Creative Expression
Professional Development & Trainings
Self-Discovery
Personal DevelopmentPlease Note
In alignment with the CDC guidelines, all guests will be required to show proof of vaccination OR a lab-certified Covid-19 test that produced negative results taken within 72 hours of their arrival at the Center when checking in.
Join the Conversations
Roxane Gay and Tressie McMillan Cottom are the bold, brilliant, bad-ass duo of the tremendously popular Hear to Slay podcast—a podcast with an intersectional perspective on celebrity, culture, politics, art, life, love, and more.
During this exciting event (their first-ever retreat) they will deliver insights, teachings and thought-provoking conversations that will educate and empower attendees. There will be instruction in becoming better writers, more effective change-makers and stronger women. Roxane and Tressie will be joined by Debbie Millman, an acclaimed designer, author, educator, and the host of the long-running podcast Design Matters.
We’ll kick off the retreat with a welcome session on Friday night, followed by a full day of workshops on Saturday, and a closing session Sunday morning. There will be opportunities throughout the weekend for book signings, as well as time to meet Roxane, Tressie, Debbie, and other workshop attendees.
Known for their intelligence, humor, and no-holds-barred commentary, Roxane and Tressie promise a memorable weekend. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from your favorite [s]heroes!
This retreat is open to everyone but caters specifically to writers, creatives, social activists, feminists, LGBTQ+, and People of Color.
While you’re here…
During your stay, you may have time for personal R & R. Whether you want to explore forest trails and bask in the fresh mountain air, enjoy a pottery or cooking class, or try a daily yoga or meditation class—the choice is yours. (Additional fees may apply.)
Make Your Retreat Extra Special
The award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness offers consultations, body treatments, and Ayurvedic therapies. Combine your retreat with authentic Ayurveda for rejuvenation on all levels—body, mind and spirit. Pre-requisite: 18 years of age or older. Note We suggest booking your Shankara appointments prior to arrival to ensure availability.
Presenters
Dr. Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay is an author and cultural critic whose writing is unmatched and widely revered. Her work garners international acclaim for its reflective, no-holds-barred exploration of feminism and social criticism. With a deft eye on modern culture, she brilliantly critiques its ebb and flow with both wit and ferocity.
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Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom
Tressie McMillan Cottom, PhD, is an award-winning author, researcher, educator, and cultural critic whose work has been recognized nationally and internationally for the urgency and depth of her incisive critical analysis of technology, higher education, class, race, and gender.
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Debbie Millman
Debbie Millman is the founder and host of Design Matters, one of the world’s first and longest-running podcasts. She has interviewed nearly 500 artists, designers and cultural commentators over the past fourteen years and has been called “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company. Debbie is the author of six books, including two collections of interviews that have extended the ethos and editorial vision of Design Matters to the printed page.
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Rooms & Pricing
Private Hotel Room
- King bed or two full beds
- Flat Screen TV
- Refrigerator
- Private Bath
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
Shared Hotel Room (2 People)
- King bed or two full beds
- Flat Screen TV
- Refrigerator
- Private Bath
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
Private Retreat Room
- Twin beds
- Private Bath
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
Shared Retreat Room (2 People)
- Twin beds
- Private Bath
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
Shared Retreat Room (3 People)
- Twin beds
- Private Bath
- Complimentary Wi-fi
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
Schedule
HEAR TO SLAY LIVE!
July 22–24, 2022
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.)
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
10:00 am–6:00 pm Saturday
Clay Handbuilding $35.00 (1 hour)
Throwing Wheel $45.00 (2 hours)
Hours: 9:00 am–6:30 pm daily
We invite you to also make reservations for consultations, therapies, and treatments at our award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness prior to arrival in order to ensure availability. Please call 828-264-8382 for details. Additional cost.
FAQs
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 processing fee) up to eight days before your program or stay.
- Nonrefundable credit toward a future AOLRC program or stay (less a $50 processing fee) is available if you give notice between seven 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.
To encourage a healthy environment we ask that guest to 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.
Location
Discover deep rest and rejuvenation in a pristine natural setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina. Set amidst 380 acres of pristine forest high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a tranquil sanctuary.
