Winter is the season for nourishment—a time of year to invite warmth into your mind and body. As the natural rhythms of winter nurture a profound stillness, we too are subtly inspired to redirect our energies inward. The calm, peaceful yet heavy and dark nature of winter can also sometimes leave us feeling rather heavy-hearted, dull, stagnant, and or sluggish. Invigorating winter with self-care practices can help to nourish a more sattvic lifestyle (one towards greater health, wellness, balance and joy). Ojas, or vigor, is built when we spend conscious time cultivating and tending to our innate and abundant energy.
Through movement, journaling, group discussion, one-on-one sharing, walking outdoors, and community, we’ll explore self-care tools and strategies for remaining energized and balanced this winter season, including
- Ama assessment
- Winter ayurvedic lifestyle support and education
- Pranayama practices for seasonal balance and stress management (balancing through the vayus)
- Yoga practices for winter nourishment (specific yoga practices and energetics for seasonal balance, energy rejuvenation, and Ojas support)
- Various self-care practices—foot-soaks, self-myofascial release techniques, mantra meditation, journaling, etc.
You’ll take home a winter Ayurvedic lifestyle plan, handouts, recipes, various self-care practices, and a sense of empowerment for prolonged rejuvenation.
Join Amber Shadwick Bennett for this blissful winter weekend retreat and get the tools you need to stay energized, light, and balanced this season.
Open to everyone; all levels of yoga experience.
Items to Bring A journal and comfortable clothes for movement.
Presenters

Amber Shadwick Bennett
Amber Shadwick Bennett is a nationally recognized professional who holds a high reputation in the wellness industry. Amber is soulful and compassionate about everyone’s journey. She meets individuals where they are and offers master-level guidance for the full spectrum of wellness. Her genuine nature and passion work together to inspire and empower individuals toward healthier decisions and overall improved quality of life. …
Rooms & Pricing
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.)
Shared Hotel Room (2 People)
|
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)
|
The shared retreat room has twin beds, a private bath, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.
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)
|
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.
Schedule
Winter Rhythms Retreat
Self-Care Tools to Support Ojas
January 24–26, 2020
Your Program Session Times (subject to change)
Friday 7:30–9:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am–12:30 pm and 2:00–4:00 pm, 7:30-8:30 pm
Sunday 9:30–11:30 pm Room check-out is 11:00; luggage can be held at Reception.
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)
Mealtimes
7:30–9:30 am Breakfast
12:00–2:00 pm Lunch (included on your departure day)
6:00–7:30 pm Dinner
Optional Activities
Apart from the activities in your program schedule, we offer the following optional complementary activities (Please join only if your program schedule permits.)
7:30–8:30 am | Hatha Yoga Class | Gita Hall; during program dates only. |
9:45–10:45 am and 4:15–5:15 pm | Hatha Yoga Class | Sattva Studio |
11:00 am–12:00 pm | Mind and Meditation Session | Sattva Studio |
1:30–2:00 pm | Yoga Nidra | Sattva Studio; Saturdays and Sundays only. |
2:00–3:15 pm | Property Tour | Starts at Reception; Saturdays only. |
1:30–2:30 pm and 3:00–4:00 pm | Guided Nature Walk | Starts at Reception; Saturdays only. |
5:30–6:00 pm | Guided Meditation Session | Sattva Studio |
7:30–8:15 pm | Meditative Chant/Kirtan | Gita Hall |
8:30–10:00 pm | Bonfire | Below Veda 2 Weather permitting; Saturdays only. |
Ayurveda Spa Appointments (Additional Cost)
Hours: 9:00 am–6:30 pm daily
We invite you to also make reservations at our award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Spa prior to arrival in order to ensure availability. Please call 828-264-8382 for details.
Clay Studio Appointments
Our Clay Studio is open Thursday–Sunday; Hand-building classes and Throwing classes are available by appointment. Clay pieces can be glazed and shipped home as well (additional cost). Please contact our Front Desk to make an appointment.
Actual schedules and venues may vary; Please confirm with Front Desk upon check-in.
Location
639 Whispering Hills Rd, Boone, North Carolina 28607
Discover deep rest and rejuvenation in our tranquil sanctuary set amidst 380 pristine acres high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina—the perfect place to begin your journey to wellness.
NOTE Avoid using GPS—it will take you up a private road to a locked gate. Please use the directions provided on this site.
Distance from Nearest Airport
Two hours by car without traffic
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 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 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.
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.
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.