Welcome. The Art of Living Retreat Center (previously known as The International Center for Meditation and Well-Being) provides a place to relax, open to the transformative power of meditation and spirituality and learn unique, powerful techniques that unlock your hidden potential help you to blossom fully. You can participate in daily yoga and meditation; meditation retreats; Ayurvedic spa treatments; delicious dining; and hiking the pathways of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.
The center houses seasoned meditation instructors, who share techniques as taught by humanitarian, peace-maker and living spiritual guide Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The largest retreat center of its kind in the U.S., the meditation center hosts diverse groups from 15 to 3,200 attendees with hundreds of accommodations available on the campus. Ideally suited for spiritual pursuits, the center is a home for yoga; the meditative arts; and discovering and enhancing the human values of love, caring, sharing and harmony in diversity in our lives. It is a place for people to come together in harmony and make life a celebration. As such, the daily schedule includes group meditation and yoga; service; kirtan and community meals.
Faith
Hindu / Indian Traditions:
Yoga (no specific type)
Interfaith:
Interfaith (no specific type)
Open to All:
Open to All
Mission/Lineage: "Love and Wisdom can prevail over hatred and violence."
Operating in over 150 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All of AOLF’s programs are guided by Sri Sri’s philosophy: “Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.” The AOLF community is diverse and attracts people from all walks of life backgrounds and religious orientations.
Average Cost: $$
Environment: Mountain, Woods
Gay Friendly: Yes!
Special Needs: Wheelchair Access
Restrictions: No Alcohol, No Drugs, No Smoking
Language: English, Hindi, Spanish
Overnight Guest Capacity (defined as):
600
Meeting Space Capacity (defined as):
3,000
Meeting Rooms:
| Room Name | Square Feet | Capacity | Description |
| Grand Hall | 17000 | 3200 | A beautiful building designed for the meditation center, the hall holds up to 3,200 for different functions. It is equipped with an AV system, projectors and stage lighting. The front opens onto grand vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Heated. |
Groups Served: 12 Step / Addiction / Recovery, Arts / Crafts, Business, Church / Faith / Religious, Dance / Theater, Educational, Families, Health / Healing, Lesbian / Gay, Meditation Groups, Mens Groups, Music, Nature / Adventure, Non-profit, Peace / Justice, Personal Development Groups, Reunions, Silent, Weddings, Womens Groups, Writing, Yoga Groups, Youth Groups
Amenities: AV Service, Carpet, Fire Pit / Circle, Gardens / Outdoor Space, Hardwood / Tile (non-carpet), Laundry Services, Massage Services, Meditation Hall, On-line / Internet Access, Spa Services, Walking/ Hiking Trails, Wellness Services, Yoga Classes
Special Features: The hall is a seamless blend of Eastern architectural principles and modern design. Yoga, meditation and kirtan are available to groups.
Room Types: Hotel
Total Number of Rooms:
208
Some or all housing is single sex only.
Children OK: Yes!
Housing: Rooms offer private baths with gorgeous views. Deluxe rooms offer added amenities, including a hot water heater, TV, refrigerator,etc., while retreat rooms provide a simple, comfortable experience in nature.
Location of this Retreat:
639 Whispering Hills Rd
Boone, NC 28607
United States
Travel Info: 2 hours from Charlotte CLT airport.
Transportation options include a private shuttle and bus.
2 hours from Greensboro GSO airport.
3.5 hours from Raleigh's RDU airport.
1.5 hours from Johnson City's TRI airport.
Driving directions are available on the center website under Directions.