Into the Night: Extraordinary Stargazing Experiences

December 18, 2024 by Hidden Doorways

There’s something deeply primal about looking up at a star-filled sky—a reminder that we’re all part of something far grander than our earthly concerns. Yet for most of us, true darkness has become an elusive luxury, hidden behind the veil of city lights and urban sprawl.

For the celestially inclined traveler, this round-up of luxury resorts from remote Portuguese landscapes to Mexico and the Maldives will leave them longing for the sun to set every night of their memory-rich stay. Whether through high-powered telescopes, rooftop star beds, or fireside storytelling sessions, each venue offers its own unique way to experience the magic of the night sky.

An Icelandic Cosmic Journey with Nordic Luxury 

Arguably one of the most mesmerizing places on Earth for many reasons, but its big, black skies are one of Iceland’s greatest mysteries and majesties. With Nordic Luxury – keyholders to Iceland’s hidden sky kingdoms — travelers can while away the hours with renowned local astronomer, bestselling author, and TV host, Sævar—known as Stjörnu “Star” Sævar. An immersive evening in his company involves taking in the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies — even the ethereal Northern Lights on especially clear nights — through a high-powered telescope, learning about ancient celestial history and captivating Norse mythology.

Look Up to the Enchanting Cosmos at Hotel Yellowstone

Wyoming is another place where vast wilderness opens itself up to unspoiled darkness that’s just made for stargazing that’s well and truly out of this world. Hotel Yellowstone‘s knowledgeable guide takes guests by the hand to dive into the night sky with the cool nighttime breeze and sounds of nocturnal wildlife surrounding them as eyes look up to the Milky Way and as far as its telescopes can possibly stretch. An awe-inspiring evening for guests young and old.

S’mores and the Stars at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is an inspiring setting where dramatic rock formations take on a whole new celestial character at nighttime. Its Stargazing Specialist amazes guests with astral miracles just after sunset with s’mores, churros, and hot chocolate making the experience all the richer. Prepare to be moon-dazzled and learn about Mexican legends inspired by the celestial sky.

A Starry Safari with Micato

Think of safaris and picture savannas at dawn, dusk and daytime under the beating sun — right? All fair to imagine, but with Micato Safaris, adventurers get to experience the lesser-seen side of the after-dark desert lands: stargazing. Especially if traveling to Africa from the Northern Hemisphere, there will be celestial bodies that are familiar but plenty that are not, like the iconic Southern Cross, whose position pointing due south has helped centuries of navigators chart their courses; two fascinating spiral-shaped galaxies known as the Magellanic Clouds; and Canopus, the second-brightest star that can be seen from Earth. Almost all of its safari destinations in southern and East Africa are ideal for stargazing with their wide-open skies far away from ambient city light – Namibia’s vast Sossusvlei Desert; the watery Eden of Botswana’s Okavango Delta; and Kenya’s sweeping, high-altitude Laikipia Plateau being three to particularly note, where Micato partners with lodges offering star beds for those wanting to fall asleep under a canopy of stars.

Sleep Under the Stars at Gili Lankanfushi

Speaking of nodding off under the night sky, travelers can do just that in the Maldives too at luxury resort Gili Lankanfushi. Considered a must-do at least once during any stay here, guests drift into dreamland under millions of stars and counting from their villa’s rooftop terrace, with cocktails and champagne as nightcaps and breakfast in bed brought to them the following morning after a slumber they’ll never forget.

Star-studded Soirées at Son Vell

Menorca might be loved for its blue skies and beaches, but it’s also an island cherished by stargazers because of its designated starlight reserve. The breathtakingly beautiful resort Son Vell becomes all the more alluring as the sun sets, and its rural setting, low altitude and minimal light pollution come together to create a night sky like guests will never have seen before.

Andean Cosmology and Chilean Night Skies with VM Elite

Sure, the Uyuni Salt Flats are a sight to behold in broad daylight, but when their vast expanse meets the endless canvas of the night sky, they become something else entirely. In this celestial sanctuary, witness the cosmos in all its glory on an Andean night thanks to VM Elite, as the twinkling lights tell the tales of ancient civilizations while guides share insights into Andean mythology held by the region’s indigenous communities. Or book a session with another of its astronomy specialists in Chile’s Atacama desert, where high-tech telescopes transform Elqui’s skies so that Jupiter, the Milky Way and every wonder in between dazzle like never before.

Star Clusters in Sedona above Boynton Canyon at Mii amo

Imagine seeing the moon so close that its many craters and mountain ranges feel as though they’re within touching distance. Picture seeing star clusters so close that it’s tempting to try to pluck them from the sky. With Mii amo‘s magical star experiences, its array of powerful telescopes allows for just that as its expert astronomer illuminates Sedona’s night sky. Visit in winter months and guests can lean into its Finding Peace & Comfort Within program, where they harness the introspection of the color black, the warmth of the fire element and the time to honor the Elder Years in a guided quest for inner peace with meditation, hikes, yoga, and of course, stargazing.

Clarity of the Cosmos at Mas D’en Bruno

Constellation after constellation awaits in the celestial paradise above Mas d’en Bruno in Priorat. Book onto its astronomy evening where you can marvel at the velvety night sky guided by its resident astrology expert and together, unravel the mysteries of the Milky Way with photography opportunities and a thematic cocktail pairing to toast to the stars above.

Where The Only Light is Starlight at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

At Portugal’s Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, guests find themselves in the unspoiled Alentejo region — a place with one of the lowest population densities in Europe and one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. An area protected from the light pollution of large cities, it’s no surprise that the stars shine brightly and beautifully here, so be sure to book one of its intimate stargazing sessions to appreciate the region at every hour of every blissfully quiet day spent here.