Star-studded escapes: Celestial adventures for modern honeymooners

BY CINDY SOSROUTOMO

Few things are more romantic than a starlit sky. The vastness of it, the stillness and gentle glow can transform any late-night stroll or bended-knee proposal into a moment for the ages. It’s no wonder, then, that couples are seeking out celestial adventures for their honeymoons, where velvety skies, clear conditions and breathtaking landscapes set the stage for romance. From remote deserts to the wonder of Dark Sky Preserves, these magical locales are simply written in the stars. 

JASPER, ALBERTA

Canada is lucky to have 13 Dark Sky Preserves, protected areas where light pollution has been reduced or eliminated to preserve the night. Among them is Jasper National Park, the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, spanning 11,000 square kilometres of pristine night sky. October is the best time to go, with revellers travelling from all over for the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival. But for couples seeking a cosmic connection on their honeymoon — and a chance to glimpse the famed aurora borealis — any time during the fall and winter months, when nights are longest, offer some of the most breathtaking views. Pro tip: look to the skies between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., also known as ‘magnetic midnight,’ when you have the best shot at seeing the Northern Lights.

MAUNAKEA, HAWAI’I

As the highest point in Hawai’i — and the entire Pacific Basin — Maunakea is quite literally the closest you can get to the heavens in this part of the world. Rising to about 13,800 feet above sea level on the island of Hawai’i, this dormant volcano — which last erupted over 4,000 years ago — is renowned for its cloudless atmosphere and minimal light pollution, making it the perfect site for the world’s largest astronomical observatory. While visitors are discouraged from venturing beyond the Visitor Information Station (VIS) on their own, they can still enjoy panoramic views at 9,200 feet, take part in year-round stargazing programs, or reach the summit with a certified tour operator like Mauna Kea Summit Adventures. At the top, beneath a star-filled sky, it’s easy to see why Maunakea is considered one of the most sacred spots in all of Hawai’i.

KERRY, IRELAND

On a clear, moonless night in southwest Ireland, look up and you’ll see thousands of stars in every shape and colour, the Milky Way in all its glory, along with nebulas, satellites and even planets — all visible to the naked eye. At the heart of the region lies the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, the only Gold Tier Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere  —  an honour given to areas with minimal, if any, impact from artificial light or light pollution. Situated on the Iveragh Peninsula and home to nearly 4,000 residents, the Reserve also features the added bonus of a playground, a church, a pub, hostel, a chocolate factory, a historic home and gardens and several beaches – more than enough to make any honeymoon feel positively magical. 

MACKENZIE, NEW ZEALAND

For an other-worldly honeymoon, the Mackenzie region at the heart of New Zealand’s South Island is hard to beat. Here, you’ll find the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve — the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the third largest on Earth — renowned for having some of the most awe-inspiring night skies in the world. Spanning both Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, the Reserve’s vast open landscapes, coupled with exceptionally clear skies, create a setting straight out of a dream. Tour a working observatory, float in a hammock in a hot pool, learn astrophotography from a local expert, or simply cosy up under a blanket and admire the view. 

ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE

Chile’s Atacama Desert is a sight to behold in the light of day. But at night? It’s unlike anything else on earth. Considered the second driest desert in the world, this 1,600-kilometre stretch of red-rock canyons and lunar-like peaks is one of the best places on the planet for stargazing, thanks to a rare trifecta: high altitude, an arid climate and almost no light pollution. Its Southern Hemisphere location offers another advantage: a direct view toward the centre of the Milky Way, providing front-row seats to billions of stars. Depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to spot constellations like the Southern Cross, the Jewel Box Cluster and Omega Centauri. And when you’ve had your fill of the night sky, unwind in nearby Elqui Valley or San Pedro de Atacama – both ideal home bases for a stargazing getaway.

Lesley Turner Editorial Content Writer

Lesley is a freelance writer and content strategist with a serious love for all things wedding. With a background in bridal fashion and over a decade of industry experience, she creates stylish, scroll-stopping content for Today's Bride and beyond.

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