Explore world's most inspiring stargazing experiences and night skies

The Maldives' remote location in the Indian Ocean presents one of the world's most exceptional stargazing experiences. With the average temperature hovers around 30°C year-round, Maldives has the perfect conditions for evening astronomy. What sets the Maldives apart is the unique opportunity to stargaze from overwater villas, offering unparalleled privacy and an obstructed, 360-degree view of the night sky.

At Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the SKY Bar houses the Indian Ocean's first overwater observatory and the island country’s most powerful telescope making it a must-visit place for stargazing experience in Maldives. Guests can lay back on a circular daybed to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead all while the storytelling SKY Guru reveals the secrets of the cosmos, spotting remarkable features like the Omega Centauri cluster, the pale-yellow rings of Saturn or the belts of Jupiter that vary in width, colour and intensity from year to year.

Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve on New Zealand's South Island spans an impressive 4,300 square kilometres with the most iconic spot at Tekapo River. Here, visitors can marvel at unique astronomical features like the Southern Cross (known to the Māori as Te Punga, 'the anchor') and the mesmerising Large Magellanic Cloud, while experiencing the profound cultural connection through Māori culture, where stars have guided navigation and spiritual practices for centuries.

Named as the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001, Flagstaff, Arizona, combines sophisticated astronomical facilities with the raw beauty of the American Southwest. The city's pioneering approach to managing light pollution is world-class. This includes the installation of low-pressure sodium (LPS) street lighting, which produces a yellow-orange light, thus minimising impact on the night sky — the world's first outdoor lighting ordinance since 1958, requiring all exterior lighting to be shielded and pointed downwards — as well as strict regulations banning non-essential lighting at night.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve holds the prestigious 'Gold' tier status from the International Dark-Sky Association – their darkest and strictest category available. Cloud-free for most of the year, the reserve maintains rigorous lighting guidelines. Here, the Milky Way appears so bright it casts shadows on the ancient desert sand, creating an unforgettable backdrop for romantic moments.

Thailand's largest island harbours secret spots where the night sky still maintains its natural brilliance. Along the serene western coast of Phuket overlooking the Andaman Sea, away from the bustling tourist areas, the heavens put on a spectacular show.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, located on a quiet bay away from the crowds, celebrates this cosmic connection at Dara Cuisine allowing for the perfect place for stargazing experience in Phuket. The resort's custom-built Ash dome houses a powerful telescope that brings the cosmos within reach. Dedicated Sky Storytellers guide guests through celestial wonders – from the brilliance of Sirius to the rings of Saturn and the ethereal glow of the Orion nebula.

• Check out DarkSky International's certified Dark Sky Places for more destinations of protected lands around the globe
• Use Lightpollutionmap.info to identify areas with minimal light pollution
• Plan your visit during the new moon phase for optimal star visibility
• Winter offers longer darkness hours and typically clearer skies

From sustainable lighting practices to innovative stargazing experiences, these destinations lead the way in preserving Earth's dark skies while offering unforgettable moments under the stars.