The Art of Living Retreat Center is a yoga retreat focused on relaxation, revival, peacefulness, and a reawakening of human values. Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, this resort offers all-inclusive retreat experiences, as well as a la carte accommodations. Yoga, meditation sessions, and guided nature walks take place daily, along with pottery, recovery, and relationship classes.
Accommodations
The Art of Living Retreat Center offers 3 categories of overnight guest accommodations: hotel rooms, retreat rooms, and apartments. Hotel rooms are standard with full or king beds, private bathrooms, televisions, and refrigerators. Retreat rooms are very simply furnished with two twin beds and a desk. These retreat rooms are the recommended option for guests who seek peacefulness and meditation.
Apartments are ideal for guests who are planning to stay 8 days or longer. They include full kitchenettes with refrigerators, stove top and sink. Apartments also include a washer and dryer, private balcony, and flat screen television. Up to 4 people can stay comfortably in these accommodations.
Fitness
Shankara Ayurveda Spa is the resort’s full service health facility. Ayurveda is an ancient practice designed to support health without disturbing the natural intelligence of the body. Trained practitioners assess guests and design a wellness program specifically for them. In addition to specialty retreat and spa clients, guests staying in the hotel rooms have access to the fitness center and steam rooms at Shankara Ayurveda Spa.
At The Art of Living Retreat Center, fitness is centered around yoga and meditation. There are many different types of these activities that take place every day. Sri Sri Yoga and Hatha Yoga are offered for both beginner and advanced practitioners. Mindfulness classes teach breathing techniques to rejuvenate the body. Guided nature walks take place daily.
Nearby but not offered at the resort are many outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding, cliff climbing, and winter skiing. Staff can help guests make arrangements to participate in the local fitness options.
Food
Vegetarian meals are included in some retreat packages, but can also be ordered a la carte for hotel guests. Drawing on local harvest influences, as well as recipes from Bombay and the Caribbean, chefs create pre-set menus daily. All meals are meant to be healthy and offer proper nourishment and satisfaction. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are grown in the resort’s garden.
There is no meat or alcohol available anywhere at the resort. Guests may discreetly pack alcohol on their trip, but it must be consumed in their rooms.
Extras
An onsite pottery studio is open to all guests for several hours each day. All materials, including kiln and clay, are provided. Guests can keep their completed pieces.
The property also includes an outdoor Labyrinth, or meandering pathway that leads to a purposeful center point. The Labyrinth is intended to help each guest clear their mind, find meaning in life, and connect with the planet. It is open from dawn to sunset.
Featured presenters are invited to the retreat center throughout the year. In the past, workshops have focused on Inner Bonding, Soul Mastery, Recovery, Intuition, and Creative Expression.
Location
The Art of Living Retreat Center is located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Boone, NC. The area is known for hiking, climbing, and rafting. Some roads are closed in the winter, and the resort does not recommend using GPS for directions, as many routes are marked incorrectly. A useful map is provided on the resort website.
There are several airports within driving distance:
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC is 100 miles away.
Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Johnson City, TN is 80 miles away.
Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC is 110 miles away.
The Hickory Hop Shuttle goes from Charlotte to Boone 5 times daily. The cost is $90 per person. All major car rental companies are located at the Charlotte Airport. The resort also suggests using Uber, which can take guests directly to the reception center.
Pricing
This FitStay is a health-focused yoga retreat. Guests can book individual hotel rooms for any length of time, but the best health and wellness experiences are created through the prescribed retreat packages.
Year-round retreats are:
Rest & Relaxation Retreat – These programs start at $581 per person, with a minimum 2-night stay, and include meals, room, and tuition. They are designed to reduce stress and create enthusiasm in life. There is a strong focus on yoga and relaxation techniques.
2-Night Ayurveda Retreat – These programs also include meals and rooms, as well as specific spa treatments. Prices start at $845 per person.
Summary
The Art of Living Retreat Center is a yoga retreat focused on total physical and mental wellbeing, relaxation, and mindfulness. There is a strong concentration on yoga and meditation. Meals are included in retreat packages. No meat or alcohol is found on the property.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this FitStay offers a full-service spa, organized wellness seminars, indoor and outdoor yoga, and nature walks. It is a good choice for people seeking a guided retreat experience, relaxing environment, and vegetarian meals.
