The Best Star-Gazing Accommodations Around the World: Sleep Under the Stars
As the day fades and the night sky unfolds its magnificent tapestry, there’s nothing quite like lying back and watching the stars twinkle above. For travellers seeking more than just a place to sleep, these incredible accommodations offer some of the best star-gazing experiences around the world.
From the rugged outback of Australia to the secluded beaches of Tasmania and far off places, these destinations invite you to connect with the cosmos in unparalleled (and relaxing) ways.
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Wilpena Pound Resort, Australia
Located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges on Adnyamathanha Country, Wilpena Pound Resort is an extraordinary destination for those looking to explore ancient landscapes and experience the vast, star-studded skies of the Australian outback. As the only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Accommodation Options:
- Glamping Tents: Nestled against the backdrop of Wilpena Pound, these luxury safari tents offer a private fire pit to watch the Milky Way sparkle above, all while enjoying modern comforts like air conditioning and a luxe king bed.
- Resort Rooms: These light-filled rooms serve as a perfect base for exploring the region’s natural beauty, with options that cater to singles, couples, or groups.
- Caravan Park and Camping Sites: For those seeking a true outback experience, camping under the stars is a must. With both powered and unpowered sites available, guests can enjoy a night immersed in the breathtaking Adnyamathanha skies.
Sawyers Bay Shacks, Tasmania
Perched right on the beach in Tasmania’s Bass Strait, Sawyers Bay Shacks offer a modern take on the iconic Tassie beach shack experience. With no public access for miles, these shacks provide an unrivaled opportunity to reconnect with nature and witness some of the darkest, clearest night skies in Australia.
Accommodation Options:
- The Big Shack: Perfect for large families, this spacious accommodation boasts expansive views across Bass Strait and Mount Strzelecki, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
- The Small Shack: A cozy retreat for couples, this shack offers stylish barefoot luxury, with decks on three sides and a double-sided fireplace that opens onto the deck, providing the perfect setting to watch the stars.
Picnic Island, Tasmania
For those who dream of escaping to their own private island, Picnic Island offers a secluded retreat adjacent to Freycinet National Park. This copper-clad sanctuary, designed by renowned architect John Latham, is surrounded by the natural beauty of Tasmania, with some of the clearest night skies imaginable.
Star-Gazing Highlights:
- Private Island Experience: With no light pollution, the starry skies over Picnic Island are breathtaking. Guests can also enjoy overnight trips to view penguins and shearwaters returning to their burrows.
- Architectural Wonder: The island’s unique design and proximity to Wineglass Bay—one of the world’s top beaches—make it an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and star-gazers alike.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, USA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland offers luxury and relaxation in equal measure. This 12,000-acre private mountain resort not only provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape but also features an onsite observatory, making it a premier destination for star-gazing lovers.
Star-Gazing Highlights:
- Onsite Observatory: Guests can enjoy guided star-gazing sessions at the resort’s observatory, taking in the wonders of the night sky through powerful telescopes.
- Luxury Accommodations: From treehouses to cozy cottages, Primland offers a range of luxurious accommodations that perfectly complement the serene mountain setting.
Shenandoah National Park, USA
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is home to more official International Dark Sky Parks than any other U.S. East Coast state, making it a top destination for star-gazing. The park offers numerous programs for night sky viewing, including the popular Night Sky Festival in August.
Accommodation Options:
- Skyland and Big Meadows Lodges: Both lodges provide comfortable accommodations with easy access to the park’s star-gazing programs. Guests can spend their days hiking and exploring, and their nights marveling at the starry sky above.
Stay at Skyland and Big Meadows Lodges
Finn Lough, Northern Ireland
For a truly immersive star-gazing experience, Finn Lough in Northern Ireland offers guests the chance to sleep under the stars in their unique bubble domes. Tucked away in a private forest, these transparent domes provide uninterrupted views of the starry Irish skies, allowing guests to feel at one with nature.
Accommodation Options:
- Bubble Domes: These luxurious domes are designed for two adults, offering spacious interiors with a roll-top bath overlooking the forest, perfect for a romantic getaway under the stars.
Desert Gardens Hotel, Uluru, Australia
There are few places on earth where the night sky is as stunning as it is at Uluru. The Desert Gardens Hotel offers guests a unique opportunity to wake up to views of this iconic Australian landmark, and to fall asleep under a sky filled with stars.
Accommodation Options:
- Deluxe Rock View Rooms: These rooms feature a balcony or verandah from which guests can soak in the sights and sounds of the Central Australian desert, with Uluru as the backdrop. The clear night skies make for phenomenal star-gazing experiences.
WanderPods, Scenic Rim, Australia
Located in the beautiful Scenic Rim region, just a short drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, WanderPods offer a unique blend of sustainability and luxury. These secluded cabins are designed to immerse guests in the serene natural surroundings, with the night sky providing a stunning display of stars.
Accommodation Options:
- WanderPods: Nestled amidst 1,200 acres of untouched bushland at The Overflow Estate 1895 winery, these cabins are perfect for a romantic retreat or an adventurous escape, offering unparalleled views of the starry skies.
Sequoia Lodge, South Australia
Set in the heart of South Australia, Sequoia Lodge is a luxury retreat where star-gazing is a key experience. The lodge offers guests the chance to marvel at the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky, with a private telescope and a moon window above each king-sized bed for viewing the stars from the comfort of your room.
Star-Gazing Highlights:
- Moon Window: Each suite features a moon window, allowing guests to stargaze from the comfort of their bed.
- Private Telescope: The Sequoia Lounge offers a private telescope for guests to explore the night sky and discover constellations visible only in the Southern Hemisphere.
Final thoughts…
For those who are captivated by the night sky, these accommodation options offer more than just a place to stay—they provide a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking celestial displays on earth.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the outback, relax on a private island, or sleep under the stars in a luxury bubble dome, these destinations promise unforgettable star-gazing experiences!
