World Culture Festival

Stay & Explore. Restore. Dive Deep Into Silence.

After you experience the pageantry and excitement of the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC, we invite you to the mountains of Boone, North Carlina, to discover peace and tranquility.

Leave the city behind and wind down in the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains! Visit us for a special week of post-festival programming. In addition to our Signature Silence Retreat, we’re offering very special stay packages. Experience breathtaking vistas, excursions to historic local sites, relaxation and rejuvenation on our natural campus, or dive deep into silence for true restoration.

Three great ways to stay and enjoy the best of North Carolina’s natural beauty and the Art of Living Retreat Center:

Stay & Explore

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Stay & Restore

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Dive Deep Into Silence

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Stay & Explore

October 2–6

Our Stay & Explore package includes accommodations and meals, daily meditation and yoga classes, and bonfire satsang. Add on one—or all three—local day excursions for a week full of inspiration and exploration.

Cost: Starts at $525; based on accommodations and excursion selection.

Day Excursions

Grandfather Mountain Excursion
Tue, Oct 3, 1:00–6:00 pm
Cost: $95 per person

Adventure to the scenic beauty of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Start by crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Then, visit the environmental habitats to observe bears, cougars, otters, elk, and eagles up close in their native settings. Finally, enjoy hiking the many trails that wind through the rugged terrain, including the popular Profile Trail that leads to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. Cost includes round-trip transportation and admission.

The Biltmore Estate
Wed, Oct 4, 9:00 am–7:00 pm
Cost: $225 per person

Enjoy a day trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina—a magnificent mansion with stunning gardens and grounds that offer visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family. After touring the estate, stroll the horticultural paradise of the breathtaking gardens and grounds. Cost includes round-trip transportation (2-hours each way) and admission to Biltmore. A box lunch will be provided, or you may choose to purchase lunch at the venue.

Blue Ridge Parkway & Blowing Rock Excursion
Thu, Oct 5, 1:00–7:00 pm
Cost: $95 per person

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that winds through the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. Along the parkway, explore scenic overlooks, majestic lakes, and beautiful walking trails at a turn-of-the-century manor. Visit the charming town of Blowing Rock, known for its quaint downtown area filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, beautiful architecture, and historic buildings. Cost includes round-trip transportation and admission.

Special Book all three and save!
Cost: $375 per person

Enjoy three days of incredible views, winding trails, and local history when you book all three excursions: Grandfather Mountain, the Biltmore, and Blowing Rock.

Stay & Restore

October 2–6

This package includes accommodations, meals, daily meditation and yoga, as well as access to our full schedule of activities, including guided hikes, sound bathing, conscious movement, educational seminars, Ayurvedic cooking classes, and more.

Cost: Starts at $675; based on accommodations.

Stay & Restore

October 2–6

BOOK STAY & RESTORE

Dive Deep Into Silence

October 2–6

Looking to recharge and refresh? After just a few days of our popular silent retreat, you'll emerge more energetic, optimistic, and centered—ready to return to life grounded and filled with joy.
Cost: Starts at $970—based on accommodations. Prerequisites SKY Breath Meditation program or Happiness Retreat.

BOOK A SILENT RETREAT

Deep Dive Into Silence

October 2–6

Looking to recharge and refresh? After just a few days of our popular silent retreat, you’ll emerge more energetic, optimistic, and centered—ready to return to life grounded and filled with joy.

Cost: Starts at $970—based on accommodations.

Accommodations & Meals

All options include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. Learn more about dining at the Center and our food philosophy here. All accommodations also include private baths, complimentary tea/coffee and fresh fruit, daily yoga and meditation classes, and free Wi-Fi.

Private or Shared Hotel Room