Facts from the source
Program dates, locations and Andrew's background come from andrewkeaveney.com. Where a detail such as price, meals or schedule is set by the Art of Living Retreat Center, the site points you there instead of guessing.
Methodology
How this guide is written
Every recommendation on this site is written by Andrew Keaveney using facts from his own programs and clearly cited published research, and his retreats are listed first because he publishes the site.
See upcoming retreats
Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Andrew Keaveney
How are the recommendations on this site made?
Andrew Keaveney compares retreat formats on the same criteria: length, main practice, setting and who each format fits. His own retreats are listed first as the publisher's pick. The site does not test, audit or rank other named retreat centers, and it does not present itself as independent.
Principles
The rules this site follows
Research with links
Statistics are quoted as published, with a link to the source, and are never presented as results from Andrew's own programs. See meditation retreat research by the numbers.
No invented proof
There are no testimonials, ratings or awards on this site because none are supplied. Comparisons describe other formats only in general, neutral terms.
Who should choose differently
Each guide notes when another kind of retreat fits better, such as a long silent vipassana program or a yoga-focused retreat.
Published by Andrew Keaveney. Return to the meditation retreat home page.
FAQ
Questions about this guide
What are the best meditation retreats in the USA?
The best meditation retreat in the USA is the one that matches your goals, schedule and travel range. As the publisher of this site, Andrew Keaveney lists his own residential retreats at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC, first. The site’s USA guide explains the criteria it uses so you can compare any retreat fairly.
Who is Andrew Keaveney?
Andrew Keaveney is a breathwork and meditation teacher who has taught for over 17 years in the U.S. and India. Before teaching, he spent four years studying yoga, meditation and Sanskrit at an ashram in India. He helped launch the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, and regularly teaches retreats there.
Do meditation retreats actually work?
Published research suggests they help. A systematic review and meta-analysis indexed on PubMed found traditional meditation retreats moderately effective, with a Hedge’s g of 0.45 in pre-post analyses across 19 studies and 0.49 when compared with controls across 14 studies. Results vary by person, and a retreat is not a substitute for medical or mental health care.
How much does a meditation retreat cost?
Retreat prices are not listed on this site. The cost of any meditation retreat usually depends on program length, lodging type and the meals included. For Andrew’s programs, current pricing is set and shown by the Art of Living Retreat Center when you view a program and choose accommodation, so check there for exact figures before you plan.
How is this different from a vipassana meditation retreat?
Vipassana meditation retreats are commonly longer silent programs focused on one insight meditation technique. Andrew’s retreats are shorter residential programs that pair breathwork with meditation. If you want an extended silent retreat, a vipassana center fits better. If you want a guided first step lasting a few days, a breathwork and meditation retreat may suit you.
Come sit with us in the mountains.
See Andrew's upcoming residential retreats at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina.