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Simply Always Awake Silent Retreat

Waking Up to Your True Nature

Angelo Dilullo, MD

DEC 1–7, 2024
Angelo Dilullo, MD
DEC 1–7, 2024
Tuition:
$605
per person—plus room/meals & tax
DEC 1–7, 2024
Retreat Type
Meditation & MindfulnessMeditation & Mindfulness
Must Be 18+Must Be 18+
Self-DiscoverySelf-Discovery
SpiritualSpiritual
Retreat Goals
Calm & Clear MindCalm & Clear Mind
Get HappyGet Happy
Relieve StressRelieve Stress

Awaken from the Illusion of Separation

Dr. Angelo Dilullo leads this semi-silent retreat designed for those committed to an investigation into their deepest nature—that unnamable “something” that has been stirring inside.

During this experiential program, you explore the practices of  

  • Self-inquiry
  • Daily guided and silent meditations
  • Nature walks
  • Work with thought and consciousness
  • Emotional and direct sensory investigation.

In addition, there are wisdom talks, sound meditations, and Q&A sessions—all in community with like-minded seekers.

You’ll be completely supported as you begin—or continue—your journey into waking up and creating a profound sense of liberation and enlightenment. 

A message from Angelo:

I have no doubt that you will find this experience transformative and worth the time commitment and effort. Your commitment not only benefits you but reflects and amplifies the commitment of your fellow attendees and deepens their experience profoundly. It is my hope that every person attending this retreat is serious about waking up to and embodying their innermost truth. You are in good company and will be in a supportive environment both practically and energetically.

This time is for you. It is a time to leave all other commitments aside and address the innermost promptings of your heart. This is a time to investigate that part of yourself that has been calling for a long time but has not been given the context in “life as usual” to come to fully to fruition.

In short, you will be surrounded by others just like you who have been carrying this question around for a very long time. This is not the type of question that needs an answer, not in the usual sense. It is a question that points to a possibility. It points to something profoundly mysterious, yet too close to talk about. It points to something unimaginably powerful, yet always at rest. It points to complete absorption into vivid transient aliveness and it also points to a radical freedom and spontaneity which never holds on or second guesses itself.

Let us investigate together.

Open to everyone.

Recommended reading Awake: It’s Your Turn

Features

Presenter

Angelo Dilullo 2023 Headshot Bio

Angelo Dilullo, MD, is an anaesthesiologist, author, and teacher who experienced a life-altering spiritual awakening at the age of 24. His book, Awake: It’s Your Turn, is a practical set of tools and investigations that allow you to access, realize, and actualize your pristine, undivided nature.

Rooms & Pricing

Private Hotel Room

$343 per person/per night + 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)

$253 per person/per night + 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

$255 per person/per night + 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)

$213 per person/per night + 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)

$189 per person/per night + 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

Schedule

Simply Always Awake Silent Retreat

Waking Up to Your True Nature
December 1–7, 2024

Subject to change.

Sunday 3:00–4:00 pm, 7:30–10:00 pm
Monday–Friday 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 1:00–6:00 pm, 8:00–10:00 pm 
Saturday 9:00–11:50 am  Room checkout is 11:00 am; luggage may be held at Reception.

General Information

All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless otherwise noted.

Arrival Day
4:00 pm Check-in begins; Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, but if you arrive early we will hold your luggage at Reception.
6:00–7:00 pm Dinner
7:00–7:20 pm Guest Orientation Session (Venue: Dining Hall)

Actual schedules and venues may vary; please confirm with Front Desk upon check-in.

Apart from the activities in your program schedule, we offer the following optional complementary activities. (Please join only if your program schedule permits.)

  • 9:45–10:45 am  Yoga |  Thu–Sun
  • 11:00 am–12:00 pm  Mind & Meditation |  Thu–Sun
  • 1:30–2:15 pm  Guided Hike* | Assemble at Shankara Reception | Sat
  • 2:30–3:45 pm  Ayurveda Cooking Class* | Tulsi Kitchen
    Thu: Sweet Treats • Sat: Chef’s Seasonal Recipe
  • 4:15–5:15 pm Yoga |  Wed–Sat
  • 5:30–6:00 pm  Guided Meditation |  Wed–Sat
  • 7:30–8:15 pm  Meditative Chants/Kirtan |  Wed–Sat
    Saturday kirtan is outdoor by the bonfire; weather permitting.

*Included with Wellness Escapes and R&R; Other participants: $35.00/per person

Clay Studio
  • 11:00 am–7:00 pm Friday & Saturday
    Hand Building $55 | 1 hour
  • 9:00 | 10:45 am Sunday
     Wheel Throwing $75 all guests; glazing and shipping are included | semi-private class | 75 minutes

Hours

Wednesday 11:00–8:00 pm
Thursday–Saturday 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am–2:00 pm

We encourage you to also make reservations for consultations, therapies, and treatments at our award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness at least two weeks prior to your arrival date to ensure availability. Please call 828.264.8382 for details. Additional cost.

On-Campus Program FAQs

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.

Location

639 Whispering Hills Road
Boone, NC 28607
800.392.6870

Discover deep rest and rejuvenation on our tranquil mountaintop campus set amidst 380 acres of pristine forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina.  

Tuition
$605
per person—plus room/meals & tax

Art of Living Retreat Center

Google Reviews

854 Reviews
4.8/5
- Leslie E.
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"If you want to relax, recharge, and find yourself again, this is the place!"
- Vasily T.
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"A magnificent place for a refreshing retreat. So peaceful and close to nature as it can be."
- Becca N.
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"Excellent food, spa, tons of activities outside of program warm environment for growth Thank you!"
- Rob H.
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"The techniques I learned here have literally transformed my life."
- Michelle L.
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"Excellent program, beautiful surroundings. Wonderful setting for deep connection & reset."
- Dan V.
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"I did not know what to expect. I am very pleased with what I have learned and excited to bring back home."
- Bonnie M.
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"Beautiful grounds with wonderful, genuinely loving instructors. This was a life changing experience!"
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Add a day—or more!—to your stay!

Arriving at the Center a day early lets you embrace the serenity, adjust to peace, and reflect before the retreat. Extra days also allow you to participate in R&R workshops and Ayurvedic healing arts, or use the time to reflect, process, and internalize your retreat experience before you head home. 

Either way, you’ll save 20% off our regular R&R rates! Select your added day(s) on the registration page.

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.

Group Inquiry Request

Group Inquiry Request