The Art of Living

A Very Special Retreat Into Silence in Boone, NC

Experience a truly special edition of our Signature Stepping Into Silence retreat, enhanced by an in-person master session with Art of Living founder and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Thoughtfully curated to feel peaceful, supportive, and welcoming, this contemplative retreat is designed to help you gently settle inward—whether this is your first silent retreat or a familiar practice. Through silence, meditation, and timeless wisdom, you are invited to release layers of stress and mental noise, creating space for greater clarity, renewal, and a deeper connection within.
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A Sanctuary for Silence

The setting for your retreat is part of the experience. Surrounded by 380 acres of mountain stillness in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Art of Living Retreat Center offers a peaceful, thoughtfully designed environment that supports rest, reflection, and inner quiet. From scenic walking trails and nourishing vegetarian meals to restful accommodations and spaces for contemplation, every detail is designed to help you gently settle inward.

Live More Mindfully

Turn off mental chatter and quiet the mind,

Deepened Self Awareness

Gain a clearer understanding of your inner thoughts, emotions, and patterns.

Emotional Healing

Process and release lingering emotions in a supportive, quiet environment.

Inner Peace

Cultivate calm and inner stillness for better sleep and less stress.

The Impact of Sudarshan Kriya

Learning the science-based SKY breath meditation practice helps you uncover a calmness and clarity that permeates every aspect of your life.

+33% Immune Cell Count Increase in lymphocytes in 6 weeks & remained in the normal range
+21% Life Satisfaction Increase within 1 week
-57% Stress Hormones Decrease in serum cortisol in 2 weeks

Key Highlights of the 5-Day Course

Uncover a calmness and clarity that permeates every aspect of your life. 

Enhanced Focus

Experience improved concentration and mental clarity by disconnecting from distractions.

Spiritual Connection

Strengthen your connection to your spiritual self or beliefs.

Renewed Perspective

Tackle the challenges of daily life with fresh insights and a rejuvenated sense of purpose.

What to Expect

In a serene setting with guidance, discover balance to thrive amid chaos and quiet mental noise to foster clarity and deep peace.

Welcome

4:00 pm Check-in Begins

6:00–7:00 Dinner

7:00–7:20 Orientation (Dining Hall)

7:30–9:30 The Secret of the Breath

Prepare for Silence

7:30–8:30 am Morning Yoga

8:30–9:30 am Breakfast

10 AM–12:30 pm The Rhythms of Life

12:30–1:30 pm Lunch

3-5 pm Deepening Our Experience

6–7:30 pm Dinner

7:30–8:30 pm Practices to Calm the Chatter in the Mind

Step Into Silence

7:30–8:30 am Daily Dive Group Practice

8:30–9:30 Breakfast

10:00 am–12:30 pm Step Into the Silent Zone

12:30–1:30 Lunch

3:00–6:00 Soaking in the Silence

6:00–7:30 Dinner

7:30–8:30 Wisdom to Deepen Your Silence and Q&A

Reflect in Silence

7:30–8:30 am Daily Dive Group Practice

8:30–9:30 Breakfast

10:00 am–12:30 pm Guided Meditations

12:30–1:30  Lunch

3:00–5:00 Experiencing the Deeper Self

6:00–7:30 Dinner

7:30–8:30 Understanding the Tendencies of the Mind and Q&A

7:30–8:30 am Session

8:30–9:30 Breakfast

10:00 am–1:00 pm Gradually move out of Silence

1:00  Lunch (included on the day of your departure)

Depart for home (book departure flights for after 5:oo pm)

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

Retreat activities include
Meditative Chants • Bonfires • Labyrinth • Time in Nature

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.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, is a global spiritual leader promoting a stress-free, violence-free society. His programs have transformed 500 million lives across 180 countries, empowering individuals to address challenges worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The retreat includes periods of intentional silence designed to help quiet the mind and deepen your experience. Guidance, program instruction, and essential communication are still provided throughout, so you will feel supported every step of the way.

SKY (Sudarshan Kriya™ Yoga) is a powerful rhythmic breathing practice taught by the Art of Living that helps reduce stress, increase energy, and support mental clarity and emotional well-being. It is a cornerstone of many Art of Living programs.

Absolutely. Many guests attend Stepping Into Silence on their own, and the retreat is designed to feel welcoming, supportive, and easy to navigate whether you come solo or with others.

Your retreat registration includes your program tuition, accommodations, chef-crafted vegetarian meals, and access to the peaceful amenities of the Art of Living Retreat Center, including scenic walking trails, mountain views, and spaces for rest and reflection.

That is perfectly okay. This retreat is designed to be accessible for beginners, with expert guidance throughout. You do not need a meditation background—just a willingness to slow down, unplug, and explore the experience.

"I thought a silent retreat sounded intimidating and might be difficult, but it was so easy and much needed!  The quiet time in nature, disconnected from technology and the chaos of the outside world allowed me to completely rest and recharge."

—Tyler G.

“I would recommend the Silent Retreat for anyone who has anxiety and stress. You come out feeling calm and confident, with an amazing sense of gratitude.”

—Sarita P.

"I recently finished the Stepping into Silence retreat - it was fantastic. I left feeling empowered and rejuvenated. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I feel so blessed to have fallen right into the place I needed to be!"

—Lizzy 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
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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.

This is a rare opportunity.

Reserve your spot today.
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