Silence and Flow

Retreat Type
Retreat Goals

Please 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.

Health & Safety Updates

CEs available.

Teacher-trainer, author, and coach Rolf Gates—a leading voice in modern day yoga—is joined by meditation and movement teacher Kate Johnson in this experiential program of yoga and meditation instruction and practice in the context of sacred silence.

Rolf and Kate combine instructions from the Yoga Sutras with the teachings of the Buddha on mindfulness and compassion with periods of asana practice, as well as both seated and walking meditations.

Through group discussion, movement, journaling, dyads, and more, you’ll learn and experience

  • In-depth mindfulness instruction
  • How to thread a teaching through several different styles of practice
  • Restorative time in nature and together in community
  • Plenty of rest and good food. 

Participants will take home a better understanding of the sacred practices of yoga and meditation, how to live them, and how to teach them.

This program is for teachers and experienced students of all levels. CEs available for Yoga Alliance–certified teachers.

Recommended listening (Link to come.)

Presenter

Rolf Gates Headshot 500 x 500

Rolf Gates

Rolf Gates, author of the acclaimed book on yogic philosophy, Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, and the newly released: Meditations on Intention and Being: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Mindfulness and Compassion, conducts yoga workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, and coaching and mentorship programs throughout the U.S. and abroad–and online. Rolf and his work have been featured in numerous media, including Yoga Journal, ORGINS, Natural Health, People Magazine, and Travel and Leisure’s 25 Top Yoga Studios in the World.

Kate Johnson Headshot 500 x 500

Kate Johnson, MA

Kate Johnson is a meditation and movement teacher based in Philadelphia. She is a faculty member of MIT’s Presencing Institute, where she has trained hundreds of leaders and change-makers to use embodied, awareness-based approaches to systemic transformation. She also works as an organizational change consultant with Insyte Partners, a women-led boutique consulting firm. …

Rooms & Pricing

Private Hotel Room

$299 per person/per night

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)

$235 per person/per night
  • 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

$244 per person/per night
  • 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)

$199 per person/per night
  • 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)

$173 per person/per night
  • 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

Silence and Flow

A Silent Yoga and Meditation Retreat
August 4–7, 2022

Subject to change.

Thursday 7:30–9:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am–12:30 pm and 2:00–4:00 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.

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 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

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.