You don't have to be a professional astronomer to appreciate the night sky.
I keep the SkyView app on my phone, ready to identify Venus or a constellation while I'm walking my neighborhood in the evening hours.
But lately, I’ve been able to take my newfound hobby on vacation with me, as many luxury resorts increasingly offer stargazing as an amenity for guests.
Some are straightforward, such as glamping retreats where you can sleep beneath a canopy of stars. Others are luxury resorts with their own on-site observatories.
Whether you're hoping to spot distant galaxies through a high-powered telescope or learn how ancient navigators used the stars in their travels, these six properties offer memorable ways to look up after dark.
In this article
The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection in Virginia
Set high in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection, benefits from remarkably clear night skies, making it an ideal place to observe stars, planets, and other celestial objects without ambient light obscuring the view.
Of course, the property's fully-equipped observatory certainly helps. Here, you’ll find powerful telescopes with guided stargazing sessions offered year-round. Time your visit to coincide with the new moon to get the best viewing conditions, and check the events calendar for upcoming celestial events, such as the Perseid meteor shower.
Beyond stargazing, Primland offers plenty of ways to explore its 12,000-acre mountain setting, from hiking and mountain biking to guided wildlife excursions and fly-fishing.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in California
At Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Dana Point, California, guests can periodically pair coastal luxury with an evening of stargazing and s'mores.
When offered on the activity list, head to the property's Grand Terrace, where an expert astronomer helps guests navigate the night sky, identifying constellations and planets through a high-powered telescope and using special lasers to explain how to orient themselves by the stars.
After the celestial lesson, gather around the fire to toast marshmallows and build your own s'mores.
During the day, the resort also offers plenty of ways to enjoy its coastal setting, from relaxing at the spa and lounging by the pools to playing golf, exploring nearby beaches, and enjoying water activities along the Southern California coast.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Hawaii
On the shores of Ka'anapali Beach, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa invites guests to explore the night sky through its acclaimed Tour of the Stars program.
Leading the experience is Edward "Eddie" Mahoney, a NASA Ambassador who has served as the resort's Director of Astronomy for more than two decades.
From the resort's rooftop observatory, Mahoney uses state-of-the-art telescopes and his deep knowledge of astronomy to guide guests through the night sky. You'll even learn how early Polynesians were guided to the Hawaiian Islands by the stars.
Families will find that there's plenty to do at the resort beyond the astronomy program, while nearby Ka'anapali Beach offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and other water adventures.
Clear Sky Resorts in Arizona
Just 20 minutes from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, Clear Sky Resorts offers a unique take on stargazing with luxury accommodations inside geodesic domes.
The resort combines the comforts of a hotel room with the feeling of sleeping beneath a canopy of thousands of stars, thanks to the domes' expansive windows and distinctive design.
During the day, guests can explore the Grand Canyon, hike nearby trails, and take in the dramatic desert landscape before returning to their dome for a night under the stars. Sign up for nightly stargazing on the South Lawn to try out the property's high-definition telescope.
Kindred Resort in Colorado
At the base of Keystone Mountain in Colorado, the newly opened Kindred Resort offers a family-friendly take on stargazing through its Starlight Series.
In partnership with Keystone Science School, the experience begins with round-trip transportation to the school's astronomical observatory, where expert guides lead 90-minute sessions using high-powered telescopes and interactive tools.
Guests receive a custom star map to take home, then return to Kindred for an evening around the fire pit with a professional storyteller sharing mountain lore inspired by the night's celestial discoveries. The program is available on select evenings from July through October.
During the day, families can enjoy Keystone's mountain activities, including hiking, biking, and scenic gondola rides, before returning to the resort for a cozy evening under the stars.
Terramor Outdoor Resort in Maine
At Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor, Maine, guests can enjoy the best of glamping and stargazing together.
Celestron telescopes are available for exploring the night sky, while the resort also hosts special astronomy and nature experiences, including guided stargazing that explores Maine's night sky and nocturnal wildlife.
Terramor is an ideal base for exploring Mount Desert Island and nearby Acadia National Park, with hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching popular in the area.
Back at the resort, guests can cool off in the pool and gather around private fire pits to enjoy s'mores beneath the stars. Comfortable canvas tents with elevated amenities make Terramor a fun outdoor getaway without the hassle of setting up your own tent.
The Shortcut
Expert-led programs set these apart: Hyatt Regency Maui's astronomy director has run guided sessions for more than two decades, and Primland's observatory has year-round telescope sessions timed to the new moon.
Family programs go beyond how to use a telescope. Kindred Resort's Starlight Series includes a 90-minute observatory session and a custom star map to take home; Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach combines stargazing with s'mores on the terrace.
No observatory required at Clear Sky Resorts or Terramor. Both let you sleep under an open sky, in a geodesic dome near the Grand Canyon or a canvas tent in Acadia.
Kindred's program only runs July through October, and Primland's best viewing lines up with the new moon, so check the calendar before you book.
