New Camaldoli Hermitage is a contemplative community of Camaldolese Benedictine monks who seek to realize union with God and continual prayer; to be a community living in charity, justice and mutual obedience; and to be a place of hospitality for spiritual seekers. They offer directed and undirected retreats throughout the year. The hermitage is located in the beautiful Big Sur, California.
The community in Big Sur is situated in the rugged coastal mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Located on 899 acres at an elevation of 1300 feet, the Hermitage is surrounded by California chaparral, redwood, madrone, bay laurel, and an oak forest. The view is of both ocean and woods – a natural setting profoundly conducive to the contemplative way of life. The New Camaldoli Hermitage has said "Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places on earth; we live and welcome guests here, so that we and they may know God in this beauty and share the same knowledge with others".
Alexandra Benacquistais a yoga teacher and writer focusing on philosophy and religious studies. Though he currently call Victoria home, Derek grew up in the Toronto Area and also spent some time living in a religious commune in Switzerland. Alexandra is fascinated by peoples' diverse and idiosyncratic relationships with the transcendent, and is always eager to explore the sacred practices and places that serve as bridges to fullness.
New Camaldoli Hermitage is a contemplative community of Camaldolese Benedictine monks who seek to realize union with God and continual prayer; to be a community living in charity, justice and mutual obedience; and to be a place of hospitality for spiritual seekers. They offer directed and undirected retreats throughout the year. The hermitage is located in the beautiful Big Sur, California.