Best Resorts for Stargazing
Where to Find the Best Views of the Night Sky?
The best resorts for stargazing are far from the glare of city lights. They are nestled in remote landscapes where low light pollution reveals a dazzling canopy of stars and the night sky truly comes alive.
From the deserts of Chile to the islands of Japan, these resorts offer not only luxurious accommodations but also access to some of the clearest, darkest skies on Earth. While stargazing may not be their primary focus, their locations make them ideal for nighttime wonder. Let the stars be your guide as we explore the best places to stay for a stellar escape.
1. Explora Atacama, Chile
A gateway to the cosmos
Good for: Adventure, Luxury
Nestled in the heart of the desert near San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, Explora Atacama is a luxury lodge designed for immersive exploration. The resort features award-winning architecture, tranquil spa facilities, and elegant rooms that blend seamlessly with the desert surroundings.
What makes Explora Atacama exceptional for stargazing is its location in one of the driest and clearest regions on Earth. With virtually no light pollution and over 300 cloudless nights a year, the lodge’s onsite observatory offers guided star tours that reveal the Milky Way, planets, and constellations in breathtaking detail. And while you’re waiting for the sun to set, why not unwind in the 4 interconnected pools or enjoy the locally inspired cuisine?
Explora Atacama, Chile
2. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Hawaii
An expertly guided tour of the skies
Good for: Families, Luxury
Set along the golden sands of Kaʻanapali Beach, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is a tropical haven with lush gardens, oceanfront pools, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality. This AAA Four Diamond resort features everything from a beachfront spa and luʻau to award-winning dining and cultural experiences.
What truly sets this resort apart is its renowned Tour of the Stars program, an astronomy experience hosted on the rooftop of the Lahaina Tower. With minimal light interference and Hawaii’s famously clear skies, you can explore the universe through high-powered telescopes guided by a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Hawaii
3. Hotel Rangá, Iceland
Northern Lights and celestial nights
Good for: Adventure, Luxury
Located in South Iceland near Hella, Hotel Rangá is a luxury countryside retreat offering themed suites, gourmet dining, and a warm Icelandic welcome. With views of volcanoes, glaciers, and rivers, the hotel blends rustic charm with refined comfort, and each room is uniquely decorated, reflecting global cultures and Icelandic artistry.
Hotel Rangá is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and minimal light pollution. The resort features a state-of-the-art observatory with 2 high-powered telescopes and guided sessions led by local astronomers. From September to April, you can witness the Northern Lights and constellations in stunning clarity, and even do so while soaking in an outdoor hot tub.
Hotel Rangá, Iceland
4. Zannier Sonop, Namibia
Stargazing colonial style amid Namibia’s desert silence
Good for: Adventure, Unusual
Zannier Sonop is a luxury tented lodge, perched on granite boulders, in the heart of the Namib Desert. The 1920s British colonial-style resort features 10 opulent tents decked out with antique furnishings, vintage bathtubs, and panoramic terraces, within 13,800 acres (5,600 hectares) of untouched wilderness. By day, take a guided excursion, walking trail, or hot air balloon safari.
At night, the desert transforms into a celestial theater. With no artificial light for miles and Namibia’s famously clear skies, you can witness the Milky Way, shooting stars, and even the Southern Cross with the naked eye. Stargazing here is not just an activity; it’s a nightly spectacle, best enjoyed from your private terrace, the infinity pool, or even your clawfoot bathtub.
Zannier Sonop, Namibia
5. Capitol Reef Resort, Utah
A Red rock wilderness
Good for: Adventure, Families
Just 1 mile (1.6 km) from Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Reef Resort in Utah offers a unique blend of rustic charm and upscale comfort. Set on dramatic red rock landscape, the resort features a variety of accommodations, from traditional rooms and luxury cabins to glamping in Conestoga wagons and teepees surrounded by the majestic cliffs of the Colorado Plateau.
The resort’s proximity to Capitol Reef National Park, an official International Dark Sky Park, makes it a stargazer’s dream. With virtually no light pollution, the night sky here is a canvas of stars, planets, and the Milky Way. Whether you’re lounging by the fire pit or relaxing on your private porch, the celestial views are unforgettable.
Capitol Reef Resort, Utah
6. Enchantment, Arizona
Enchanting scenery and skies
Good for: Photo, Families
Tucked into the dramatic red rock formations of Boynton Canyon in Sedona, Arizona, Enchantment blends Southwestern elegance with immersive nature experiences. The resort features casitas and suites with private decks, award-winning dining, and access to the world-renowned Mii amo spa. Adventurers can hike directly from the property into the surrounding Coconino National Forest, while those wanting to relax can do so poolside with canyon views that shift in color from sunrise to sunset.
Sedona’s high elevation and dry climate make it ideal for stargazing, and Enchantment takes full advantage. Complimentary stargazing sessions are offered twice weekly, led by expert astronomers using high-powered telescopes to explore planets, nebulae, and galaxies. Private stargazing experiences are also available.
Enchantment, Arizona
7. Estancia Cristina, Argentina
Remote, secluded stargazing
Good for: Adventure, Unusual, History
Accessible only by boat across Lake Argentino, Estancia Cristina is a secluded lodge in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and vast Patagonian wilderness. With just 20 rooms spread across 5 charming houses, Estancia offers a peaceful retreat steeped in history and nature. Enjoy a glacier hike or 4x4 expedition to panoramic viewpoints, all while immersed in the rugged beauty of southern Argentina.
At night, the isolation of Estancia Cristina becomes its greatest asset for stargazing. With no nearby towns and zero light pollution, the Patagonian sky reveals a dazzling display of stars and galaxies. Walking back from dinner under such a clear sky is said to feel surreal.
Estancia Cristina, Argentina
8. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Maldives
Luxury in the heart of the Indian Ocean
Good for: Luxury, Families, Adventure
Located on Kihavah Huravalhi Island in the Baa Atoll, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a private island sanctuary offering 80 beach and overwater pool villas. The resort blends tropical elegance with world-class amenities, including underwater dining, a serene spa, and vibrant coral reefs just steps from your villa.
Anantara Kihavah is home to the Maldives’ first overwater observatory, SKY, where you can stargaze through one of the region’s most powerful telescopes. Guided by resident “Sky Gurus,” you can explore constellations and celestial stories in a setting free from light pollution and close to the equator, offering views of both northern and southern skies. It’s a rare blend of luxury and cosmic wonder.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Maldives
9. Hoshinoya Taketomi Island, Japan
An archipelago retreat with brilliant night skies
Good for: Photo, Luxury
The remote Hoshinoya Taketomi Island in Okinawa’s Yaeyama archipelago is a serene resort that blends traditional Ryukyu heritage with modern luxury. Each villa is set within its own private garden and designed according to local architectural guidelines, drawing in the natural sunlight and cool sea breezes.
The resort’s commitment to preserving natural darkness makes it a stargazing gem. With no strong outdoor lighting and minimal development on the island, the night sky reveals a dense Milky Way in summer and brilliant constellations in winter. Why not enjoy the celestial show from your very own villa’s garden or the white sand beach, where the only sounds are waves and the whisper of island wind?
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island, Japan
10. Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Where elegance meets tropical skies
Good for: Adventure, Families
On the tranquil shores of Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast, Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a luxurious beachfront resort with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. With access to 6 white-sand beaches, a private island called Ilot Mangénie, 2 championship golf courses, and 5 restaurants, there’s plenty to entertain in the day.
But Mauritius’ location in the southern hemisphere and its low levels of light pollution also make it great for stargazing at night. At Shangri-La, the clear skies above the Indian Ocean offer stunning views of constellations and celestial events. So whether you’re enjoying cocktails on the beach or relaxing in your oceanfront suite, the stars shine brightly over this island paradise.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
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