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The Deep Unwind

Rest, Renewal, and Radical Worthiness

Sara Raymond

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, shame, and self-doubt can weigh us down, leaving us disconnected from our true selves. This retreat offers a restorative weekend experience designed to help you soften those burdens, release urgency, and reconnect with the innate worth that has always been within you. Guided by Sara Raymond, a compassionate trauma-informed hypnotherapist and somatic coach, you’ll engage in embodied healing practices including somatic exercises, hypnotherapy, and myofascial release, all aimed at nurturing your nervous system, releasing stored emotions, and awakening a sense of deep peace. Leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and empowered to move forward with clarity and self-trust.

April 24–26
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Starting at $410 (Tuition) + $616 (Lodging + Meals) plus tax

Reserve Your Spot Now

April 24-26, 2026
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SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.

Retreat Benefits

Nervous System Healing

Release stress and anxiety, calming the mind and body.

Self-Compassion

Let go of shame, silence negative self-talk, and cultivate a compassionate inner voice.

Inner Peace

Create space to fully relax, restore your energy, and reconnect with joy.

Inner Child Healing

Heal emotional wounds and reconnect with your authentic self.

Greater Self-Worth

Reconnect with your innate value and foster deep self-trust.

Emotional Resilience

Learn tools for lasting emotional healing and strength.

What to Expect

Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience a blend of gentle movement, guided mindfulness, and profound emotional release. The practices you’ll engage in will allow you to unwind, calm your nervous system, and deeply reconnect with your body’s wisdom. Sara will lead you through myofascial release techniques and guided hypnosis to help you heal emotional wounds, release self-criticism, and embrace your inherent worth. By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with new tools for cultivating emotional resilience and the ability to feel safe and whole again. Reawaken joy and self-trust while integrating practices that support lasting change.

1. Gentle Myofascial Release

Learn self-massage techniques to release stored emotions and relax your nervous system.

2. Nervous System Regulation Practices

Learn techniques for calming and regulating your nervous system to reduce stress.

3. Guided Hypnosis & Meditation

Experience deep relaxation and healing through hypnosis and guided meditation.

4. Self-Inquiry Journaling

Deeply reflect and explore your inner wisdom through thoughtful journaling exercises.

5. Somatic Practices

Reconnect with your body’s wisdom through somatic mindfulness and body-based healing exercises.

The Deep Unwind Program Schedule

This experiential retreat offers a well-balanced schedule that combines structured educational sessions with flexible time blocks – ensuring you have ample opportunity to engage in learning while also allowing personal time to explore the retreat center, participate in activities, and enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation.
(Program schedule subject to change.)

Check-in Begins 4:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:00 pm

Property Orientation 7:00–7:20 pm

Session 1 7:30–9:00 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 2 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Lunch 12:30–1:30 pm

Session 3 2:00–4:00 pm

Free Time 4:00–6:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:00 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 4 9:30–11:30 am

Room Checkout 11:00 am Luggage may be held at Reception.

Lunch 12:00–1:30 pm

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

Optional activities include
Yoga • Meditation • Kirtan • Bonfire • Labyrinth • Nature Trails

“A wonderfully insightful set of teachings and practices - a complete nugget of gold - delivered with sensitivity, humor, generosity, and a genuine sense of warmth. This program has been life-changing. I would recommend it to anyone ready to do the work.”

—J.M.

“I've gone through lots of shifts personally and professionally these past 2 years while working with different coaches and practitioners. Throughout this time, I've felt that what I learned from Luis has been truly foundational and timeless.”

—C.M.

“This retreat with 40+ souls all doing this deep work was pure magic. I felt seen, held, connected to, and empowered to continue going deep into my own healing journey. Being in a community like this was medicine.”

—D.G.

Meet the Presenter

Sara Raymond

Sara Raymond is a trauma-informed hypnotherapist, somatic coach, author, and founder of The Mindful Movement. She brings a grounded, compassionate presence and a deeply integrative approach to her work.

Learn More
Sara Raymond

Our Accommodations

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

Private Hotel Room

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • King bed or two queen beds
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Shared Hotel Room (2 People)

Ideal for friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • 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

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking simple surroundings for peace and clarity.

  • Twin beds
  • Private bath
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Note Room may contain extra single beds.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment

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 a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment with Loft

Fully furnished 995 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 4 persons)

  • 1 queen bed and 2 twin beds or 1 full bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & dryer
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron & ironing board
  • A desk, chairs, and a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Upgrade Options

Extend your Stay and Don’t Miss a Thing

Add a day and enjoy R&R activities!

Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes
Cooking Demos
Meditation & Movement Classes
Wellness Workshops

Paid activities include
Pottery Classes
Ayurvedic Wellness & Healing Arts Treatments

Nourish Your Body

Take your rejuvenation to another level. Our spa offers treatments and therapies that integrate ancient Ayurveda with contemporary wellness.

Call to check availability during Shankara Ayurveda Spa business hours; seven days a week, 9:00 am–6:00 pm.

Have questions?

We’re 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. You may email us at info@artoflivingretreatcenter.org.

Thanks to the cool climate of the Blue Ridge Mountains, air conditioning is rarely needed. For the occasional warm day, there is a fan in each room to help keep you comfortable.

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.

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 Between Charlotte and the Center

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service  Book online  hickoryhop.com  The Hickory Hop shuttle goes from Charlotte airport to Boone five times daily. Reservations are required, so book ahead online and be sure to confirm shuttle times coordinate with your travel plans.

High Country Limo  828.898.9595   highcountrylimo.com

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.

Other airports within driving distance from the Art of Living Retreat Center include

Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Johnson City, TN (80 miles)
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC (110 miles)

Visit our directions page for more information.

Reserve Your Spot Now

April 24-26, 2026
REGISTER NOW

SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.