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Reviews of Art of Living Retreat Center

3.5 out of 5
Art of Living Retreat Center
639 Whispering Hills Rd., Boone, NC

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
Response from rb on 9 Jan 2018
Thank you for your review and we are extremely disappointed that we assigned you a room near our construction. We have practices in place that should not have allowed that to happen. The expansion of our Spa will be completed very soon but, in the meantime we will make sure this does not reoccur.

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
Response from rb on 9 Jan 2018
Thank you for your review. We are very happy we are one of your favorite places.

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.
View from patio dining
View from room
Indian architecture

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.
Response from Rob B Hospitality Manager on 13 Apr 2016
Thank you for choosing to stay with us and we very much appreciate your review and will share it with our staff. We are all pleased that you enjoyed your stay and our tea room. Again, thank you and we look forward to your next stay with us.

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

6/10 Okay

Anne, Asheville, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Person Retreat Getaway
Blue Heaven Spa is a very lovely and relaxing space...located high up in the mountains outside Boone,NC. The staff were very friendly and helpful and I enjoyed three wonderful nights while on a personal retreat. I plan to return in the near future.

8/10 Good

GILBERTO, Zebulon, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
excellent
My stay in the resort was great, just a little thing was that the heat in bedroom does not work properly,but the service gave us a portable heater, the views are beautiful, quiet, the food was good . of curse I recomend the place

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Relaxing Stay - Beautiful Views
We had a very relaxing time at the Blue Heaven Resort & Spa at the Art of Living Center. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff was very friendly. It is a different type of hotel being in the middle of the Art of Living Center and I would encourage others to learn about the center before staying there. The only complaint I would have is that there wasn't much at all to choose from for food but other than that it was very nice. We will definitely be returning and will be coming to take some of the meditation classes offered by the Art of Living Center.

10/10 Excellent

Kristin, madison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great weekend getaway!!
my husband and I went to celebrate our 5th anniversary and we couldn't be happier!! it was fantastic, very secluded!! hard to find at first, but once you get there it is totally worth it!! can't wait to stay there again!!

10/10 Excellent

MidoriL, Hillsborough

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
relaxing getaway
Tricky to find, but definitely worth the hunt. The hotel has a nice soothing and calming atmosphere with great views. During our stay we took pottery classes and had several massages. Overall, it was a relaxing getaway with friendly staff and great activities.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Should have done more research. No bang for the $.
Should have done more homework. Needed a room in a pinch. Way over priced for what you get. Vegetarian food only as it states. No variety what so ever though. Did not eat one meal there. From the looks of it no one else did either. Massages were all booked and seemed like we were the only ones there. Worst 400.00 I've ever spent. Staff was ok considering. View was ok as well. Accommodations were very little. Pretty good drive to Boone from here.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not a hotel
This is not a hotel, it's more of a conference center (Zen, Yoga, etc.) where they sell extra rooms on Expedia, etc. It's similar to a dorm room (hollow core doors, minimal bathroom, etc.) but with better beds. Rooms are in several buildings, only one is staffed - but only part time. It was very clean, but loud (7am yoga people yelling in hallway) and minimalistic. Paid $175 (FYI - high season in Boone), but really was quality of a $80-$100 hotel room. No where worth the money paid. Had terrible time trying to find building. No signs b/c of little external lighting. Didn't even know building was located away from the rest of the "conference area". Not staffed all hours, couldn't reach anyone when tried at 11pm forward. Finally found a cook in the conference mess hall who kept dialing people until he woke up a maintenance person who let us in (both very helpful people). Got into room around 1:30am. Almost slept on yoga mats next to broom closet in mess hall.

10/10 Excellent

Christi, Durham, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Heavenly for certain.
Absolutely beautiful place!! Very clean and nice. Only thing . . . they need to add phones to contact front desk if you get locked out of buildings, since it is a very long hilly walk to the check-in desk. It's not uncommon for magnetic keys to stop working, and people with disabilities or older age wouldn't be able to walk to the front desk to let them know they need assistance.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel with no Air Conditioning
This hotel was absolutely beautiful and the views were breathtaking. The staff was extremely friendly and everything was very clean. My only complaint is that there was no Air Conditioning. I would not have an issue with this if the website was forthcoming with this information but I have yet to be able to find it anywhere except in the reviews left by previous guests. I paid over $200 per night for this room and I don't feel that it is unreasonable to expect A/C, it is 2014 after all. As a matter of fact, I wasn't even told about it at check-in, I had to go back downstairs to verify that there was nothing more than a fan to provide air and was then told that opening the windows keeps it surprisingly comfortable. Luckily, the temperature was cool enough outside that it did stay relatively cool in the room for the most part but I still can't help feeling a little hoodwinked.

8/10 Good

Chris, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Comfy View
Not your average hotel. This hotel is perfect, if you know what to expect and if it's what you're looking for. The view in the room with very large windows that open to feel the breeze on top of a mountain is amazing. The bedding, so comfy, you won't want to get out. You are secluded which is great if that's what you're looking for. Those were my favorite things that I will go back for. Now, so you know, the drive there is complicated, you'll probably get lost more than once. (But it's worth it) there is no air conditioning. It can get hot in there, also there was someone smoking right outside our window and had to shut out the cool breeze. There are no elevators. There are no microwaves or drink machines, so if you get thirsty, bring your own drinks. I was really hoping for a more updated spa bathroom. For me, knowing this before I probably would not have came... But after waking up to that window, and the view, and the comfy bed, we will be back.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

10/10 Excellent

LD, North Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We really had a great time on our trip. We will be coming back again in the near future.

8/10 Good

Barry, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location just off Blue Ridge Parkway
Very comfortable room and really nicely furnished, but we stayed there on one of the hottest days of the year, and the lack of air conditioning meant the room was unbearably hot. That said the view from the room was spectacular and reception service very good.

8/10 Good

Allen Hughes, Nashville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Remote, Peaceful, great views, somewhat difficult to find, relaxing, friendly.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Disappointing 2 day stay
We were unable to check in due to late arrival because no staff was available on the first night. 2nd night fire alarm went off for 1 1/2 hours. There was no phone service by cell or in the rooms and a guest had an anaphylactic reaction and pulled the fire alarm because the room phones were not working. The room was clean and nice but that is only positive thing say.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was very nice. We didn't have a balcony which would have been nice but the staff was super friendly and helpful. Getting there was a bit difficult especially in the dark and I'm pretty sure my boyfriend and I were the only two staying in the building so it was a bit creepy at times but overall our stay was very nice and quiet.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Serenity

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
peaceful stay
The room was comfortable, very quiet, nice view of mountains but dragging luggage across stones to get to the sidewalk and walking up flights of stairs hurt my neck. Front desk staff was very helpful. Housekeeping just walked in instead of knocking and announcing visit to pickup trash.

6/10 Okay

Coachz, South Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Solitude Exemplified
We were the only room let for the night. Parking is on gravel at the Spa where we roomed. If I celebrated life in the 1960's or belong to the Hare Krishna movement Blue Heaven would be Nirvana. We actually enjoyed the meditation session for beginners. Dining area was deserted and activity in the area non-existent. It would have been all vegetarian fare but we saw no life in the dining area either day. Location is isolated but not too far from Boone.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Difficult to find but awesome once we found it!
My boyfriend and I stayed here for a 1-night getaway in Boone. We did have some difficulty finding the Blue Heaven spa (my iphone's gps conked out while his samsung got us there!), but once we arrived it was awesome. It was soo relaxing and quiet. We honesty couldn't get over how quiet it was. Our room was facing the forest side (front entrance), so there was a bit of activity with people checking in, but it wasn't bad at all and no one arrived late at night. Our room was clean and spacious with an overhead fan, TV, and mini fridge. We put on the hotel-provided robes as soon as we arrived and went down to the steam room which was great! Then we got some tea at the tea room and took an awesome nap. There is no AC and we were a little worried about this but we didn't need it for a second up there. We cracked the windows a bit and were fine-and in fact we even had to close them at night because it was so cool (we went Mid may). We'll definitely be going back on our next outing to Boone. We left feeling so relaxed and unwound. Definitely recommend!

10/10 Excellent

Lita, Raleigh, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Peaceful Mountain hideaway
If you really want to get away from it all, here's the place to be. Note the amenities (some free, some not) yoga classes, meditation, massages. A lovely experience...in the boonies!