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.

Benefits & Application Requirements

Employee Benefits

Subsidized housing based on availability
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.

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 careers@aolrc.org.

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.

Dishwasher/Kitchen Utility (FT/PT day and evening shifts available)

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

Server

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.
.
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.

Operations

Assistant Retail Manager

Join a mission-driven retail environment that inspires, uplifts, and connects.

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Assistant Retail Manager to help lead the daily operations of our one-of-a-kind gift shop. Nestled within a wellness-centered retreat environment, our shop offers thoughtfully curated items that reflect holistic living, mindfulness, and beauty.

This is the perfect opportunity for someone who loves retail, guest service, and conscious living, and is ready to bring creativity, leadership, and heart to a fast-paced and inspiring space.

What you’ll do here

Support the Retail Manager in overseeing all aspects of daily operations, ensuring a smooth and inspiring guest experience.
Lead by example in providing exceptional customer service—greeting, assisting, and creating meaningful connections with every guest.
Supervise and assist the team with sales, returns, and transactions, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at the register.
Train new team members on store procedures, Shopify POS, and customer care standards.
Maintain an inviting and well-organized retail environment by overseeing merchandising, restocking, and visual displays.
Assist with inventory management—receiving shipments, checking invoices, and ensuring accurate system updates.
Ensure all products are properly labeled and tagged to support an intuitive and enjoyable shopping experience.
Handle guest questions, concerns, and feedback with professionalism, warmth, and care.
Monitor sales performance and trends; share insights and suggest opportunities for new products or merchandising improvements.
Foster a positive, collaborative team culture that reflects the values and mission of the Art of Living Retreat Center.
Support operations across both the gift shop and café as needed.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

2+ years of experience in retail, including 1+ year in a leadership or supervisory role.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong computer proficiency; experience with Shopify POS is a plus.
A leadership style rooted in professionalism, integrity, and a positive team spirit.
Passion for holistic wellness, natural products, and conscious living.
Ability to stay calm, focused, and flexible in both busy and quiet moments.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
A desire to grow within a mission-driven, spiritually inspired workplace.

Step into a role where your passion for people and purpose-driven retail can shine.

Shankara Ayurveda Wellness

Spa Housekeeper (Part Time)

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.

Massage Therapist (PT & FT Positions Available)

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.

Wellness Advisor (PT & FT Positions Available)

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.