Job Opportunities
Opened in 2012, The Art of Living Retreat Center is the newest outgrowth of the Art of Living Foundation’s 40+ year global commitment to health, happiness, and Ayurveda.
Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the Center offers immersive wellness experiences inspired by authentic traditions of yoga and Ayurveda. From signature workshops in the life-transforming power of breath and meditation to cleanses that have been practiced for thousands of years, the experiences at the center and its Shankara Ayurveda Wellness provide timeless tools that help guests tap into their potential for lasting health and happiness.
The community is built around a spiritual and wellness focus. While this is not necessary in an applicant’s background, you should be able to deeply understand and appreciate this approach to life. For those who are inclined towards this lifestyle, there are plenty of opportunities for personal growth.
Below is a listing of our current job openings; click on the title to learn more.
- On-site housing opportunities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Subsidized meal plans
- Complimentary meditation and yoga classes
- Complimentary participation in our Signature Happiness and Silence Retreats
Full-time positions only also include
- Subsidized Health/Dental Insurance available after 90 days
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time available after 90 days
- Generous 401k contribution/match after one year
All of our positions include opportunities for advancement within the organization, monthly employee appreciation events, and the opportunity to engage in a wholesome lifestyle of self-sufficiency, meaningful work, inner development, and accomplishment.
Must pass a background screening. Please include the following when submitting your application:
- Include the position title in the email subject line
- CV with contactable references
- Minimum of one recent letter of reference
- Copies of any related certificates
Resumes may be submitted via email to [email protected].
Open Positions
Dining & Kitchen
Three times a day, we prepare whole-food meals with the freshest seasonal ingredients we can find. Our priority is to provide our guests with vegetarian nourishment designed to energize and nourish all body types in a stellar dining experience. Meals are served buffet-style.
This position is responsible for washing dishes, pots, and pans during prep periods and service, as well as performing any kitchen prep as directed by the supervisor. May also put away deliveries and organize storage.
Requirements
- Some kitchen experience is preferred, but not required
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time and work in a fast-paced environment
- Mental and emotional stability
- Outstanding people skills; comfortable interacting with diverse populations
- Positive outlook and abundant optimism
We are seeking passionate people to become an integral part of our Dining Team. In our buffet-style Dining Hall, guests self-serve their food and clear their dishes. Our server’s responsibilities include maintaining the buffet, making sure all stations are stocked and clean, prepping salad bar items, and helping in any other capacity to ensure a smooth and professional dining experience. This position also communicates with the Kitchen any front-of-house needs and engages with the guests professionally and politely.
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Attributes for Success
- Some experience working in high-volume restaurants is preferred but not required
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Outstanding communication skills and attention to detail
- Able to stand for extended periods
- Able to interact with guests to ensure a positive dining experience
- Positive outlook and abundant optimism
- Customer service attitude
- Must be able to work weekends/holidays as part of a regular schedule.
Hospitality
Event Manager & Sales Manager
Are you a skilled event professional who thrives in a meaningful, mission-driven environment? Do you find joy in creating transformative experiences and managing the details that bring them to life? The Art of Living Retreat Center is seeking a dedicated Event and Sales Manager to lead the planning and execution of our events, retreats, and group experiences.
In this key role, you’ll oversee all aspects of event coordination—from early planning to onsite management—ensuring every detail aligns with our commitment to wellness, hospitality, and guest care. You’ll lead a team, collaborate with internal departments and external vendors, and be the go-to liaison for guests, facilitators, and partners.
What You’ll Do
- Plan, manage, and execute events, retreats, and group stays from start to finish.
- Communicate with clients to understand and fulfill their vision.
- Lead and schedule a team of event coordinators and support staff.
- Oversee venue setup, room blocks, transportation, and audiovisual logistics.
- Manage budgets, reporting, and vendor contracts.
- Ensure a seamless, welcoming experience for every guest and group leader.
- Uphold the peaceful, service-centered atmosphere that defines our retreat center.
What You Bring
- 3+ years’ experience in event management, preferably in hospitality or a retreat setting.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- A working knowledge of yoga, meditation, or wellness practices—or a genuine interest in learning.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, teams, and priorities with grace.
- Availability to work Wednesday through Sunday.
- Hands-on attitude and willingness to lead by example.
Why Work With Us?
- Live and work in a stunning Blue Ridge Mountain setting.
- Subsidized health and dental insurance after 90 days.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 401(k) enrollment after one year.
- Discounts and complimentary access to our signature programs and activities.
- Be part of a like-minded community committed to inner peace, outer service, and holistic wellness.
AM/PM Guest Services Houseperson
Are you someone who thrives in service, enjoys staying organized, and takes pride in creating smooth, welcoming guest experiences? Join our team at the Art of Living Retreat Center as a Guest Services Houseperson and help us provide the exceptional hospitality that supports our guests’ journeys of rest, renewal, and transformation.
In this dynamic role, you’ll work across departments to anticipate guest needs, assist with event setup, manage inventory, and support the Front Office—all while contributing to a calm, uplifting atmosphere. If you love thoughtful service and meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
- Respond to guest requests with professionalism, care, and timeliness.
- Support the Front Office by delivering items and handling last-minute needs.
- Maintain and organize inventory for guest amenities and event supplies.
- Collaborate with the Events team to set up venues for programs and gatherings.
- Communicate clearly with all departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.
What You Bring
- Previous hospitality or customer service experience preferred.
- Excellent organization, communication, and multitasking skills.
- Positive, team-oriented attitude and a genuine desire to help others.
- Ability to lift and move furniture, supplies, and event materials as needed.
- Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Why Work With Us?
- Subsidized on-site housing (with free Wi-Fi) may be available
- Affordable staff meal plans
- Complimentary meditation and yoga classes
- Free access to our signature Happiness and Silence Retreats
- Monthly employee appreciation events (like bonfires, kayaking, and more)
- Opportunities for growth and advancement within a mission-driven organization
- A chance to be part of a wholesome lifestyle grounded in purpose, well-being, and self-discovery
Operations
No open positions at this time.
Sales & Marketing
No open positions at this time.
Shankara Ayurveda Wellness
Are you someone who finds purpose in creating clean, welcoming spaces? Do you thrive in quiet environments and take pride in thoughtful, detail-oriented work? The Art of Living Retreat Center is looking for a Part-Time Housekeeper to help maintain the peaceful, nurturing atmosphere our guests cherish.
In this role, you’ll ensure that our guest rooms, common areas, and wellness facilities remain clean, comfortable, and aligned with the calming spirit of our retreat environment. Your contribution supports the transformative experiences of everyone who visits our center.
What You’ll Do
- Clean guest rooms, common areas, bathrooms, and spa treatment rooms.
- Maintain the tidiness of entryways, lobbies, elevators, and steam rooms.
- Vacuum, dust, sanitize, and restock supplies as needed.
- Report maintenance issues promptly.
- Work mindfully and independently in a peaceful, contemplative setting.
- Help foster a serene and welcoming environment for guests and staff alike.
What You Bring
- Prior housekeeping or cleaning experience.
- Strong attention to detail and a reliable work ethic.
- Ability to move, bend, lift, and stand for extended periods.
- Comfort working in a quiet, meditative atmosphere.
- Respect for the values and mission of the Art of Living community.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a mission-driven team focused on wellness, mindfulness, and service.
- Work in a tranquil and supportive environment surrounded by nature.
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a space dedicated to healing and personal growth.
Shankara Ayurveda Wellness at the Art of Living Retreat Center has openings for licensed, experienced, massage therapists.
Are you looking for an environment that supports your work? Are you seeking to be with a group of people that support the work you do? How about a work schedule that not only allows but promotes a work/life balance? Do you have an interest in Ayurveda Therapies and expanding your healing repertoire?
The focus of our spa is Ayurveda and we offer paid comprehensive training in many traditional Ayurveda therapies, including Abhyanga and Shirodhara. We have both part-time (3-day work week) or full-time (4- or 5–day work week) openings. Most therapies are sixty minutes long, with thirty minutes between most treatments. We do a maximum of five therapies a day.
Our Shankara Ayurveda Wellness is positioned to be the premier Ayurvedic Wellness Center in the US, as our wellness programs have been recognized as Best Ayurvedic Program and Best Detox Program by Organic Spa Magazine.
We offer a great work environment, competitive wages, health, dental, 401k, and lots of wellness perks! Join an award-winning team!
Must be a licensed massage bodywork therapist in North Carolina, and eligible to work in the US; we do not sponsor.
Are you seeking a position that allows you to use your administrative and customer service skills to make a difference in the lives of others? We are seeking an organized, energetic advisor to be part of our award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness team. The ideal candidate can multi-task in a busy environment while maintaining a serene environment for our guests.
Responsibilities
- Greet guests warmly and professionally, with a smile, proper verbiage, and etiquette.
- Answer telephone, email, and in-person inquiries professionally, describing services, packages, and detox retreats, using clear and professional language.
- Book appointments using our reservations software system—obtain credit card information, inform of cancellation policies, and provide directions as needed.
- Check-in guests for services, process payments, and provide an orientation of the Center.
- Cross-sell Shankara Skin Care products and assist guests with retail sales.
- Maintain clean, organized, well-stocked guest and office areas.
- Other administrative duties as noted on the full job description—available upon request.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in spa/hospitality industry preferred (not required)
- Clear, effective, and pleasant communication skills
- Ability to multi-task and stay calm under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Desire to grow and be open to feedback
- Ability to develop/maintain positive and professional relationships with team members
- Understand and display spa philosophy (balance, relaxation, wellness)
- Flexibility to work varying schedules to reflect the needs of the Center, including weekends and holidays.
Application Requirements
Must pass a background screening. Please include the following when submitting your application:
- Include the position title in the email subject line
- CV with contactable references
- Minimum of one recent letter of reference
- Copies of any related certificates
Resumes may be submitted via email to [email protected].
