Ruiz Brothers Banner 2024

The Art and Mastery of Life

A Toltec Journey to Personal Freedom

don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. & don Jose Ruiz

NOV 8–10
don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. & don Jose Ruiz
NOV 8–10
Tuition:
$395
A Structured
3-Day/2-Night Retreat
NOV 8–10
Retreat Type
Featured PresentersFeatured Presenters
Must Be 18+Must Be 18+
Self-DiscoverySelf-Discovery
SpiritualSpiritual
Retreat Goals
Get HappyGet Happy
Personal DevelopmentPersonal Development

Learn the Pathway to Personal Freedom

International best-selling author and spiritual teacher, don Miguel Ruiz, has shared his family’s teachings globally through the books of Toltec wisdom which have sold over 10 million copies alone in the US, and been published in 40 languages worldwide. His sons don Miguel Ruiz Jr. and don Jose Ruiz have joined together for this unique workshop to share the wisdom from the Toltec tradition, which places a special emphasis on unconditional love and personal healing as the means by which we create transformation in ourselves and the world.

During this immersive weekend with the Ruiz brothers, don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. shares lessons from his latest book, The Mastery of Life: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom, which represents the journey, or quest, that we all undertake to find inner peace. You will discover the transformative symbolism behind the sacred pyramids and plazas of Teotihuacan and how they lead Toltec Warriors to let go of their domestication, false fear, and self-judgment. 

Modern-day Shaman and internationally best-selling author of The Fifth Agreement, don Jose Ruiz shares teaching methods to apply messages from his books, The Medicine Bag: Shamanic Rituals and Ceremonies for Personal Transformation, and his latest release, Shamanic Power Animals.

Ultimately, the Toltec tradition teaches that mastering life is key to enjoying it. Through this program, you will take a deep look at what you believe about yourself and the world around you, and notice what you habitually do—how you act and react based on what you believe. Then, once you have become more aware of what you think, how you act, and where those thoughts and actions originate, you will be invited to practice new ways of thinking, acting, and being that are more aligned with your true nature and your highest good.

Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. and don Jose Ruiz will teach you to

  • Become aware of how you confuse what you know, for who you are
  • Gain awareness of how you have created your reality
  • Release the fear of what you are without your beliefs
  • Embrace unconditional love
  • Make new agreements that are more in line with your true authentic self

This life-changing program will help you to return to your innate wisdom, and live your life based on truth. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to master your life—and truly enjoy it.

Workshop will be of interest to anyone look for practical tools to live happily. It may also appeal to healthcare professionals and yoga and meditation practitioners.

Features

Presenters

don Miguel Ruiz Jr 734187 5x5

don Miguel Ruiz Jr., is a Nagual, a Toltec Master of Transformation. He is a direct descendant of the Toltecs of the Eagle Knight lineage and is the son of don Miguel Ruiz. …

Reviews

Perfect Workshop
Steve S.
Read More
"Perfect workshop with positive energy for loving myself and connecting with my true self. Much needed."
Life-Changing
Nikhil S.
Read More
"The most motivational and life-changing speakers of all time; An amazing place in the mountains to recharge your batteries."
Road To Clarity
Mary A.
Read More
"Revealing, introspective, a road to clarity and to your authentic self and a springboard to the universe."
Absolutely Perfect
Joann R.
Read More
"Everyone, in my opinion, should attend at least once.; Absolutely perfect in every way."
Deeply Touched
Madelyn
Read More
"Both brothers touched my heart and soul with their unconditional love."
Wonderful & Effective
Dallas M.
Read More
"Wonderful retreat and workshop. The style of two brothers was so effective and great too!"
Previous
Next

Rooms & Pricing

Private Hotel Room

$416 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)

$297 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

$282 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)

$230 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)

$201 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

The Art & Mastery of Life

A Toltec Journey to Personal Freedom
Nov 8–10, 2024

Subject to change.

Friday 7:30–9:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am–12:30 pm and 2:00–4:00 pm
Sunday 9:30–11:30 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.)

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Subject to change; visit the Front Desk for the current schedule.

  • 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: $45.00/per person

CLAY STUDIO

Thursday
Wheel-Throwing Classes
11:00 am, 1:15 pm, 3:00 pm
75 minutes; $65

Friday & Saturday
Hand-Building Classes
11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm, 6:00 pm
60 minutes; $55 

*Class schedules are subject to change; glazing and shipping are included.

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 make reservations for consultations, therapies, and treatments at our award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness at least four weeks before 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.  

Photo Gallery

Tuition
$395

Art of Living Retreat Center

Google Reviews

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

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.