Tiller, Oregon
This lookout in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest is more than 40 feet off the ground, getting you that much closer to the stars themselves. About four hours south of Portland, this off-the-grid, one-room home has spring water and a small, solar-powered electricity system, as well as a rather rustic bathroom setup (there’s a pit toilet a short walk from the tower). Far from civilization, the lookout’s deck is a great place to spot shooting stars, but the wood-fired, spring-fed hot tub isn’t a bad place to relax after sunset, either. Just know that this home goes fast on Airbnb—its 2018 schedule is already full—and is only open from late spring to mid-fall (usually around April to November). Up to four guests can fit, so be sure to have your night owl friends on speed dial when booking for 2019 opens in February.
From $175 per night
Twentynine Palms, California
This super chic home designed by L.A.-based architect Malek Alqadi has an outdoor bedroom built for taking in the Milky Way. On two and a half acres, the two-bedroom home (plus the outdoor loft) is just far enough from civilization to provide a dark-enough sky, while still close enough to offer plenty of activities—Joshua Tree National Park is a short eight-minute drive away. Plus, the home comes with modern amenities, like Wi-Fi and A.C. While the outdoor bedroom, reclaimed steel exterior, and modern industrial interiors offer plenty of Instagram fodder, we’re eyeing the outdoor soaking tub, made out of essentially a metal trough. In case you need a reminder, the Airbnb listing comes with a clear disclaimer: “If you are by no means an outdoors person, this cabin will not be a good fit for you.”
From $350 per night
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Thanks to its barren, dry landscape, Chile’s Atacama Desert has stood in for real-life Mars for NASA. (Scientists test equipment here that is later sent to the Red Planet.) But it’s not all sand: Its vastness and isolation means low light pollution, and San Pedro de Atacama is a large enough town to provide a good base for exploring the area. This home sleeps six and has impressive views of the Andes mountains and surrounding volcanoes like Licancabur. There’s an outdoor shower, modern kitchen, and front porch perfect for spotting stars shooting across the Southern Hemisphere’s black sky. The host, Rafael, is an Airbnb Superhost, which means he (and the home) have been highly rated by previous guests.
From $251 per night
Joshua Tree, California
Filled with bohemian kitsch—think Kilim rugs, palmistry books, and succulents—this geodesic dome is secluded from neighboring light pollution, but only a short drive into the town of Joshua Tree (about 10 minutes) and the nearby national park (just 15 minutes away). It’s well-equipped, too: there’s a full kitchen (with a refrigerator, oven, and French press), free Wi-Fi, A.C. units, a wood-burning stove for cool nights, and drop-off fresh juice service for an extra charge. There’s a king-sized bed in the master, a king-sized daybed in the sunroom, and a lofted sitting area that fits four comfortably. Need more convincing? Check out the listing’s Instagram account.
From $145 per night
Casale Monferrato, Italy
It’s this glass home’s location (in rural Casale Monferrato) and its design (well, all glass) that make it great for stargazing—you don’t even have to leave the bed. Slightly more than an hour west of Milan, the home has made it into the pages of Elle Decor and Interiors magazines. If you get bored enjoying the view, you’re in luck: one of Italy’s best wine regions, Piedmont, is just a 45-minute drive away.
From $575 per night
Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
You won’t have a hard time spotting shooting stars from your living room or bedroom in this 180-degree transparent bubble hotel. Set on 50 acres of Northern Irish woodland (about an hour from Belfast and two from Dublin), the dome comes with a four-poster bed, Nespresso machine, and modern bathroom, plus access to miles of trails and kayaks on Lough Erne. The dome is part of a larger resort (Finn Lough), so service will be more like a hotel or B&B than someone’s home. Translation: breakfast is included.
From $303 per night
