Art of Living Retreat Center

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Art of Living Retreat Center

Courtyard
Front of property – evening/night
Exterior
View from property
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; vegetarian cuisine

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Breakfast available
  • All-inclusive
  • Laundry
  • Gym
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
639 Whispering Hills Rd., Boone, NC, 28607
  • Boone Golf Club
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Tweetsie Railroad
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Appalachian State University
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

King/2 Full Bed, Garden View - Meals & Wellness Activities

  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Double Beds

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About this property

Art of Living Retreat Center

All-inclusive resort with a full-service spa and a fitness center
This smoke-free resort features a full-service spa, a restaurant, and a fitness center. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a steam room, a coffee shop/cafe, and coffee/tea in a common area. Housekeeping is not available.
Art of Living Retreat Center offers 31 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. These individually furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

This Boone resort provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply).

Recreational amenities at the resort include a steam room and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Shankara Ayurveda Spa has massage/treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and Thai massages. The spa is equipped with a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic.
During your stay at Art of Living Retreat Center, you'll be close to Tweetsie Railroad. Features include free WiFi in public areas and free self parking, plus a full-service spa.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Enjoy a bite to eat at Vegetarian Dining Hall, a buffet restaurant that serves vegetarian cuisine
  • Buffet breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Treat yourself to facials, Ayurvedic treatments, or body treatments at Shankara Ayurveda Spa
  • Amenities include meeting rooms, conference space, and a gift shop
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym, a steam room, and hiking/biking trails
  • 13 minutes by car from Tweetsie Railroad and 14 minutes from Appalachian State University
Art of Living Retreat Center is an all-inclusive resort. Room rates include meals and beverages at onsite restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages, and other amenities.

Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. Art of Living Retreat Center offers its guests a full-service spa, a steam room, and a fitness center. Event space at this resort measures 22 square feet (2 square meters) and includes conference space. Spa services, a library, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at the business-friendly Art of Living Retreat Center. Self parking is free.

This 3.5-star Boone resort is smoke free.

For a fee, guests can enjoy buffet breakfast daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Vegetarian Dining Hall - This buffet restaurant specializes in vegetarian cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

All-inclusive details

This resort is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

All buffet meals, snacks, and select beverages included

Activities and facilities/equipment

All onsite activities and use of facilities and equipment are included.

Land activities

Fitness facilities
Spa facilities
Limited spa services

Lessons/classes/games

Yoga

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Vegetarian Dining Hall

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Playground
  • Steam room
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • No housekeeping service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 22 square feet of conference space
  • Computer station
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa treatment rooms
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages
  • Thai massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in room
  • No lift
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Desk
  • Fan
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 8 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Air conditioning is not provided
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
The front desk at this property is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
Guests arriving after 10:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children 8 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Alcohol isn't served at Art of Living Retreat Center.

Property is also known as

Blue Heaven Spa Art Living Retreat Center
Blue Heaven Spa Art Living Retreat Center Boone
Blue Heaven Spa Art Living Retreat Center Hotel
Blue Heaven Spa Art Living Retreat Center Hotel Boone
Shankara Ayurveda Spa Hotel Boone
Shankara Ayurveda Spa Hotel
Shankara Ayurveda Spa Boone
Art Living Retreat Center Hotel Boone
Art Living Retreat Center Hotel
Art Living Retreat Center Boone
Art Living Retreat Center
Blue Heaven Spa at the Art of Living Retreat Center
Art Living Retreat Center Resort Boone
Art Living Retreat Center Resort
Art Living Retreat Center Boo
Art of Living Retreat Center Boone
Art of Living Retreat Center Resort
Art of Living Retreat Center Resort Boone

Art of Living Retreat Center Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I have a wonderful stay each and every time I stay at AOL!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

6/10 Okay

Otto

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel was empty and we get the worst room, big construction machine in front of our room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Art of Living Retreat center in Boone NC

This retreat center is one my favorite places to go for healing, rest, relaxation and beauty. It is an amazing place!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Mike, South Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Out of the Ay

It may be physically close to Boone, but it takes a while to drive there.minutes on winding road). There is no pool, vending machines and our room did not have AC. However, the room was super clean and comfortable. We stayed in late October and open ended widows. Most of all it was quiet. You won’t hear cars or orther people. Just wind through trees. On site cafeteria was non traditional food, so we drove to town. If you just want peace and quiet this is the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017

4/10 Poor

George, Wilmington,NC

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

guest house in the boondocks

Hard to find retreat center pretending to be a hotel. Check-in was difficult. Had I seen room prior I would not have booked and only stayed because unsure of refund. guesthouse room was more like a dorm room. Bathroom was cramped with bathtub shower which had no safety aids. My wife sipped and fell in the tub and we discovered that there was no night staff in the guest house,but at reception half a mile away. When we notified the morning staff of her fall they gave us a rubber mat for the tub and did not seem concerned if she was seriously hurt. She is bruised and still sore two days later. She didn't think that she had anything broken and preferred to leave as soon as we could. There was nobody at the guesthouse for check out and we had to go back to reception. Other than the retreat dinning hall the closest restaurant was seven miles away. We were not pleased and as I stated before, if I could have been assured of a refund I would have refused to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Birthday shenanigans!

Very relaxing and beautiful scenery from most rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Calm, Relaxing, Warmth, Peaceful

overall wonderful experience. If you need a stress-free, relaxing stay, look no further. very friendly and helpful staff

4/10 Poor

Andrea

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location for mountain viewing; odd set-up

Location is great. Facility is strange. Room was in a building quite far from reception. Had a bit of a "Shining" feel since not many guests were around.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Joy, Atlanta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quiet, peaceful, mountain breezes

We stayed at Shankara while visiting family in the area so we did not have time to try the spa treatments, but the quiet peaceful atmosphere was just what we needed. We plan to return and take advantage of the spa!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxing, flexible getaway

The views from this retreat center are extraordinary. The vegetarian meals were delicious & innovative. There are hiking trails for those not into meditation/yoga. I did not book w/ that intention, but enjoyed the 2 classes I took. Greatest thing is doing meals/activities ala carte; not just expensive packages. Friendly, experienced, helpful staff.

8/10 Good

Donald, Cumming,ga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

festival accomodations

Went to merlefest

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful view of mountain

Room was beautiful .it was one of the best sleep I have had in a long time! My husband and I had massage for 30. Minutes and at the end, we wish we had a full hour! It was that good. I also love the 24 hour tea room. We met with our friend for a late night tea.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disappointing

Misleading while looking a t pics, and way overpriced!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

This is a wonderful lace to stay!! Amazing View!

Had a wonderful spa massage, very friendly staff, excellent dinner and breakfast! Absolutely the place to stay for a nice retreat. Yoga, Spa, Nature trails and so much more!!!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Just what we needed. Sufficient for a stay while attending a course nearby. We could have used a more comfortable chair in the room. Otherwise was good.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

New Age Resort

No air conditioning in the room. The Internet didn't work and when we called the front desk to ask about it, no one returned our call.

10/10 Excellent

David, Greensboro NC

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

stunning views, unusual venue

great view, no A/C and did not have enough staff to get great service but I would go back

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The desk isn't manned after 6pm so a late check in was difficult. It was extremely difficult to find - took over an hour after dark. It was even difficult to find the correct way to go upon departure! I had ZERO cell signal and the wi-fi signal was weak. They don't have/allow alcohol or meat. The room was clean but not comfortable. The bed was extremely hard.

8/10 Good

Anne, St Paul, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Peace and quiet in the Mountains

Our 3 nights at the Spa were peaceful. I recommend booking any spa treatments ahead of time; we were able to squeeze in a massage, but not able to book everything we wanted. The vegetarian food was excellent, but be advised, it isn't a restaurant, you get the meal prepared by the chef for each meal - we loved not having to search for a vegetarian friendly restaurant, and never having to leave the top of the mountain. The view from the main dining hall building is the most spectacular thing you'll ever see. For a quiet, peaceful retreat, it was incredible, and was a nice respite in the middle of a more hectic vacation. Map out routes in and out ahead of time; GPS doesn't work in these mountains. No cell service, but you'll have internet while there.

8/10 Good

Krystal

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Too Hot!

I have not stayed in a hotel without air conditioning in years. If I had known, I would not have booked. North Carolina summers are too warm to be AC free.

8/10 Good

Bárbara, miami

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

relaxing

everything was great with the exception of the check out and the TV service. checkout took too long TV service, no one told me of any problem with it. need to communicate more with guest and have knowledgeable staff at front desk. the views were spectacular, I would go back again

10/10 Excellent

Presley, Thomasville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This place was awesome! It is very quiet and relaxing! Highly recommend

8/10 Good

jeff, Clayton NC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My wife and I stayed there over the 4th of July weekend. The staff were very friendly. The hotel was very clean and rooms were a good size. We enjoyed our stay and in all likelihood will visit again. There was no cell service at the hotel as it is high up on the mountain. We actually enjoyed being able to unplug for a few days. Spa area was very nice. Fitness room was equipped with enough exercise equipment to get a decent workout in. Great place to go if you want peace and quiet