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The Silent Retreat

The Silent Retreat

Stepping Into Silence

Offered Weekly
From
$1,495
638 Google Reviews
4.8/5
Retreat Type
Art of LivingArt of Living
Meditation & MindfulnessMeditation & Mindfulness
Must Be 18+Must Be 18+
SpiritualSpiritual
Retreat Goals
Calm & Clear MindCalm & Clear Mind
Get HappyGet Happy

Create Big Shifts in Your Life

Our Silent Retreats can help you drop limiting beliefs, regrets and worries, and tap into a bigger vision for yourself. Whether you are just beginning your meditation journey, or hoping to go deeper into the practice, these few days make the rest of your year more alive, productive, and full of energy. When you emerge, you feel recharged and refreshed, ready to take on all your responsibilities with greater focus and joy. You’ll return to your life more grounded, more centered, more wise—filled with a joy that is unshaken by outer circumstances.
  • Reduced stress
  • Greater sense of happiness and enthusiasm
  • Higher focus and improved life-work balance
  • Better and longer deep sleep
  • Connect more deeply and easily with others

A Profound Spiritual Immersion

Have you noticed the amount of noise surrounding you every day? Phones, television, news, conversations, traffic, and office machines, just to name some of the things responsible for all the sound pollution. Add to that all the internal noise—stress from work, personal relationships, responsibilities, that stream of consciousness in your head thinking about an interaction you had in a meeting ten minutes ago, a disagreement with your partner ten days ago, a bad financial decision you made ten years ago! You try to silence all this noise only to find your monkey mind—the “fun friend” that has you spinning out of control when you’re just trying to quiet your thoughts—gets louder.

Our signature Silent Retreat integrates our renowned Happiness Retreat and several days of silent contemplation with unique guided meditations, yoga, and advanced breathing techniques.

A Structured Retreat

While other retreats may leave you to your own devices to find some silence amidst a quiet atmosphere, many people find quieting their own minds is the bigger challenge. These Art of Living programs provide optimal conditions for sinking deep within and breaking free from mental chatter. Your experience is carefully guided and crafted to give you a relaxing, supportive, and transformative atmosphere for your inner journey. It’s no wonder that many course participants refer to it as the ideal retreat for body, mind, and spirit.

You’ll not only gain valuable tools and practices that bring more resiliency, better communication, and more ease into your life, you’ll 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. 

Research

Independent research has shown Sudarshan Kriya (SKY), the key technique of the program, significantly

  • Reduces levels of stress
  • Supports the immune system
  • Relieves anxiety and depression
  • Clears stress at the physical, mental, and emotional levels, relaxing the nervous system to reduce insomnia and enable quality sleep
  • Increases levels of antioxidant enzymes which protect us from many diseases and rapid aging. [6, 23, 27]

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.

Read Additional Peer-Reviewed Results and References

Features

Additional Program Information

  • Prerequisite

    Must be age 18 or over.

  • Includes

    • Daily Yoga
    • Daily Meditation
    • Wisdom Tools and Techniques
    • Learning Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) and its benefits
    • Contemplative Silence
    • Mindful Guided Meditations
    • Experience the 7-Levels of Your Existence
    • Access to AOL Meditation App
    • Membership to Our Exclusive Facebook Group

  • Who is it for?

    For those who have not taken the Happiness Program, an Art of Living Course, YESPlus, or SKY Breath meditation workshop and would like to learn the tools and techniques to begin a meditation practice and experience the power of silence—gentle, light, and easy.

  • The Silent Component

    You'll spend the first full day of the program learning breathing techniques and other tools to manage and calm the mind, which includes talking processes. You'll enter into silence after dinner on day two. You'll have ample opportunities for questions during designated talking periods.

Program Schedule

Please note, because we want to ensure you get the full experience, attending all of these sessions is important, so make your travel plans accordingly.

Day 1

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

Day 2
7:30–8:30 am  Morning Yoga
10:00 am–12:30 pm  The Rhythms of Life
3:00–5:00 pm  Deepening Our Experience
7:30–8:30 pm  Practices to Calm the Chatter in the Mind

Day 3
7:30–8:30 am  Daily Dive Group Practice
10:00 am–12:30 pm  Step Into the Silent Zone
3:00–5:00 pm Soaking in the Silence
7:30–8:30 pm  Wisdom to Deepen Your Silence and Q&A

Day 4  
7:30–8:30 am  Daily Dive Group Practice
10:00 am–12:30 pm  Guided Meditations
3:00–5:00 pm Experiencing the Deeper Self
7:30–8:30 pm  Understanding the Modes/Tendencies of the Mind and Q&A

Day 5
7:30–8:30 am  Daily Dive Group Practice
10:00 am–1:00 pm  Gradual move out of silence and returning home instructions.

  • Charlotte (CLT) is the closest airport to fly into.
  • From CLT to Boone is a 2-hour ride; book your travel accordingly.
  • Check-in is 4:00 pm on the day your program starts; dinner is included on this day.
  • The program ends at 1:00 pm on the last day. Lunch is included on your final day. Book your return flight anytime from 5:00 pm onward, keeping the commute and course sessions in mind.

Options for Transportation between CLT and AOLRC

NamePhone No.Website
Hickory Hop Shuttle ServiceMUST BOOK ONLINEhickoryhop.com
High Country Limo828.898.9595highcountrylimo.com
High Country Black Car828.387.1977highcountryblackcarservice.com
Oscar’s Car Service704.965.5800 
Edwardo’s Car Service704.949.6775 
Blue Bird Transportation828.989.7286Blue Bird of Boone
Abby Cab828.475.2988abbycab.com
Uber or LyftBook on the app on arrival. 

4MU

Teachers

Art of Living Retreat Center

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

Private Hotel Room

$2,075

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)

$1,795

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

$1,795

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)

$1,635

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

$1,495
  • 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

$2,495

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

$2,775

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.

Reviews

Jasleen S.
Read More
Very reluctantly, I signed up for a Silence Retreat Online. I have 5 kids (3 my own and 2 college students, my friends kids who got stuck after COVID). I have 2 big dogs and a husband who works from home. I didn’t think it would work...Oh my God!!! Did it work? I got fully charged. Fully relaxed and ready for any thing coming my way. Highly highly recommend it.
Laurie S.
Program Participant
Read More
Poornima was wonderful, funny, joyful, kind and so knowledgeable.
Christine H.
Program Participant
Read More
The instructor was amazing—patient, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and encouraging, and I could go on and on. The program hit dead on what I needed to kick start me on my journey. Can't wait to do this again.
Leanne B.
Program Participant
Read More
Excellent life-changing. A unique experience. You may come with an idea of what is bothering you and you will discover your truths.
Ali
Program Participant
Read More
This is truly life changing. I feel whole and home. I didn't know exactly what I was getting into but the instructor gently led us through.
Grace S.
Program Participant
Read More
I couldn't have asked for a better program. The instructor was incredible. I am leaving feeling like my true self.
Siva R.
Program Participant
Read More
Wow. This was needed for every human being in this world. Who does not deserve peace? Sustainable truly.
Nadia C.
Program Participant
Read More
The instructor was loving and guided us through the program beautifully. It's thought out well and helped me cleanse so I can live my best life.
Michael R.
Program Participant
Read More
Comprehensive and well-structured, simply fantastic. Excellent value!
Katalina L.
Program Participant
Read More
This experience is incredible—all of the faculty and teachers are caring.
Becky B.
Program Participant
Read More
Wonderful process; able to carry over in my personal life. Magical and relaxing.
Chelsea D.
Program Participant
Read More
Amazing teacher. She had so much knowledge to share is appreciated to real life. Very captivating retreat.
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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.

Testimonials

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Location

639 Whispering Hills Rd, Boone, North Carolina 28607

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.

From
$1,495

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

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Art of Living Retreat Center

Google Reviews

945 Reviews
4.8/5

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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.

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