There is a part of you that already knows what feels right—and what no longer does. Yet for many, that voice gets buried beneath expectation, fear, and the pressure to live a life that doesn’t quite fit. CREATIVE LIVING is an invitation to return to that inner knowing and start making choices from truth instead of fear. Guided by internationally bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, through her stories, insights, and proven practices, you’ll learn to quiet external noise, trust your intuition, and create a life that feels more honest, expansive, and deeply your own.
You don’t need to be an artist, writer, or creative professional to participate—only a willingness to listen inward and follow your curiosity.
Creative living happens when we drown out all outside opinions, noise, and influences, and follow our own inner guidance system—even if it leads us to make choices that others might not understand. Healing requires the same fierce energy: a willingness to access a deep inner knowing that can best be reached through mystical avenues and spiritual courage.
—Elizabeth Gilbert
Starting at $450 (Tuition) + $560 (Lodging + Meals) plus tax
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
Release Fear
Recognize the patterns and beliefs that have kept you playing small so you can move forward with clarity and self-trust.
Ignite Joy
Rediscover what genuinely excites and energizes you, and begin allowing that to guide your choices.
Revive Dreams
Bring forgotten or set-aside desires back into focus and give yourself permission to pursue them.
Clarify Priorities
Refocus your time and energy so they reflect what is most meaningful to you.
Inner Clarity
Experience uninterrupted time for reflection so your inner voice becomes easier to access and trust.
Meaningful Connection
Connect with like-minded individuals in a space that encourages openness, understanding, and shared growth.
In this immersive workshop, you’ll step away from distraction and into a space designed for reflection, curiosity, and meaningful self-inquiry. Through writing, guided conversation, and quiet introspection, you’ll begin to uncover what’s been holding you back and what’s ready to emerge. As you engage both independently and with others, you’ll gain clarity around your desires, strengthen your self-trust, and leave with tangible insights you’ve written for yourself—so you can move forward with greater confidence, direction, and alignment in your everyday life.
Engage in structured writing prompts designed to uncover insight, clarify desires, and deepen your connection to your inner voice.
Participate in exercises that encourage curiosity, self-expression, and new ways of thinking beyond habitual patterns.
Quiet the mind and cultivate presence through guided techniques that support clarity, calm, and deeper self-awareness.
Explore ideas and experiences through meaningful conversation that fosters connection and shared insight.
Write introspective reflections that uncover truth, clarify intention, and illuminate the next steps in your creative and personal journey.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
This experiential retreat offers a well-balanced schedule that combines structured educational sessions with flexible time blocks – ensuring you have ample opportunity to engage in learning while also allowing personal time to explore the retreat center and enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation.
(Program schedule subject to change.)
4:00 pm Check-in Begins
6:00–7:30 pm Light Dinner
7:00–7:20 pm Guest Orientation
7:30–9:00 pm Session 1
7:30–9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am–12:00 pm Session 2
12:00–1:30 pm Lunch
1:30–4:00 pm Session 3
4:00–6:00 pm Free Time
6:00–7:30 pm Dinner
7:30–9:00 am Breakfast
9:00–11:00 am Session 4
Room Checkout 11:00 am Luggage may be held at Reception.
12:00–1:30 pm Lunch
Optional Activities
Yoga • Meditation • Kirtan • Bonfire • Labyrinth • Nature Trails
Schedule subject to change.
Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and Big Magic, inspires millions to live with greater creativity, courage, and authenticity. Her work invites you to move beyond fear and step into a more meaningful, connected life.
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.)
Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.
Ideal for friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.
Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking simple surroundings for peace and clarity.
Note Room may contain extra single beds.
Fully furnished 665 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 2 persons)
Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.
Fully furnished 995 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 4 persons)
Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.
Step into a world where mindfulness meets beauty. Our gallery captures the essence of the Art of Living—from serene moments of reflection to vibrant celebrations of life, wellness, and connection.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes
Cooking Demos
Meditation & Movement Classes
Wellness Workshops
Paid activities include
Pottery Classes
Ayurvedic Wellness & Healing Arts Treatments
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.
For room reservations, Ayurveda Wellness Retreats, and Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) signature retreats, we have the following cancellation policy:
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@artoflivingretreatcenter.org.
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.
You can help!
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.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
