The Western North Carolina region also has a new winner on the USA TODAY Readers’ Poll list: Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone was named this year’s winner of the nation’s best meditation center poll.
The list of the 10 best meditation centers was selected by readers voting on several options chosen by a panel of experts. The centers often offered guided meditation sessions, mindfulness instruction, and similar stress-reduction activities. Many were also located in picturesque locations, offering guests the opportunity to connect with nature.
Art of Living was also named the third best wellness retreat center in the country by USA TODAY readers.
Here’s what you need to know about Art of Living Retreat Center, plus 10 other best picks.
more:Western North Carolina Wellness Retreats Voted #1 in the USA. Here’s Why They’re the Best for 2024.
Art of Living Retreat Center
position: 639 Whispering Hills Road, Boone
information: Call 800-392-6870 or visit artoflivingretreatcenter.org.
The 10 Best Meditation Centers poll ranked Art of Living Retreat Center second out of 10 winners, praising the 380-acre retreat center’s transformative itineraries, fresh vegetarian cuisine and holistic spa services, as well as the center’s location amid the forests and trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Art of Living Retreat Center website offers a variety of programs, including retreats based on yoga, meditation, wellness, etc. Events and retreats vary in length and size, ranging from 75 to 2,000 people, with on-campus accommodations capable of sleeping over 1,000 people.
The buildings and areas on campus are:
- garden.
- Nature walking area.
- labyrinth.
- dining room.
- The main hall is suitable for events and large groups.
- A separate hall for holding retreats, classes, etc.
- This accommodation offers private and shared spaces, private bathrooms and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- It is an Ayurvedic health facility with relaxation rooms, steam rooms, movement studios, dedicated dining areas and a live cooking kitchen.
“From our signature meditation and Ayurvedic wellness programs to events with teachers, authors and thought leaders in the fields of self-discovery, yoga, nutrition, creativity and more, there is something here for everyone,” the website states.
more:Indian food coming to Asheville’s Rankin Avenue: What you need to know
10 Best Meditation Centers
Our readers’ list of the 10 best wellness retreat centers includes:
- Dharmakaya Wellbeing Center – Cragsmore, NY
- Art of Living Retreat Center – Boone, NC
- Himalayan Institute – Honesdale, Pennsylvania
- Siddhayatan Tirth & Spiritual Retreat Center – Windham, Texas
- Mount Madonna Center – Watsonville, California
- Retreat in the Pines – Mineola, Texas
- Yogaville – Buckingham, Virginia
- Esalen Institute – Big Sur, California
- Rolling Meadows Retreat – Friendship, Maine
- Drara Mountain Center – Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
more:Western North Carolina Glamping Spot Named #1 in the U.S. for 2024: Why It’s the Best
10 Best Wellness Retreat Centers
Our readers’ list of the 10 best wellness retreat centers includes:
- Skyterra Wellness Retreat – Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
- Eupepsia Wellness Resort – Brand, Virginia
- Art of Living Retreat Center – Boone, NC
- Omega Holistic Institute – Rhinebeck, NY
- Dharmakaya Wellbeing Center – Cragsmore, NY
- Himalayan Institute – Honesdale, Pennsylvania
- Hilton Head Health – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village – Westlake Village, California
- The Ranch Malibu – Malibu, California
- Sensei Porcupine Creek – Rancho Mirage, California
Iris Seaton is a featured news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
