Today we’d like to introduce you to Merin.
Hi Merin , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sky Retreat began with a dream.
In 2015, Merin and Dima Sazinas were living in Charlotte, working full-time teaching ballroom dance and meditation. On weekends, they would escape to the mountains, finding joy and renewal in the beauty of nature. Their passion for outdoor adventure and their love for life’s special moments inspired them — and they quickly realized they weren’t alone. So many others from the city also longed for that breath of fresh mountain air.
In addition to their devotion to the art of ballroom dance, Merin and Dima embraced outdoor adventures like paragliding, soaring high above the Blue Ridge Mountains. One day, by pure serendipity, they discovered a stunning piece of land directly off the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway — a property with breathtaking panoramic views.
It didn’t happen overnight — it took hard work, determination, and many mini-adventures along the way — but they finally secured their dream parcel. At first, they commuted weekly from the city, spending every spare moment hiking, flying, dancing, and sharing this magical spot with friends and family.
As the community grew, so did the dream.
From a simple sketch of a ballroom on a napkin, to a chance meeting with a wedding planner who fell in love with the view, Sky Retreat blossomed. Fourteen cozy cabins were built for guests, followed by a spectacular 6,500-square-foot Grand Event Hall — designed to bring families together and turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
And truly, what moment is more extraordinary than saying “I do” against one of the most breathtaking backdrops Nature can offer?
Today, Sky Retreat is proud to be a premier destination wedding venue, where couples and their families come to celebrate love, connection, and new beginnings — all surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
While we’ve grown, our heart remains the same:
To create a place where life is meant to be enjoyed.
To bring families together for life’s most special milestones.
To offer an oasis where souls can recharge and memories can be made under a star-studded sky.
We can’t wait to welcome all our guests to Sky Retreat — and to be a part of your story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A small family owned business – Creating a venue from nothing with no prior experience in the industry
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
About Sky Retreat:
Sky Retreat – The wedding venue with a spectacular view! Sky Retreat is a premier wedding and vacation venue located just one mile off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Sky Retreat offers something for everyone to enjoy. Stay in one of the 14 log cabins, hike the famous Mountains to Sea Trail to the nearby Cascade Waterfall, enjoy a tubing/kayaking trip, visit the local petting farm, or relax after a busy day outdoors with an onsite massage or yoga class. In a dark sky zone, it is perfect for stargazing or enjoying roasting s’mores by a bonfire. Sky Retreat is the perfect place to celebrate your most special moments!
The Sky Retreat Wedding Venue features an over 6,500sqft. Grand Event Hall, expansive covered veranda, beautiful stone paver ceremony pad, and wedding green with a spectacular long range mountain view.
Sky Retreat offers something for everyone to enjoy, bringing families together to create memories of a lifetime…every day.
Pricing:
- The Sky Retreat wedding and event venue hosts, full sized weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements. It has an option for all types of budgets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theskyretreat.com
- Instagram: @skyretreat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyretreat
