Art of Living Retreat Center

"I attended the Stepping into Silence Retreat over New Year's and it was, in a word, transformational! The Center is so beautiful and all the staff are so helpful and welcoming that I would have enjoyed my stay even if it didn't include life-changing meditation guidance. The food was so delicious that I came home inspired to try making several of the dishes (they're good at home but can't compare to the dining hall). I'm already planning my next retreat!"

"I had a great relaxing weekend. The classes are all well taught, and instructors are knowledgeable. The food was good although I’m not a vegetarian. My friend was extremely pleased with the food. I found many options for me. My only comment was that once a shuttle drive was going fast down the hill by us, as we always walked from the spa building up to the dining hall at all times, despite the cold. The rooms were great and quiet. I would note that during mediation we could hear noises from other classes and that maybe there should be more sound proofing between the walls / floor. That is my only criticism. It affected the peacefulness of the yoga and meditation classes."

"AOL Retreat was a beautiful, magical place. Tons of spaces to be alone and reflect. The staff? Superb, helpful, welcoming. If you are a vegetarian/ vegan the food is fantastic; I am a "meatarian" and the food was really good, spices, seasoned. Their pasta- amazing. Plenty of fresh fruits, all day, coffee, tea, orange juice. No a/c but at night the winds are so cooling, you didn't miss a/c. During the day though, without a/c quite humid, but doable. The gift shop, amazingly affordable, with great options and a smoothie bar. Simple but clean rooms, bedding and bath. Plenty of HOT water; no tv's. An amazing experience!"

"The meditation retreat AOL was hitting was brilliant, but the venue itself was equally great. Amazing scenery, so quiet, great accommodation, wonderful food and lovely staff. I wanted to stay on after the retreat had ended."

"I went here for a longevity retreat. I got there a day early to enjoy the center, which is beautiful. You have choices of hotel room, retreat room, shared room, apartments. My room was in Bhamaputra, which is next to the spa and is a hotel room. Be aware that when they say it is mountainous terrain they are being truthful. Walking up to the dining hall and the lecture hall was a definite steep uphill walk. There is a shuttle from 7 am to 10 pm that will take you around the center and I used that the day it was raining. My third floor room overlooked the mountains and the view was amazing. There is a Tea Lounge on the first floor that has a fridge, microwave, tea and coffee available. My room also had a fridge. There is no housekeeping of the rooms, so if you need more towels you can call down. The food is buffet style, all vegetarian and vegan. Some days it was great, others not so much. There are specific times (7:30-9:30 breakfast, 12-1:30 lunch, 6-7:30 dinner) and there isn't anywhere to get food other than those times. One thing I definitely didn't like, you clean up your tray, which is fine, but then you have to sort the dishes and food into bins and garbage. It was a little stomach churning. The yoga class with Alli was wonderful, although I heard later that some of the classes were overfull. I also did a meditation and mind class with her, also wonderful. The cooking class (extra fee) had great information and she demonstrated making apple oatmeal and pumpkin halswa. Be ready to stand! There is no sitting during the 90 minutes, you stand at a counter to watch the demo. The trails are plentiful, steep and semi-flat and you can get a great hike in. You can also pay an extra fee for a guided hike. Since I went in fall, the labyrinth was a little faded. There is a fire pit, although I didn't go to that. The best part of the Center is the staff. Everyone was so friendly, warm and kind, from the dining hall staff to reception to the shuttle drivers. Especially the shuttle drivers! I had a great time here, learned a lot and made some new friends."