Spanning over 380 acres at an elevation of 3,700 feet, The Art of Living Retreat Center is nestled at the base of the serene Blue Ridge Mountains in Boone, North Carolina. Travelers come here for rest, rejuvenation and self-discovery.
Established in 2011, the origins of the center are deeply intertwined with the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a globally revered humanitarian and spiritual leader.
Signature Programs
The property has a plethora of retreats and programs focusing on many different aspects including mental clarity, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening. Whether you're seeking personal development, stress relief, or simply a break from the chaos of modern life, the center provides a variety of pathways for renewal. Among the most popular are the Happiness Retreat, Rest & Relaxation Retreat, and guest presenter workshops, all rooted in the center's mission of holistic well-being.
The Happiness Retreat
The cornerstone of the Art of Living’s programming is the Happiness Retreat, a 3-day immersive experience that blends ancient yogic wisdom with modern self-development practices. At the heart of the program is the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This practice is shown to reduce stress hormones, calm the nervous system, and elevate mood. Beyond breathwork, the retreat includes guided meditations, light yoga, and group discussions. This retreat is ideal for beginners or anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in old patterns.
Rest & Relaxation Retreat
For those looking to unplug and decompress at their own pace, the Rest & Relaxation Retreat is a self-guided experience. While it doesn’t follow a strict schedule like the Happiness Retreat, it still provides access to many of the center’s amenities and optional activities, including:
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- Access to hiking trails with scenic mountain views
- Participation in evening kirtans (musical chanting)
- Nutritious vegetarian meals served buffet-style
- The chance to book Ayurvedic consultations or spa treatments
What makes this retreat especially appealing is its flexibility. The emphasis is on listening to your own rhythm—something often neglected in our fast-paced lives. The Rest & Relaxation Retreat is a favorite among solo travelers, couples, and wellness seekers who want the freedom to choose their own schedule while still being enveloped in a nurturing, intentional environment.
Guest Presenter Programs
In addition to its core offerings, the Art of Living Retreat Center frequently invites guest presenters—renowned authors, wellness professionals, and spiritual teachers—to host specialized workshops and retreats. These programs vary in length (from a weekend to a full week) and cover a wide range of themes, such as:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Trauma-informed healing
- Yoga for specific conditions
- Women’s empowerment
- Creativity and conscious writing
- Nutrition and holistic health
- Relationship dynamics and communication
Notable past presenters have included Nedra Glover Tawwab, Deepak Chopra, Judith Hanson Lasater, Byron Katie, and Cheryl Strayed. These guest retreats typically include interactive lectures, experiential exercises, and plenty of time for personal reflection. They often draw attendees from all over the world and are known for being both deeply informative and personally transformative.
One standout feature of the guest presenter programs is the intimate, retreat-style setting. Unlike conferences or hotel-based workshops, these experiences are immersed in nature and enhanced by the serene atmosphere of the center,
The Shankara Ayurveda Wellness
The Shankara Ayurveda Wellness spa has an in-depth treatment menu as well as personalized consultations with an Ayurvedic expert who helps identify a person’s unique dosha (mind-body constitution) and recommends treatments or lifestyle changes accordingly.
Popular treatments include:
- Abhyanga (herbal oil massage)
- Shirodhara (steady stream of oil on the forehead for deep calm)
- Marma therapy (vital energy point massage)
Staying at the retreat
The Art of Living retreat has many different accommodations, including:
- Private Hotel Rooms: Equipped with king or full-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, private baths, and complimentary Wi-Fi, these rooms cater to individuals or couples seeking modern amenities.
- Retreat Rooms: Simpler in design, these rooms feature twin beds, private baths, and essential furnishings, ideal for those desiring a minimalist environment conducive to introspection.
- Premium Apartments: For those seeking extended stays or additional space, fully furnished one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, balconies, and washers/dryers are available.
Dining and Activities
Dining at the center is a holistic experience, emphasizing vegetarian cuisine crafted to nourish both body and spirit. Meals are served buffet-style in a spacious dining hall that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
There are many activities offered at the retreat including:
- Yoga and Meditation: Daily sessions cater to all levels, integrating Hatha yoga techniques and guided meditation practices to harmonize mind, body, and spirit.
- Nature Walks: With trails meandering through lush forests, guests can immerse themselves in the therapeutic embrace of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
- Evening Kirtan and Fire Circles: Communal gatherings featuring soulful chanting and fire circles under the starlit sky provide opportunities for collective reflection and joy.
