For thousands of years people have looked at the night sky and wondered at the beauty of the cosmos.
While a little more than 100 years ago, it was easy to gaze at the night sky anywhere around the world and see thousands of stars, with the proliferation of light pollution, it has become harder and harder to see them.
To help those in search of catching the beauty of space, a new type of tourism has arisen. Dubbed “astrotourism,” it is a low-impact, sustainable form of tourism focused on the viewing of celestial objects and events.
Hotels in this sphere have turned to firms to maximize the design of their properties for the full visual effect of stargazing.
“At Luxury Frontiers, our focus extends beyond astrotourism to designing environments that encourage a deep connection with nature, both day and night,” said Graeme Labe, managing partner/chief design officer, Luxury Frontiers. “Recently, we’ve observed a growing interest in immersive night sky experiences from our clients. With a third of the world no longer able to see the Milky Way due to increasing light pollution, travelers are seeking remote destinations where they can experience pristine, star-filled skies and truly dark nights.”
The ideal location for stargazing is often remote or rural, where natural conditions minimize light and noise pollution, enhancing immersive dark sky experiences. “The design of an exceptional stargazing and dark sky experience spot should emphasize seclusion and tranquillity, allowing guests to fully engage with the night sky,” he said. “A perfect dark sky experience location offers wide, unobstructed views, typically through open-air decks, terraces, pavilions, towers or lounges. These spaces should be positioned away from obstructions like buildings or trees that might block the horizon. Integrating architecture into the natural landscape creates a seamless experience, with structures strategically placed to leverage natural topography—such as hillsides or cliffs—for optimal sky views. Seclusion and tranquillity are key, as are comfortable outdoor seating areas like beds, hammocks, and plush chairs. These designs allow guests to fully relax while observing the stars. Natural materials further enhance the connection to the surrounding environment, enriching the overall experience with the night sky.”
Naturally, when designing for stargazing, lights are only used when necessary. “When lighting is needed, we opt for low-intensity, downward-facing fixtures and incorporate adaptive systems like motion sensors,” said Labe.
Nature is also integral. “We use natural materials to seamlessly blend structures into their surroundings and include large openings, exterior lounges and outdoor showers to allow guests to fully enjoy the night sky from various vantage points,” said Labe.
Many of the firm’s projects are based in remote, rural areas that meet the criteria for International Dark Sky Reserves as defined by the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) standards. “While we don’t always pursue DarkSky accreditation for Luxury Frontiers-designed projects, we adhere to DarkSky principles by minimizing light pollution, protecting the night environment and promoting educational initiatives,” the designer added.
While it isn’t a requirement for stargazing design, Luxury Frontiers integrates sustainable practices in its projects, such as solar-powered lighting and low-carbon building materials and methods. “Our designs prioritize the guest experience while protecting local ecosystems and minimizing disturbances to wildlife, ensuring immersive and sustainable night sky experiences,” he said.
The firm worked on the newly revitalized Puku Ridge lodge in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, which pays homage to the land and cultures with local elements, patterns and traditions woven into the architecture and style.
When the sun goes down, each suite has incorporated a raised “starbed” concept to maximize appreciation of the surrounding land and sky. The beds are enclosed within a mosquito-net, sit under a shaded canopy and can slide out into the open air, creating a ‘star bed’ for sleeping under the glittering blanket of the night sky above.
Set within the landscape of Southern Utah, Camp Sarika by Amangiri introduces a level of luxury built to blend seamlessly into the canyon environment. Camp Sarika’s remote location has an unparalleled night sky view, which guests are encouraged to experience as part of the canyon immersion. Each tent comes equipped with a telescope and plenty of outdoor seating for guests to do their own stargazing. The property additionally offers pavilions with the best lookouts for an unforgettable stargazing session.
At Madwaleni River Lodge in South Africa, Luxury Frontiers collaborated with local artisans to weave recycled timber into a steel framework to create the boma, a traditional African enclosure meant to provide protection and a space for communal gathering. While it stands as a design spectacle within the lodge, it also offers an immersive guest experience rooted in the region’s rich heritage. The structure itself opens to the sky providing an immersion into the dazzling stars at night. Inside the protective cylindrical woven shape, guests can enjoy outdoor seating and a firepit to relax at whilst basking in the evening light.