The rarest holiday experiences these days? It’s not a five star hotel or yacht rental. Since an estimated 80% of the world’s population is affected by light pollution, they flee to a place where the sky is covered with stars.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of people interested in dark sky tourism,” says Susan Serven of DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization that aims to protect our night sky landscape. ‘It’s good for the people, good for economic development, good for the planet. It has positive consequences for nature, biodiversity and human health. It also maintains our human connection to the night sky, which every generation before ours has had access to.”
Serven says that when dark skies are seen as a valuable natural resource – just like the ocean or forest – remote communities can build sustainable tourism programs around it. And with the chance to get off the beaten path, support these communities and have a transcendent experience at the same time, vacationers seem to love it too. Scandinavian tour operator Discover the World reports a 40% year-on-year increase in Northern Lights holiday requests, and Black Tomato has launched a special eclipse collection for travelers keen to witness rare solar or lunar events.
And 2024 looks like this the year for astrotourism, whether you want a full themed holiday or just a brilliant overnight stay. Not only does the approach to solar maximum promise the best Northern Lights viewing in the past two decades, but April 8 will also see a total solar eclipse in parts of North America. Add to that the annual Perseid meteor shower in August, a partial lunar eclipse on September 18 – and Dark Skies Festivals in Britain this month – and it’s time to turn your eyes skyward…
For remote luxury: Skylark Cabin, New Zealand
Surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and surrounded by tussock grassland, the Mackenzie region of the South Island is quite spectacular during the day. But at nightfall it really comes into its own, as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest dark sky reserve shimmers in a frothy sea of pinprick stars. Among the 4,367 square kilometers of protected landscape lies Skylark Cabin, a luxurious, contemporary hideaway in glass and dark wood. After preparing dinner in the cozy kitchen, the two of you can take a bubble bath in the outdoor pool and marvel at the sky scene. Later, curl up in the king-size bed – strategically placed under a skylight – and observe the twinkling until you fall asleep.
From €390 per night, skylarkcabin.co.nz
For sun wonders: Texas Hill Country, USA
Excited about the idea of capturing the rare total solar eclipse on April 8? Black Tomato offers a special route in one of the best places to see it: the Texas Hill Country. In addition to witnessing the big moment itself in the quaint and stylish town of Dripping Springs, outside Austin, starting April 6 you’ll get an introduction with lectures from astronomy professors at the University of Texas and an invitation to a “star party” with s’ lakes and stargazing (this part of Texas is also known for its dark skies). When you’re not focused on what’s happening above, you can turn your attention to the luxury of your sprawling hotel base: the Commodore Perry Estate, a 1920s Italian mansion converted into a hotel.
Three night itinerary from £8,750 per person, blacktomato.com
For 360 degree panoramas: The Lookout Bubble, Kent
Enjoy stargazing with a dash of wildlife when you book into this newly opened glamping bubble in Kent. Days are spent exploring Port Lympne’s 600-hectare park – home to free-roaming giraffes, zebras, camels and lions – either on hosted truck safaris or via your own golf buggy. Once the sun sets, you’ll get an unadulterated view of the night sky through the walls of your transparent home-away-from-home, equipped with a king-size bed, a luxurious seating area, a bathtub and a toilet room (the latter, thankfully, is not transparent).
From €439 per night, aspinallfoundation.org
For the Northern Lights: Lapland, Sweden
With 2024 and 2025 estimated to be the best years in decades for spotting the Northern Lights, now is the time to book that night sky break in the wilds of Scandinavia. Regional specialists Discover the World have an extensive portfolio of tours, including a three-day Swedish Lapland adventure where you stay at the world-famous ICEHOTEL, sample snowmobiling and husky sledding and visit a sky station in the heart of ‘aurora country’. ‘. Winter wonderland vibes – drifting snow, afternoons spent by crackling fires – enhance the magic.
Three nights Northern Lights, Abisko and Icehotel route from £919 per person, discover-the-world.com
For safari-style stargazing: &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
Rose Hipwood of The Luxury Safari Company says that guests, seeking a deeper connection with nature, are increasingly incorporating sleeping under the stars into their safari itineraries. With vast areas of minimal to zero light pollution, there are plenty of places to stargaze in Africa – but the NamibRand Dark Skies Reserve has been awarded Gold Status for being one of the best. Luxury stay &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is located 140 km from the nearest town and has resident astronomers, a private observatory with high-quality telescope and suites with skylights above beds. Where better to witness the partial lunar eclipse on September 18?
From £3,475 per night, theluxurysafaricompany.com
For group astronomy: Celestia, Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons are one of the best places in Britain to enjoy the night sky, and if you want a stylish stargazing holiday for a group, Celestia – suitable for up to 14 people – is the answer. Gather around the garden’s ‘stargazing bowl’ and muse on the constellations after a wine-soaked communal dinner. Once you’ve seen all the Dark Sky Reserve has to offer, head to bed in a cozy yet contemporary cottage, heated by a wood-burning stove.
From £2,150 for a short break, uniquehomestays.com
For bragging rights: Six Senses Southern Dunes, Saudi Arabia
The Red Sea is already one of the top destinations that the 0.1% will travel to in 2024. But it’s also attractive to aspiring astronomers, as this remote enclave of Saudi Arabia has plans to become the world’s largest dark sky reserve. Enjoy the views from the newly opened Six Senses Southern Dunes, where an innovative lighting system changes with the seasons and sun placement to ensure minimal impact on the wildlife and surrounding sandy landscapes. Desert stargazing excursions, astrophotography sessions, campfire storytelling and broader immersion into local Bedouin culture are all part of the deal too.
From £1,050, sixsenses.com
For cultural immersion: StarDome Lodge, Peru
Tucked into the lofty heights of mountainous Ollantaytambo, this unique window-lined dome hotel not only offers fantastic views of the night sky, but also provides access to the region’s rich Quechua culture. Traditional beliefs in Peru’s Sacred Valley are intertwined with celestial observation, and sitting under the Milky Way with a local guide gives the celestial scene a whole new meaning. During the day, your cultural education will include hiking, participating in a spiritual ceremony, or visiting epic Inca ruins.
Two nights from £380, stardomelodge.com
For astronomy on a budget: Starry Skies, Northumberland
Stargazing is one of life’s free pleasures and you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a great show. Tucked away in Northumberland’s International Dark Sky Park, these shepherd’s huts for two have a rustic feel but are still beautifully designed with reclaimed oak furniture and Roberts radios in the kitchens. And there are plenty of windows that give you unobstructed views of the field and the vast night sky. An outdoor soaking tub is ready if you fancy a hot tub under the stars, or enjoy it all from a wood-paneled lounge loft with telescope.
From €95, kiphideaways.com