The Art of Living

Breathe Out Stress from Day One

with Evidence-Based Breathwork

Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Increase your energy levels.

Boosted immunity, heart health, and energy.

Unlock Serenity with SKY Breath Meditation

Discover the transformative power of Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) Breath Meditation and Sahaj Samadhi Meditation—complementary practices designed to release stress, enhance relaxation, and elevate self-awareness. SKY Breath Meditation offers you quick, science-backed results to dissolve anxiety and boost clarity, while Sahaj Samadhi Meditation practices deepen your experience by guiding you into effortless peace and profound rest. Together, they create a harmonious synergy that unlocks a deep sense of tranquility and self-awareness.

The Impact of SKY Breath

What can this powerful, science-backed rhythmic breathing technique doe for your body and mind?

+33% Immune Cell Count Increase lymphocytes in 6 weeks
+21% Life Satisfaction Increase calm and joy within 1 week
-57% Stress Hormons Decrease in serum cortisol in 2 weeks

Key Highlights of the 4-Day Course

Pranayama

Improve your energy levels and reduce stress through breathing exercises.

Sudarshan Kriya

Learn the most powerful breathing technique of our time.

Greater Peace

Achieve greater inner peace, improved clarity, and enhanced emotional well-being.

5 Keys to a Joyful Life

Learn simple but effective tools to help you navigate life joyfully.

Community

Connect with a community of like-minded people on a similar journey and a certified instructor.

More Hope

Experience less depression, anxiety, and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What to Expect

Embrace Completeness

Immerse yourself in a serene environment, follow a proven program, and receive structured guidance to discover and embrace inner balance.

Start each day with gentle yoga sessions.

Daily sessions to learn ancient wisdom, breath work, and meditation techniques.

Ample time between sessions for deep contemplation in nature.

Three healthy, vegetarian, buffet-style meals per day—all while looking over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Keep practicing and keep learning with monthly Zoom sessions to reconnect with teachers and students. And access to the Art of Living Journey App* to support daily practice.

Program Schedule

4:00 pm Check-in
6:00–7:00 pm Dinner
7:00–7:20 pm Mandatory AOLRC Orientation
7:30–9:00 pm Session 1 The Secret of the Breath

7:30–8:30 am Yoga
8:30–9:30 Breakfast
10:00 am–1:00 pm Session 2 The Rhythms of Life
1:00–1:30 Lunch
1:30–5:00 Free Time
5:00–6:30 Session 3 Deepening Our Experience
6:00–7:30 pm Dinner
7:30–8:30 pm Meditative Chant/Kirtan (optional)

7:30–8:30 am Yoga
8:30–9:30 Breakfast
10:00 am–1:00 pm Session 4 The 5 Wisdom Keys
1:00–1:30 Lunch
1:30–5:00 Free Time
5:00–6:30 Session 5 Effortless Meditation
6:00–7:30 pm Dinner
7:30–8:30 pm Meditative Chant/Kirtan (optional)

7:30–8:30 am Yoga
8:30–9:30 Breakfast
Please checkout before the 10:00 am session;
we are happy to store your luggage at the
Dining hall.
10:00 am–1:00 pm Session 6 New Start: Home
Practice
1:00 Lunch is included in your stay today!

Breakfast  7:30–9:30 am • Lunch: 12:00–1:30 pm • Dinner: 6:00–7:30 pm

Retreat activities include
Meditative Chants • Bonfires • Labyrinth • Nature trails

Enhance Your Experience

Extend your retreat to unwind, reflect, and enjoy R&R workshops or Ayurvedic treatments. Arrive early or stay longer and save 20% on R&R rates. Simply select extra days during registration.

“The art of living retreat was truly life-changing for me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. It was brimming with love and played a significant role in helping me find greater inner peace and balance.”

—Amanda O.

“This was just what I was looking for. It gave me a routine that allows me to feel empowered and peaceful. So much gratitude.”

—Aryanne D.

“I truly felt like I was coming home. As I sat with myself and tuned in, I could feel the empowerment and safety that lies within. Being able to reconnect with that is life-changing.”

—Peter D.

Featured In

“Life changing”
“May be the fastest growing spiritual practice on the planet”
"Shows promise in providing relief for depression"
"Like Fresh air to millions"

Our Accommodations

Prices include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. (Rates below are per person.)

Private Hotel Room

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • King bed or two queen beds
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Shared Hotel Room (2 People)

Ideal for friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • 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

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking simple surroundings for peace and clarity.

  • Twin beds
  • Private bath
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Note Room may contain extra single beds.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment

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 a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment with Loft

Fully furnished 995 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 4 persons)

  • 1 queen bed and 2 twin beds or 1 full bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & dryer
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron & ironing board
  • A desk, chairs, and a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Upgrade Options

Extend your Stay and Don’t Miss a Thing

Add a day and enjoy R&R activities!

Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes
Cooking Demos
Meditation & Movement Classes
Wellness Workshops

Paid activities include
Pottery Classes
Ayurvedic Wellness & Healing Arts Treatments

Learn More

Nourish Your Body

Take your rejuvenation to another level. Our spa offers treatments and therapies that integrate ancient Ayurveda with contemporary wellness.

Call to check availability during Shankara Ayurveda Spa business hours; seven days a week, 9:00 am–6:00 pm.

Learn More
REGISTER NOW

Have questions?

We’re here to help.

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. You may email us at info@theartoflivingretreatcenter.kinsta.cloud.

Thanks to the cool climate of the Blue Ridge Mountains, air conditioning is rarely needed. For the occasional warm day, there is a fan in each room to help keep you comfortable.

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.

We are remote—yet easy to get to.

The Art of Living Retreat Center offers the right balance between serenity and easy access.
  • Fly into Charlotte, NC—Two hours away by drive.
  • Check-in at 4:00 pm first day—eat dinner shortly after that.
  • Leave after lunch the last day—schedule your flight anytime
    after 5:00 pm.

Transportation Options Between Charlotte and the Center

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service  Book online  hickoryhop.com  The Hickory Hop shuttle goes from Charlotte airport to Boone five times daily. Reservations are required, so book ahead online and be sure to confirm shuttle times coordinate with your travel plans.

High Country Limo  828.898.9595   highcountrylimo.com

Oscar’s Car Service  704.965.5800

Edwardo’s Car Service  704.949.6775

Blue Bird Transportation  828.989.7286   Blue Bird of Boone

Abby Cab 828.475.2988  abbycab.com

Uber or Lyft  Book in app on arrival.

Other airports within driving distance from the Art of Living Retreat Center include

Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Johnson City, TN (80 miles)
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC (110 miles)

Visit our directions page for more information.

Register Now