A new stargazing resort will come to Colorado, offering luxurious accommodations 15 minutes away from the Great Sand Dunes. Developer Gamal Jadue Zalaquett, inspired by San Luis Valley, initiated the construction of Kosmos Stargazing Resort just outside Alamosa, Colorado. With an estimated project cost of $15 million, this celestial-themed resort broke ground on April 8.
Situated near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Kosmos aims to offer a stargazing experience through its 22 glass-domed villas, each featuring a stargazing spa, constellation dome, and private observatory. With nightly rates ranging from $700 to $1,200, the resort brings exclusivity and privacy.
According to an Alamosa report, the development follows an uptick in special use permit applications related to campgrounds in Alamosa County, from three in 2015 to 11 from 2022 to March 2023, as reported by Richard Hubler, the county’s land use and building director.
As construction progresses, with the septic system groundwork already underway, the Kosmos project is slightly ahead of schedule. The initial phase of villa construction is set to commence.
Concerns and Regulatory Response
While overall tourism spending in Alamosa County appears positive, with visitor spending rising in 2022 and hotel rates reaching record highs, some businesses like Rustic Rook Resort expressed concerns about the rapid pace of development and the potential for market saturation.
Owner Annette Ostrander-Fenske acknowledges the positive economic indicators but points out that visitor numbers to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, a major attraction for the area, have fluctuated since the peak in 2021. The numbers dropped to 493,428 in 2022 before slightly rising to 512,029 in 2023. She worries that the influx of new campgrounds and glampgrounds might lead to oversaturation.
Her primary concern lies with the rate at which the county approved new tourism facilities. She believes that the approval process happened too quickly, without adequate consideration of the potential impact on existing businesses and the overall balance of the tourism ecosystem. Ostrander-Fenske uses the analogy of multiple large grocery stores opening simultaneously without considering each other’s plans, highlighting the potential risks of such rapid and unplanned growth.
Additionally, the close proximity of Kosmos Stargazing Resort to Rustic Rook raises concerns about potential conflicts in guest experiences. Activities like weddings or events with music at Rustic Rook could disrupt the peaceful stargazing experience sought by guests at Kosmos.
Ostrander-Fenske emphasizes the dedication and hard work required to run a successful tourism operation, expressing concern that some newcomers might underestimate the challenges involved. She believes that careful planning and consideration of long-term impacts are crucial for the sustainable development of the tourism industry in Alamosa County.
Concerns about the preparedness and intentions of some prospective developers played a significant role in shaping the county’s regulatory response. As Hubler noted, there was a surge of interest from individuals with limited understanding of the complexities involved in operating a campground or glampground. Many proposed projects lacked essential infrastructure like septic systems and water access, raising concerns about potential negative impacts on the environment and visitor experience.
To address these concerns and promote responsible development, Alamosa County took action by implementing a moratorium on special use permit applications in 2020 and 2021. This pause allowed the county time to review and revise its regulations for tourism-related projects. The updated regulations, introduced in 2022, included stricter requirements for amenities and infrastructure, such as the prohibition of dry camping.
Following the implementation of the new regulations, the county received 11 new special use permit applications, of which 7 were approved. According to Hubler, Kosmos was the last permit granted before the county reinstated the moratorium on special use permits.
Currently, only 2 of the 7 approved facilities are operational. This situation highlights the evolving landscape of tourism development in Alamosa County and the ongoing efforts to balance economic opportunities with responsible land use and sustainable practices.
The development of Kosmos Stargazing Resort provides valuable insights for RV park and campground owners looking to enhance their guest experiences. By integrating unique, high-value amenities, such as glass-domed villas for stargazing, and focusing on niche markets, campground operators can differentiate their offerings and attract a more diverse clientele. This strategy underscores the importance of leveraging local natural attractions and tailoring services to meet the preferences of travelers seeking unique outdoor experiences.
For more information, visit Kosmos Stargazing Resort’s website at visit.kosmosresort.com