Good Stories

A Writing Retreat to Celebrate What We’ve Survived

BRIANNA MADIA

Tuition

$320 per person—plus room/meals & tax

FEATURED GUEST PRESENTER

Good Stories

…amidst the stunning, natural backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Find new levels of calm and energy for life.

BRIANNA MADIA

Transform your lived experiences into compelling stories!

June 20–22, 2025

A STructured
2-Night/3-Day Retreat

• Creative Expression
• Self-Discovery

• Boost Energy
• Personal Development
• Self-Care

Unlock the Power of Your Story

Step into a transformative weekend where your stories take center stage. At Good Stories, led by New York Times best-selling author Brianna Madia, you’ll be guided to turn your lived experiences into meaningful, compelling narratives. Immerse yourself in an inspiring environment that fosters courage, connection, and creative discovery. Surrounded by like-minded storytellers, you’ll gain the confidence to write boldly, share authentically, and explore the depth of your unique voice. This retreat is your invitation to uncover the stories waiting to be told—and bring them to life.

Reserve Your Spot Now

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

Unshakable Confidence

Gain the self-assurance to share your story authentically and unapologetically.

Deeper Self-Connection

Reflect on your life’s journey, uncovering hidden insights and gaining clarity about your purpose and desires.

Authentic Storytelling

Transform your life experiences into impactful, reader-focused narratives that captivate and resonate.

Creative Inspiration

Take home personalized writing prompts and exercises to fuel your ongoing journey.

Publishing Clarity

Gain actionable insights into navigating the publishing world with confidence.

Newfound Friends

Engage in valuable exchanges with fellow writers, fostering a supportive network and collaborative environment.

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

Are you ready to find your voice and own your story?

WHAT TO EXPECT

Discover Confidence, Creativity, and Community

Step into a nurturing space where storytelling becomes transformative. During this retreat, you’ll gain tools to confront the fears that keep your stories untold while building the confidence to claim and celebrate your experiences. With Brianna’s guidance, you’ll engage in writing prompts, explore creative exercises, and share your work in a supportive environment. Walk away with new friendships, fresh inspiration, and the skills to keep writing long after the retreat ends.

1. Inspirational Guidance

Receive expert insights and guidance that deepen your understanding of the writing craft and refine your creative voice.

2. Creative Writing Prompts

Spark new ideas with exercises designed to unlock your narrative potential.

3. Personal Journaling

Immerse yourself in quiet reflection and self-expression, exploring your thoughts and stories in a supportive, judgment-free space.

4. Storytelling Circles

Share your work with peers to foster connection and gain valuable feedback.

5. Nature Walks

Find inspiration and clarity while exploring the natural surroundings.

Reserve Your Spot Now

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

Transforming Lives

Before Unanxious, I was constantly overwhelmed. Humble's course helped me understand why I felt anxious and gave me practical ways to handle it. I still have my moments, but now I have the tools to get through them. I’m really grateful for that.

This course was exactly what I needed. I’ve struggled with anxiety for years, and Unanxious helped me realize I’m not alone. Humble’s approach felt like a friend walking me through each step. I’m finally starting to feel at ease with myself.

I went into Unanxious looking for quick fixes, but I came out with so much more. Humble’s real talk about his own struggles made everything feel relatable. The tools he shares actually work, and I feel a lot less anxious now. It’s been life-changing for me.

Humble’s course wasn’t just another ‘think positive’ guide—it was raw and honest. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, but that’s what I appreciated. Unanxious showed me how to sit with my anxiety, understand it, and eventually, manage it in a healthier way.

Presenter

Brianna Madia

Brianna Madia has lived a life of relentless intention, traveling the deserts of the American West in an old Ford van. She made a name for herself on social media with her inspiring captions-cum-essays about bravery, identity, nature, and subverting expectations.

…

Brianna MadiaRead More »

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Good Stories

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
6:00–7:30 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

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

UPGRADE OPTIONS

Extend your Stay and Don't Miss a Thing

Add a day to 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 with a soothing Ayurvedic treatment.

Call to check availability during Shankara business hours:

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

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

THE ART OF LIVING RETREAT CENTER

Scenic. Serene. Inspiring.

The perfect place to begin your journey to holistic wellness.

Since 2012, the Art of Living Retreat Center has offered wellness retreats featuring meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda. The Center is high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, surrounded by 380 acres of pristine forest. Beauty, nature, and time-honored architecture create the perfect setting that is authentic, not extravagant.

“You drive up this mountain and it’s instant, total bliss. It’s beautiful. Everything about it is magical.”

—Chelsea H.

1000+ enthusiastic Google reviews

PRICING & ROOMS

All-Inclusive 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
$885 to $955

Shared Hotel Room (for 2)
$745 to $845

Private Retreat Room
$745 to $846

Shared Retreat Room (for 2)
$665 to $765

Shared Retreat Room (for 3)
$595 to $695

1-Bedroom Apartment
$1,095 to $1,195

1-Bedroom Apartment (w loft)
$1,235 to $1,335

Save $100 by registering 14 days in advance

Private Hotel Room

$1,310

Shared Hotel Room (for 2)

$1,170

Private Retreat Room

$1,170

Shared Retreat Room (for 2)

$1,090

Shared Retreat Room (for 3)

$1,020

TRAVEL INFO

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

High Country Limo
828.898.9595

highcountrylimo.com

High Country Black Car
828.387.1977

High Country Black Car

Oscar’s Car Service
704.965.5800

Edwardo’s Car Service
704.949.6775

Blue Bird Transportation
828.989.7286

Blue Bird of Boone

Abby Cab
828.475.2988

abbycab.com

Uber or Lyft
Book in app on arrival

Service

Phone

Website

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service

Book online

hickoryhop.com

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

Abby Cab

828.475.2988

abbycab.com

Uber or Lyft

Book in app on arrival

—

Are you ready for a transformational experience?

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

Great experience, great people, great food, great place to unplug from the hustle & bustle of everyday life and relax.

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

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We are here to help.

What is your cancellation policy?

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.

Are there any age restrictions?

Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are open to participants 18 years of age and older.

Is your property meat-, alcohol-, and smoke–free?

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.

Can I eat there given my food allergies

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.

Is your property ADA-compliant?

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.

How safe is the property?

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.