Stellara Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee, Is Now Open

With their quiet beauty and ethereal morning blue mist, Tennesee’s Great Smoky Mountains have attracted visitors to the area for decades. And now, there’s a new hotel offering one of the most unique stays in the region: Stellara. 

Located in the small town of Sevierville, Tennessee, 30 miles east of Knoxville, Stellara opened in January and is set on 85 sprawling acres in the foothills. The hotel has 10 standalone units: five studio mirror houses and five tree houses. The mirror houses have floor-to-ceiling glass facades that blend seamlessly into their surroundings while allowing guests to enjoy 270–degree views of the great outdoors in complete privacy — as an added bonus, these units also have barrel saunas. The tree houses, on the other hand, feature 25-foot-high decks and soaking tubs stocked with bath salts and soaps. Each accommodation type is outfitted with a kitchenette, fire pit, private deck, a stargazing bed, and a hot tub. There’s also an on-site meditation labyrinth, a hammock garden, and private hiking trails.  

But perhaps the most unique thing about Stellara is its obsession with the stars. Fun in-room amenities include custom zodiac tea blends, journaling notepads, and moon phase-specific diffuser scents.

“Both astronomy and astrology inspire us to reflect on our place in the cosmos, bridging the scientific and the spiritual,” said Meredith Garrett, Stellara CEO and founder, in an exclusive interview with Travel + Leisure. “They remind us that while we are small, life is extraordinary. At Stellara, I wanted to create an experience that captures this feeling — a space where guests can embrace the awe of something much larger than themselves. Whether someone is drawn to the scientific marvels of the universe or the spiritual insights of astrology, Stellara offers an opportunity to explore both.”

The property’s remote location makes it a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking to get acquainted with the Smokies. Sevierville is considered the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and there are ample opportunities to hike, whitewater raft, fish, and ride horses in the area. However, there are plenty of things to do on-site as well, and Stellara’s celestial-inspired concept extends to its experiences. There’s the Astrology Know Thyself package, which includes a natal chart reading (a process where your astrological signs are analyzed) and a “transit report,” which looks into how the position of the stars will affect your life over the next 12 months. If you’re with a partner, you can opt for the Astrology Couples Package, which comes with compatibility and composite reports that detail how each partner influences the other and takes a look at the relationship as a whole.

“Travelers want something transformative — an experience that stays with them long after their trip,” Garrett said.

After adventuring outdoors or venturing inward through astrology, guests can unwind by opting for an in-room massage or by stargazing on their private decks — computerized telescopes are also available for an additional fee. 

“Our goal is to send guests home with a sense of wonder and connection — whether it’s a deeper bond with themselves, their loved ones, nature, or the universe,” Garrett said.

Nightly rates at Stellara start at $499 for a mirror house and $525 for a tree house.