Create Lasting Happiness
In today’s racing world, the mind has a tendency to get stuck either in the past or the future. But happiness is here and now. You miss the present moment when you are distracted, regretting yesterday or worried about tomorrow. Yet with practical, self-empowering tools using the breath, we can successfully counter the increasing demands of contemporary life.
During our signature Happiness Retreat, you will find out how to access the present moment and tap into your inner power and freedom — not just as a concept, but as a direct experience. This is the source of abiding happiness.
- Reduced stress
- Greater sense of happiness and enthusiasm
- Less social anxiety
- More ease in interpersonal relations
In the Happiness Retreat, you will learn to master practical techniques that can benefit you for the rest of your life. The centerpiece of the Art of Living Happiness Retreat is the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that uses precise natural rhythms to get you unstuck. You will also learn a form of this practice that you can continue at home for further growth.
A Retreat in the Mountains
During your stay, you have time for personal R & R also. Whether you want to explore forest trails, enjoy a free pottery class, release stress with a spa therapy or bask in the fresh mountain air, the choice is yours.
Make Your Retreat Extra Special
Combine your retreat with authentic Ayurveda for rejuvenation on all levels, body, mind and spirit. The recommended Ayurveda treatment for this retreat is an Abhyanga massage (“Abby” for short), followed by a relaxing steam to further release stress. Pre-requisite: 18 years of age or older
Research
Independent research has shown Sudarshan Kriya, the key technique of the program, significantly:
- Reduces levels of stress
- Supports the immune system
- Relieves anxiety and depression
- Increased levels of antioxidant enzymes which protect us from many diseases and rapid aging. [6, 23, 27]
Features
Proven techniques to significantly increase well-being mentally and physically, including Sudarshan Kriya Yoga—a powerful breathing practice.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that SKY provides a comprehensive range of significant benefits. Not only does it help with relaxation, but SKY practice settles the mind directly to the deepest state of pure awareness. You’ll experience immediate, positive shifts in your energy, clarity, and state of mind.
Practical ancient wisdom for dealing with conflict and triumphing over life's hurdles.
The mind is often focused on the past or future with unproductive, repetitive thoughts, worries, and regrets that make you less aware, less authentic, and less connected with others. With mindfulness practice, you’ll gain greater awareness allowing you to consciously reframe negative thinking to more positive perspectives—learning to let go and live with more joy in life.
Yoga and meditation to open the heart, strengthen the body, clear the mind, and lift the spirit.
Practicing the physical postures of yoga can improve strength, flexibility, and circulation, while meditation keeps the mind sharp, relieves stress, and may even strengthen your immune system. Essentially, every body part is revitalized and nurtured providing you with more energy and mental clarity.
Mindful meditations, yoga, and breathing practices to help you rest, relax, and get a good night’s sleep.
Some of the most beneficial aspects of yoga are the minute changes that come about as you stretch into a pose and come back to your body at the end of a busy day. As a matter of face, a national survey by Harvard Medical School showed that over 55% of the people who did yoga found it helped them get better sleep. Meditation allows you to let go of your day and rest your mind, easing into restfulness.
Tools and practices to help you connect more deeply and easily with others, so you can enjoy happier relationships with old friends and new.
When you’re less stressed and happier, you more easily notice and appreciate the good in life and in others. When we slow down and tune into our bodies and minds, we become more self-aware. This kind of understanding of ourselves helps us step back and evaluate our reactions and their impacts. You’ll also benefit from the teachings of love, gratitude, and kindness that remind you to appreciate more deeply and live mindfully.
Ayurveda treatments, breathing practices, and nourishing food to help support your body’s natural rhythms.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, a healthy immune system is represented by physical, mental, and spiritual resilience—a balance of three subtle energies of prana, tejas, and soma. When we are missing social support, dealing with chronic stress, spending time inside away from nature, over-stimulated with media, and carrying negative thoughts and feelings, we open up ourselves to physical and mental illness. Ayurveda has been naturally supporting immune health for thousands of years—treating the body and mind with balanced nutrition, exercise, yoga, meditation, herbal and mineral support, and the creation of balance at mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Speaker

Art of Living Faculty
Art of Living faculty combine their passion for teaching with years of ongoing practice and volunteering in the service of others. Inspired by their own personal experiences of transformation and joy, teachers around the world (in over 150 countries!) have been sharing Art of Living’s signature practices and insights into the human mind for over 35 years. They center on personal development from a holistic angle — looking at how the body, the breath, and the mind all work together to create inner peace and higher energy. Blending ancient, timeless wisdom with contemporary approaches to well-being to bring you the very best in health and wellness. What sets Art of Living teachers apart? A commitment to ongoing growth coupled with a heart-based approach rooted in authentic, effective techniques of meditation and breathwork.
Rooms & Pricing
All options include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of check-out. (Rates below are Per Person)
Shared Hotel Room (2 People)
- King bed or two full beds
- Flat Screen TV
- Refrigerator
- Private Bath
- Complimentary WIFI
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
One other person of the same gender will share the room with you**
Reviews
FAQs
For room reservations & spa retreats, we have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
For all other retreats, please be sure to check the registration page specific to that retreat.
Happiness Retreat Cancellation Policy:
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. That being said 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.
Testimonials
Schedule
Day 1
Session 1:
7:30-9:45 pm The Secret of the Breath
Day 2
Session 2:
7:30-8:30 am Morning Yoga
Session 3:
9:30 am-12:30 pm The Rhythms of Life
Session 4:
5:15-6:15 pm Deepening Our Experience
Day 3
Session 5:
7:30-8:30 am Morning Yoga
Session 6:
9:30 am-1 pm New Start: Home Practice
2-3pm, 3-4pm or 4-5pm
Mealtimes
7:30-9:30 am Breakfast
12:00-2:00 pm Lunch (included on your departure day)
6:00-7:30 pm Dinner

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.