bookmarking

Esalen is OPEN but it's still really smoky...which was the only point I was trying to make.

TO stay as a camper it has to be at a time when nothing else is happening, and you have to call and see if there are days where there are no workshops. Now might be a good time as things are cancelled but it woudn't be pleasant.

When I read this, Rio Caliente came to my mind. I was there three years ago.

Rancho La Puerta is south of Tecate about an hours drive from San Diego. I think that area of the boarder is safe, but be careful if you cross into Mexico at Tijuana and then drive east on the freeway to Tecate.
There have been numerous hijackings, murders, kidnappings, etc along the roads in the last few years.

I've been trying to remember this remote place in Mexico, where Rick Bayless (chef) filmed one of his shows. It seems like there was an organic farm where the gardener and guests alike would/could participate in maintaining. Lots of outdoor space to meditate, do yoga classes, etc. Healthy Restaurant.
I just wish I could remember which episode or the name of the place...

Maybe it'll ring a bell with someone here.

I think these might be more what you are looking for:

Asilomar--- Montery CA
www.visitasiloar.com

or
Christian Brothers Retreat & Conf Ctr Napa Ca.

Iamq, I thought of Harbin Hot Springs also.

trippin,
I knew you liked your men over 40 and horny! LOL. mstery's comments were insulting AND funny all at the same time. What a bargain.

first of all it's asilomar

www.visitasilomar.com
and it's beautiful, but quite pricey and unless you are going with a group that is having a retreat, it doesn't offer anything by way of retreat activity.

and I stand by my categorization of Harbin - I stopped going because it attracts a certain element aside from its healing properties - and I'm 54 so I have nothing against older guys, just those who purport to be there for the retreat experience, but use the "clothing optional" aspect to make jerks of themselves...

And I stand by my recommendation. Harbin is clothing optional only by the pools, not the whole resort. How do you know the OP would be put off by that? The OP mentioned yoga. Harbin has good yoga workshops and sessions. Harbin has amazing massage therapists. She mentioned open minded. Harbin is a very open minded community. She mentioned sun and outdoors. Harbin has that. Harbin also has camping, which the OP mentioned. So, while there are some aspects of Harbin that you deem unattractive enough to write the whole place off, I believe there is still plenty to recommend it based on the OP desires.

zelphiacat's description certainly sounds like Rancho La Puerta.

Actually, it might have been an avocado farm in Uruapan:

http://www.rickbayless.com/notebook/view?articleID=16

Thanks, Marginal. I checked Rancho La Puerto's website and it sure does look like the place I'm thinking of. Looks lovely!

I have only one place to recommend...Eureka, CA (Humboldt)
Safe, quaint and all the hippie experience you will need. Coastline nuzzled up to Redwood forests, bluegrass music and all the natural food stores and restaurants one could imagine.

Have fun!!

Stacy
www.edufire.com