{"id":4459,"date":"2021-01-28T16:08:18","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T16:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=4459"},"modified":"2021-03-16T12:29:14","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T12:29:14","slug":"epic-places-to-watch-the-sky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/epic-places-to-watch-the-sky\/","title":{"rendered":"Epic Places to Watch the Sky"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With 2020 drifting into the distance behind us and another year ahead, we\u2019re all in need of a deep breath of fresh air. Whether you\u2019re hankering after a glimpse of the Northern Lights, dreaming of sunsets in a far-flung, palm-fringed paradise or spotting stars a little closer to home, watching the sky is an invaluable way of reconnecting with planet earth. Take some time to sit back and admire the sun, stars, and the drifting clouds, think of better days and feel grateful for nature in all its glory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lapland, Finland. Image credit: Alexandrite on iStock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Snowy scenes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Swirling flurries, powdered-sugar hills and the dream of colourful lights dancing in the sky – that\u2019s what one expects from a Scandinavian winter. Whether you\u2019re looking to explore the geysir-fuelled thermal wonders of Iceland, cast your mind to Christmas in Finnish Lapland or combine the hip delights of Swedish cities with an adventure into its gorgeous green spaces, you\u2019ll find a sky or two to admire on your way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iceland – Midgardur by Centerhotels<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Located at the end of Reykjavik\u2019s busiest shopping street, Midgardur by Centerhotels boasts a buzzing restaurant serving Nordic cuisine and an open-air hot tub for sitting back with a cocktail to watch the sky. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, Iceland\u2019s skies are magical. Home to the Aurora Borealis in winter and the never-setting Midnight Sun in summer, you\u2019ll surely find something to fall in love with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finland – Holiday Village Gulo Gulo<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In the midst of Lapland\u2019s largest wildlife park, Holiday Village Gulo Gulo is the ultimate in Finnish hospitality, with unforgettable accommodations in the most stunning, snow-kissed setting. Apartments are cosy and welcoming, with log burning stoves and saunas for warming up after adventures in the surrounding wilderness. To up the ante, opt to spend a night or two in a glass igloo, where you can watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky whilst tucked up under a fluffy duvet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweden – Torekov Hotel<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Sink into a Japanese soaking tub or the 38-degree hydro-jet pool and drink the fresh Swedish air. You\u2019ll find this tranquil spot in Sweden\u2019s Sk\u00e5ne County, on the outskirts of a traditional fishing village where both the serene sea and the idyllic landscapes will amaze. This is the perfect getaway for outdoorsmen, with scenic hiking trails, swimming and sky-gazing aplenty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mayrhofen, Austria. Image credit: Karl Eichinger \/ EyeEm on gettyimages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mountain landscapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Europe\u2019s mountainous landscapes are coveted worldwide by skiers, hikers, climbers and cyclists, no matter the season. Whether you\u2019re barrelling down snow-covered slopes in winter or summiting emerald mountain passes in summer, the skies here are guaranteed to inspire. If you\u2019re a mountain-buff looking for a good view, look no further, because between Switzerland\u2019s imposing Matterhorn, France\u2019s massif Mont Blanc and Austria\u2019s towering Grossglockner, you\u2019ll certainly be spoilt for choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

France – Courcheneige<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The stunning Courcheneige hotel<\/a> in France\u2019s world-famous Courchevel 1850 boasts both breathtaking views and a boutique atmosphere, with the unforgettable decor to top it all off. The mellow lounge area is apres-ski perfection, combining cosy pub vibes with all the patterned accents of an upscale safari lodge. This ski-in, ski-out locale is right on the slopes, and you can even admire alpine skies late into the night from a spacious Jacuzzi that\u2019ll surely keep you toasty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland – Chandolin Boutique Hotel<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

120 kilometres north-east as the crow flies, across the mountain passes of the French-Swiss border, you\u2019ll find a charming boutique lodge where panoramic views are the name of the game. Premium and Deluxe rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows with balconies for taking in the alpine skies. Take the opportunity to watch the sunrise each morning before an early-morning ski, or admire the sun slinking back over the mountains before you indulge in a night out apres-skiing to your heart\u2019s content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Austria – ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat <\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s tough to find a mountain spot cosier than ElisabethHotel<\/a>, where roaring fires are present everywhere, even in the sleek spa, for warming up after long days on the slopes. Located in the Upper Zillertal Valley, you\u2019ve plenty of choice for breath-taking skies here. In summer, the area is popular with climbers and paragliders – what better way to experience the sky than soaring through it, free as a bird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fushifaru Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll. Image credit: Fushifaru Maldives.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Island idylls <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re more of a sun-seeker than a snow angel, then you\u2019ll certainly want to consider a far-flung getaway to one of these idyllic locales. Whether you opt for the away-from-it-all peace and quiet of the Maldives\u2019 endless atolls or the cultural highlights and culinary hubs of Thailand and Sri Lanka, you\u2019ll undoubtedly be stunned by colourful island sunsets at the end of each warm, tropical day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maldives – Fushifaru Maldives<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

With little but blue sky and sea as far as the horizon spans, a stay at Fushifaru Maldives is an escape from the world. Not only will you be blessed by top-notch service and sandbanks for sitting back in silence, but you can also opt to indulge in private picnics and sundowners under the sunset skies of this spot in the middle of the ocean. If you really want to make your getaway unforgettable, choose to spend a whole night sleeping under the stars on a white-sand beach, with no one but your loved one and the ocean for company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thailand – Keemala Phuket<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Set amid a sloping rainforest, with thatched-roof cottages and villas peppering the hillside, Keemala truly is a slice of paradise on Phuket Island. It sits on the quieter, jungled side of Phuket, backed by rainforest on one side with the sparkling Andaman Sea to the west. There are private pool options for complete tranquillity, and their Clay Pool cottages come equipped with outdoor bathtubs for true jungle luxury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sri Lanka – Nos Da Ty Boutique Hotel<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Located on the edge of the tranquil Koggala Lagoon and steps from an old Buddhist temple, this boutique hotel ranks high on the list of stunning places to watch the sky. Each evening watch fishermen haul in their catch as the sun sets over the lagoon and enjoy the chatter of locals going about their nightly business. You\u2019ve also beautiful boat trips to surrounding islands and hikes through the jungled surrounds to keep you occupied, as well as plenty of beaches for evening strolls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scottish Highlands, Scotland. Image credit: Sara_winter<\/a> on iStock. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Close to home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of us forget about the UK\u2019s beauty; the many mountains, slow-flowing rivers and the rolling hills of England\u2019s green and pleasant land, but it shouldn\u2019t be overlooked if you\u2019re hankering after a touch of solitude and a beautiful sky. There are plenty of dark-sky hubs simply made for stargazing, and even if you\u2019re more of a daytime adventurer, the wide open skies of the Scottish Highlands and the views from the top of Welsh peaks certainly won\u2019t go amiss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wales – Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

With sprawling gardens that include its very own castle ruins and a location at the foot of Mount Snowdon, Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia is the perfect pad for those who want to explore the Welsh countryside. The hotel is cradled between two lakes in the town of Llanberis, where sunrises will have you in awe and come nighttime, the sky is plenty dark enough to make out a multitude of cosmic entities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scottish Highlands – Stonefield Castle <\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Decked to the nines in royal reds with a restaurant serving up the freshest Scottish seafood, this 17th-century Scottish Castle turned hotel boasts majesty in spades. Add to this an unbeatable location on the banks of Loch Fyne and you\u2019ve all the trappings of an unforgettable Scottish getaway. Opposite this regal bolthole is a tiny island, whose viewpoints give incredible vistas across the loch – you might even spot wild seals and otters while you\u2019re there – and to its west, miles and miles of unspoilt and unfathomable landscapes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake District – Belsfield Hotel<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Though it may be located on the Lake District\u2019s most famous lake, the surroundings of Laura Ashley\u2019s The Belsfield<\/a> are more than dreamy. Whether you\u2019re a biker, hiker, kayaker or simply a sit-and-watcher, these landscapes are sure to impress. The Lake District\u2019s Grizedale Forest is a certified Dark Sky Site, and on the best night\u2019s you might be lucky enough to see the milky way glittering long into the night.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t