Breathaking Night Sky Tours, Luxury Geodesic Dome Accommodation, Personal Chef Experience, Adventure Across Otherworldly Landscapes + More
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WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
If you think space is absolutely incredible, and you think getting to see the Milky Way would be really cool, this is the workshop for you.
Unlike our other retreats, which focus on teaching very technical photography. This one is for those who just want to enjoy the adventures under the stars without the pressure of learning photography. As a result, we've included lots of other cool elements that may not be possible in our other workshops.
We've scheduled this over a weekend to allow you to take minimal time off work. -
WHERE ARE WE HIKING?
This adventure requires moderate hiking, with no more than 3 miles, through rocky or sandy terrain. We'll be going at a slow pace with lots of breaks.
From the Painted Hills of the Red Desert, through to the petroglyphs and the valley of goblins. You'll get to experience more stars than you ever thought possible.
We'll even fit in some time for boardgames and a bit of pampering too. This workshop is designed to be relaxing and easy going, no specific skils or tools required. -
WHERE ARE THE UTAH BADLANDS?
NEAREST AIRPORT:
SALT LAKE CITY AIRPORT (4hr Drive)
or MOAB AIRPORT (1.5hr Drive)
This place makes you stop mid-step and forget whatever came before. You stand in the stillness, and the world feels older than you can imagine. Shale and stone shaped by time, stars spilling across skies so dark they feel infinite.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✔️Stunning Dark Skies Enjoy a breathtaking star-scape in some of the darkest skies in the USA
✔️Guided Hikes to Secret Locations, Adventure to breathtaking areas to see the best of nature
✔️3 Nights of Accommodation in a stunning geodesic dome with access to toilets and showers!
✔️Cameras Provided: If you'd like to take a photo or two, we've got you!.
✔️Wine Service with every evening meal.
✔️Personal Chef Dining Experience includes brunch & dinner, prepared by a talented personal chef. We can cater meals that fit your specific dietary needs and preferences, just let us know in the application. We've got you covered!
✔️Night Sky Tour & Stargaxing sessions with stories from aincient civilisations the perfect way to connect and experience the cosmos.
✔️ Morning Coffee Service, ready to greet you for the perfect start every day.
✔️Spa water and filtered tap water are available at all times throughout the workshop.
✔️ Pre Workshop Zoom Classes - Meet everyone in advance so you get to start the party early.
NOT INCLUDED
✖️ Airfare or travel to and from the event location
✖️ Travel insurance
✖️ Tips for the staff
✖️ Extra costs you might incur on your own
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
You'll be guided by three incredible people. Jess Santos, Ryan Oswald, and of course, the amazing Ian Lauer
Ian is an incredibly talented deep space photographer, but most of all, he's amazing at making the process of learning simple and easy to master. He's spent many years as a telescope industry insider and received an Astrophysics Degree from Cal Poly Humboldt.
Jess is a lifelong creator who brings the magic of wild places and the night sky to every workshop.
Ryan is an explorer of light and landscapes who helps photographers capture unforgettable moments.
Our whole mission is to help you have the most incredible experience and to show you the stars like never before.
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GEODESIC DOMES
Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Capital Reef area in southern Utah, your dome will provide the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. With their unique design and luxurious amenities, they offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Wake up to stunning views of the surrounding red rock landscape, explore nearby hiking trails, and stargaze under the vast desert sky. -
PERSONAL CHEF
Enjoy mouth watering and decedent meals by our personal chef. They'll able to cater to all your dietary needs, you let us know when you require and we'll make it happen!
From vegan and gluten free, to specific alergies, we've got you!
Both brunch and dinner will be provided. Feel free to explore the local town and enjoy many of the amazing restaurants for lunch.
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ADVENTURE HIKES
Savoir the incredible hand-picked wines and mocktails in our tasting experience and enjoy daily wine service with evening meal. And not to forget, the snack bar is open 24 hours - we've got your snacks covered!
Fresh Fruit, Cookies, Spa Water, Tea and Coffee will be available around the clock whenever you need. We take care of it all so you can focus on having fun.
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DAY 1
Arrival in Hanksville: Official meeting time will be 2PM local time in Hanksville, Utah. We will have a bonus early arrival activity at a historic orchard, starting 11AM local time. If the season allows, we may even pick apples and enjoy fresh pie before settling into our desert domes for the week. (If you can't make it early we will save you some pie!). That evening, we carry a chef-prepared dinner into the heart of the badlands, where twin monoliths rise from the desert floor and the night sky opens above us
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DAY 2
Mountains and Myths: Our second day takes us on a guided back roads adventure high into the remote Henry Mountains. Along the way, we discover ghost towns, learn about the history of the land, and, if fortune smiles on us, catch a glimpse of wild bison. After an early dinner back at the domes, we venture out again, this time to a sweeping overlook where you will feel like you are standing on the edge of the moon. This is where you will have the opportunity to capture your first image of the Milky Way with our provided professional camera gear, no previous experience necessary.
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DAY 3
Riding Through the Red Desert: We head into the painted hills of the red desert, here you truly feel like you are roving on mars. Returning to the domes for a short rest, we then head out with another chef-prepared dinner for a picnic beneath a hidden arch tucked deep within a canyon. We share stories and stargazing before returning to camp for the night.
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DAY 4
Ancient Marks, Final Thoughts: The day begins with sunrise over a solitary desert butte glowing with morning light. After breakfast, we set out on an interpretive hike to see petroglyphs and learn about the first people of this land. As evening falls we wander through the valley of goblins, watching the sunset before one final night under the stars. The evening may even end with a cozy movie showing back at the domes.
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DAY 5
Farwell Feast -We check out of the domes by 10 AM on October 19th, 2026, but not before one last group breakfast in town, complete with another slice of unforgettable pie for the road. The adventure ends here, though the stories and starlight will travel home with you.
SELECTION PROCESS
Since there are only 8 spaces and we typically receive more applications than we can cater for, the application portal will only be open for a few weeks.
If you'd like to come on this incredible adventure, we recommend you fill out the application ASAP. If we can't fit you into this workshop, we'll place you as first pick for future workshops where possible.
We'll organize a quick chat prior to selection to make sure this workshop is right for you and to learn more so we can make this an incredible experience for you both.
You'll get to ask any questions you need before making any commitments. And you can then choose to pay in full or as a deposit with payment plan, after we chat.
ROOMS & PRICING
The Room price includes personal chef cooked brunch & dinner, expert tuition, craft materials, night sky tour, and so much more.
Prices are for the entire workshop (not per day) and payment plans are available, plus significant discounts if you share a room with a friend or partner.
We'll do our best to situate you in the room of your choice. Our recommendation is to select several that would work, which will help us assign rooms you'd like.
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Starlit Geodesic Dome
Queen Bed + Shower and Bathroom Facilities.
Room Capacity: 👤👤
(1 room left)
1 guest - $2,950 per person
2 guests - $2,150 per person (Save $800)
Testimonial
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Lloyd D
TOGETHER UNDER THE STARS 2025
"Cathrin and Ian are delightful hosts who are dedicated to providing a meaningful, engaging, and educational workshop. Their choices surrounding meals, experiences, and interactions with the other couples at the event were exquisite and thoughtful. The attention to every detail culminated in a much needed break from all of the unrelenting craziness of life and a truly memorable journey, where we made new friends for life."
