Meditation, Yoga and Ayurveda Retreats in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Days at the centre usually start early with meditation or breathwork, followed by breakfast and a morning yoga class. Afternoons are left open for spa treatments, walking the 380-acre grounds, or resting. Evening sessions might be chanting, a sound bath, or a talk from a visiting teacher. The exact schedule depends on which programme you book — a Panchakarma cleanse week looks very different from a Rest & Relaxation stay.

The Panchakarma 8-Day Cleanse is the centre's signature Ayurvedic programme. It combines consultations, herbal treatments and a set diet over eight days, run through the Shankara Ayurveda Wellness Spa. The spa also offers standalone therapies for guests on other programmes.

Guest teacher events bring in outside names — the listing shows a Creative Living workshop with author Elizabeth Gilbert. These run alongside the regular meditation, yoga and Ayurveda retreats rather than replacing them.

Rest & Relaxation stays are self-guided. You book a room, use the facilities and join whatever classes are open that week, without a fixed programme. The Midweek Reset is the short version: three nights for the price of two.

The centre is run by the Art of Living organisation, founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It has been reviewed more than 2,400 times across Google and Tripadvisor, with ratings of 4.7 and 4.9.

What's included

- Accommodation on the 380-acre campus - Access to scheduled meditation, breathwork and yoga sessions - Use of the Shankara Ayurveda Wellness Spa facilities - Meals as specified by your chosen programme - Access to walking trails and gardens

What's not included

- Travel to and from the centre - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Individual spa treatments unless part of your programme - Ayurvedic consultations unless part of your programme