new camaldoli hermitage

The hermitage is about as far from the rat race as you can get in this world! You don't have to be Catholic to enjoy the peace and serenity here, overlooking the Pacific Ocean five hundred feet below. Think Hurst Castle without the materialism! The diet is vegetarian ( but delicious! ), the silence is perfect (but for the bells calling you to prayer !), the rooms are plain but comfortable, and the rabbits, birds and squirrels are entertaining! You can chat in the gift shop to Father Zack, but please leave your cell-phone, iPad, radio and worldly worries at home!

The hermitage is situated at the end of a serpentine road high atop the hills above the Big Sur coast. The chapel is open to visitors for mass and the gift shop staffed by cloistered monks has a nice selection of books and gifts. if one does not mind the drive up the narrow, winding road, they will find views that are spectacular. Bring along a lunch and sit on one of the benches that are along the route.

New Camaldoli, located two winding miles up towards the Santa Lucia mountains, from Pacific Highway 1 is a hidden jewel. As soon as you set foot in the hermitage grounds, you are transported to a wonderful world of silence, solitude, peace, tranquility...the monks maintain a contemplative silence, but you can talk to the guest master or the assigned monk in the bookstore, at certain designated hours. Or to a spiritual director, if you wish. Otherwise, you spend your days and nights alone communing with nature and, more importantly, with God.Immaculate Heart of Mary Hermitage, to faithful guests, is truly "heaven on earth."Drop by for a brief visit. If you plan to stay a few days or longer, advance reservation is necessary. Call (831) 667-2456.

One of my hobbies is to stay at various monasteries, ashrams and such as they are usually peaceful, and the hosts are usually very hospitable. Even if you don't stay here, take the drive up to the library - the views of the Big Sur coast are unsurpassed. The monks make their own fudge, Holy Granola, and other delicacies, and are very friendly. Rooms are very basic, and there is absolutely no talking aloud in or near the rooms.

This is worth going to just for the views from the road alone! Don't take the 2 mile road if tight, twisty turns aren't your thing though. If you like a "fun" road and great views - go on up! The bookstore was nice and had a few interesting items. They're known for their brandy-dipped cakes and granola. The chapel was nice, but again, you're going to go up for the peace and quiet and THE VIEW.

I have been going to this Hermitage for years. this is a silent retreat center. While honoring the request for silence, I found this haven to be a place where I gave myself permission to take care of myself. A rare occurrence in my busy life. My time at the Hermitage is a time of much needed rest and renewal. I listened to my body, quieted my mind and nurtured my spirit. Bliss! Most of the rooms are simple, single rooms that overlook the sea. There are also 5 self contained cabins with kitchenettes. Kairos is my favorite. The monks have 4 services a day starting at 5:30 am. You can go to all of them, some of them or none of them. It is your time to do with as you wish. The chapel is simple and helps me to dive into that Divine space of quiet reverence and beauty. I thoroughly enjoy the prayer and singing of the Psalms and participating in the rituals that have been practiced for over 1,000 years! Time with one of the monks is available to all guests. Treat yourself!

My wife and I always stop here on our Big Sur trips. The bookstore is excellent if you're interested in a selection geared toward the spiritual. I always enjoy walking down the road down while my wife shops at the bookstore. It's safe and the views are very nice. Scattered benches along the way down.

Wow..go ahead and trust your instincts... Drive up the hill! Don't worry...it's a good road.. Amazing ....

We visited this monastery in March of 2013 while staying at Lucia Lodge. The counter girl at the convenience store strongly recommended it having worked there for a while herself.The road up to the monastery is part of the experience: two miles of switchbacks with no side rails--terrifying for those afraid of heights. One's mind, when not terrified, is occupied with thought of meeting another vehicle headed the other way--there seemed no solution to that problem. Someone would have to do something unthinkable!The monastery, as you would expect, is very quiet--it is a contemplative order. But there is a shop and information center staffed by a brother who will answer all questions.The views from the road and from the monastery are spectacular. Take the drive if you think you can stand it.

It's a joy to visit this simple hermitage, whether you're staying overnight for a personal retreat, or just browsing the grounds, beautiful chapel, and little store. And the view from up there is breath-taking. (But then, the views from anywhere on Big Sur take my breath away!)

I attended a Writer's Workshop here for three heavenly days. The drive from the Bay Area to Big Sur is worth the price of admission.Unbelievable - so scenic- take your time.Then upon arrival:enjoy the meandering two-mile drive up the hill, through the canyons- with views of the sparking blue ocean.The Hermitage is a sublime getaway. For One. The rooms are all you need: great bed, good linens, a desk, electric tea pot, 1/2 bath, a private patio with a view of the Pacific Ocean that will take your breath away. Food was perfect - very healthy, hearty, balanced. Very Vegetarian.Oh! The triple chocolate fudge cake is to die for...You can tap into the monastery life - attend vespers, lauds, mass....or not. Superb walking trails...The Silence was intoxicating. Can't wait to return.

Near Gorda, CA and easy to miss the turnoff to the Monastary. Catholic Mass; some gifts and foods prepared by the Camaldoli brothers. Retreats available; overnight stays available. No outside interruptions at the Hermitage. Leave your cell phone in the car; prepare to have lots of serenity.

This monastery is high above Big Sur and Highway #1. It's worth the drive up for just the views alone, even though the paved road is one-lane in places. The chapel is peaceful, quiet, and understated....appropriate for the setting and for a monastic life.

We had heard about the Hermitage for years and have always wanted to stop in. Staying at Lucia Lodge along our Big Sur trip gave us the opportunity. It was worth the detour off Rt 1 and up the one track switchback 2 mile road. A bit scary at times, but well worth it. The gift shop is wonderful with a wonderful selection of books and gifts. The views are unsurpassed. We attended Mass and that was an experience we will never forget. The chanting of the Monks as they entered the chapel was heavenly. The warmth and sacredness of the space and the hospitality of the Monks was gift and grace. As the noon day sun came through the sky lights over the altar there was a sense of something sacred. As we were all invited to join the Monks around the altar, there was a sense of community. As one of the Monks swung the thurible (thing used for incense) with incense around the altar, the incense rose up into the light streaming down. Sacred and ethereal are words that come to mind. A feeling of the oneness that we are called to by Christ. One of the most sacred moments of my life.

I have been doing annual silent retreats at New Camaldoli Hermitage since 1992. The spot is so beautiful. The monks have 1000 acres, that spans incredible ocean vistas. You take a 2 mile 900 ft road to the top and stare out upon the most majestic scenery you can image. They have five services per day which you may enjoy or not. The bookstore is first rate with spiritual books from many traditions, great cards, wonderful religious art and works from other religious centers for sale. And of course there is that fruit cake that they are famous for. There were just written up this month in the Via Magazine by AAA. If you are in the area, stop by and check it out. They also have a great website which is called, but of course, http://www.contemplation.com/. These are not only incredibly gracious and wonderful men and women of god but they are pretty well connected in the cyberworld as well!