“Starry Skies Ahead: A New Astro Tourism Haven Set to Illuminate San Luis Valley”

While some aspire to launch rocketships toward the stars, an entrepreneur in Southern Colorado has a grounded vision to connect with the cosmos – by merging stargazing with accommodation.

The inaugural guest villa intended for astrotourism, constructed from hempcrete—a lightweight substance derived from the inner core of the hemp plant combined with building materials—is approaching completion at the Kosmos Resort in the San Luis Valley, situated close to Great Sand Dunes National Park. This telescope-equipped lodging is the innovative idea of former Miami businessman Gamal Jadue Zalaquett, now based in Alamosa County.

“It’s designed to provide an extraterrestrial experience from the outset. You’re entering the cosmos. You’re stepping into the universe,” he expressed. “The ultimate experience, once everything is finalized by 2027, will be akin to the Disney World of astronomy.”

Located in a region that may transform into a proposed Dark Sky Reserve in Southern Colorado, it indicates a commitment from local communities to shield the night sky from artificial light, enhancing stargazing visibility. Great Sand Dunes is already an acknowledged Dark Sky Park, while other designated Dark Sky locations, such as Silver Cliff and Westcliffe, are benefiting from astrotourism as well.

Kosmos Resort

Jadue Zalaquett mentioned that Kosmos Resort will stand apart.

“We won’t merely have an astronomy instructor,” he responded when queried about whether guests would receive assistance with the telescopes. “I’m assembling a team of astronomers.”

The blueprint includes 20 accommodations featuring glass domes, hot tubs, and outdoor areas designed for stargazing, along with other facilities, including a central planetarium housing the most significant non-military telescope in the state, as noted by Jadue Zalaquett.

He believes that the San Luis Valley can develop into a niche market that can sustain the starting rate of $700 per night for a room at Kosmos Resort.

Over 1,600 individuals aided Jadue Zalaquett in gathering nearly $2 million to initiate the project through crowdfunding by pre-selling reservations at a reduced cost. Most funding originated from the United States, although a few contributors came from as far away as Singapore and Australia, as per the information provided by the Kosmos team. Jadue Zalaquett estimates that the total cost to construct the entire project exceeds $13 million.

The remote location, situated near Mosca, features flat terrain with unobstructed views of the sky, complemented by the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the San Juan range to the west. Jadue Zalaquett envisions a luxurious all-inclusive retreat, complete with a spa and additional amenities on this arid landscape scattered with scrubby flora.

Kosmos Resort

According to him, a portion of his mission is to foster community and enhance local economic prospects, including the creation of jobs and educational opportunities.

“I am very receptive to hiring individuals who require a second chance,” he stated. “Decent people whom the system may not have facilitated a second opportunity for. Perhaps someone with a felony or an individual experiencing homelessness.”

He plans to conduct workshops on hempcrete construction and aims to collaborate with Adams State University in Alamosa to expand its astronomy curriculum.

Additionally, he envisions attracting outside talent, such as chefs and astronomy professionals, and eventually providing on-site staff accommodations.

He anticipates welcoming the first guests this winter and aims for the entire project to be completed by 2027.