Meet the Visionary Mind + Owner Behind ‘Kosmos Resort’

a Star Gazing Luxury Spa Retreat in Colorado

Hi Gamal! Can you introduce yourself and how you became the Founder of Kosmos Resort?

I’m a seasoned software executive with eight years of experience in software startups and a 17 year background in real estate. Beyond my professional journey, I have a rich background in family hospitality and a deep passion for travel.

Over the years, I’ve explored more than 35 countries and stayed in over 150 hotels and resorts. This extensive travel experience has not only shaped my perspective but also fuels my commitment to creating exceptional experiences for others.

The vision for Kosmos Resort and my passion for astronomy began as a child and was sparked again during a soul-searching trip to Colorado in 2020. Fueled by my personal quest for a place to rest from the stresses of modern life, I found solace in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.

What area in Colorado is Kosmos Resort located?  Why was this area chosen?

Kosmos is centrally located in Colorado’s San Luis Valley—just 22 minutes from Alamosa and its airport, 3.5 hours from Denver or Albuquerque, 15 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves with very few lodging options nearby.

At an altitude of 8,000 feet with no light pollution, high elevation, and over 280 sunny days each year with clear skies, this location is ideal for stargazing.

Can you describe the Star Gazing Villas at the resort? Will there be access to Telescopes on the property?

In each villa, guests will find two user-friendly telescopes and an observatory deck, perfect for stargazing. The common areas—kitchen, living room, bar, loft, and meditation space—are all situated within a transparent polycarbonate dome, offering a unique and open experience. Additionally, each villa is equipped with a patio, a fire pit for cozy gatherings, and a solar-powered golf cart to facilitate easy travel around the car-free property. 

What Amenities will there be at the resort? What is the Kosmos Planetarium Experience?

Amenities included at the resort include a stargazing and learning center, a wellness center and spa, gym, tennis courts, and an international Mediterranean restaurant. The Kosmos Planetarium experience will begin in 2027 and includes daily access to the Kosmos Stargazing Center. This world-class center will include a one-meter telescope (Bortle Class 2), state-of-the-art planetarium, observatories, and an interactive learning museum. We will also provide learning classes with astronomers and telescope/astrophotography lessons.

What role does sustainability play in your resort?

At our company, we are deeply committed to environmental preservation. We’ve integrated several sustainable practices into our operations, such as harnessing solar power, conserving water, and implementing responsible waste management strategies like compostable cutlery. We will also be using hempcrete in our builds. Our goal is to ensure that guests can enjoy their stay with us while feeling confident that they are contributing to eco-friendly practices.

Kosmos is designed to be a comprehensive platform that empowers individuals to realign with themselves and reconnect with nature and their significant others. Our goal is to offer a space where people can step away from their daily stresses and engage in meaningful activities such as stargazing, yoga, breath work, and meditation. By providing these tools, we aim to facilitate deeper connections with oneself, loved ones, and the natural world, helping users to create lasting and memorable experiences. Kids + Pets welcome.

What can folks expect for pricing? When will Kosmos Resort be fully open with full access to all Amenities? 

Our guests will have the opportunity to stay in one of our 20 luxurious villas, with rates ranging from $700 to $1,000 per night, all-inclusive at our current 50% discount early booking offering. Although we anticipate welcoming our first guests in early 2025, we’ve already filled reservations for our first year.

We are still booking for 2026-2027.

What challenges have you faced along your journey?

In 2021, we faced the intricate task of land acquisition and a particularly demanding permitting process. The following year, 2022, was a pivotal time as we finally secured the permits and began building crucial infrastructure, such as the road and well.

In 2023, we tackled the complexities of design, material selection, and establishing vendor partnerships. Now, as we enter the first quarter of 2024, we’re excited to overcome the next challenge—starting the construction of our first villas, which will set the stage for Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa.

When can people start booking their stay?

General public early discounted bookings are going on now at:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kosmos-luxury-resort-astronomer-led-stargazing/x/37964496#/.

Starting late September, we will accept booking through our website:

https://www.kosmosresort.com/

Website + Social Media for Kosmos Resort?

You can follow us on Instagram @Kosmosresort

For  more detailed information about us on our website at https://www.kosmosresort.com/

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