Kosmos Stargazing Resort began five years ago during a personal journey of self-discovery by founder and CEO Gamal Jadue Zalaquett. While traveling through Colorado’s San Luis Valley, Zalaquett found himself standing beneath some of the darkest, clearest skies in North America. In that moment of silence and vastness, he felt called to step away from the fast-paced business world and create something more meaningful.
Inspired by the Valley’s Bortle Class 2 skies and its proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park, he envisioned a place where astronomy, wellness and sustainable design could coexist in harmony. He invested his personal savings into 40 acres of land and launched a crowdfunding campaign that resonated globally, raising nearly $2 million and becoming one of Indiegogo’s most successful travel campaigns.
To ensure the resort aligned with his environmental values, Zalaquett founded Naturalia LLC to build Kosmos using hempcrete—a low-carbon, non-toxic, breathable material, paired with solar energy. Drawing on five generations of hospitality heritage, Kosmos was created as a space for guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, loved ones and themselves—all beneath the stars.
One-of-a-Kind Magic
Described as “healing, unique, and magical” by Kosmos Resort Marketing Manager Laura Rios, Kosmos is one of very few resorts in North America designed entirely around the night sky. From its architecture and lighting to its location and guest experience, everything is engineered to enhance stargazing.
With sky guides and an astronomer at your fingertips, Kosmos is also the largest hempcrete commercial project in the United States, making it a rare intersection of luxury hospitality, astronomy, and regenerative construction.
“Guests aren’t just visiting a dark-sky destination; they are staying inside healthy, breathable villas built in true partnership with the land,” Rios explains.
Influences at Play
The resort is in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, just 15 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park, surrounded by protected public lands and a 700-acre conservation easement that guarantees unobstructed views and minimal light pollution.
The architecture blends modern, futuristic design with deep respect for nature and astronomy while prioritizing sky visibility, privacy and comfort.
Each villa consists of three distinct spaces:
- A central dome featuring a living area and full kitchen, with a transparent section that allows uninterrupted views of the night sky
- A private bedroom equipped with a Celestron Origin smart telescope
- A transparent stargazing spa dome with a jacuzzi
Interiors are intentionally minimal and warm, allowing the stars, not distractions, to take center stage.
The Experience
By day, Kosmos feels “expansive, serene, and grounded, framed by mountain views, silence, and vast open skies,” Rios shares. By night, the atmosphere transforms completely. Artificial light disappears and red lighting gently guides movement, allowing the stars to dominate. The transition is dramatic, grounding, and often emotional for first-time visitors.
At Kosmos, every guest becomes a stargazer with signature experiences that include:
- Private stargazing decks with zero-gravity chairs, heaters, and red-light illumination
- In-villa libraries with curated astronomy books
- Professional telescopes and binoculars in every villa
- A private clear dome jacuzzi designed for soaking under the Milky Way
The experience is both educational and deeply personal, turning astronomy into a nightly ritual.
“People want to come and be guided,” Zalaquett says.
“Guests are guided toward meaningful, low-impact experiences — from Great Sand Dunes night hikes and wildlife viewing to hot springs, wetlands, and cultural visits in Alamosa. Kosmos acts as a gateway, not a bubble,” Rios highlights.
Expansion and Flow
Interested in being part of something more?
“We want to establish a community,” Zalaquett says. The resort offers a unique ambassador program to those who want to share the starlight experience. Kosmos also actively partners with local businesses, guides and restaurants while prioritizing regional employment.
When is the best time to visit this extraordinary resort?
“Each season offers something unique, but late spring through early fall is especially magical due to clear skies, Milky Way visibility and comfortable nighttime temperatures. Winter, however, offers incredibly crisp skies and profound stillness for those seeking solitude,” Rios says.
The Future of Stargazing
From the standard and private two-hour stargazing experiences, beautiful villas, events and workshops, Kosmos has more in store for their guests. The resort is currently in the final stages of Dark Sky Certification and in 2026, Kosmos will open a Stargazing Park featuring a remote observatory, daytime nature playground, and nighttime event space for talks and celestial celebrations. An onsite wellness center and spa is currently being developed and will offer many services for a holistic wellness experience.
In 2027, plans include a stargazing center and planetarium. In parallel, Kosmos will introduce its on-site restaurant concept, focused on thoughtfully sourced, seasonal cuisine, along with a RAW store offering pre-measured, high-quality ingredients that allow guests to easily cook in their villas. Finally, Kosmos has county approval to expand with up to 18 hotel rooms, allowing the experience to become more accessible, while preserving dark-sky integrity.
“Kosmos stands as both a destination and a movement, inviting guests to remember their place in the universe,” Rios says.
This is your star sign. Pack your bags. Open your heart, eyes and mind. Adventure awaits.
Address + Phone: 5290 N 113 County Road, Mosca | 719-496-0180
Website: https://www.kosmosresort.com
Facebook + Instagram: @KosmosResort