Merin and Dimitirjus Sazinas share a love of the outdoors. That, combined with a desire to provide an oasis where people can come together to enjoy special moments and create lifelong memories, led to the birth of Sky Retreat in Purlear, NC. Today, Sky Retreat has grown to be a premier destination wedding venue where couples begin their forever and write their love stories against a breathtaking backdrop.
In 2015, while living in Charlotte and teaching ballroom dance and meditation full-time, the couple found themselves escaping to the Blue Ridge Mountains every weekend to recharge.
“When we discovered this breathtaking property just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, it immediately felt special,” Merin said. “The panoramic mountain views, fresh air, and peaceful atmosphere inspired us to create a place where people could celebrate life’s most important moments surrounded by natural beauty. From the moment guests arrive, we want them to feel like they can exhale. Our goal has always been to create an experience that feels immersive, welcoming, and restorative — a place where families and friends can connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories together.”
Here, she talks more about the property, the vision behind it, and who Sky Retreat is perfect for.
How did the surrounding North Carolina landscape influence the design and atmosphere of the venue?
The Blue Ridge Mountains influenced every aspect of Sky Retreat’s design and atmosphere. From the beginning, we wanted the landscape itself to remain the centerpiece of the experience.
The Grand Event Hall was designed with a wall of windows that showcase the long-range mountain views, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. The covered veranda, waterfall garden, outdoor wedding ceremony spaces, and log cabins were all thoughtfully integrated into the landscape to encourage guests to fully experience the beauty around them.
Beyond the physical design, the mountains also shaped the venue’s atmosphere. Whether guests are stargazing in the dark sky zone, enjoying a bonfire with family, hiking to nearby waterfalls, or simply enjoying the mountain view, the environment creates a sense of nature’s beauty that becomes part of every celebration.
How do you think Sky Retreat speaks to what clients and prospective clients are looking for right now?
We believe today’s couples are looking for experiences that feel unique, intentional, and beautiful—not just for one day, but memorable for the entire wedding experience.
Sky Retreat offers a destination-style experience for both intimate and large events where guests can truly spend quality time together. With a 6500 sq. ft. Grand Event Hall, multiple ceremony location options, fourteen onsite log cabins, fun outdoor activities, a charming nearby petting farm, and wellness-inspired experiences like yoga and massage available, couples can create a celebration that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
We also think many people are craving spaces that combine elegance with connection to nature. Sky Retreat offers refined event spaces and amenities while still feeling peaceful, grounded, and welcoming. It allows couples and guests to celebrate in their own unique way.
What are some of the details about Sky Retreat that you think clients are most drawn to?
The breathtaking panoramic mountain views are always the first thing people fall in love with. Being surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and just one mile off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, creates such an unforgettable backdrop for weddings and celebrations.
Clients are also drawn to the fact that Sky Retreat is more than just a venue — it’s a full retreat experience. The fourteen onsite log cabins allow guests to stay together throughout the weekend, creating meaningful moments beyond the wedding day itself.
The Grand Event Hall is another standout feature. Couples love the combination of vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, expansive dance floor, large covered veranda with fireplace, and the dramatic wall of windows overlooking the mountains. The indoor and outdoor ceremony options also give couples flexibility while allowing nature to remain part of the experience.
Beyond the venue itself, many guests love the atmosphere and activities available onsite — from hiking trails and waterfall adventures to bonfires, stargazing, yoga, and simply enjoying quiet moments in the mountains.
As owners, what does hospitality personally mean to you?
To us, hospitality means creating an environment where people feel genuinely welcomed, cared for, and able to fully enjoy the moment. It’s not just about providing a beautiful setting — it’s about creating experiences that feel personal and meaningful.
Because Sky Retreat grew from our own passion for connection, celebration, and nature, the whole Sky Retreat team approaches hospitality with a lot of heart. We understand how important these milestones are for couples and families, and we want guests to feel that care woven throughout every part of their experience.
When people leave Sky Retreat, we hope they take more than photographs with them. We hope they leave feeling inspired and deeply connected to the people they shared the experience with. If guests leave feeling like they truly had a chance to reconnect, have fun, and create unforgettable memories together, then we’ve achieved what we set out to create.
How do you balance elevated luxury with creating a space that still feels warm and personal?
For us, luxury is about creating an exceptional experience while still making people feel comfortable and at home. We wanted Sky Retreat to feel refined and elegant without ever feeling overly formal or disconnected from nature.
The venue blends elevated design elements — like crystal chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, expansive event spaces, and beautifully designed ceremony areas — with the warmth and intimacy of a mountain retreat. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated wedding celebration while also gathering around a bonfire, roasting s’mores, hiking scenic trails, or relaxing on a cabin porch overlooking the mountains.
That balance between elegance, comfort, and authenticity is incredibly important to us. We want every guest to feel both inspired and completely at ease while they’re here.
What makes this part of North Carolina such a special destination for people?
The Blue Ridge Mountains have a unique ability to help people recharge, reconnect, and appreciate the beauty around them. There’s a peacefulness here that feels restorative the moment you arrive. Especially visitors who come to Sky Retreat from nearby larger cities marvel at the spectacular long-range views the retreat offers and how revitalized they feel when they leave.
Being located just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway gives guests access to incredible mountain vistas, hiking trails, waterfalls, outdoor adventures, and charming mountain towns. Every season brings its own beauty — from lush green summers to vibrant fall colors and crisp evenings beneath star-filled skies.
What makes this area especially special for weddings and celebrations is the sense of escape it provides. Guests are able to step away from the pace of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying beautiful accommodations, meaningful experiences, and quality time with their loved ones.
For more information visit theskyretreat.com or follow them at @skyretreat on Instagram.
