About Celestial Retreats

Our History

Celestial Retreats was founded in 2018 by Dr. Evelyn Reed, a passionate astrophysicist and long-time resident of Sedona, Arizona. Driven by a lifelong fascination with the cosmos and a desire to share the unparalleled beauty of the night sky in the region, Dr. Reed envisioned a unique hospitality experience that combined luxurious accommodations with exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Sedona, renowned for its dark skies and stunning landscapes, provided the ideal backdrop for this venture. Recognizing the growing demand for experiential travel and the increasing interest in astronomy, Dr. Reed embarked on a mission to create a collection of retreats that would not only offer comfort and relaxation but also foster a deeper connection with the universe.

The initial concept was simple: to curate a selection of properties in and around Sedona that boasted optimal viewing conditions for celestial observation. This meant prioritizing locations away from city lights, ensuring minimal light pollution, and providing guests with access to high-quality telescopes and knowledgeable guides.

The first Celestial Retreat, the Sedona Sky Lodge, opened its doors in late 2018 and quickly gained popularity among astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its unique blend of luxury, comfort, and unparalleled stargazing experiences set the standard for future Celestial Retreats. The lodge featured a state-of-the-art observatory, guided tours led by local astronomers, and comfortable accommodations designed to maximize relaxation and enjoyment.

Following the success of the Sedona Sky Lodge, Celestial Retreats expanded its portfolio to include the Canyon View Villa and the Stargazer Dome, each offering a distinct celestial experience. The Canyon View Villa, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop observation deck, provided breathtaking panoramic views of the Milky Way. The Stargazer Dome, a unique geodesic structure, offered an immersive stargazing experience unlike any other.

Today, Celestial Retreats continues to grow and evolve, always striving to enhance the guest experience and promote sustainable tourism practices. Our commitment to preserving the dark skies of Sedona and supporting the local community remains at the heart of our mission.

Our Values

At Celestial Retreats, we are guided by a set of core values that shape our business practices and define our commitment to our guests, our community, and the environment.

• Excellence: We strive for excellence in every aspect of our business, from the quality of our accommodations to the level of service we provide. We are committed to exceeding our guests' expectations and creating unforgettable experiences.
• Passion: We are passionate about astronomy, nature, and the power of travel to inspire and transform. We share our enthusiasm with our guests and create opportunities for them to connect with the cosmos in meaningful ways.
• Sustainability: We are committed to sustainable tourism practices that minimize our impact on the environment and support the local community. We carefully select locations that prioritize dark sky preservation and work with local partners to promote responsible tourism.
• Integrity: We operate with integrity and transparency in all our dealings. We are honest, ethical, and committed to building trust with our guests, our employees, and our partners.
• Innovation: We embrace innovation and creativity in our approach to hospitality. We are constantly seeking new ways to enhance the guest experience and offer unique and memorable celestial adventures.

These values are not just words on a page; they are the foundation of our company culture and the driving force behind our success.

Our Team

Celestial Retreats is proud to have a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about astronomy, hospitality, and providing exceptional experiences for our guests.

Dr. Evelyn Reed, Founder & CEO: With a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Caltech and over 20 years of experience in astronomy research, Dr. Reed brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Celestial Retreats. Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in creating the unique and unforgettable experiences that our guests have come to expect.

Maria Gonzalez, Operations Manager: Maria oversees the day-to-day operations of Celestial Retreats, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. With her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, she ensures that our guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Ben Chen, Lead Astronomer: Ben is a highly experienced astronomer and educator who leads our guided stargazing tours and educational programs. His expertise and enthusiasm make learning about the cosmos fun and engaging for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Sarah Johnson, Guest Services Coordinator: Sarah is the friendly and helpful point of contact for our guests, assisting with reservations, inquiries, and any special requests. Her commitment to providing exceptional customer service ensures that every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for.

Our Culture

At Celestial Retreats, we foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment where every team member is valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.

We believe in open communication, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence. We encourage creativity, innovation, and a continuous learning mindset. We celebrate our successes and learn from our challenges.

We also believe in giving back to the community and supporting organizations that are working to preserve the dark skies of Sedona and promote sustainable tourism. We regularly participate in volunteer events and donate a portion of our profits to local charities.

Our company culture is one of the reasons why Celestial Retreats is such a special place to work and visit. We are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our guests and creating a positive impact on the world.

Celestial Retreats: Employee Statistics

Category	Details
Total Employees	25
Average Employee Tenure	3.5 years
Percentage of Employees from Sedona	70%
Volunteer Hours per Year	200+
Employee Satisfaction Rate	92%