An Immersion with Esther | August 19–22, 2026 | Palo Alto, CA
Last year, we offered something we had never offered before — a retreat or alumni who wanted an immersion experience with our founder, Esther Gokhale, without committing to teacher training. The response was overwhelming, and the experience exceeded everyone's expectations.
So we're doing it again — this time in Esther's Palo Alto studio, August 19–22, 2026.
This is a rare opportunity that very few alumni get to experience: four days of sustained, personal time with Esther. The depth of access and instruction she brings to this retreat is normally reserved for the teachers she trains in her 7-day immersion program. Here, it's yours — in a group limited to 8.
Lizzy — alumni participant, 2025 retreat
Designed for and open exclusively to alumni who have completed either Gokhale Foundations, Gokhale Elements, or the one-day Immersion (formerly PopUp) course, this retreat offers a unique opportunity for deep, personalized practice in a small-group setting, enriched by guided outings to some of the Bay Area's most culturally rich spaces.
This is not just a reintroduction to basic material — it's also an opportunity to refine, consolidate, and truly embody Gokhale Method teachings, with Esther's personal attention throughout.
What to Expect
This is an unusual offering. Esther’s Palo Alto studio is also her second home — a warm, personal space where learning happens alongside living. Expect to cook alongside her, to dance with her, and maybe practice a little gardening while admiring beautiful blooms with a healthy hip-hinge.
Each day combines focused hands-on technique work with curated outings to galleries, sculpture gardens, and other culturally rich venues — places where posture, movement, and the human form come alive in new ways. The pace is immersive but not rushed. Rest periods (stretchlying, of course!) are included. You'll have time to practice, integrate, and connect with fellow participants.
Your experience will include:
- Hands-on Gokhale Method instruction with Esther's personal guidance
- Individualized coaching and feedback tailored to your current needs
- Cultural outings to local museums and landmarks (Stanford’ s Cantor Arts Center including the Rodin Sculpture Garden, the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden, and more)
- Cooking, gardening, and movement woven into daily life with Esther
- Daily lunches and a group dinner one evening
- Guided deep rest, relaxation, and reflection periods to integrate the work
- An optional group massage outing at the end of one of the days
- A Movie Night featuring curated films that highlight natural posture and movement
Day-by-Day Schedule
Exercise, movement, and walking, as well as periods of rest, restoration, and integration are built into every day. The schedule below is a proposed structure and may be adjusted based on group needs and outing availability. Exact cultural venues will be confirmed closer to the retreat date.
Location
Esther's Studio — Palo Alto, CA
The studio is conveniently located in central Palo Alto, with easy access from both SFO and SJC airports, and is walkable to many downtown restaurants and amenities. The exact studio address will be shared with confirmed participants.
San Jose International Airport (SJC): Approximately 20–25 minutes by car or rideshare.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Approximately 20–30 minutes by car or rideshare.
Caltrain: The Palo Alto California Ave station is a short (10 minute) walk or rideshare from the studio.
Accommodations
Participants arrange their own accommodations. We recommend the following hotels near the studio. Airbnb and Vrbo listings in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Mountain View can also be excellent options.
If you'd like to coordinate accommodation or transportation sharing with other participants, let us know and we'll connect you with confirmed attendees (with their permission).
What to Bring
- Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing suitable for movement and light walking
- Casual wear for cultural outings
- Any personal items you need for comfort throughout the day
- Specialty dietary items if you have specific needs — lunches are provided and we will accommodate no/low carb as well as vegetarian diets.
Meals
Lunch and snacks are provided each day at Esther's studio or at the outing venue. Esther is a creative cook and you might enjoy cooking alongside her. Coffee, teas, and water will be available throughout. One optional group dinner + movie night will be organized on Friday evening — details will be shared with confirmed participants. Palo Alto's downtown offers a wide range of excellent restaurants for evenings on your own or with your fellow alumni.
If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know at the time of registration so we can try to accommodate you.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation terms before registering:
- Cancellations more than 14 days before the retreat start date: A full refund will be issued, less a 10% administrative fee.
- Cancellations within 14 days of the retreat start date: No refund will be issued. We are unable to offer exceptions within this window, as spaces are very limited and cannot typically be filled on short notice.
If you have any concerns about your ability to attend, we encourage you to reach out to us as early as possible at [email protected].
Securing Your Place
Spaces are limited to 8 participants and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. To confirm your reservation, please reply to this email. We will then send your invoice for $3,000 USD. As soon as we have your payment, your space is reserved and you can go ahead and book accommodation and travel.
If the retreat fills before we receive your confirmation, we will place you on the priority waitlist for our next offering.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or call (844)777-0440
We look forward to welcoming you in Palo Alto.