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The world of astrotourism seems to be expanding faster than the speed of light. Defined as seeking experiences of celestial events, the travel trend has been driven by an increase in Aurora Borealis sightings as well as rare solar eclipses, occasional meteor showers, and a simple desire to unplug and experience awe in response to a starry night.
Whether your vibe is full moon hikes and firepits or luxe resorts and skiing in the Dolomites, these dark sky wellness destinations are designed to immerse you in the moment through the kind of curiosity that makes time stand still.
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Iceland | Buubble by Airmango
Sightings of the northern lights were astonishingly common in the lower 48 during 2024. They were also fairly unpredictable. The Aurora Borealis are anticipated to continue their epic shows through 2025 due to continued maximum solar activity, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And one of the most reliable places on the planet to witness the mystical swirls of colors is Iceland, thanks to long nights, low light pollution, and proximity to the Northern Pole.
The night sky becomes your ceiling at the Buubble Hotel, a Nordic escape also known as the “5 Million Star Hotel,” that boasts transparent dome bubble rooms with 360-degree views of Iceland’s wilderness and dramatic night sky. Each “buubble” accommodates two guests and maximum awe at locations in Hrosshagi and Ölvisholt.
Although there are no official on-site yoga classes, there is ample space to practice yin and restorative in bed while taking in the sights at night. Daytime brings guided tours—group or private—to nearby landscapes, including hot springs, lagoons, and the Golden Circle. There’s no restaurant at either location, so pack your own provisions and remind yourself that living largely can also mean living simply.
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Lake Atitlán, Guatemala | Villa Sumaya
The ancient Mayans engineered one of the most precise calendars in history, relying on the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars to determine everything from agricultural cycles to sacred rituals. That celestial significance continues thanks to Guatemala’s dedication to its heritage and preservation of its dark skies, making it an emerging destination for anyone seeking a connection to the cosmos.
High altitude and minimal light pollution at Lake Atitlán create idyllic conditions for stargazing amid the towering, sometimes active volcanoes looming across the water from Villa Sumaya. As a complement to communing with the distant stars and planets, the resort offers local ceremonies designed to ground and center oneself, including shamanic sound therapy, sweat lodge purification rituals, and fire ceremonies. There are also Ayurvedic consultations, Mayan astrology readings, and local traditions as well as other wellness programs and an on-site yoga school.
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Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives | Six Senses Kanuhura
Few places on Earth rival the Maldives for stargazing. With low levels of light and air pollution as well as the Indian Ocean stretching in every direction, the location makes objects in the night sky appear simultaneously closer than ever and seemingly infinite.
A short seaplane ride away from Malé International Airport, the Six Senses Kanuhura on the remote Lhaviyani Atoll emphasizes the feeling of being poised along the edge of our planet. The resort encompasses three private and secluded islands and boasts a signature “Mindful Stargazing” experience. Guests explore the known universe via telescopes planted in the sand while an instructor explains celestial landmarks and the vastness of the universe. The session draws to a close with a moonlit meditation.
Days at Six Senses Kanuhura follow a similarly unhurried rhythm, starting with yoga along the beachfront or the on-site studio followed by ample time to disconnect in a private villa, whether perched over the water or tucked along the shore. At nightfall, one’s attention turns skyward once again.
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Joshua Tree National Park, California | AutoCamp
The desert is a gold mine for stargazing. Dry air and a relative lack of city lights makes for stunning glimpses of stars, planets, and meteor showers, even with the naked eye. A certified International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree National Park in California checks off each of these criteria and can be experienced without hauling along your camping equipment or guessing whether you’ll find a place to camp.
Less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Autocamp Joshua Tree features restored airstreams that embrace mid-century minimalism along with a calendar of nocturnal as well as daytime experiences designed to focus your awareness on the present. Evening experiences include soundbaths underneath the stars as well as full moon hikes and astronomy nights. There’s also the option of simply staring at the cosmos while lounging at a firepit or taking a (private) outdoor shower.
During the light of day, the low-key desert vibe and otherworldly landscape can also lull you into a relaxed state of mind with hiking and rock climbing as well as morning yoga on Saturdays and Sundays. Rest assured, the AutoCamp General Store and Kitchen are stocked with DIY kits for grilling and, yes, making s’mores.
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The Dolomites, Italy | Lefay Dolomiti
The jagged peaks of the Dolomites dominate the northeastern Italy sky, where the high altitude and clean air allow you to avoid atmospheric haze and catch unobstructed views of stars and constellations. On moonless nights, the Milky Way is easily visible above this UNESCO World Heritage site.
An eco-luxury retreat situated amid these dramatic peaks, Lefay Dolomiti puts the splendor of the region on display with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame glaciers, evergreen-clad slopes, and the River Sacra winding through the valley. The tranquil surroundings are enough to soothe the soul, although the resort’s wellness retreats meld yoga, acupuncture, and other holistic approaches also bring harmony.
Those craving adrenaline can slip away to the nearby Madonna di Campiglio ski area and its almost 100 miles of pristine slopes as well as nearby hiking and mountain biking trails.
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Lake Pukaki, New Zealand | Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat
Those seeking the elusive southern lights, or Aurora Australis, may want to seek out the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which boasts some of the clearest skies on the planet. Certified in 2012, the reserve was the first in the world to achieve Gold Tier status, a testament to its virtually untouched nightscape free of light pollution.
The largest of several alpine lakes stretching along New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Pukaki and its shoreline are a respite from the otherwise rugged terrain. Here Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat supports astrotourists with boutique stargazing events at the Pukaki Observatory, including astrophotography classes, deep space imaging, as well as private sessions with an astronomer talking attendees through the Southern sky and illuminating constellations, planets, and nebulae.
As a more grounding counterpoint to its ethereal excursions, the property offers private yoga sessions, forest bathing, and wellness retreats as a means to balance the vastness of the cosmos with deep introspection.
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Zion stands out for stargazers and adventurers alike with its towering red rock canyons and some of the clearest skies one can experience. Perched on the western edge of Zion National Park, the Under Canvas property offers a glamping experience with front-row seats to the awe-inspiring natural world at all hours of the day.
Guests at the camp can join tours led by certified dark-sky astronomers from March 13 to November 3, including full-moon hikes, starbathing meditations, and moon water rituals. Onsite telescopes afford glimpses of distant galaxies and shooting stars as well as talks led by certified dark sky astronomers coinciding with full moons, meteor showers, and new moons. The celestial calendar notes upcoming star parties and other unique experiences.
For those who prefer no end to the awe, the Stargazer Tent features a built-in viewing window directly above a king-size bed for horizontal staring into space. There’s no WiFi, so consider a stay here as a kickstart to a screens-free evenings commitment. Early risers may want a different sort of celestial event with sunrise yoga.
The first DarkSky-certified resort chain, Under Canvas operates 14 locations across the U.S., including five camps in Utah and Arizona’s Grand Circle.
