IN FOCUS
Primland Resort observatory, North Carolina, US
Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives
these sightings have had the opposite effect, as Amy Hope, managing director of The Aurora Zone, explains. “Because there’s more solar activity and it’s
stronger, we’ve been able to see the lights further south in the UK,” she says. “But we found that quite a lot of people had ‘fomo’ because so-and-so had seen them and they hadn’t, so that sparked their interest.”
Starry-eyed And now isn’t just a great time for viewing the aurora borealis. The night sky in its natural state is an illuminated canvas of celestial activity and, with an increasing number of Dark Sky Parks and hotel stargazing experiences on offer, there has never been a better time to sit back and observe the magic. To cater to the expanding demand for
astro-tourism experiences, more and more areas have been inducted as Dark Sky Places – regions of protected land that restrict and reduce light pollution to maintain dark skies – including the Saudi Arabian Manara and Al Gharameel Nature Reserves, marking the first parks of
We found that quite a lot of people had ‘fomo’ because so-and-so had seen them and they hadn’t, so that sparked their interest
their kind in the Middle East. Having these designated spaces isn’t just beneficial for tourism, either – according to Susan Serven, chief development and marketing officer of US-based non-profit organisation DarkSky International, Dark Sky Places are “good for people, good for economic development and good for the planet”. This is a sentiment echoed by Lucasz
Prendke, general manager of Sirru Fen Fushi in the Maldives, which has seen a “noticeable rise” in guests seeking astronomy-related experiences. He explains: “Many guests come from urban areas where light pollution hides the night sky, so witnessing the stars here feels rare and magical. It also reflects a broader shift toward mindful, meaningful travel.” In November 2024, the hotel launched a
collection of celestial activities curated by the property’s resident astronomer, allowing guests to join guided stargazing sessions and enjoy a cosmic-themed dinner under the stars. Prendke says the response was “overwhelmingly positive”, which has prompted the resort to extend the offering year-round.
28
ASPIRE JUNE 2025
aspiretravelclub.co.uk
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