There is a reverence and an awe-inspiring joy that you feel when you gaze at the vastness of the universe. Nothing puts our world into perspective more than the realization that there is so much more out in space than we can imagine.

Stargazing instills a sense of peace and tranquility, and contemplating the millions of stars, planets, and galaxies allows you to relax and reconnect with nature. Perfect stargazing conditions are found in places far away from city lights and noise pollution, some of which can be found in protected areas that preserve natural habitats and support conservation.

Savvy travelers looking for unique, luxurious places to experience the beauty of untouched landscapes, wildlife, and breathtaking views of the night sky seek out Dark Sky Destinations. These protected areas provide minimal light, creating the perfect conditions for stargazing, with crystal-clear views of the stars, planets, and the Milky Way. Dark Sky Destinations are often certified by organizations like the International DarkSky Association and many offer night walks, astronomy programs, or observatory visits.

Whether you are interested in a wellness vacation, a romantic getaway or a chance to learn about astronomy, there are Dark Sky Destinations around the world that combine the raw beauty of unspoiled landscapes, with opportunities to view night skies with comfort, service, and elegance. Activities in these destinations are not just limited to nighttime pursuits, and depending on the region, travelers can enjoy the amazing scenery on nature hikes, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, or viewing wildlife.

If the idea of escaping city lights to marvel at a sky full of stars has you dreaming of your next getaway, you’ll be pleased to know that some of the world’s finest resorts are making stargazing a centerpiece of their luxury experience. These destinations not only offer world-class accommodation, but also thoughtfully curated Dark Sky programs — complete with private observatories, expert astronomers, and unforgettable celestial events. Here are a few resorts where you can enjoy the cosmos in style and comfort.

L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA

Sedona, Arizona, USA

In North America, Sedona is unmatched for stargazing and is known as an official Dark Sky City. Renowned for striking landscapes that take your breath away, Sedona is also famous for its vortex sites, believed to be centers for healing and spiritual awakening.

L’Auberge de Sedona is tucked into Sedona’s famous red rock canyons, along the glistening Oak Creek, offering endless opportunities for enriching experiences, adventures, and unparalleled pampering. The resort blends into the surrounding landscape, with various accommodations in the lodge and cottages designed to enhance interactions with nature. Each cottage, suite, and room take inspiration from various areas of the property, such as the cliffs and the creek.

The Cliffs guest rooms and suites boast magnificent views of the Red Rocks, including the iconic Snoopy Rock, with private balconies and patios. Cozy fireplaces and firepits provide a relaxing place to unwind after stargazing with a glass of wine or a warm beverage. The Creekside Cottages feature private decks where visitors can enjoy the soothing sounds of rustling trees, chirping birds, and the rushing water of nearby brooks. Vista Cottages offer unobstructed Red Rock views, while Garden Cottages are nestled in lush foliage with decks overlooking serene gardens and koi ponds. The two-story Lodge, tastefully curated by the Goldenstein Gallery, features art-lined lobby walls and a common area with a large fireplace and vaulted ceilings — the perfect place for guests to socialize. And overlooking Oak Creek, the Creek house is ideal for those seeking an intimate space for groups or family reunions, offering five luxurious guest rooms with separate keyed entrances, king-sized beds, private bathrooms, and access to an airy atrium great room.

Opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the resort include dining beneath the trees at Cress on Oak Creek, indulging in redefined Arizonan cuisine to the sound of babbling waters, experiencing outdoor spa treatments at L’Apothecary Spa using locally foraged botanicals, and participating in an extensive program of enriching activities.

Dennis uses his giant home-built telescope for his presentation. The nine-foot-tall telescope with a 28-inch diameter mirror, is designed to show the beauty of the stars, galaxies, gas clouds, and planets in color. Guests can also use custom-built binoculars and night vision equipment to view the splendor of the heavens.

No matter where you are staying at L’Auberge, after an awe-inspiring evening beneath Sedona’s star-studded sky you can retreat to the comfort of your room for a night of indulgent relaxation. Get comfortable, indulge in a glass of local Arizona wine by a crackling firepit, or soaking in a private outdoor hot tub under the lingering glow of the moon. Whether you’re dining al fresco with gourmet cuisine or simply lounging on your deck surrounded by silence and serenity, the magic of the night sky lingers, wrapping your evening in tranquility and understated elegance.

JW MARRIOTT MASAI MARA LODGE

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge overlooks the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the premier wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa. Not just famous for its spectacular wildlife and beautiful landscapes, the area offers wonderful stargazing opportunities.

The JW Marriott Masai Mara offers travelers a safari lodge in the heart of the African wilderness. Overlooking the Talek River, the resort is comprised of 21 luxurious tented suites, with private decks and out Jacuzzi tubs. These tented rooms and suites offer an immersive, authentic, and unique safari experience. The spacious, sturdy canvas tents are well-appointed structures, giving visitors the opportunity to be close to nature, while enjoying comfortable accommodation. The suites’ décor is inspired by the surrounding landscape with soft tones and natural textiles.

Overlooking the savannah, guests can wake up to the sounds of the birds or perhaps a lion roaring in the distance and the breathtaking sights of the vibrant sunrises. At night the decks offer private front-row views of the constellations in the starry skies.

Tradition plays a major part in the lives of the Maasai people, for whom the area is named. Local guides are proud to share their culture and traditions with visits to a nearby village and dances right at the Lodge.

Home to the Great Migration, the Masai Mara is the perfect area to view large populations of the Big Five: lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos. The savannah is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts who are able to see hundreds of animals and birds in their natural habitat. The Safari Lodge allows for close views of animals at the watering hole, ensuring breathtaking intimate encounters with wildlife.

Here safari adventures abound. Guests staying at the resort can choose from full-day game drives or opt morning or evening safaris to enjoy the abundant wildlife.

Staring into the vast African night skies, far away from urban light, stargazers will notice the differences found in the southern firmaments. The Southern Hemisphere offers stargazers a mesmerizing experience with several constellations that are unique to this region, including the Southern Cross (Crux), Centaurus, and Carina.

An African safari is more than a vacation, it’s a soul-stirring journey into the wild heart of nature. As the sun sets over the savannah and the sounds of the bush come alive, you’ll carry with you not just photos, but life changing moments: the thrill of spotting a lion at dawn, the quiet majesty of an elephant herd crossing your path, the awe of a starlit sky far from city lights. A safari experience leaves an indelible, deep connection to the land, its people, and the extraordinary wildlife that calls it home.

JOALI MALDIVES

Muravandhoo Island, Maldives

JOALI Maldives, on Muravandhoo Island, in the Raa Atoll in northern Maldives is an ideal retreat for guests that want to relax and commune with nature. Coral reefs, a tranquil lagoon and beautiful white sandy beaches abound on the 24- acre island that can only be reached via seaplane from Malé, the Maldives capital.

It is in the evening that you can enjoy a truly unique African experience. As the sun goes down on an evening safari, guests can relax, sipping a sundowner cocktail and absorb the incredible beauty of the savannah, serenaded by the nocturnal animals.

Situated on the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is perfectly positioned for astronomy aficionados to view the skies of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Combined with the island chain’s pristine conditions and near-zero light pollution, it offers ideal stargazing opportunities.

The philosophy of JOALI is that art is not just to be seen, but to also to be experienced. JOALI Maldives was built with conservation in mind and was designed in collaboration with local artisans and world-renown artists. There is an island-wide art collection of unique interactive art installations dotted throughout the property, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the indigenous and international influences. The onsite Art Studio provides regular workshops, led by their resident artists, as well as hosting special events with international and local artists.

73 glamorous beach villas, overwater villas, and residences, ranging from one-bedrooms to four-bedrooms, are spread throughout the lush resort, and keeping with the resort’s theme, all are decorated with inspiring artwork.

Each villa has its own private sundeck offering spectacular ocean views and private pools. The beach villas all have direct access to the sandy beaches, while the water villas have access to the lagoon. With unimpeded views of the ocean the decks also provide the perfect setting for observing the night skies.

Private butlers, or Jadugars, meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi, are responsible for accommodating each guest’s needs and going above and beyond to add special touches to their vacation. Jadugars can arrange for private dinners in the villas or on the beach, yachting and snorkeling excursions, archery, tennis and padel lessons, and so much more.

Guests can take a culinary journey exploring a wide range of cuisines and menus, prepared by Michelin star chefs at the five restaurants on property. Visitors can dine over water at the floating Saoke Restaurant, or alfresco at TUH’U under palm trees and glittering stars.

An ideal choice for families, the resort caters to children with an array of daily cultural and environmental activities. Their Galactic Explorers is an educational session led by an in-house astronomer, allowing children to observe stars, constellations, and distant planets. The astronomer is there to also guide adults in exploring the night skies with telescopes and other immersive experiences. JOALI also creates unique experiences for their guests to enjoy as the sun goes down, like sunset cruises, sleeping in a beach bubble tent, and movie nights with the stars as a backdrop.

JOALI BEING • BODUFUSHI ISLAND

Bodufushi Island, Maldives

JOALI Being, is the second property of the JOALI brand, also in the Raa Atoll, on Bodufushi Island in the Maldives. Built as a well-being resort, the island provides a feeling of lightness and joy, with spaces designed for reflection and rejuvenation. Vacations at JOALI Being are meant to be transformative and give travelers the opportunity to take a journey of self-discovery.

This resort is designed to evoke harmony and balance, and every effort has been made to enhance the energy flow of the landscape. Visitors can get connected to nature by indulging in sound therapy in the verdant forest, meditation and yoga over tranquil waters, or daily sunset rituals on the sandy beaches.

The 68 curated beach and overwater villas are designed for guests to enjoy a luxurious, holistic experience. Each villa comes with its own personal Jadugar (personal butler) and private pool with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. Equipped with customized Well-Being Bar setups, meditative musical instruments, and well-being games, these retreats are designed to eliminate negative vibrations and enhance the energy flow of the landscape.

The food and beverages at the resort are curated by nutritionists, offering healthy yet indulgent dining options. The cuisine focuses on earth-to table ingredients, sustainably supporting small local farms. The three unique restaurants on the property provide guests with a variety of dining experiences: FLOW, with its three kitchens, offers both indoor and alfresco dining; MOJO, the tropical beach restaurant, serves vibrant Mediterranean dishes; and Yutori, situated over the water, showcases Japanese fare.

The well-being programs are centered around the Four Pillars of JOALI Being: Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Designed to promote relaxation, stress and weight management, preventative skin care, and energy replenishment. Programs are specially crafted to nourish body and soul.

Contributing to the overall feeling of wellness and a connection to nature, the resort offers several gourmet dining, personal wellness, and stargazing. Set on a secluded nighttime activities. Guests can have a private astronomical dinner experience, which is a fusion of beach, away from ambient lights, this curated meal is tailored to the guest’s personal journey and offers the perfect atmosphere to connect with the cosmos.

A high-power telescope is provided for guests wishing to explore the planets, stars, and universe in stunning detail, guided by an expert astronomer. At certain times of the year, on warm nights when conditions like the tide and temperature are perfect, bioluminescent plankton light up the seashore. This natural phenomenon creates a dreamlike experience as every movement of the waves emits a blue glow. Combined with the island’s tranquil darkness and clear skies, it’s an otherworldly experience that connects the stars above with the glowing sea below.

Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket of stars or watching the moonrise in silence, these celestial encounters awaken a sense of wonder and remind us of our place in something far greater. It’s a rare kind of magic — one that lingers long after the stars have faded with the dawn.