Top 10 captivating getaways for unforgettable stargazing and astronomy experiences

In the pursuit of a truly awe-inspiring cosmic experience, stargazing holidays are rising in popularity, offering an escape from light pollution and a chance to witness the night sky in all its glory. Here are some of the world's best destinations for a celestial getaway.

The Maldives' luxurious Gili Lankanfushi resort, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, boasts an extraordinary lack of light pollution. Equipped with a powerful telescope and night sky-trained staff, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the cosmos.

Wales, now officially known as Bannau Brycheiniog, is the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the country. Its rural locations, such as the Brecon Beacons National Park, offer minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. The Brecon Beacons National Park hosts a Dark Sky Festival in September, showcasing the park's high-quality dark skies.

Utah, USA, is a world-renowned dark-sky location, with numerous places for stargazing. It is home to five national parks - Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and the northern side of the Grand Canyon - each offering breathtaking views of the night sky. The Cedar Breaks National Monument, located at over 3,000 metres in elevation, provides even better stargazing opportunities due to its high altitude. The Grand Lodge at Brian Head, conveniently located in Utah, serves as a comfortable base for stargazing adventures.

The Canary Islands, situated at 28° latitude north, are some of the best places in Europe for stargazing. Here, you can see Sagittarius, Scorpius, and southern hemisphere sights like Canopus. The El Teide National Park in Tenerife's Canary Islands is a UNESCO Starlight Reserve, with Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide offering stargazing sessions with telescopes.

Spain's Sierra Sur de Jaén Starlight Reserve, located in Andalucía, is sparsely populated, offering a lack of light pollution and 300 clear nights a year. The Observatorio Andaluz de Astronomía at La Pedriza in Sierra Sur de Jaén Starlight Reserve hosts stargazing events and workshops. Casa Olea Starlight Hotel, a boutique B&B on the fringes of Sierra Sur de Jaén, has night-sky-friendly lighting and hosts stargazing weekends.

Fuerteventura, another UNESCO Starlight Reserve, offers a four-day night photography course with professional photographer Simon Waldram. Hotel SaharaSky in Morocco has a rooftop observatory equipped with a range of telescopes for stargazing.

In Italy, the Family Home Alpenhof in Mühlbach/Meransen offers its own observatory or stargazing sessions as part of its facilities for families. Hotel Ranga in Iceland is a luxury hotel with its own roll-off roof observatory and telescopes suitable for astrophotography.

As the interest in stargazing holidays grows, more hotels and resorts around the globe are beginning to schedule stargazing sessions and install telescopes and observatories. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, these destinations promise an unforgettable cosmic adventure.