Came here for a weekend meditation retreat and gained exactly what I was seeking: peace,…read moretranquility and inspiration. The original building is almost 100 years old & the property is in definite need of improvement. But, that's actually the charm. Also, as a Buddhist interfaith organization, the cost is affordable, as most of the operations rely on Dana (generosity in Pali - the language of the Buddha). The idea is that the teachings are accessible to all. So don't let money be a deterrent from visiting. Each room has its own bathroom, so there's no need to share, which is unusual for a Buddhist meditation retreat center. They also provide all towels & sheets. You will need to bring your own toiletries. Also, I loved the "meditation pool" (the original swimming pool has been filled in) and took in the sun from one of the reclining chairs. They are also putting in an infrared sauna. And, you can walk down to the lake from their property in 2 minutes. Finally, be sure to attend a talk by the Venerable Pannavati. Each Sunday at 12 noon, there is a public talk. She's inspiring, kind and welcoming. I'll definitely be back!

Just spent a fabulous weekend at a retreat at Heartwood Refuge. The schedule was well-planned and…read moreexecuted, the staff warm and welcoming, and the lodging, grounds and vibe just beautiful. Will return soon; highly recommended.

This studio brings yoga to the community at a reasonable price, $5 drop in. Workshops are…read morereasonably priced (normally $10 to $35), and well executed. Instructors make the practice accessible, challenging, fun and inspiring, creating a flow based on their own unique style and POV. Being a long time student here has been deeply rewarding for me personally. I would not change a thing. I love it here! Definitely worth checking out!

Beautiful studio with a welcoming community. They offer a variety of classes to meet your unique…read moregoals. The facility is clean and well kept. They even have a gift shop and CBD products.

Hi I would like to address Sandy H of the JUNE 30, 2025 review of the Silent Meditation Retreat. In…read moreit she headed it with: "it's Cult, STAY AWAY". LOL She also stated "...we noticed a level of unquestioning reverence for the AOL founder that felt more like cultish devotion than the pursuit of wisdom". And "...In our view, AOL does not represent a genuine path toward spiritual growth. For those seeking meaningful insight, authors like Alan Watts..." etc. I've been on this spiritual path for 50 years! yeah forever! hahahha - and I love Alan Watts and Ramana Maharishi and some of the other great Advaita teachers and lectures. And after 30 years of meditation and even teaching meditation, I also took the "Silent Retreat Course" several time and frankly - IT CHANGED MY LIFE. I FINALLY GOT WHAT SILENCE ACTUALLY MEANT. As far as it being a cult - Well everything can be considered a cult if one is devoted to it. Have you every been to one of those "Krishna Das cults" hahahahha? I live here on the mountain near the Retreat Center, I'm not a teacher nor a "cult member" lol. I'm just happy here with the knowledge I've gained here at the retreats. As far a Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder is concerned - Yes, he's my Guru, so was my mother. But the beauty of Sri Sri was that he (by example) showed me what SILENCE REALLY MEANT. So I would encourage people who want to come here to this beautiful retreat to remember that the PURPOSE of words, critical thinking, spiritual discourse is Silence and rejoicing in your own Being. Conversation is nice, interesting But the revelation of Silence is inner peace and true wisdom. (in my humble opinion :D ) and for sure my dogs love it here too! :D

I am writing this because I would not want another traveler to experience what happened to me…read more On April 13, 2026, I booked a weekend retreat at the Art of Living Wellness Retreat Center in Boone, NC--approximately 350 miles from my home. I received an immediate confirmation and was charged $1,594 in full. During the week of the retreat, I received no pre-retreat information. I emailed three times and received no response. I then called twice with basic questions about what to bring. On both calls, staff took my name and answered my questions. Not once was I told the retreat had been cancelled. So I drove approximately seven hours to the center. When I arrived, the registration employee could not find my reservation. I offered to show her my confirmation email, but she declined. She asked me to wait, then disappeared from the reception area. About five minutes later, the manager, Christy, came to the desk. She told me the retreat had been cancelled on June 24 because of low enrollment. I was stunned. I had just driven seven hours to attend a retreat I had paid $1,594 for. Her response was that there had been "no other way". I asked why no one had successfully notified me. She said the reservation notes indicated that a voicemail had been left for me on August 1. No voicemail ever reached me. I reminded her that I had spoken with staff twice during the week immediately before the retreat, and neither person mentioned the cancellation. The only immediate alternative offered was to sell me a room and a meal for the night. As I stood there trying to process what had just happened, another employee walked by and said, in what I felt was a remarkably dismissive tone, "Everything will work out." I left and began the seven-hour drive home. After I regained cell service, I received a voicemail from Christy. I expected an apology--for the wasted trip, the expense, and the fact that I had been allowed to drive 350 miles to a cancelled retreat without being told. Instead, she maintained that the center had sent two emails I never received and continued to insist that the situation had been handled appropriately. I understand that retreats can be cancelled because of low enrollment. What I cannot understand is cancelling a retreat, waiting weeks to notify paid participants, then speaking with a customer twice in the week before the retreat without mentioning the cancellation--and ultimately allowing that customer to drive seven hours to the facility before learning the truth. This was not simply an inconvenience. It was deeply upsetting and, in my view, completely avoidable. At a minimum, I believe I deserved a sincere apology.

Koa is one of the most amazing healers I've ever received work from! She is also very intentional…read moreabout creating a beautiful and safe atmosphere! After receiving healing services from her twice now I definitely feel that I've released some blockages and received clarity on my spiritual journey! Thank you Koa

Koa is a truly medicine woman, an spiritual warrior that carries so much love within and wisdom…read morewith no limits. An abuela in a young body.

I had my first reading with Kendall at Light House Spiritual Center and it was nothing shy of mind…read moreblowing! I walked into the session very nervous. I had no idea what to expect, and she quickly reassured me that my reaction was very common and offered advice to help me feel at ease. I curled up in a comfy blanket with tissues in hand as I prepared for the messages to arrive... I instantly was able to receive heart felt communication from my loved ones that had passed over. It brought tears to my eyes! It was so descriptive and so authentic. She was spot on about the craziest details! Along the way, I was addressed by my angels and spirit guides who provided insight into my life's work. Such a gift! Luckily for me, she suggested that I record the session so that I could listen over and over as well as share information with those in my life that were also given messages! If you've never had a reading, you should! And Kendall is the medium for you. It's the warmest, soulful experience! I had no idea what to expect, but it was perfection! I know that this session will be my first of many as I seek guidance and answered questions about my life!

Words cannot express how amazing Kendall is! I have had the pleasure of receiving readings from her…read moreas well as took part in her Integral Soul Healing program. Both were life changing and very healing! She has such a way of delivering messages that is very calming and encouraging as well as crazy accurate. The things that she told me would happen that actually happened are too numerous to count! I would highly recommend the Integral Soul Healing because it is far from traditional cookie cutter therapy. She customizes the session based on your needs and what is going on in your life and no two visits are the same. Even though it wasn't always easy, it was always beneficial for me and I left with insights and tools that will help me for the rest of my life. I love that she genuinely cares about your journey and has such a gift for knowing how best to help you. I know that I am forever changed because of her and am so grateful that I found her! She isn't just a medium, she is a soul healer!

The Meditation Room offers a wide variety of classes and special events full of positive energy and…read moreeducation. This place is very near and dear to my heart and has a wonderful community feel.

I attended a mini meditation retreat with Fannie. It was a great experience, her energy was great…read more It was my first visit. I'll definitely be back.

Total bliss -- every single time. I first discovered them after an incredible 80-minute massage at…read moretheir Oakhurst location, and I've since been back many times to both their Dilworth and Oakhurst spots. I truly love them both. The moment you walk in, everything feels calm, grounded, and completely zen. Over the past year, I've seen several different massage therapists -- not because I didn't love any of them, but because I genuinely wanted to experience them all. Every single one was wonderful. But after happily "researching," I've officially settled on my absolute favorite... Samantha! Now I book with Samantha every time for the most heavenly 80-minute massage, followed by 30 perfectly peaceful minutes in their sauna. It's become my little monthly ritual, and I look forward to it every visit. The pressure, the ambiance, the warmth -- it's always just right. Already counting down to my next appointment.

Love this monthly ritual I've started! You check-in and choose your fragrance. They have a small…read moreretail space with candles of their fragrances and magnesium sprays, etc. My massage therapist asked how I was doing/feeling and anything to target or to not mess with. I thoroughly enjoy my massage every month . The staff are friendly, the decor and music are all so relaxing. Highly recommend!

Awesome amazing job Chan did she made me feel Comfortable with her detailed work and Conversation…read morebout my readings ! I'll recommend

Her 1 on 1 yoga sessions are the best I've ever had. She ensures that I was properly doing each…read morepose and that I was getting the maximum out of the class. This is the perfect place if you are looking for intimate classes. I also recommended signing up for her stretch class and dark feminine movement class! You won't regret it!