Why Astro-Tourism Is the Next Big Travel Trend
From meteor showers and moonlit deserts to dancing auroras and glittering southern skies, travellers are looking up (literally), for their next big adventure. And according to a recent poll, more than half of Brits are now actively considering holidays based around dark sky destinations, whether to chase the Northern Lights or catch a glimpse of a meteor streaking across the Milky Way.
So why the sudden obsession with the stars?
After years of screen time and city breaks, there’s a growing appetite for slower, more mindful travel. Astro-tourism taps into that beautifully. It’s about disconnecting from the digital noise and reconnecting with the rhythm of nature and what better way than by lying back under a canopy of stars?
Whether you’re a romantic soul, a curious sky-watcher or just after a totally unique holiday, here are a few stellar (sorry, couldn’t resist) destinations that take you far from the glare of everyday life and into the cosmos.
Primland Resort, Blue Ridge Mountains – North Carolina, USA think luxury with a telescope twist
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort is proof that rugged wilderness and five-star pampering can happily co-exist. Think forest-fringed lodges, crackling fires, and a hilltop observatory that gives you jaw-dropping views of the night sky.
This is also part of a Dark Sky Park, so light pollution is blissfully low – meaning crystal-clear constellations, meteor showers, and even the occasional planetary sighting if the timing’s right. Days are for golf, spa sessions and hiking… and nights? For galaxies and good wine.
Finnish Lapland – Glass Igloos & Northern Lights think Aurora magic in Arctic luxury
Ever dreamt of watching the Northern Lights from your bed? In Finland, you absolutely can. Head to Saariselkä or Levi for one of those famous glass igloo stays, where you’ll have panoramic sky views without leaving your fluffy duvet.
Combine it with husky sledding, snowmobiling, saunas, and fireside feasts, and you’ve got yourself a winter wonderland with a cosmic twist. The aurora season runs from late August to April, so you’ve got a good window to catch Mother Nature showing off.
Maldives – Stargazing Over the Sea think Tropical skies & telescope suites
Not just for honeymoons, the Maldives is now wooing sky-seekers too. Resorts like Soneva Fushi and Anantara Kihavah have gone all in on the astro-tourism trend, with on-site observatories, astronomy sessions, and even star-themed dining under the night sky.
There’s something wildly romantic about floating in the Indian Ocean, sipping something fizzy, while the constellations twinkle above. And thanks to its remote location, the skies here are blissfully dark and gloriously clear.
New Zealand – A Southern Hemisphere Star Safari it's Home of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
New Zealand's South Island is the stuff of fantasy films, but it’s also one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The Aoraki Mackenzie region is an official Dark Sky Reserve – meaning it's fiercely protected from light pollution.
Here, you can stargaze with astronomers at the Mount John Observatory, explore glow-worm caves, or take night-time lake cruises under a blanket of stars. The Southern Hemisphere sky also shows off constellations you can’t see from Europe – perfect for serious sky nerds and curious first-timers alike.
Whether you're watching the aurora borealis dance across the Arctic, spotting Orion from a mountaintop in the US, or gazing at the Southern Cross from New Zealand, the night sky is fast becoming the new five-star attraction.
And let’s face it – in a world that’s increasingly switched-on, a trip designed to slow down, switch off, and simply look up feels wonderfully grounding.
If a celestial escape sounds like your kind of magic, I’d love to help you plan it. From cosy cabins and luxury igloos to overwater villas and guided sky tours, let’s make your stargazing dreams a dazzling reality.
