Noctotourism: four of the best star-studded travel destinations

Whether NASA’s record-breaking Artemis II mission had you glued to the headlines or this year’s striking planetary alignments prompted you to look skyward, fascination with the night sky has never felt so widespread. As we enter the second half of the year, the heavenly antics show no signs of stopping, with heightened solar activity continuing to produce dazzling auroras. Its perhaps no surprise then, that starstruck travellers are trading sun-seeking for star-bathing, in a growing trend dubbed ‘noctotourism’. 

Whether witnessing the much-anticipated solar eclipse and moon-bathing beneath dark skies, to discovering destinations that come alive after sunset, there’s never been a better time to embrace the wonders of the night. Read on to discover the best star-studded destinations for after-dark adventures this August.One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana
With a name like ‘Moonlight Basin’, nestled in the echoing expanse of Big Sky, it’s perhaps no surprise that this elevated resort makes our shortlist of stellar sky-sighting destinations. Better known for its snow-draped winter slopes, its private observatory and 240 acres of wilderness offer a stunning celestial expanse — the ultimate stargazing real estate. Led by expert guides and resident astronomers, on clear nights catch glimpses of the Milky Way, constellations, planets, and track the occasional meteor as it flies by. With few people around and little light pollution to contend with, plus Yellowstone National Park on its doorstep, its inky-dark skies and sweeping mountain vistas make it one of North America’s most dazzling destinations for noctotourism, where the stars take centre stage.Six Senses Ibiza
With Ibiza set directly beneath the path of the upcoming solar eclipse, the island offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s rarest spectacles and the first solar eclipse visible from Ibiza since 1905. To mark the occasion, Six Senses Ibiza is hosting Cosmic Alignment Eclipse Week from 10–16 August, inviting guests to experience the celestial event through immersive wellness rituals and spiritual exploration. The residency features new moon hikes, sound healing, fire ceremonies, meditation and breathwork, alongside live music sessions at the resort’s Beach Caves. The experience culminates in a personalised astrology and tarot workshop, designed to help guests reflect, reset, and embrace the transformative energy of the eclipse as they look towards their next chapter.Hacienda AltaGracia Auberge Collection, Costa Rica
For an unforgettable after-dark adventure, Hacienda AltaGracia’s Nocturnal Wildlife encounter offers a rare opportunity to experience the forest as it comes alive at night. Accompanied by an expert guide, guests venture into the Central American wilderness in near silence, with sharpened senses tingling as the darkness wraps around them. The calls of nocturnal birds echo through the trees, while the forest floor stirs with the scurrying of nocturnal hunters. Discover snakes, frogs and lizards, as well as the more elusive armadillos, agoutis, raccoons, and pizotes. As the trail winds through the forest floor, gaps between bending boughs offer glimpses of a star-spangled night sky. Those with a keen eye may even be rewarded with a sighting of the region’s native wild cat: the ocelot.

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This pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury, this island retreat has embraced the rise of noctotourism with a curated collection of after-dark adventures designed for sensory connection, rejuvenation and relaxation. From blindfolded dinners on secluded, secret sandbanks, to moonlit wellness rituals and open-air cinema beneath a canopy of stars, every evening offers a new way to discover the destination after sunset. Guests can unwind on rooftop star beds, where the soothing rhythm of the waves and uninterrupted night sky views create the perfect setting for moon-bathing and star-gazing. In the privacy of their villa, the resort’s evening sleep ritual weaves together mindful breathwork, aromatherapy, sound healing and stress-relieving massage techniques to encourage deep, restorative rest — sending even the lightest sleeper deep into the world of dreams.

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