I experienced the silent retreat in Jan 2025. I came away feeling connected to my life and the broader world, and calm in a way I hadn't expected. The goal to foster harmony between body, mind, and spirit is obvious in every aspect of the retreat. The teachings of Sid, Howard, and Margaret were wonderful. Each lesson built on the one before as the 3 days unfolded. The mountains are stunning, the food delicious, and accommodations were welcoming and comfortable. Highly recommend. read more

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This place is magical. I attended a 5 day juice cleanse with a friend. Yes, the directions to the place are a tad difficult, but once you get there it's amazing. Prama is a non-profit so the accommodations are simple, but clean. I was always comfortable and there were a dozen other women there from all over the country. My intention was to learn to be calm, reduce stress and lose a few pounds. Ramesh is the director and leads meditation and the educational workshops. I finally learned to meditate! . The education was very interesting. Aryuvedic is equal parts art/science. Jessica, former prosecutor turned yogi, is so cool. She led the subtle yoga movement each morning, which supported my goal of being flexible and strong. Prama has a chef that prepared delicious vegan meals (egg plant and quinoa rolls!) and all of the juices. I had an individual consultation with Ramesh and learned about my 'Dosha' and the best foods for me. I also had a massage with Ren - maybe the best massage ever! In a nutshell, I had the best time with the other women (we continue to support each other via a group text), lost weight, feel calm and can control my stress. I bought a juicer and stick to the food list like it's a religion. I am telling everyone I know about my great my experience. I plan to return for another juice fast and a silent meditation retreat. read more

I just finished my day spa of "bliss" for the first time with Prama and unfortunately the experience was more bitter than sweet. What caught my eye to even try the experience and to spend 90 bucks was the way Prama Institute promoted "day of bliss" on the website. You would think it to be your ideal option to consider especially when times get tough, to have a day of bliss, but in my opinion it was far from bliss. It was that experience that got in touch with my most vulnerable self and that left me so unease that I decided to on my own exit the place early. Not the best place to enroll a 24 year old, but an experience is an experience. I was highly considering my family to go here with me over my birthday weekend because who would not want to forget all of your worries in the world by being in touch with your most "present self" in your ideal heavenly environment with the people you love the most. But there is a lot of awareness that needs to be addressed about this institute before you go all in the way I did. It could be for you, but it definitely was not for me. The drive to begin with was far from bliss for me but if you like the jungle atmosphere of green and the feeling of being lost who knows you might have a thrill. I was paranoid and I was lost for 30 minutes on Panhandle Rd. I drove to the left side of Prama instead of the right side so if you try it, pick Prama Wellness on the right, the green letters. It would save you the trouble, worry and gas. I was 30 minutes late and missed my entire meditation session since I went left and ended up going to the retreat center instead. There was another lady with me that was roughly around my mom's age attending the day spa with me, and she really felt at peace with the experience. There is a specific target market for this type of "day spa" that would find it intriguing. I considered it more of a self-reflecting yoga retreat experience than an actual day of bliss. Then there was yoga. There were a lot of positive vibes from the instructor. She was my saving grace to have actually got me there first. If she didn't see my car I would have stayed lost..so she let me follow her there. It was one of my favorite parts to my day and yoga did good on my body. She was courteous and understanding to my special needs (scoliosis on my back in addition to having trouble processing directions due to delayed hearing) so I am thankful for her patience and encouragement. Then there was the hike. The map and the trail itself was disappointing to me. If you want a hike, go to Southwest VA, it will blow you away and you don't have to pay 90 bucks to see that beauty. But if I didn't have that lady there to hike with me I would have been off the wall. The handwritten map had NO numbers indicated..so half of the time we walked through people's backyards and high grass..but if it wasn't for that lady I would have lost my mind at that moment. The truest disappointment of all was the hospitality. I was grateful for their efforts, but on a day of bliss, they should be punctual and enthused to take care of you the whole way through. When I got back from hiking, I was promised a PRIVATE meditation session since I missed mine...then a few hours later, the lady also gets an invite to join so I didn't get anything out of it..kept my eyes open the whole 20 minutes. But here where it gets better. On my day of bliss, I was rushed by the lady to hurry up since I was just on my cell phone but she forgot it was MY session. She should have been thankful that I even let her go in my session. And shame on the instructor for not following through on his words. Of course I needed to shower. As a host, you have to supply EVERYTHING before hand. When I hopped in the shower I expected body wash to be there especially when she said it was already there..so I had to change my clothes again. At this point i just about lost my appetite after waiting an additional 20 minutes. There's more to what the day spa entails like the mini pool and the sauna and the mud clay which I was thankful for but honestly you could find it anywhere else for possibly cheaper and I had to apply it on myself so I didn't even get the full effect. As a conclusion to this lengthy review i would consider change in the title "day of bliss" into "day of self-reflection" because even at the present moment you will always think of the past or future. It's just in you. read more

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My sister & I met here for Fri-Sun silence retreat. There were about 15 in our cohort & everyone was blissed out, energized & pleased by the end. The programming of the retreat is full of yoga & meditation activities aimed at nourishment of body & mind. Howard & Sid are a dynamic duo that skillfully & playfully led the transformation of our individual & collective consciousness. Accommodations are simple, but beautiful in their setting, cleanliness, simplicity & comfort. There were organic teas & shampoos, excellent vegan & gluten free food prepared with love, genuine hospitality that anticipated guests' needs... Much recommend to anyone with any level of stress in life, curiosity in growing self, or simply looking for peace of mind. Surprisingly, I found silence to be freeing, healing & enjoyable. Do yourself a favor & come rest here. The value is incredible. read more

Attended the Juice Cleansing Retreat in April 2018. I can't say enough good things about this place. The staff are authentic, caring and very knowledgeable and the facilities are top notch. An excellent way to kick off your wellness journey. It was truly a life changing experience. read more

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I bought the winter retreat weekend as a gift for me and my husband. It was his first-ever yoga retreat and he was a bit apprehensive, but Prama won him over immediately. The Wellness Center feels a little bit like a Swedish spa; it is so clean and warm and sunny and open...such a welcoming space. There is constant fresh tea to drink, and many soft and comfy spots for lounging, and such incredible and heart-lifting views. My husband and I made friends with some very inspiring folks and deeply enjoyed the mix of social interaction and solitary introspection. The staff were friendly, warm, authentic, and solicitous. The food was off the charts delicious and healthy. There is a feeling of community about Prama that makes the retreats feel less like a commercial interaction and more like a gathering of loved ones. To my mind, this is what sets it apart from your typical spa or retreat center, the deep sense of heart. And the mountain setting by the river feels deeply sacred in and of itself! We liked it so much that we returned the next year and invited all of our friends and family! Prama has a very special place in our hearts. read more

I just spent 7 days at the Prama Institute for a silent meditation retreat. I have been to several of these retreats in different parts of the country, and this was a truly sublime experience, and worthy of a high rating and a review. Prama was such a warm, relaxing, accommodating, and downright stunning experience. I -- and our entire group -- felt truly taken care of during these seven days of introspection and rejuvenation. The staff take pride in their facility and their property and in helping their guests to have the best experience possible. The facilities were homey, peaceful, uplifting, and very clean. The latter is always nice when you're barefoot much of the time! The food was not only healthy and nourishing...it was also delicious, and made to accommodate the many different dietary needs of our group. And the retreat center in the western carolina mountains has an enchanting quality to it. I slept in a tent and was treated to the forest alit with fireflies, an expansive starry sky, and a beautiful array of songbirds. Shockingly, there wasn't one mosquito the entire week. I'm flying high right now, and that's in so small part because this retreat was in the perfect setting for getting back to center. Thank you, Prama! read more

Just finished a 7 day silent retreat here. I agree with all the rave reviews - the location is peaceful and full of birdsong and beautiful forests. The staff is warm and supportive, beyond the usual. Every meal was a delight. Thank you! read more

What a wonderful location for a week long silent retreat! Beautiful, peaceful, with an attentive staff and healthy and delicious food. It was a healing and joyful experience. read more

Prama is a yoga/ wellness sanctuary about 20 minutes from Asheville that is just plain magic! I have visited Prama many times for retreats throughout the years, and each time I return not wanting to leave but feeling so peaceful, blissful and inspired from the experience there. I swear that I am glowing for weeks after leaving Prama. If I had to describe Prama in one word, it would be Transformative. Let's begin with the setting. As soon as I turn onto Panhandle Road, I feel the stresses of everyday life dissolve. I feel like I am "home"! It is beautiful, the woods, the hills, the pastures and mountains. There are so many lovely hiking trails, and the staff provides maps for the guests to explore! The staff is top notch. With a ton of experience, wisdom and intuition, they are able to provide guidance to their patrons that are looking to enhance their lives through the means of meditation, yoga, and clean eating and living. IT is the perfect place to go for a reboot, you feel so cared for and nourished. They work to find an answer for every question that arises, and treat every guest there as if they are the most important person ever. It is such a supportive and loving environment. Every amenity is thought of, from the shower supplies, the HUGE selection of herbal teas that you can always help yourself to, to the Squatty Potty's in each bathroom! YEAH! The food.... oh the food!!! Every meal is a delight and prepared with the freshest organic manner with so much love. It is mostly vegan and perfectly spiced and prepared. Every retreat that I have been to, the guests (including myself) are always asking for recipes. I have duplicated some of their recipes at my home. (Although eating on a balcony overlooking a misty mountain morning adds something to the taste.) As stated before, I have taken many retreats there and each offers something special and unique. It is hard to say what is my favorite. The Yoga Wellness Weekend deepened my understanding of yoga so much that it prompted me to become a yoga teacher. Wow, I had no idea!! The Juice Cleanses are so supportive, and so inspiring and rejuvenating. I like to do these once a year. Each time the group connects in a unique way. I have been to the talks on Ayuveda and nutrition many times but every single time I am blown away by what I learn and deepen my understanding! It never gets tiresome or repeatative! Ramesh is a fantastic instructor and leads with his heart. You have access to the sauna and endless pool and mud therapy and all the yummy stuff that makes detoxing a lot easier. The Silent Retreat is a deep study of yourself. Because it is silent, you really have a chance to go inward instead of focusing on the energy of the group. This is powerful stuff. I love all of the retreats that I've done, all for different reasons. Then there's the massages....Being a massage junky, I'm pretty picky when it comes to massage therapists, but Eddie is hands down in my opinion the BEST of the best! I'm talking having visions during your massage and feeling like you leave your body kind of massage. Not to sound cliche but it is a spiritual experience. It's weird stuff. But amazing. I wish everyone could have an Eddie massage, the world would be a more peaceful place. I can't wait to come "home" again Prama and reconnect with this beautiful place of healing and love in the mountains! read more