Astro-tourism, the latest trend in travel, sees travellers search for ‘black sky’ locations on the ultimate stargazing holidays
Stargazing holidays to book now…
Astro-tourism is a new trend that sees travellers choose remote destinations in order to enjoy the beauty of the galaxy. By visiting ‘black sky’ locations, astro-tourists are distributing their money and ecological footprint more evenly across the planet. We have pulled together our top seven stargazing holidays around the world…
WATCH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS AT DEPLAR FARM
Deplar Farm is a unique Nordic retreat located near the arctic circle and one of Iceland’s most remote and luxurious lodges. The impressive geothermally-heated outdoor pool is the perfect spot from which to stargaze, and at certain times of the year (from October to March), catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. As far as stargazing holidays, Deplar Farm is the perfect place hunker down, switch off and enjoy the lodge’s luxurious spa facilities and delicious Icelandic food. The more adventurous can venture outside and experience the remote landscapes surrounding the lodge.
WATCH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM A PRIVATE GLASS IGLOO
Scott Dunn’s Finnish Northern Lights package begins with a stay at Beana Laponia, a brand-new adult-only boutique hotel with just 11 rooms. Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Beana Laponia is surrounded by a mesmerizing snowy landscape and offers a remote wilderness hideaway. Also available is husky sledging, tobogganing, snowshoeing, reindeer farm visits and reindeer sleigh rides. Guests will end their winter wonderland adventure with a stay at the unique Golden Crown Glass Igloos where the glass roof reveals the most amazing night sky, scattered with stars and, with any luck the dancing Aurora Borealis.
SPOT SATURN, JUPITER AND MARS FROM SIX SENSES CON DAO
Six Senses Con Dao – the first five-star resort in Vietnam’s Con Dao Archipelago – offers guests the opportunity to become one with the universe as they gaze out at the stars from the resort’s private Astronomical Observatory. Just a short flight from the bustling streets of Saigon lies this tranquil oasis on one of the archipelago’s 16 islands. At the heart of the observatory is a Maksutov-Cassegrain 127mm telescope, allowing curious minds to marvel at the universe.
sixsenses.grandluxuryhotels.com
DISCOVER THE GLORIOUS GALAXY AT BAWAH RESERVE
Located between Malaysia and Borneo in the Anambas Islands, Indonesia, Bawah Reserve is blessed with an enviably remote location. Each night spent at the resort promises a spectacular star show. Guests are invited to join weekly stargazing sessions on the jetty, or can enjoy stargazing from the comfort of their suites. Here, you’ll see constellations, shooting stars and maybe even a meteor shower, all reflected and enhanced by the ocean.
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS ON YOUR VERY OWN PRIVATE ISLAND AT MILAIDHOO ISLAND MALDIVES
Milaidhoo Island Maldives, set over 13 acres atop the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is offering a new ‘Sleep Under the Stars Experience’. Hotel guests can now spend the night as castaways under the stars on their very own private sandbank. Stunningly secluded and void of any light pollution, this experience offers guests a breath-taking front row seat to admire the stars. The castaway experience kicks off with a sunset dolphin cruise complete with champagne and canapés. After arriving at the sandbank, cocktails and a four-course dinner are served followed post-dinner drinks by a fire just after sunset.
STARGAZE FROM YOUR PRIVATE JUNGLE ROOFTOP WITH TAJ SAFARIS
Venture into Madhya Pradesh, Central India where the untouched national parks offer a rural and peaceful region that is perfect for spotting the stars. The collection’s four lodges throughout India’s lesser-known reserves allow guests to experience the unparalleled beauty of the jungle and spot rare wildlife including Star Birds, Sloth Bears and the Bengal Tiger. A stand out lodge is Banjaar Tola, stretched across a 90-acre private estate overlooking Kanha National Park and aimed at protecting tigers and their ecosystems. Guests will feel a world away in the presence of such wildlife, with twice-daily jungle drives, walking safaris and sleep-outs on each suite’s unique ‘machan’ or private jungle rooftop. They can also head out on a night walk with the lodge’s naturalist amidst the pristine jungles to take a look at some of the clearest skies.
