The Art of Living

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.

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Benefits & Application Requirements

  • 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.

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.

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.

Operations

Lead Hospitality in a Place That Changes Lives

The Art of Living Retreat Center is seeking an experienced hospitality leader to oversee day-to-day guest operations at one of the nation’s premier wellness retreat destinations.

Located on 380 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Art of Living Retreat Center welcomes thousands of guests each year for meditation retreats, wellness programs, Ayurveda experiences, yoga trainings, group retreats, and large-scale events. We are more than a hotel, resort, or conference center—we are a mission-driven retreat center dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that support rest, renewal, and personal transformation.

We are looking for a hands-on General Manager who thrives in a dynamic hospitality environment, enjoys leading teams, solving operational challenges, and creating exceptional guest experiences.

What You’ll Do

As General Manager – Hospitality & Retreat Operations, you will oversee the guest-facing operations of the retreat center and help ensure a seamless, welcoming experience from arrival through departure.

You’ll lead and coordinate

  • Front Desk & Guest Services
  • Reservations
  • Housekeeping
  • Retreat & Event Operations
  • Dining Service Coordination
  • Spa Guest Experience Coordination
  • Transportation Services
  • Cross-Department Communication.

In this role, you’ll

  • Lead day-to-day hospitality operations across the property
  • Ensure smooth coordination between departments
  • Improve guest arrival, room readiness, retreat flow, and service recovery
  • Oversee operational execution of retreats, conferences, and special events
  • Coach and support department managers and frontline teams
  • Walk the property regularly to maintain quality standards
  • Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and care
  • Identify operational challenges and implement long-term solutions
  • Foster a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and service excellence.

Who You Are

You are an experienced hospitality leader who enjoys being present, visible, and engaged in daily operations.

You have

  • 7+ years of hospitality, resort, retreat center, hotel, conference center, or guest operations experience
  • Leadership experience as a General Manager, Director of Operations, Resort Manager, Rooms Division Director, Executive Assistant Manager, or similar role
  • Experience managing multiple departments and department leaders
  • Strong guest service and service recovery skills
  • Excellent organizational and communication abilities
  • A calm, practical approach to problem-solving
  • The ability to lead with both warmth and accountability

Bonus Qualifications

Experience in any of the following is especially valuable:

  • Boutique hotels or destination resorts
  • Wellness resorts or retreat centers
  • Conference and event operations
  • Multi-day retreats and group programs
  • Yoga, meditation, wellness, or Ayurveda environments
  • Guest satisfaction and service excellence initiatives

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

  • Enjoy being on the floor, not just behind a desk
  • Notice details before guests do
  • Like creating systems and improving operations
  • Can lead teams through both busy and quiet seasons
  • Care deeply about hospitality and meaningful guest experiences
  • Want your work to contribute to something larger than a traditional hospitality business.

Why Work at the Art of Living Retreat Center?

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, the Art of Living Retreat Center offers a unique opportunity to combine hospitality leadership with meaningful work. Our team helps create experiences that support wellness, personal growth, and connection for guests from around the world.

Location & Schedule
Full-time, on-site position in Boone, North Carolina. Schedule flexibility required, including some evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak event periods

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Apply Today

Help Build a Workplace Where People—and Purpose—Can Thrive

The Art of Living Retreat Center is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to help cultivate a positive, engaged, and values-driven workplace at one of the nation’s leading wellness retreat destinations.

Nestled on 380 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Art of Living Retreat Center welcomes guests from around the world for meditation retreats, wellness programs, yoga trainings, Ayurveda experiences, and transformational events. Behind every meaningful guest experience is a dedicated team—and we’re looking for an HR leader who can help that team thrive.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building strong teams, coaching leaders, supporting employee growth, and creating systems that help people do their best work.

About the Role

As Human Resources Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the employee experience—from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, training, and compliance.

You’ll serve as a trusted partner to leaders across the organization while helping foster a culture rooted in respect, accountability, well-being, and continuous growth.

What You’ll Do

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

  • Lead full-cycle recruitment efforts across multiple departments
  • Partner with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and attract mission-aligned candidates
  • Manage onboarding and orientation processes to ensure new employees feel welcomed and supported from day one

Employee Relations

Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership
Support conflict resolution, coaching conversations, and employee development
Foster open communication and a respectful workplace culture

HR Operations & Compliance

  • Maintain HR policies and procedures
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations
  • Manage employee records with confidentiality and accuracy
  • Support HR systems, documentation, and reporting

Performance & Professional Development

    • Oversee performance review processes
    • Partner with leaders to identify employee development opportunities
    • Help build career growth pathways and training initiatives

Benefits & Employee Experience

      • Administer employee benefits programs
      • Support compensation planning and employee wellness initiatives
      • Help create programs that strengthen employee engagement and retention

Culture & Engagement

      • Champion a positive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace
      • Coordinate staff wellness and team-building initiatives
      • Support a culture of service, collaboration, and personal growth

Who You Are

You are an experienced HR professional who combines strong people skills with sound judgment and operational excellence.

You likely bring

      • A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
      • 5+ years of progressive HR experience
      • At least 2 years of management or leadership experience
      • Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
      • Excellent communication, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills
      • Experience with HRIS systems and HR administration
      • The ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations.

HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) is a plus.

Bonus Qualifications

We’d love to hear from candidates who have experience in

      • Hospitality, retreat centers, wellness organizations, or mission-driven environments
      • Employee engagement and culture-building initiatives
      • Wellness, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, or personal development industries.

Experience in these areas is welcome but not required.

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

      • Care deeply about people and workplace culture
      • Enjoy helping leaders become stronger managers
      • Balance empathy with accountability
      • Like building systems that support both people and performance
      • Believe employee experience matters as much as guest experience
      • Want your work to contribute to a larger mission.

Why Work at the Art of Living Retreat Center?
This is an opportunity to help shape the culture of a unique organization dedicated to wellness, personal growth, and service. You’ll work alongside a passionate team in a beautiful mountain setting while helping create an environment where both employees and guests can flourish.

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

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.

APPLY TODAY
APPLY TODAY