I had an amazing experience at Namaste in Nature's yoga retreat. The weekend went so smoothly, and…read morewas such a treat to my body, mind, and spirit. Not only did I learn new yoga techniques and meet new, like-minded people, the location of the retreat was perfect! Miranda had clearly thought of each and every detail, allowing us to have some time each day - individual or group - in the surrounding nature - from streams to a hike guided by a local, to the grounds of the retreat center. Namaste in Nature's micro-retreats to guided hikes/yoga experieces are amazing as well. It's a great way to explore an area of WNC in full! Namaste in Nature has already researched the best driving route, the best time to go to avoid crowds on the trail, the hidden "pool" off the trail, the best photo opps, and more. Leave it to the experts at Namaste in Nature to maximize your time in Western North Carolina! You will be delighted!

So my cousin booked this for my birthday, and it was WONDERFUL! A fall hike (mid-October), crisp…read moreweather, waterfalls plus meditation and yoga outside. Does it get better? Yes, my cousin brought cookies, hats and a candle from my mom and sister, and there was singing after yoga. Amy was in charge of our small group and made it a fantastic experience. She took photos of us too and made sure we had the best shots (and accommodated our suggestions). Doing yoga and then staring up into the blue sky surrounded by perfectly colored trees, oh so idyllic. Please, please do this if you were thinking about it. It's well worth your time and money.

Simon provides a safe space for my body, emotional, and energy systems to unwind and open. He…read moreconnects with my higher self and we embark on a co-creative journey that allows me to deepen into the Truth of my Be-ing. I'm continually in awe of what unfolds and have great respect and gratitude for Simon. HIs incredibly attuned cat, Willie, releases alongside me during my healing sessions.

Simon is masterful at the art of holding sacred space. Each time I have visited his healing…read moresanctuary I am gently guided back to my own source of healing, nervous system regulated and resourced. I highly recommend his work!

I really like this place. I have visited every Thursday that I am able to and will continue to do…read moreso as much as I can. The meditation instructions are easy to understand and the greater Shambhala philosophy is really great. Overall even if you are not into Buddhism I think it is worth a visit.

From the owner: The Shambhala Meditation Center of Asheville is part of an international community of urban…read moremeditation and rural retreat centers founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and further developed by his son and lineage holder Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Shambhala vision is rooted in the contemplative teachings of Buddhism, yet is a fresh expression of the spiritual journey for our time. We offer the practice of meditation, the study of the Shambhala Buddhist teachings and a community dedicated to open-hearted interaction. Regular Drop-in Public Programs: * Thursday Evening Sitting 6-7pm * Sunday Morning Sitting and Chants 10am-12pm * Wednesday Evening Yoga 6-7pm * Young Adult Meditation Group 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 7-8:30pm * Pema Chodron Discussion Group 2nd and 4th Thursdays 7-8pm * 1st Thursdays Open House 6-7:30pm Free Meditation Instruction is available on Thursday evenings and Sunday Mornings. It is best to contact us ahead to insure an instructor is available.

What a magnificent place. Words cannot the magic in the…read moreair. Tucked away in the North GA mountains this is a special healing place. Filled with love and wildlife and beautiful energy. Book a retreat and get away. When you pull in you are greeted by a lot of the staff. They help you load your stuff and take you to the top. The whole way they are giving history and a mini tour. You arrive at your cottage (named after plants). They are laid out to encourage getting out and exploring so no common areas. The tea house is open 24 hours a beautiful spot to read or chat. Mandala Hall is a beautiful space for yoga and workshops. The dining hall great spot open seat. The food is phenomenal cooked with love. The land is luscious and awe inspiring. This is overall a truly amazing place.

Elohee balances nature and comfort perfectly. Every inch of the property has been thoughtfully and…read morelovingly designed. LODGING- Pristine units provide safety and comfort. Bedroom doors have locks. The beds- Imagine sleeping on a cloud with a cloud on top of you along with an additional luxurious blanket. Several different pillows (3 on a twin bed!) are provided for your preferred level of fluffiness. The shower has immediate hot water and good pressure. The unit is quiet at night and feels safe. GETTING AROUND: You can walk to all the facilities within 3-5 minutes, 7 minutes if you stroll. You can take the road with a slight incline, or climb about 10 rock stairs (WITH handrails!!). OUTSIDE: A huge firepit surrounded with plenty of comfortable chairs is right next to a peaceful pond with a small man-made waterfall. You can hear frogs croak evening and morning. There's a turkey loitering, and can point you in the right direction. You can enjoy the best stargazing ever on the wide lush carpet of grass. MEETING PLACES The gorgeous round mandala house allows a 360 degree view of the mountains. Below is a kitchen and eating area. You can eat inside, or at a picnic table outside. They even have those big heaters in case it's cold outside! The Tea room is open 24 hours a day with plenty of comfortable seats, and beautiful views outside. Food- I wouldn't be surprised if the chef planned the perfect amount of macro/micro nutrients for optimal health. There's less variety and volume than I'd prefer (but probably the perfect calorie count). I advise bringing additional snacks. There's so much more. Just go there. By the way, I have no affiliation with Elohee, just a lucky person who found this place.

Hi I would like to address Sandy H of the JUNE 30, 2025 review of the Silent Meditation Retreat. In…read moreit she headed it with: "it's Cult, STAY AWAY". LOL She also stated "...we noticed a level of unquestioning reverence for the AOL founder that felt more like cultish devotion than the pursuit of wisdom". And "...In our view, AOL does not represent a genuine path toward spiritual growth. For those seeking meaningful insight, authors like Alan Watts..." etc. I've been on this spiritual path for 50 years! yeah forever! hahahha - and I love Alan Watts and Ramana Maharishi and some of the other great Advaita teachers and lectures. And after 30 years of meditation and even teaching meditation, I also took the "Silent Retreat Course" several time and frankly - IT CHANGED MY LIFE. I FINALLY GOT WHAT SILENCE ACTUALLY MEANT. As far as it being a cult - Well everything can be considered a cult if one is devoted to it. Have you every been to one of those "Krishna Das cults" hahahahha? I live here on the mountain near the Retreat Center, I'm not a teacher nor a "cult member" lol. I'm just happy here with the knowledge I've gained here at the retreats. As far a Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder is concerned - Yes, he's my Guru, so was my mother. But the beauty of Sri Sri was that he (by example) showed me what SILENCE REALLY MEANT. So I would encourage people who want to come here to this beautiful retreat to remember that the PURPOSE of words, critical thinking, spiritual discourse is Silence and rejoicing in your own Being. Conversation is nice, interesting But the revelation of Silence is inner peace and true wisdom. (in my humble opinion :D ) and for sure my dogs love it here too! :D

If you or anyone in your group has mobility challenges, please think twice before booking here. The…read moreArt of Living Retreat Center in Boone is on a steep, uneven property and is not wheelchair-accessible, despite what you might assume from a "wellness" center. We let them know in advance we were bringing a wheelchair. Yet we received a non-accessible room, no toilet riser, and no shower chair until I asked in person. The shuttle can't take a wheelchair, the handicap parking is gravel (where my husband fell), and there's no accessible route to the dining hall or restrooms. When I explained how unsafe and disappointing this was, the staff offered no empathy--just said they were "grandfathered in" for ADA compliance and don't even offer to comp the unused night. We left early, exhausted and disheartened. I've never encountered a place so out of touch with accessibility and hospitality.