Discover the transformative power of the breath...

…and experience heightened serenity and vitality for life amidst the unspoiled forests high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Welcome to the Breathwork & Meditation Retreat

calendar-icon
Register Now

MONTHLY Thursday–Sunday  |  From $1,095
EARLY BIRD PRICE Book three weeks in advance and save 10%! 

Discover the transformative power of the breath...

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

Welcome to the Breath & Meditation Retreat

MONTHLY | From $1,095
EARLY BIRD PRICE Book three weeks in advance and save 10%

A STructrued 3-Night/4-Day Retreat

Learn wellness practices that last a lifetime

Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Do you want to unlock new levels of calm and energy for life?

Experience the synergy of two transformative practices in one comprehensive course. Discover Sudarshan Kriya™ (SKY Breath Meditation) from the Happiness Retreat, and delve into the profound impact of a personal mantra—a charged sound designed to enhance your meditation practice, as introduced in our Meditation Retreat.

calendar-icon
Register Now

SAVE! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

Retreat Highlights

Pranayama

Improve your energy levels and reduce stress through breathing exercises.

Sudarshan Kriya

Learn the most powerful breathing technique of our time.

Greater Peace

Achieve greater inner peace,  improved mental clarity, and enhanced emotional well-being.

5 Keys to a Joyful Life

A simple but effective toolkit to help you navigate life joyfully.

Community

Connect with a community of like-minded people on a similar journey and a certified instructor.

More Hope

Experience less depression, anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Boost Immunity • Increase Life Satisfaction • Reduce Stress Hormones

Transforming Lives

White quotation mark
—Peter D., Art of Living Premium Participant
Read More
I truly felt like I was coming home. As I sat with myself and tuned in, I could feel the empowerment and safety that lies within. Being able to reconnect with that is life changing.
—Aryanne D., Art of Living Premium Participant
Read More
This was just what I was looking for. It gave me a routine that allows me to feel empowered and peaceful. So much gratitude.
—Amanda O., Art of Living Premium Participant
Read More
The art of living retreat was truly life-changing for me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. It was brimming with love and played a significant role in helping me find greater inner peace and balance.
Previous
Next
NBC News, CNN, The Washington Post, HuffPost, and Yoga Journal logos

THE FACTS

Discover the Breath & Meditation Retreat

Reboot your inner calm with proven and time-tested Art of Living techniques.

Free Your Mind

Discover the science-backed SKY Breath Meditation, a breathwork practice recognized for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety, yielding noticeable results within a week. This practice not only facilitates the release of the past but also elevates your state of awareness and relaxation, offering you a reliable and repeatable tool. Building on this foundation, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation further refines your experiences of profound rest and heightened awareness, liberating your mind from everyday concerns.

Together, these practices create a compounding effect, accelerating your journey towards tranquility. Ultimately, you emerge with a comprehensive toolkit of breathwork and meditation, each element mutually enhancing the other for a transformative and enduring impact.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Embrace Completeness

It’s time to prioritize self-care. Immerse yourself in a serene environment, follow a proven program, and receive structured guidance to discover and embrace inner balance.

1. Stretch

Start each day with gentle yoga sessions.

2. Breathe

Daily sessions to learn ancient wisdom, breath work, and meditation techniques.

3. Reflect

Ample time between sessions for deep contemplation in nature.

4. Nourish

Three healthy, vegetarian, buffet-style meals per day—all while looking over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

5. Maintain

Keep practicing and keep learning with monthly Zoom sessions to reconnect with teachers and students. And access to the Art of Living Journey App* to support daily practice.

* Try the Journey App for free. Love what you see? Subscribe for a monthly fee.

calendar-icon
Register Now

SAVE! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Seeking greater clarity and energy in your life?

It’s all about resilience. Learn new, healthy ways to move through adversity, let go of the past, and heighten awareness—the tools you need to be free from worry and stress.

Session 1
The Secret of the Breath
7:30–9:30 pm

Session 2
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am

Session 3
The Rhythms of Life
10:00 am–12:30 pm

Session 4
Deepening Our Experience
5:00–6:30 pm

day3

Session 5
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am

Session 6
Five Wisdom Keys
10:00 am–12:30 pm

Session 7
Effortless Meditation
5:00–6:30 pm

Day 4

Session 8
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am

Session 9
New Start: Home Practice
10:00 am–1:00 pm

Day 1

Session 1
The Secret of the Breath
7:30–9:30 pm

Day 2
Session 2
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am

Session 3
The Rhythms of Life
10:00 am–1:00 pm

Session 4
Deepening Our Experience
5:15–6:30 pm

Day 3
Session 5
Morning Yoga
7:30–8:30 am
Session 6
New Start: Home Practice
10:00 am–1:00 pm

Breakfast  7:30–9:30 am • Lunch: 12:00–1:30 pm • Dinner: 6:00–7:30 pm

Retreat activities include Meditative Chants • Bonfires • Labyrinth • Nature trails

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.
Chelsea Testimonial

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

—Chelsea H.
Google Reviews Icon

900+ enthusiastic Google reviews

UPGRADE OPTION

Extend 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.

Free Activities Include
Interactive Nature Hikes • Meditation & Movement Classes • Wellness Workshops

Paid Activities Include
Cooking Classes & Demos • Pottery Classes • Ayurvedic Wellness Treatments (Call 828.264.8382 During Spa Hours Wed-Sun For Availability)

UPGRADE OPTION

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

calendar-icon
Register Now

SAVE! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

PRICING & ROOMS

All-inclusive options

Coming alone? Or with others? Choose a price and space for your needs. Prices below include everything—rooms, meals, and program sessions.

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

1-Bedroom Apartment

$1,520

1-Bedroom Apartment (w loft)

$1,660

TRAVEL INFO

We are remote—yet easy to get to.

The Center offers the right balance between serenity and easy access.

  • Fly into Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT)—Two hours away by car.
  • First day—Check-in at 4:00 pm; eat dinner shortly after that.
  • Last day—Leave after lunch; schedule your flight anytime after 5:00 pm.

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service

SERVICEPHONEWEBSITE
Hickory Hop Shuttle ServiceBook Online Onlyhickoryhop.com
High Country Limo828.898.9595highcountrylimo.com
Oscar’s Car Service704.965.5800N/A
Edwardo’s Car Service704.949.6775N/A
Blue Bird Transportation828.989.7286Blue Bird
Abby Cab828.475.2988abbycab.com
Uber or LyftBook in app on arrival. 

Find our address, video and printable directions, information about the nearest airports, and more HERE.

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service
Book Online Only
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

Abby Cab
828.475.2988
abbycab.com

Uber or Lyft
Book in app on arrival.

Find our address, video and printable directions, information about the nearest airports, and more HERE.

Register Now

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We are here to help.

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.

Are you ready for a transformational experience?

Too many people struggle with the demands of daily life. We offer the Art of Living Premium Course in a beautiful, natural setting. Why? To reclaim your inner peace through yoga, meditation, wisdom, and reflections.

SPECIAL! Book at least 21 days prior to the program start date and save 10%!

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

calendar-icon
Register Now

SAVE! Book at least 21 days before the program start date and save 10%!

Private Hotel Room

per person + 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)​

per person + 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​

per person + 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)

per person + 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)

per person + 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

Premium 1-Bedroom Apartment​

per person + tax

  • Fully Furnished 665 sq. ft. apartment
  • (Max: 2 persons)
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & Dryer
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • A Desk, chairs, and nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with Cable
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Refrigerator | Stove Range | Microwave

Note furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

Premium 1-Bedroom Apartment w/ Loft

per person + tax

  • Fully Furnished 995 sq. ft. apartment
  • (Max: 4 persons)
  • 1 king bed and 2 twin beds or 1 Full Bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & Dryer
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • A Desk, chairs, and nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with Cable
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Refrigerator | Stove Range | Microwave

Note furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

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.