same.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had heard of New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur for years. I kept dropping hints that I would love a Christmas present of a week there by myself. Nobody took the hint. Our home is filled with lots of kids, grandkids, a home business, and a pretty good amount of daily stressors. It was getting a bit overwhelming and I knew I needed to escape for a few days with my husband. My choice was the New Camaldoli Hermitage. Needless to say, my husband was not thrilled with the idea of being in separate rooms, at least at first, and that it was a silent retreat, and that I booked it for three nights. However, once he found out they made fruitcake he thought he would survive. So, we headed north from Orange Country and felt a certain thrill when the coastline of Big Sur came into view. The setting is spectacular.
The sign to the Hermitage was well marked off of Highway 1. We timed things to arrive at 4:00, their advertised check in time. One of the monks was in the bookstore where we went to register. He was very helpful in getting us oriented to the schedule of services, where to park, how to access our food, some beautiful nearby sites, and even a mention of how beautiful the moon would be that night with Mars right next to it. He was talking my heart language.
My husband and I prepared to "enter the silence," as a card on the desk beckoned us, and we got settled in our rooms in the Retreat House. I was in room 5, and my husband was in room 7. My first impression was one of delight. The room was simply furnished but had everything I needed. A single bed (sheets on the bed so I could make the bed the way I preferred), a warm blanket, a down comforter, a ledge with a bible and an icon, a desk and chair, hooks for my clothes, a half bath, a heater, a fan, a fly swatter, and bug repellant. Oh yes, and a rocking chair that did wonders for my back. It was late June and I did not need the heater or the fan, and had no trouble with bugs. Two showers are shared between nine rooms. The really big event of the simple room was the view of the mountain slope and the ocean beyond through the picture windows. There were screen doors at the main entrance of the room and leading into my own, personal garden. A white plastic chair was set in the garden. I was only in the room for a full day and night, but I enjoyed sitting in the garden a lot.
This was time to let my shoulders down and think about my life priorities, pray, and more than anything else, simply be.
At 5:20 PM bells in the chapel called us to Vespers. Attendance at services is not required, but it really helps make the experience. The monks entered, sitting across from one another. We sat behind them. One brother noticed we were new and came over to show us how to follow in the prayer book. They chanted (simple singing, very easy to follow) the psalms in English. The monks are Roman Catholic and are semi-cloistered, following a contemplative life-style. The prayers and psalms were chanted more slowly than I might have expected. We followed the brother's lead, and discovered that the pauses, the silence between the lines, gave us the opportunity to contemplate what we had just said. All the services were similar to this. Brothers took turns sharing the readings, and a number of the monks are priests and took turns leading the services. The 5:20 AM bell rings long and loud, call us to Vigils, and, at 7:00 AM, to Lauds. At 11:00 or so, they have mass, which is a joyous worship experience, even for non-Catholics. They invite us to gather around the table of the Lord in a round area of the chapel. There are marble floors, a wooden roof, plaster walls, and killer acoustics. Singing the Alleluia in there, with everyone adding their own harmonies was memorable. There is a cut out design in the wooden roof which allows the natural light in and adds beauty to the simple worship space.
Our meals were delivered to the Retreat House kitchen. Lunch was served buffet style and was the main meal of the day. They have a special dish for breakfast, and a special dish for supper, along with home-made soup and organic salad greens. There is a selection of cereals (watch out for the yummy granola!), yogurts, milks, breads, peanut butter, coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and fresh fruit. The food is mostly vegetarian, with a little fish. An Indian chef from their community in India was providing gourmet flair to the menues while we were there. Every room has a tray with a set of dishes and silverware, and there is an electric teapot so you can make coffee or tea in your room. Meals are taken from the kitchen to your room where you can eat in silence.
There is a great bookstore at the Hermitage with a broad variety of books covering things like learning to have a Benedictine perspective, to learn and practice the contemplative life-style, to guides to spiritual direction, to Christian perspectives on world religions, biographies, and beautiful gift items and cards. One of the monks is an artist and his unique pieces are available in print form. I spent hours in the bookstore over several days.
After the first day, my husband and I moved to Scholastica, the hexagonally shaped, open hermitage which can accomodate up to four people. We had two twin beds, a desk and chair, two rocking chairs, a dining room table for four, a futon couch which could convert to a queen-sized bed, a full kitchen, and a full bathroom with a shower. My husband walked in and exclaimed, "Wow! How did you score this?" It was all that was available when I booked. The downside was it was difficult to maintain silence with my husband sharing the space. But, we didn't argue, it was all positive talk. And, we spent time apart - he explored Big Sur, and did art, and I read, journaled, and photographed. We had to remember to speak quietly. The whole property is so quiet that our voices could be heard from some distance.
The rooms rent for $110 per night. They have private hermitages with kitchenettes and full baths in trailers for $120. When I go back I want to stay in one of those. Scholastica rents for $150 for one person, and there is a discount for the second person. Prices include all food. This is a great spot for study or to use for a writing retreat.
It took us a full four days to finally relax into and be comfortable with the rhythm of the place, the silence, absorbing the services. We actually extended our trip by one night. Silence is highly valued there. It is important to recall this so we can be sensitive to the other retreatants and to help them observe the silence they came for. Solitude is a gift, especially prized by those who lead busy lives. We didn't think we would take easily to the silence, but we were surprised. With the services in the chapel dotted through the day, visits to the bookstore, walks on the road (they have benches and picnic tables at the view points on the road up to the Hermitage), and the chirping of colorful birds - it is more like a drink of ice-water when you are super-thirsty.
All faiths are welcome here. Some people come for solitude, some are seeking. The monks take shifts in the bookstore and you can make an appointment to speak with them when you register at check-in. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The coast of Big Sur, the mountains, the fog rolling in - you are in so much awe silence is the best reaction.
The Hermitage website is www.contemplation.com. This is not a place for children, though they are welcome at mass. With silence one of the main attractions, the kids would be better off in one of the nearby campgrounds.
My husband and I found exactly what we needed. Even though we have busy and high-stress lives, we see the value and learned to carve out space for slowing down and simply being in God's Presence. Turn off the TV. Read scripture slowly, meditating in and on the Word of God. Prayer is more about listening. And, to enter His Presence with thanksgiving and praise. Though our offering may be a broken heart, expressing our gratitude results in quiet joy.
Yep, exactly what we needed.
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Date of stay: June 2012
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Â Book as far ahead as possible and look for last minute cancellations two weeks before you are...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm really hesitant to write reviews about gems like this, afraid they'll gain so much popularity that the atmosphere will change if it becomes overrun with too many people knowing about it, but this place is too good to keep a secret. I did some research and found out about this place as being one of the best retreat centers in California. I can't even describe how serene and peaceful it is up here. If you're really looking for a quiet place - a place where you can clear your head, rest, relax and just be - without being bothered by anyone or anything - this is the place. The grounds are beautiful and well-kept and for what you get with the nightly rate: a simple but clean and well-kept room, beautiful views of the hills and ocean, maybe even one with a private garden overlooking the ocean depending on what kind of room you reserve, a stocked kitchen that's open 24 hours, lunch and dinner..it's really a steal. I brought my own snacks just in case, but I didn't need them as the kitchen was supplied with coffee, tea, cereal, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, peanut butter, honey and jelly so if you get hungry in between meals, you can always prepare something for yourself in the common kitchen (aka retreat house). I found their (mostly vegetarian) lunch and dinner to be quite good and healthy too. Like a previous reviewer said, this is not like a hotel environment, so don't expect any luxury here. It's simple, modest and sufficient.
Everyone respects silence here so if you're here for a silent/private retreat, this would be a good place to have it. I would not recommend bringing children as they can ruin (silent) experience for other guests and yourself. You rarely see the monks and staff except for when you check in or if you go to the bookstore. I didn't go to any of the services.
Overall, I would highly recommend this place to anyone wanting to get some real R&R and won't mind the silence. Looking forward to coming back.
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Date of stay: March 2014
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I wanted to stay in the majesty of big sur for at least one night. Well,this place was simply a piece of heaven,in heaven...big sir. I hesitated before writing this,in the fear that good reviews will bring hordes to this place.I stayed in my own retreat,and the quiet and the surroundings were wonderful. And there are several benches on the way that have staggering views....I found heaven....n screaming kids,no sketchy people hanging out,no loud music,it was my piece of eden.
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Date of stay: April 2015
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is not for those looking for luxury, but for peace and serenity it cannot be beat. I'm not much of a camper, so this is a step up from that--your own private room and garden, with a toilet and sink, and shared shower quarters that are very basic. The monastary asks you not to use a hairdryer due to fragile electrical systems, so that was my biggest challenge as a female.
The shared kitchen provides yogurts, breads, peanut butter, coffee, etc. for your own preparation of breakfast. The noon meal is brought in (one day it was pasta and cold bean salad, the other was fresh pizza, all delicious and all meals vegetarian). They leave a large salad and pot of soup for your dinner.
I had a great retreat--all faiths welcome, no participation in the services is required although you are permitted to attend if you wish. Silence is requested at all times, and there is obviously no phones, tv, etc. A wonderful place to see spectacular ocean views by day and the stars at night.
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Date of stay: July 2007
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Check-in / front desk
Trip type: Travelled solo
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This is such an unique and peaceful place in Big Sur - most people haven't heard of it and instead go enjoy themselves down the road in Esalen. There are around 14 monks living in the monastery which is completely supported by the retreat center and bookshop, which sells amazing assortment of books and local produce.
The church is always a great place to visit and meditate - they even have meditation mats there. I have once stayed overnight here, but usually it's pretty hard to get a reservation last-minute and the rates aren't exactly low either, but they are absolutely worth it. The road has been upgraded a couple of years ago, making it much easier to drive up for most people.
I always drop by during my visit to Big Sur, spend some time meditating in the church, then buy a book or two in the bookshop. I hope to keep coming here in the future to find peace and calm.
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Date of stay: September 2013
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The previous reviewers have it all down, both in terms of positive remarks and constructive suggestions. Maintenance could be better. Don't hesitate to point out needed maintenance to the person running the bookstore. It may not happen while you are there, but it is positively received. They are changing the trailers to rather antiseptic new versions, as exist now in Hexa and Kairos. The big difference between this monastery and others I've been to is that the monks here can interact with you, though one should let them strike up the conversation first in any location other than the bookstore. Yes, cleanliness could be a tad improved, but it's good. he monks are truly hospitable and open minded. I consider some of them family. I do miss the old days when lodgings were $60 night, and I would rather go back to the days of $80 night with lesser quality food. It's gotten steep in price, and I don't quite buy that the higher rates of other Sur lodgings justify current rates. This place has been a solace for me so many times, and I don't know that I could ever do without it. I wish I could afford it more often. I haven't been to the Lucia Lodge for food in years, as it's very pricey and in the past wasn't that great. Now a lot of people do go for the patio. I encourage people to explore Big Sur before going to the Hermitage and just veg and think when in the Hermitage.
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Date of stay: May 2012
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I didn't use a cell phone for 60 hours. Even better, for 60 hours I didn't have to hear other people talking on their phones or see them earnestly thumb-tapping or snapping selfies. There is no phone or internet service. Paradise; not only because this is Big Sur, one of the world's most sublime coasts. But also because New Camaldoli is a hermitage. Hermits. Solitude and silence are the order of the day. You will hear the chapel bell ring at 5:15 a.m for prayers. But it sounds serene and timeless. You will not talk with other guests even when you are in the common kitchen and need them to move so you can toss your pear core in the compost bin. If you greet people at all, you will talk in a whisper. You will not be bothered by "hospitality services" inquiring about how your stay is going. You can go to other retreat-like places in Big Sur. You can join the Wuppies (Wealthy Urban Professionals) at the gorgeous Post Ranch Inn. You can join the New Agers at the Esalen Institute. But unlike at Esalen, at New Camaldoli you won't see flirtation, yogic one-upsmanship, or mildly leering leches around the naked hot tubs. All faiths, or nonfaiths, welcomed. You can join the brothers in lauds or vespers if you want. But nobody cares what you do as long as you are silent and respectful of others and the landscape. Accommodations: Spartan but comfy rooms in the retreat house with your own private yard and view of the ocean; a few self-contained hermitages, most with stunning views. Simple meals you enjoy by yourself (no common dining room). Bring your own creature comforts, e.g., fluffy pillow, slippers, Peet's ground coffee, chocolate, wine--the Italian Camaldoli monks make liqueurs, but not the Big Sur ones. (A hermit told me it's too hard to import and too complicated to make. OK, yes he was talking, but that was in the gift shop, which, btw, is charming and thoughtfully stocked.) I stayed in the large (and handicapped accessible) Scholastica hermitage, and then in the retreat room St. Romuald. Here's from St. Romuald's "Brief Rule": "Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a fisherman watching for fish." Unplug in a spiritual place. You'll quiet the noise in your head and open your heart.
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Date of stay: March 2016
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Trip type: Travelled solo
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I would first recommend you read the review by Debbie, the one before mine, for a great round up of the Hermitage. We both even stayed in the same room, 5! I wil just add some personal detail rather than repeat all she has said so beautifully.
Food wise I was really impressed. All the baked goods were particularly delicious. Over my time there I was treated to zucchini bread, carrot muffins, broccoli quiche, an Italian pastry with mozzarella and red peppers, chilli bean soup, white bean soup, organic salad, organic yogurts, granola, tea and more, just wonderful.
The wildlife and nature made the experience so special for me. Sitting outside in my garden gave me a truly stunning view of the ocean. At night the stars were nearly overwhelming. It was so clear and so very bright. Sitting quietly outside at night a fox walked right by me, within inches. I also saw bats and the sounds of the night creatures was beautiful.
During daylight hours I was able to enjoy condors riding the currents, as well as the constant buzz of bees working away on the plants in my garden.
The peace was wonderful. I did not join any worship, however the monks I had contact with were wonderfully kind and friendly. I arrived after check in had closed and a map was left for me on the door and I checked in the next day.
The other guests respected the silence rule, apart from one mother and daughter. It must be very difficult for kids to understand and enjoy that kind of retreat, and so I would not recommend this for children.
The cheapest option are the hermitages at a suggested donation of $110. If you cannot afford this please contact the Hermitage. They say they have never turned anyone away because of finances.
It is NOT luxurious. The fittings are old, you share the central showers. My bed creaked alarmingly and the step to the garden wobbled in a startling fashion. I didn't mind one jot about all of that. I already want to return! A wonderful, very special place.
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Date of stay: July 2012
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Hermitage is a very special place - best for those looking for quiet meditation and reflection. The rooms are not luxurious, but are very charming with a private patio and beautiful view. They are single-occupancy only, so if you are traveling with a partner or spouse, you will need to be in separate rooms, but you are allowed to hang out in each other's room provided you keep your voices low. The Midday meal is the main meal of the day and is delicious...great place for Vegetarians, as no meat is used in their dishes. The Chapel is beautiful and all are welcome to attend the services regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof, as in my case!). And the monks are just cool! Great bookshop as well - offers many interesting books and gifts. I just love this place.
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Date of stay: July 2010
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You can definitely talk quietly while hiking or walking on the grounds. There is no particular place to play cards or board games outside that I know of. If you are staying in the units that house two people you are of course able to talk inside as you please but loud noise or music would be frowned upon.
If you fly into Monterey airport you can arrange to have Father Benedict pick you up when he does his weekly grocery shopping for the hermitage. You would have to stay Friday to Friday. Also you have to be in Monterey before Friday noon. I travelled from Toronto to Monterey via LA arriving on Thursday; staying at a motel near the airport where Father Benedict picked me up Friday midday. One week later he dropped me off at Monterey airport. It's a 45 minute drive from Monterey to New Camaldoli.
There are more places to choose from in the Big Sur area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
new camaldoli hermitage hotel big sur
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaBig Sur
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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