The Story Behind Northstar Zen
A Family That Takes Hospitality Personally
We’re Josh and Sarina, Arizona-based hosts with a vision of creating a home designed for everyone, from the youngest guests to the young at heart.
As parents of small children, we know how quickly a “relaxing” trip can turn into packing up your entire life just to feel comfortable. That experience inspired us to create Northstar Zen—a place where you can simply arrive, settle in, and focus on what truly matters: quality time, a mental reset, and meaningful memories.
Our philosophy is simple: the best stays are defined by the small details—the ones you may never notice unless they’re missing. Every element of the home has been thoughtfully considered to make your experience feel seamless, comfortable, and elevated.
To us, hospitality goes beyond offering a beautiful space. It means creating a home that works for you—and holding ourselves to a high standard of care, integrity, and communication every step of the way.
We personally manage and oversee the home to ensure it’s consistently maintained and exactly as described. From clear, responsive communication to a smooth check-in experience, our goal is for you to feel confident and taken care of from the moment you book.
Some Stays You Carry With
You Long After Checkout
Northstar Zen was built for moments worth remembering. These are a few of them that we have taken over the years, captured by the guests who lived them. Real stays, real memories, and the kind of joy that speaks louder than any description ever could.
The Meaning Behind The Name
Northstar Zen was born from two simple ideas: where we come from, and what we wish more families could experience together.
We both come from hardworking, blue-collar families who spent their lives building, providing, and looking forward to the idea of retirement—finally slowing down and enjoying time with the people they love. For many in our families, that season never fully came, or arrived under difficult circumstances. It shaped how we see time, health, and the importance of not waiting too long to be present with the people who matter most.
We met at Northstar, Lake Tahoe—just sitting on a bench, completely unaware that it would become the starting point of something that changed our lives. That place, and that moment, stayed with us. It represented simplicity, connection, and being fully present in a way life doesn’t always make space for.
When it came time to name our home, Northstar Zen felt like the natural extension of that story. “Northstar” honors where we met, and “ZEN” comes from the first initials of our three boys’ names.
Together, Northstar and Zen became a quiet reminder of why we built this in the first place—family, legacy, and creating spaces where memories can actually happen now, not someday.
Northstar Zen is more than a name to us. It’s a reflection of where we started, what we value, and what we hope every guest feels the moment they walk through the door: that time here matters.
Every Guest Deserves a Stay
That Actually Delivers
At Northstar Zen, every detail is guided by a defined set of principles—from how the home is prepared to how we communicate and care for our guests.
These aren’t aspirational ideas—they’re our operating standard. Consistently applied, intentionally upheld, and reflected in every stay.