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.
- Learn to manage and reduce stress
- Greater sense of happiness and enthusiasm
- Experience relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Sleep better, longer
- Less social anxiety
- More ease in interpersonal relations
Who is this program for?
Our Happiness Retreat has something for everyone, whether you’ve never meditated before or have a life-long practice. Our expert guides teach you practical techniques that can benefit all areas 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’ll master valuable tools and practices that bring more resiliency, better communication, and more ease into your life, as well as receive the support you need to continue your journey—access to our meditation app, monthly reconnection live-streams, and membership to our exclusive Facebook group.
A Retreat in the Mountains
Make Your Retreat Extra Special
Research




Independent research has shown Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), 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]
- Improves amount and quality of deep sleep.
Recently, a group of Yale researchers published a study evaluating classroom wellness training programs incorporating breathing and emotional intelligence strategies. In the study, published in the July 15, 2020, Frontiers of Psychiatry, the Art of Living’s SKY Campus Happiness most beneficial, reporting improvements in six areas of well-being: depression, stress, mental health, mindfulness, positive affect, and social connectedness. Read the YaleNews article here.
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.
Self-care and breathing practices proven to positively affect immune function.
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. The breathing practices introduced in our Happiness Program have been found helpful in for a wide variety of diseases and disorders by reducing stress and anxiety, chronic pain, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and much, much more. SKY significantly increases
Already a graduate of the Happiness Program? For a limited time, register for this online offering for only $75! Many people enjoy repeating the program and say they get something new out of it every time. Call 800.392.6870 to reserve your spot today.
Presenters

Art of Living Faculty
Art of Living faculty are teachers from all over the world who integrate their passion for teaching with a dedication to service of others. Inspired by their own personal experiences of transformation and joy, our teachers blend ancient, timeless wisdom with contemporary approaches to well-being to bring you a heart-based approach rooted in the authentic, effective techniques of Ayurveda, meditation, and breathwork—the very best of health and wellness.
Rooms & Pricing for On-Campus Events
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
As a precautionary measure, shared housing options are available for friends and family only. If you are coming alone, please book either a Private Hotel or Private Retreat Room.
Shared Retreat Room (2 People)
- Twin beds
- Private Bath
- Complimentary WIFI
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
As a precautionary measure, shared housing options are available for friends and family only. If you are coming alone, please book either a Private Hotel or Private Retreat Room.
Shared Retreat Room (3 People)
- Twin beds
- Private Bath
- Complimentary WIFI
- Daily Delicious Vegetarian Meals
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee & Fresh Fruit
- Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Access to Gym & Steam Rooms
As a precautionary measure, shared housing options are available for friends and family only. If you are coming alone, please book either a Private Hotel or Private Retreat Room.
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:
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 the 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.
If a participant attends no sessions of the course, the course registration and full course fee can be transferred to another course of the same course type within 60 days after the end of the course originally registered for. If a participant is unable to finish the course s/he can take another course of the same course type for no additional fee.
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.
Your program is hosted on Zoom. In order to participate, you will need one of the following:
- Computer: Windows or Mac computer with speakers and a microphone. (Note: Webcams are recommended but not required.)
- Mobile Device: iOS or Android
- Phone: mobile, desk or landline.
You can find out more about using Zoom here.
Once you register and reserve your spot, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions on how to access the online sessions. If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to reach us at 800-392-6870.
Testimonials
Schedules
Weekend Courses
Friday 6:30–9:00 pm The Secret of the Breath
Saturday 10:00 am–12:30 pm The Rhythms of Life & Deepening Our Experience
Sunday 10:00 am–12:30 pm New Start: Home Practice
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–1:00 pm New Start: Home Practice
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
To ensure a space, please register for these activities by calling 800-392-6870 prior to your arrival.
Guided Hiking (1 hr) Saturdays Only
Mindful Painting (1 hr, additional cost) $25 Sundays only
Express your creativity through art therapy as you connect your emotions to the art of watercolor painting.
Ayurveda Cooking Class $25 (1 hr, additional cost) Thursday & Saturday only
Learn how to best nourish your specific body type and thrive in every season.
Pottery Class $30 (1 hr, additional cost) Thursday to Sunday
Explore your creativity. Get hands-on experience in throwing on the wheel, hand-building and decorating handmade pots.
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.