The Happiness RetreaT

Imagine feeling inner peace...

…amidst the stunning, natural backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Reconnect with your inner calm through yoga, breathwork, meditation, and ancient wisdom—far removed from the fast pace of daily life.

Welcome to the Happiness Retreat

Art of Living Part 1 Course | Weekly

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Register Now

From $595 Wed-Fri | $695 Fri-Sun

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date
and save 10%!

The Happiness Retreat

Imagine feeling inner peace...

…amidst the stunning, natural backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Reconnect with your inner calm through yoga, breathwork, meditation, and ancient wisdom—far removed from the fast pace of daily life.

Welcome to the Happiness Retreat

Art of Living Part 1 Course | Weekly

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A Structured
2-night, 3-day Retreat

Replace Stress
with joy

Tools to Use in
Your Daily Life

Do you ever feel out of balance?

Joy can feel elusive at times. With work and financial pressures, relationship challenges, health issues, unresolved trauma and more, finding balance is a challenge for everyone.

Breathe. The Happiness Retreat is here to help.

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

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Have questions? Call us at 800.392.6870

THE HAPPINESS RETREAT

Experience More Moments of Tranquility

While we can’t always control what is going on outside, we can control how we react to what is going on inside. Learn and build practices to experience more from each day.

More Peace

Experience more calm and balance in life—both during and after your stay.

More Purpose

Still your body and mind to reflect on what’s really important in life.

More Connection

Build heartfelt relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and others.

More Control

Learn to manage and reduce stress by being more present in each moment.

More Energy

Feel a greater sense of happiness and enthusiasm to live more fully.

More Hope

Experience less depression, anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Improve sleep • Worry less • Create more • Boost immunity • Develop mindfulness • Release resistance • Build resilience

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

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Are you ready for more tools to create happiness?

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—Robin A.
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I attended the Happiness Retreat for my birthday. It was the best decision I could have ever made. Everyone should attend this retreat and visit the center if you want to get to know yourself, connect, heal, and find clarity.
—Heather H.
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Lovely experience! I attended the Happiness Retreat and thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was AMAZING, the views breathtaking and the room I stayed in was immaculate. Will definitely return and have also told many people about my experience.
—Todd C.
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The whole experience was rejuvenating and clarifying—like hitting the reset button on your soul. We plan to make this an annual trip.
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WHY US

Fostering Happiness for 42 Years

Reboot your inner calm with proven and time-tested Art of Living techniques.
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800+ enthusiastic Google reviews

The impact of The Happiness Retreat

Learn Sudarshan Kriya™—a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that harmonizes the body-mind complex. Participants notice reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep, a stronger immune system, and increased energy levels.

Science-backed benefits of Sudarshan Kriya™, shown in over 100 independent studies

Sri sri ravi shankar smiling

Discover Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ancient secret to modern well-being

Sri sri ravi shankar smiling

Discover Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ancient secret to modern well-being.

The Impact of the Happiness Retreat

Learn Sudarshan Kriya™—a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that harmonizes the body-mind complex. Participants notice reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep, a stronger immune system, and increased energy levels.

More than 100 independent studies have shown the science-backed benefits of Sudarshan Kriya™.

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Immune Cell Count

Increase in lymphocytes in 6 weeks & remained in the normal range

Life Satisfaction

Increase within 1 week

Stress Hormones

Decrease in serum cortisol in 2 weeks

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Immune Cell Count

Increase in lymphocytes in 6 weeks & remained in the normal range

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Life Satisfaction

Increase within 1 week

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Stress Hormones

Decrease in serum cortisol in 2 weeks

THE ART OF LIVING RETREAT CENTER

Scenic. Serene. Inspiring.

The perfect place to begin your journey to holistic wellness.

Since 2012, the Art of Living Retreat Center has offered wellness retreats featuring meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda. The Center is high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, surrounded by 380 acres of pristine forest. Beauty, nature, and time-honored architecture create the perfect setting that is authentic, not extravagant.
Chelsea Testimonial

“You drive up this mountain and it’s instant, total bliss. It’s beautiful. Everything about it is magical.”

—Chelsea H.
WHAT TO EXPECT

Feel Whole—Each Day

It is past time to take great care of yourself. Enjoy a tranquil setting, a proven program and structured guidance to find and embrace your inner balance.

1. Stretch

Start each day with gentle yoga sessions.

2. Breathe

Daily sessions to learn ancient wisdom, breath work, and meditation techniques.

3. Reflect

Ample time between sessions for deep contemplation in nature.

4. Nourish

Three healthy, vegetarian, buffet-style meals per day—all while looking over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

5. Maintain

Keep practicing and keep learning with monthly Zoom sessions to reconnect with teachers and students. And access to the Art of Living Journey App* to support daily practice.

1. Stretch

Start each day with gentle yoga sessions.

2. Breathe

Daily sessions to learn ancient wisdom, breath work, and meditation techniques.

3. Reflect

Ample time between sessions for deep contemplation in nature.

4. Nourish

Three healthy, vegetarian, buffet-style meals per day—all while looking over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

5. Maintain

Keep practicing and keep learning with monthly Zoom sessions to reconnect with teachers and students. And access to the Art of Living Journey App* to support daily practice.

Yoga Class

* Try the Journey App for free. Love what you see? Subscribe for a monthly fee.

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

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Are you ready for more tools to create happiness?

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Ready for better focus and more energy?

And therefore, more happiness? Learn new ways to handle life’s challenges to feel more peace, more love, more fulfilled. Both during your stay—and when you return home.

Day 1

Session 1
The Secret of the Breath
7:30–9:30 pm

Day 2

Session 2
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am

Session 3
The Rhythms of Life
10:00 am–1:00 pm

Session 4
Deepening Our Experience
5:15–6:30 pm

Day 3

Session 5
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am

Session 6
New Start: Home Practice
10:00 am–1:00 pm

Day 1

Session 1
The Secret of the Breath
7:30–9:30 pm

Day 2
Session 2
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am

Session 3
The Rhythms of Life
10:00 am–1:00 pm

Session 4
Deepening Our Experience
5:15–6:30 pm

Day 3
Session 5
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am
Session 6
New Start: Home Practice
10:00 am–1:00 pm

Breakfast  7:30–9:30 am • Lunch: 12:00–1:30 pm • Dinner: 6:00–7:30 pm

Retreat activities include Meditative Chants • Bonfires • Labyrinth • Nature trails

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

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Ready to replace stress with more fun in life?

UPGRADE OPTIONS

Extend your stay and don't miss a thing.

Add a day to enjoy R&R activities!

Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes • Meditation & movement classes • Wellness workshops

Paid activities include
Cooking classes & demos • Pottery classes • Ayurvedic wellness treatments (Call 828.264.8382 during spa hours Wed-Sun for availability)

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

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PRICING & ROOMS

All-inclusive options

Coming alone? Or with others? Choose a price and space for your needs. Prices below include everything—rooms, meals, and program sessions.

Private Hotel Room
$885 to $955

Shared Hotel Room (for 2)
$745 to $845

Private Retreat Room
$745 to $846

Shared Retreat Room (for 2)
$665 to $765

Shared Retreat Room (for 3)
$595 to $695

1-Bedroom Apartment
$1,095 to $1,195

1-Bedroom Apartment (w loft)
$1,235 to $1,335

Save $100 by registering 14 days in advance
Private Hotel Room

$885 to $985

Shared Hotel Room (for 2)

$745 to $845

Private Retreat Room

$745 to $845

Shared Retreat Room (for 2)

$665 to $765

Shared Retreat Room (for 3)

$595 to $695

1-Bedroom Apartment

$1,095 to $1,195

1-Bedroom Apartment (w loft)

$1,235 to $1,335

TRAVEL INFO

We are remote—yet easy to get to.

The Art of Living Retreat Center offers the right balance between serenity and easy access.
  • Fly into Charlotte, NC—Two hours away by drive.
  • Check-in at 4:00 pm first day—eat dinner shortly after that.
  • Leave after lunch the last day—schedule your flight anytime after 5:00 pm.

Transportation options Charlotte and the Center

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service
Book online

hickoryhop.com

High Country Black Car
828.387.1977

High Country Black Car

Oscar’s Car Service
704.965.5800

Edwardo’s Car Service
704.949.6775

Blue Bird Transportation
828.989.7286

Blue Bird of Boone

Uber or Lyft
Book in app on arrival

Service

Phone

Website

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service

Book online

High Country Limo

Oscar’s Car Service

Edwardo’s Car Service

Blue Bird Transportation

Uber or Lyft

Book in app on arrival

Are you ready for a transformational experience?

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

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Register Now

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We are here to help.

For room reservations, Ayurveda Wellness Retreats, and Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) signature retreats, we have the following cancellation policy:

  • Refunds are available (less a $50/per person processing fee) up to 15 days before your program or stay.
  • Nonrefundable credit toward a future AOLRC program or stay (less a $50/per person processing fee) is available if you give notice between 14 and one day(s) before your program or stay. Credit may be applied to any AOLRC program or stay for one year following date of issue.
  • No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

AOLRC reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If AOLRC cancels a program, you will receive a full refund. Some programs may have special cancellation policies; see individual workshop descriptions. For all other retreats, please be sure to check the registration page specific to that retreat.

Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are open to participants 18 years of age and older.

To encourage a healthy environment we ask that guests not consume alcohol or meat in our public spaces, however, guests may enjoy these items in their rooms.

Our property is always smoke-free.

Yes, we ask that guests with food allergies simply inform us so we can communicate those needs to our chef. Typically, we label potential allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts.

We do have lodging and event venues that are ADA-compliant. Due to the topography of our mountain campus, some are easier to access than others, so please speak to Guest Services (800.392.6870) prior to registering to ensure we can best accommodate your needs. We also have shuttles that run frequently throughout the campus.

We are committed to the safety of our guests and staff. Our mountaintop location and the surrounding areas are spacious, remote, safe, and secure.

  • It is safe to leave your windows open—and necessary for proper airflow!
  • Nature surrounds our campus, and it’s common to see rabbits, deer, gophers, wild turkeys, and other small animals. Please give them space, and they’ll do the same for you. We’ve never had a safety incident with animals on campus.

You can help!

  • If you come across an animal on campus or a trail, give it space, and please do not attempt to pet or feed it.
  • There’s no need to bring valuables to the retreat center; leaving them at home is best.
Too many people struggle with the demands of daily life. We offer the Happiness Retreat in a beautiful, natural setting. Why? To reclaim your inner peace through yoga, meditation, wisdom and reflections.
happiness 2022

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days prior to the program start date and save 10%!

Private Hotel Room

$885 Weds–Fri | $985 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

All options include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. (Rates below are per person.)

 

  • King bed or two full beds
  • Flat screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Daily delicious vegetarian meals
  • Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
  • Daily yoga & meditation classes
  • Access to fitness & steam rooms

Shared Hotel Room (2 People)​

$745 Weds–Fri | $845 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

  • Twin beds
  • Flat screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Daily delicious vegetarian meals
  • Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
  • Daily yoga & meditation classes
  • Access to fitness & steam rooms

Private Retreat Room​

$745 Weds–Fri | $846 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

  • Twin beds
  • Private Bath
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Daily delicious vegetarian meals
  • Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
  • Daily yoga & meditation classes
  • Access to fitness & steam rooms

Shared Retreat Room (2 People)

$665 Weds-Fri | $765 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

  • Twin beds
  • Private Bath
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Daily delicious vegetarian meals
  • Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
  • Daily yoga & meditation classes
  • Access to fitness & steam rooms

Shared Retreat Room (3 People)

$595 Weds–Fri | $695 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

  • Twin beds
  • Private Bath
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Daily delicious vegetarian meals
  • Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
  • Daily yoga & meditation classes
  • Access to fitness & steam rooms

Premium 1-Bedroom Apartment​

$1,095 Weds–Friday | $1,195 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

  • Fully Furnished 665 sq. ft. apartment
  • (Max: 2 persons)
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & Dryer
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • A Desk, chairs, and nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with Cable
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Refrigerator | Stove Range | Microwave

Note furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

Premium 1-Bedroom Apartment w/ Loft

$1235 Weds-Fri | $1,335 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

  • Fully Furnished 995 sq. ft. apartment
  • (Max: 4 persons)
  • 1 king bed and 2 twin beds or 1 Full Bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & Dryer
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • A Desk, chairs, and nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with Cable
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Refrigerator | Stove Range | Microwave

Note furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

Weekend of Creativity Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Plan your special day over a delicious whole-foods breakfast.
  • Walk our beautiful labyrinth or hike one of our scenic nature trails and reconnect with your inner self.
  • Express your creativity and have some fun playing with and shaping clay in your pottery class.

AFTERNOON

  • Mingle with like-minded visitors over lunch in the Dining Hall.
  • Cook up something new together in our Ayurveda cooking class or get clever on the canvas in a painting class.
  • Unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. Choose from a warm oil massage, energizing facial, or rejuvenating Netra Tarpana treatment and let our professional therapists pamper you. (Additional spa treatments available here.)
  • Recharge in the steam room.

EVENING

  • Browse our shop for crystals, jewelry, scarves, and more.
  • Nourish your body with a healthy dinner.
  • Take in the spectacular sunset or join the fireside concert.

Discover Ayurveda Solo Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Energize your mind, body, and spirit with morning yoga or meditation class.
  • Savor a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
  • Self-reflect as you leisurely walk our beautiful labyrinth.
  • Rest, replenish and rejuvenate with Abhyanga therapy—a detoxifying warm oil Ayurveda massage that incorporates warm, aromatic oils, rhythmically massaged into your body, cleansing, relaxing, and re-energizing the body and mind.

AFTERNOON

  • Grab some delicious chai and relax in our cafe or take in the majestic views on our deck.
  • Plan your afternoon over a nourishing lunch.
  • Connect with nature while hiking or walking one of our many breathtaking mountain trails.
  • Return to the spa for a Basti session to rejuvenate your joints! Stiff joints are bathed in warm medicated oil and massaged to deepen the therapeutic effects that increase lubrication and promote smooth flexibility and mobility.

EVENING

  • Get creative and have fun in our painting studio or kitchen.
  • Refuel your body with a tasty and healthy dinner.

Rejuvenating Bliss Solo Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Gaze at the sunrise while filling your lungs with fresh mountain air and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
  • Sow a new level of calm and balance into your life with a Yoga or meditation class.
  • Enjoy a delicious whole-foods breakfast.
  • Cleanse your soul with a leisurely walk on one of our beautiful nature trails.

AFTERNOON

  • Nourish your body with a healthy and nutritious lunch.
  • Make a new memory with a cooking, painting, or pottery* class (*additional cost).
  • Choose from the widest selection of Ayurvedic therapies in the US for whole-body nourishment and renewal and let our professional therapists do all the work while you relax and rejuvenate.
  • Unwind in the steam room.

EVENING

  • Stop by our bookstore and explore our collection of new and classic self-care and spiritual resources.
  • Grab a fresh, calming herbal tea and curl up with a good book in your cozy room.

Mother-Daughter Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Plan your special day over a delicious whole-foods breakfast.
  • Retreat into relaxation with a mother-daughter spa treatment. Choose from a warm oil massage, energizing facial, or rejuvenating Netra Tarpana treatment and let our professional therapists pamper you. (Additional spa treatments available here.)
  • Recharge in the steam room.

AFTERNOON

  • Enjoy a decadent Mexican hot chocolate and reminisce in our cozy cafe.
  • Browse our shop for crystals, jewelry, scarves, and more.
  • Mingle with like-minded visitors over lunch in the Dining Hall.
  • Explore our captivating campus or head out on one of our guided mountain trail hikes.
  • Cook up something new together in our Ayurveda cooking class.
  • Self-reflect as you leisurely walk our beautiful labyrinth.

EVENING

  • Feed your body with a healthy dinner.
  • Take in the spectacular sunset or join the fireside concert.

Girlfriends Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING
  • Energize your mind, body, and spirit together with morning yoga or meditation class.
  • Catch up over a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
  • Connect with nature and reminisce while hiking one of our many mountain trails.
AFTERNOON
  • Plan your afternoon over a nourishing lunch.
  • De-stress with a girlfriends spa treatment, like our relaxing signature massage, hydrating facial, or energizing Marma session, and let our therapists work their magic. (Additional spa treatments available here.)
  • Get creative and have fun in our painting studio or Ayurveda food kitchen.
  • Grab some delicious chai and relax in our cafe or take in the majestic views on our deck.
EVENING
  • Plenty of time for bonding during a dinner.
  • Visit our shop and grab some souvenirs, rejuvenating herbal supplements, and restorative health products from Shankara’s all-natural beauty line.
  • Dance and sing at Kirtan.

Couples Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Gaze at the sunrise while filling your lungs with fresh mountain air and reminisce on the moments that connected you.
  • Bring a new level of calm and balance to your relationship with a Yoga or Meditation class.
  • Enjoy a delicious whole-foods breakfast together.
  • Walk or hike one of our beautiful nature trails and reconnect with each other, nature, and oneself.

AFTERNOON

  • Share a healthy and nutritious lunch.
  • Make a new memory by taking a workshop or educational class, or create a new experience together with a pottery*, watercolor painting, or cooking class (*additional cost).
  • Reduce tension and stress with a couple’s or individual Ayurveda spa treatment. Choose from the widest selection of Ayurvedic therapies in the US for whole-body nourishment and renewal.
  • Unwind in the steam room together.

EVENING

  • Stop by our bookstore and explore our collection of self-care and spiritual resources or spend time reading in the cafe.

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