New Camaldoli Hermitage

Cleanliness
5.0
Service
5.0
Amenities
5.0
Facilities
5.0
62475 Highway 1, Big Sur, California 93920, United States

Silent retreat at a Benedictine hermitage located 1300 feet on a mountainside overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean. Both single and double occupancy rooms that include all meals. All faiths welcome; even if you have no faith you are welcome.

We are a Benedictine community of monks located on a mountain overlooking the endless horizon of the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur. The views are breath-taking; the quiet and peace make you feel you are in a world apart.

The monks of New Camaldoli Hermitage would be delighted to welcome you here, where we trust you would experience some of the reality to which a great Benedictine motto refers: a dynamic and creative “peace.” This is a "silent" retreat center, in which guests are encouraged to not speak or make sounds in the retreat house area. There are no phones (except for emergencies), internet or television.

There are two types of retreats available here: Private, self-guided retreats (time at the hermitage without a schedule of “conferences” or talks) are available to the public. Minimum stay is 2 nights. Preached Retreats: these guided retreats are based on specific topics. Spanning a weekend, these retreats are led by a “retreat master” who offers a series of “conferences” or talks following a pre-selected theme. 

Reviews

Cleanliness
5.0
Service
5.0
Amenities
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Anne Roediger
November 19, 2023
A place of serenity + hospitality
I have been making pilgrimages to New Camaldoli for a number of years. It is a place of deep solace, quiet + peace. Some of the best aspects include: being off of the grid (though internet access is available nearby in Lucia); hearing the waves of the ocean crash a thousand feet below; attending the daily Offices with the Brothers; the breathtaking scenery of the Big Sur Coast; basic, lovingly prepared healthy meals; simple but clean accommodations. I bring my art projects + know that it attracts many other artists + writers as well, e.g. Pico Iyer. Another very big plus is its affordability.
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Peggy
June 8, 2022
A taste of heaven here on Earth
The Hermitage at New Camaldoli has been my sanctuary for over 15 years. It is a taste of heaven here on earth! The prayer, the scenery, and the spiritual direction from the monks have brought solace to my life. “Be still and know that I am.”
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Julie Lindholm
June 8, 2022
The pristine beauty is powerful
The pristine beauty is powerful. I have taken refuge here twice, and will be back. It's welcoming in every way. The rooms are clean and simple, outdoor walks are astounding, and the humans are gentle and kind. Meditation is very natural here. I still ponder the homilies, so clearly inspired.
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Location

62475 Highway 1, Big Sur, California 93920, United States
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Cleanliness
5.0
Service
5.0
Amenities
5.0
Facilities
5.0
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Anne Roediger
November 19, 2023
A place of serenity + hospitality
I have been making pilgrimages to New Camaldoli for a number of years. It is a place of deep solace, quiet + peace. Some of the best aspects include: being off of the grid (though internet access is available nearby in Lucia); hearing the waves of the ocean crash a thousand feet below; attending the daily Offices with the Brothers; the breathtaking scenery of the Big Sur Coast; basic, lovingly prepared healthy meals; simple but clean accommodations. I bring my art projects + know that it attracts many other artists + writers as well, e.g. Pico Iyer. Another very big plus is its affordability.
Did you find this review helpful?
Peggy
June 8, 2022
A taste of heaven here on Earth
The Hermitage at New Camaldoli has been my sanctuary for over 15 years. It is a taste of heaven here on earth! The prayer, the scenery, and the spiritual direction from the monks have brought solace to my life. “Be still and know that I am.”
Did you find this review helpful?
Julie Lindholm
June 8, 2022
The pristine beauty is powerful
The pristine beauty is powerful. I have taken refuge here twice, and will be back. It's welcoming in every way. The rooms are clean and simple, outdoor walks are astounding, and the humans are gentle and kind. Meditation is very natural here. I still ponder the homilies, so clearly inspired.
Did you find this review helpful?
Kay Spencer
June 8, 2022
Timelessness
When I lived in California I made regular retreats at New Camaldoli for many years. It is a place of great serenity and abiding peace. The deep silence of the place penetrates your very bones and you feel yourself aligning with the world beyond human striving. Go for the boundlessness.
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Vicki Singley
June 8, 2022
Beauty and Spirituality
New Camaldoli Hermitage is as beautiful, spiritual, and special place as you will ever experience. Its solitude, silence, and spectacular location are all food for the soul. Spending time there is a life-changing experience. I cannot recommend it more highly.
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