Seeking Starshine and Aurora Borealis

As night falls and the mysteries of our universe reveal themselves, we turn our heads towards the vast skies and stand in awe of its grandeur. Whether you’re a budding stargazer or an experienced astrophile, opportunities for stargazing and witnessing the Northern Lights phenomenon in all its glory are waiting to be discovered. There is a spiritual quality to spotting planets, nebulas and constellations sparkle above, demanding a sense of wonder and presence that frees your mind from obligations. Take part in this ancient wisdom and storytelling that will capture your attention and spark your imagination, no matter the age. Below, 360 Private Travel highlights the very best destinations and prime seasons to behold dark skies and dancing waves of light…

OCTOLA Private Wilderness – Lapland, Finland

Chasing the Aurora Borealis can be an elusive activity, whose hunt is successful based on solar flares and a little bit of luck. As the particles reach Earth, magical shades dance and hang mystically in the sky; in the remote wilderness of Lapland, Octola’s secluded lodge at the Arctic Circle is the best location to spot this phenomenon from September to early April, where you’ll feel totally one with Nature.

Nayara Alto Atacama – Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama desert is a wild, windswept and dreamy corner of the Earth, where their lunar-like landscapes and dazzling night skies are simply otherworldly and shrouded in silence. Positioned at high altitude and devoid of light pollution, seek shelter in Nayara’s Ckepi Observatory as you feast upon an ‘endless expanse’ of nebulae, moon craters, and possibly supernovae from December to March.

Anantara Kihavah – Baa Atoll, Maldives

Take advantage of the star-studded tapestry from Anantara’s unique SKY Bar, home to the Maldives’ most powerful telescope in an overwater observatory. Lie back on circular daybeds as a SKY Guru shares more about the Milky Way’s highlights, with crystal clear nights best seen from November to April.

Kwessi Dunes – NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Deep in NamibRand Nature Reserve, stretching over 200,000 hectares, the iconic red dunes and dramatic mountains are the perfect backdrop for one of the least light-polluted areas in the world with skies that come alive at night. Each of their 12 chalets comes with a separate ‘stargazer’ room in open air for ‘maximum galaxy-gazing’ that will lull you into a sweet slumber from May to November.

Soneva Kiri – Koh Kood Island, Thailand

Koh Kood is a hidden gem of Thailand far from the mainland, and best seen from November to January, you can peer into ‘star-strewn heavens’ at the state-of-the-art Observatory with Soneva’s resident Astronomer. Whether counting Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Moons, or the Super Black Moon, you’ll be hypnotised by the patterns close to the equator.

Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat – Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand

Renowned as a Dark Sky Reserve, take part in Mt. Cook’s Billion Star Dining, a stellar event in the intimate, underground Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Expect a seasonal 4-course tasting menu at Moraine Lodge followed by an informative stargazing experience through a 6-inch refractor telescope that will take your breath away. A great spot for astrophotography with a chance to see Aurora Australis from March to September.

With the guidance of your 360 Private Travel, and your expertly designed itinerary, let a feeling of calm wash over you as you gaze upwards at the night skies, feeling small in the grand design of the Cosmos.