Daily Inspiration: Meet Krista Arendsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Arendsen

Hi Krista, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
While I was growing up just south of Detroit in the 80s and 90s, my grandparents had a small outdoor resort with cabins near lake Michigan. Over the years I always dreamed of having a piece of land, a space where I could live close to nature, share with friends and guests, and foster a sustainable lifestyle. At 18, I moved out of state, but this dream stayed with me although I was reluctant to move back to Michigan. I was reminded about how beautiful the state is during visits over the years. In 2020, I returned to be closer to my aging parents. My mother, now 90, still lives in Rochester Hills, and my father, who I was fortunate to spend a bit more time with, passed away in 2021.

When I returned to Michigan, my sister and I began to look for some land, She had visited the Morningstar Retreat center, now my neighbors, and reached out to find out that a portion of the property was looking for a new owner. We had a unique opportunity to purchase this land, and I took a huge leap of faith. It was an incredible chance to bring my vision to life—to renovate and clean up the cabins for Airbnb guests, friends, and family to enjoy the beauty of nature in this magical place.

However, the first year brought unexpected challenges. My sister met someone who turned out to be a conman and ultimately left with him, asking me to buy her share or consider selling the property altogether. Fortunately, I was able to purchase the property outright and press forward with my dream.

Since then, with the invaluable help of my property managers, Brian and Karen Cool, we’ve been steadily fixing up and maintaining Air & Sun Acres. Still working together with our neighbors to provide a peaceful time to connect with nature. We’ve restored cabins, added outdoor showers, built a new outhouse, hosted retreats, and welcomed countless happy guests over the last three years. Creating this safe and beautiful space has been a lifelong dream, and I feel blessed every day to be able to share it with others. From the first day I walked this land, I knew it would be a lot of work—but the journey has been more rewarding than I ever imagined.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges along the way has been realizing that not everyone comes to the land with the best intentions. This lesson hit close to home, especially with my sister’s sudden departure without notice. Her boyfriend even returned afterward, trying to intimidate me and causing damage on the property. I’ve weathered winters with freezing pipes and broken heaters and dealt with dishonest guests who refuse to leave at checkout, opting instead to harass and make baseless threats. I’ve also encountered workers who make grand promises but fail to deliver. Through all of this, I’m learning every day to trust my instincts and stand firm in protecting this space.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
For many years, I’ve worked in online marketing for a variety of businesses, but acquiring the land and launching Air & Sun Acres was my first venture into property ownership and hospitality. I built the website when we first started and dove into this new experience headfirst. Today, I manage the property and handle all bookings across various platforms, all while balancing a full-time role as a Marketing Content Coordinator in the B2B space.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I expect the demand for nature-based retreats to grow even further, as people increasingly seek escapes from the busyness of modern life. The appeal of unique, nature-centered experiences—cabins, treehouses, and luxury glamping—continues to expand globally, driven by travelers who want a meaningful connection with the outdoors. I see a rising focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices as guests become more conscious of their environmental impact and look for accommodations that align with their values.

More than ever, guests are looking for immersive experiences that allow them to unplug, reset, and connect with nature, even in short getaways. Alongside this, there’s a growing emphasis on wellness, mindfulness, and activities like forest bathing, outdoor yoga, and guided foraging hikes that deepen the restorative benefits of these retreats. At the same time, advancements in technology—such as solar energy solutions and innovative eco-construction—are enabling hosts to offer these experiences sustainably, even in remote locations.

I believe that as people crave genuine connections with the natural world, the industry will continue evolving to meet that demand. The retreats and hospitality spaces that succeed in the coming years will be those that creatively balance comfort, sustainability, and immersive nature experiences, providing guests with spaces where they can truly recharge and reconnect.

Pricing:

• Cabin Rental starts around $120 / night
• Camping starts around $33 / night
• Meditation Loft starts at $40 / half day

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.airandsunacres.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airandsunacres
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Airandsunacres
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@airandsunacres
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@airandsunacres