The Art of Living

Tailored Tranquility Awaits

Many people don’t realize how deeply stress, constant stimulation, and packed schedules affect the body and mind. If you’re feeling drained, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a peaceful reset, a Rest & Relaxation Retreat can help you slow down, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Nestled in the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our R & R retreats are designed to give you the space to unwind at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend of reflection, a wellness getaway with yoga and meditation, or a longer stay to restore your energy, you’ll find a supportive, nourishing environment here.

Enjoy daily yoga and meditation, scenic nature trails, Ayurvedic spa treatments, and fresh vegetarian meals—all thoughtfully curated to help you relax, rejuvenate, and return home feeling lighter, clearer, and more balanced.

All-inclusive from $750+ tax per 2-night stay; includes accommodations, meals, activities and classes, and amenities including free Wi-Fi.

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Midweek Reset Special

For a limited time, stay for three nights, only pay for two!

Escape the routine and find your calm with a restorative midweek R&R retreat. Stay for three nights and only pay for two! Enjoy yoga, meditation, nature, self-care, wholesome meals, and serene surroundings for ultimate renewal.

This offer is available for stays including Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday nights. Enjoy nourishing, wholesome meals and recharge in the peaceful surroundings. Popular dates fill quickly, reach out at 800.392.6870 and ask for the Midweek Reset offer today!

Contact Us
Many of our guests begin their journey here.

New to Retreats?

No experience needed.
No rigid schedule to follow.

Just space to rest, explore, and reconnect—at your own pace.

Whether you join a morning meditation, take a quiet walk in nature, or simply relax and do nothing at all, this is a retreat designed to meet you exactly where you are.

Register Now

What to Expect On Our Rest & Relaxation Retreats

On an R&R Retreat, every day is yours to design. Customize your stay with yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and time in nature—or simply unwind. Enjoy nourishing meals, cozy lodging, and stunning Blue Ridge views in a peaceful setting.

  • Daily Yoga & Meditation Classes
  • Archery & Hatchet Throwing (Seasonal/Weather Permitting)
  • Nightly Kirtan
  • Nature Walks & Guided Hikes on miles of beautiful trails
  • Labyrinth
  • Bonfire (Seasonal/Weather Permitting)
  • Drum Circle
  • Ayurveda Workshops
  • Cooking Demos
  • Fitness & Steam Rooms
  • Add-on Spa Treatments and Art Classes (additional cost)
Activities & Amenities
relaxing by the pond at the Center
relaxing by the pond at the Center R&R Sound Bathing Session

Daily Activity Schedule

Check out a sample of our daily activity schedule—workshops and activities to move your body, calm your mind, and inspire your spirit.

 

View the Schedule
miles of beautiful hiking trails

Beyond R&R

Experience top-tier holistic care at the award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness Spa, offering premier Ayurvedic treatments and therapies. Upgrade to a Wellness Retreat with R&R amenities and tailored packages for solo travelers, couples, girls’ weekends, and more.

 

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Try a stone massage, just one of the many therapeutic treatments offered by the award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Wellness Spa.

Our Accommodations

Prices include room, daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout, R & R activities, and campus amenities. (Rates below are per person.)

Private Hotel Room | King or Two Full Beds

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

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

$818 plus tax

Private Hotel Room | Twin Beds

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

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

$748 plus tax

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.

$682 plus tax

Premium 1-Bedroom 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.

$950 plus tax

Premium 1-Bedroom 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.

$1,090 plus tax

4.8 (1.8k+ reviews)

I had a wonderful visit to The Art of Living Resort. My room was very nice, and the food served was great! The staff were all very nice and helpful. The grounds were beautiful, and the availability of the shuttles made getting around easy.    

JoAnna M.

I went to AOL for a Rest and Relaxation Retreat to celebrate my 60th birthday on my own! I had a wonderful time and want to return every year to celebrate my birthday! The staff was so kind and accommodating, my hotel room was perfect, the activities and workshops were inspiring and my Wellness Spa massages were incredibly relaxing and restorative! I have already recommended AOL to everyone I know!

Nancy B.

This was my first time at The Art of Living, what a beautiful experience from the scenery, to the teachers, employees, and the amazing food. Everything was nourishing to the mind, body, and soul. Everything was filled with love and presence. I can’t wait to go back, highly recommend this experience to decompress from life and recharge.

Stephanie L.

My stay at the Art of Living Retreat center was way more than I knew I needed! The campus is gorgeous, the staff is phenomenal and the food was delicious and the best my body has felt eating in over 6 years. I can’t wait to return and try some of the classes I couldn’t attend this time. I will absolutely be back!!

Mary A.

Beautiful spaces indoors and out, excellent classes, and powerful treatments. I was there with an R and R special and it was perfect to design my own program and learn from some amazing teachers. So much gratitude!

Lily

“Loved every minute; food was exceptional.”
“This was an amazing experience for us! Thank you for your service for making us better humans.”
Dining with a view when you enjoy a meal on the deck of the Purna Dining Hall.

Food for Mind, Body, and Soul

Freshly prepared and served in our bright and spacious main dining hall—which boasts breathtaking views of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains—your R&R retreat includes three delicious and healthy vegetarian meals daily.

 

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Vegetarian meals made fresh daily by chefs who care about you and your health.

Reserve Your R&R Retreat Today

All that’s left is to pick your dates—we’ll be waiting.

 
Register Now   

 

 

 

FAQ

A Rest & Relaxation (R & R) Retreat is a flexible, all-inclusive wellness getaway designed to help you slow down, recharge, and reconnect. Unlike structured programs, this experience allows you to create your own rhythm—choosing from daily yoga and meditation classes, spa treatments, nature walks, and time to simply rest.

While many of our retreats follow a set schedule or specific curriculum, the R&R Retreat is intentionally unstructured. You’re free to design your days based on what you need most—whether that’s rest, movement, healing treatments, or quiet reflection.

Your stay includes

  • Comfortable accommodations
  • Three daily vegetarian meals
  • Access to daily yoga and meditation classes
  • Inspiring and educational workshops and activities
  • Evening programs like kirtan and guided meditation
  • Use of campus amenities, including nature trails, a labyrinth, and fitness facilities.

Spa services and Ayurvedic treatments are available at an additional cost.

Yes—this is the heart of the R&R Retreat. You can choose how you spend your time each day. Many guests blend scheduled classes with free time, spa treatments, and time in nature.

You can stay for as little as two nights or extend your visit for a deeper reset. Many guests find that 3–5 nights allows for a more complete sense of rest and renewal.

 

Absolutely. This is one of the best options for first-time retreat guests. There’s no required experience with yoga or meditation, and no pressure to follow a strict schedule.

 

Each day is yours to design, but a typical rhythm might include

  • Morning yoga or meditation
  • Nourishing breakfast and lunch
  • Time for a spa treatment, nature walk, or rest
  • Afternoon workshop or creative activity
  • Evening meditation or kirtan.

You can participate in as much—or as little—as you like.

 

Not at all. Everything is optional. You’re welcome to join classes, explore the grounds, or simply rest. This is your time.

 

We offer fresh, nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with seasonal ingredients. Our cuisine is inspired by Ayurvedic principles and designed to support balance, digestion, and overall well-being.

 

Spa treatments are not included in the base package but can be added to your stay. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

 

No, this is not a silent retreat. However, many guests naturally experience quiet moments and a sense of calm during their stay.

 

Yes—many of our guests travel solo. The environment is welcoming and supportive, making it easy to feel comfortable whether you’re seeking solitude or connection.

 

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, although many guests choose to unplug during their stay to fully immerse themselves in rest and renewal.

 

We recommend bringing

  • Comfortable clothing for yoga and relaxation
  • Walking shoes for trails
  • Layers for changing mountain weather
  • A journal or book for quiet time.

Check-in begins at 4:00 pm, and check-out is 11:00 am. You’re welcome to store your luggage in our Dining Hall and enjoy the facilities longer on your day of departure; lunch is included with your stay on this day. Specific details are provided in your confirmation email.

 

The Art of Living Retreat Center is located in Boone, North Carolina, about 90 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Detailed directions are provided after booking or you can get more information → here.

Yes—your accommodations, meals, and daily classes are included. Additional services like spa treatments and art classes are available à la carte.

 

That’s perfectly okay. Many guests arrive unsure—and leave feeling exactly what they needed. This retreat is designed to meet you where you are.

 

Yes. This retreat is especially supportive for those experiencing stress, fatigue, or burnout. The combination of rest, nourishing food, and optional wellness practices helps restore balance naturally.

 

Every season offers something unique—from vibrant fall foliage to peaceful winter stillness and lush summer greenery.

 

Yes, many guests pair their stay with spa treatments, Ayurvedic consultations, or additional wellness offerings. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get acclimated with the property and atmosphere, arrive prior to a scheduled program, or add a couple of days on the end of your program to integrate learning and begin transitioning back to daily life.

 

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