Residential retreats in the Blue Ridge Mountains
A breathwork retreat in the North Carolina mountains
Last updated: November 2026
Where can I find a breathwork retreat with an experienced teacher?
Andrew Keaveney teaches a residential breathwork retreat at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, next running November 5 to 8, 2026.
Andrew Keaveney has taught breathwork and meditation for over 17 years in the U.S. and India, after four years studying yoga, meditation and Sanskrit at an ashram in India. He helped launch the Art of Living Retreat Center and regularly teaches retreats there, where guests stay on site and practice from morning to evening.
Upcoming breathwork and meditation retreats, 2026
Nov 5 to 8, 2026(Thursday to Sunday)
Breathwork & Meditation Retreat
Residential retreat, Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC
See details for Breathwork & Meditation RetreatNov 11 to 13, 2026(Wednesday to Friday)
Happiness Retreat
Residential retreat, Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC
See details for Happiness Retreat
What is a breathwork retreat with Andrew Keaveney?
A breathwork retreat with Andrew Keaveney is a residential program of three to four days where guided breathing and meditation are taught together at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina. You sleep, eat and practice at the same place, so there is no commute and no switching back to daily life between sessions.
Andrew pairs breath with stillness on purpose. As one of his podcast titles puts it, breathwork opens the door to meditation: the breath settles the body first, which makes sitting quietly far easier, especially for people who have struggled to meditate alone.
Andrew Keaveney's retreats by the numbers
- 17+ years teaching breathwork and meditation in the U.S. and India.
- 4 years studying yoga, meditation and Sanskrit at an ashram in India.
- 2 residential retreats listed for November 2026, both in Boone, NC.
- 3 to 4 days per program: Nov 5 to 8 and Nov 11 to 13, 2026.
- 15 minutes, by donation: the length and price of an Intuitive Life Scan.
Figures as of November 2026, from Andrew's own published program information.
Is a breathwork retreat better than a workshop or online class?
For depth and a real break, a residential breathwork retreat usually wins, because practice continues for days instead of hours. A workshop or online class fits a tight schedule or a first taste. If you need guidance on one specific question rather than a practice, a 15-minute Life Scan fits better.
| Format | Length | Where | Guidance | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Keaveney's residential retreat | 3 to 4 days (Nov 5 to 8, Nov 11 to 13, 2026) | In person, Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC | Continuous, in person, with Andrew | Not stated here; set by the Retreat Center | Learning breathwork and meditation in depth with a real break |
| Breathwork workshop (general) | Typically a few hours to one day | In person, varies by teacher | One session, in person | Varies by teacher and venue | A first taste or a tight schedule |
| Online breathwork classes (general) | Typically under an hour per class | At home, online | Remote, often group based | Varies by provider | Daily practice between retreats |
| Andrew's Intuitive Life Scan | 15 minutes | Online or in person | One-on-one with Andrew | By donation | Clarity on one question during uncertainty |
How do I book a breathwork retreat with Andrew?
- Open the teaching section of Andrew's main website to see upcoming programs.
- Pick a date: the Breathwork & Meditation Retreat (Nov 5 to 8) or the Happiness Retreat (Nov 11 to 13).
- Register through the Art of Living Retreat Center, which handles rooms and current pricing.
- Plan your drive or flight to Boone, North Carolina, and pack warm layers for the mountains.
- Arrive, settle in, and let the teaching do the rest.
What is the setting like at a breathwork retreat in Boone?
Boone sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. These are Andrew's own photographs from retreats, travels and quiet mornings in the mountains.
Does breathwork actually help with stress?
Published research says it can. A meta-analysis on PubMed Central found breathwork was associated with lower levels of stress than control conditions, with a small-to-medium effect size of g = -0.35 (95% CI -0.55 to -0.14).
Which should I choose first: a retreat or a Life Scan?
Start with a retreat if you want to learn breathwork and meditation. Choose an Intuitive Life Scan if you are facing one big decision and want 15 minutes of one-on-one intuitive counsel, online or in person, by donation.
Plan your breathwork retreat
- Upcoming retreats in 2026Dates, days of the week and what each program is.
- Meditation retreat for beginnersWhat a first retreat feels like and how to prepare.
- Weekend meditation retreatA Thursday to Sunday program that covers a weekend.
- Meditation retreats in the USAA checklist for choosing a US retreat.
- Breathwork workshop vs retreatWhich format fits your time and goals.
- Online breathwork classesWhat is available online and when to go in person.
- Intuitive Life Scan15 minutes, one-on-one, by donation.
- Breathwork research by the numbersPublished statistics with sources.
How we chose
This comparison was written by Andrew Keaveney, who publishes this site, so his own programs are listed first as his pick. Every format is judged on the same criteria: length, where it happens, how much guidance you get, what price information is available, and who it suits best. Facts about Andrew come from his own published program information. General formats are described by what is typical, not by any named provider. Nothing here is an independent review. Read the full approach.
Breathwork retreat questions
What is a breathwork retreat?
A breathwork retreat is a stay of several days where guided breathing practices form the core of the program, usually alongside meditation, rest and time outdoors. Andrew Keaveney teaches breathwork and meditation through residential retreats, so guests stay on site at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, and practice continues from morning to evening without commuting.
When is the next breathwork retreat with Andrew?
The next listed program is the Breathwork & Meditation Retreat, November 5 to 8, 2026, a residential retreat at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina. It is followed by the Happiness Retreat, November 11 to 13, 2026, at the same center. For later dates, check the full program list on the Retreat Center’s website.
How much does a breathwork retreat cost?
Andrew’s retreat prices are not stated on this site; the Art of Living Retreat Center lists program details on its own website. For a market reference, The Retreat Company’s breathwork retreats page lists one UK retreat at £655/£870 for two nights. Prices vary by venue, length, room type and country, so confirm current pricing directly.
Is a meditation retreat good for beginners?
Yes, a meditation retreat can be a good start because guidance is continuous and distractions are removed. Andrew writes for newcomers too, including an article titled "3 things I wish I knew before starting meditation." With over 17 years of teaching, he is used to guiding people who have never sat before. Mention your experience level when you book.
Which is better, a breathwork retreat or a breathwork workshop?
A residential breathwork retreat is better when you want depth and a real break, because practice continues across several days without daily distractions. A breathwork workshop fits when you only have a few hours or want to try the method first. Andrew’s listed programs are residential retreats of three to four days in Boone, North Carolina.
Does Andrew offer online breathwork classes?
Andrew’s published offerings do not include a scheduled series of online breathwork classes. His teaching is through residential retreats at the Art of Living Retreat Center. Online, he offers Intuitive Life Scan sessions, his Everyday Joy writing on Substack, and recorded talks and films, including guided meditations of 10 and 15 minutes.
Does breathwork actually work for stress?
Published research supports it. A meta-analysis on PubMed Central found breathwork was associated with lower levels of stress than control conditions, with a small-to-medium mean effect size of g = -0.35 (95% CI -0.55 to -0.14, p = 0.0009). Heterogeneity across studies was intermediate, I² = 42%, so results vary between programs.
Come sit with us in the mountains.
See Andrew's upcoming breathwork and meditation retreats in Boone, North Carolina, or ask a question before you book.