Editors' Travel Deal Review
The Deal
Elqui Domos, Chile
Exclusive 10% discount just for Top 25 subscribers!
For a unique stay under the stars, book yourself into Elqui Domos in the scenic Elqui Valley of Chile. Not only is this area famous as a center of magnetism, natural energies and UFO sightings, it’s also a prime stargazing area. Seven two-floored geodesic domes cater to guests at this unusual hotel, where detachable bedroom roofs allow you to truly sleep under the stars. Each unit comes with its own terrace, telescope, and astronomy literature. Activities include astronomic tours, nighttime horse rides and telescope operating sessions. Domes are already an affordable $85/night, but with the extra 10% discount for Top 25 subscribers, you'll pay $77/night instead.
Sentry Mountain Lodge, Canada
For a wilderness sojourn in Canada's beautiful Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia, we recommend Sentry Lodge operated by Golden Alpine Holidays. This remote alpine destination sits at 6,920 feet and is the most northern and luxurious of the agency's four properties. Reachable only by helicopter, the area is famous for its consistent dry powder snow during the winter and wildflower hiking in summer. The intimate lodge features four guest rooms; a Finnish cedar sauna; great cuisine; and even internet access, so you won't feel completely cut off from the rest of the world. Winter stays cost $2595 per person for a seven-night stay.
Little Kulala, Namibia
If you’ve always wanted to combine stargazing with sand-dune sliding, we recommend heading to the Namibian desert. The luxurious retreat known as Little Kulala, in the private 52,000-acre Kulala Wilderness Reserve, is right at the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea, with its giant red dunes and starry skies. Each of the 11 thatched villas comes with a rooftop sky-bed and a plunge pool, while resort facilities include a library, wine cellar, and lounge and dining areas. A on-site water hole also provides ample opportunity to see springbok, bat-eared Fox, aardwolf, ostrich and jackals. All-inclusive rates start at $705/night per person.
Longitude 131°, Australia
For a deluxe wilderness escape in the Australian Outback, the award-winning Longitude 131° is a top choice. Set atop an isolated sand dune close to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, this exquisite retreat of 15 palatial linen-canopied tents offers five-star perks and private views of the sun rising and setting over the legendary Ayers Rock. Activities and tours include gourmet dining under the southern night sky; the Uluru sunrise walk; and discovering ancient Aboriginal lore at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre. Two-night packages start at $1745 per person, all-inclusive.
More Wilderness Retreats
Pansea Ksar Ghilane, Tunisia
Whitepod, Switzerland
Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, United Arab Emirates
The Dollars
The Catch
Booking Details
For Sentry Lodge in Canada, check out www.goldenalpineholidays.com
For Little Kulala in Namibia, visit www.wilderness-safaris.com
For Longitude 131° in Australia, go to www.longitude131.com.au
Switzerland Travel Deals
$253+: Spring & summer airfares to Europe (one-way) Air Berlin
$738+: Europe fares from 20+ US cities (round-trip) Major Airlines
$392+: End of spring Europe fare sale (round-trip) Lufthansa
$333*+: Summer flights to European cities (one-way) United
Up to $150 off: Dining at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Up to $150 off: Dining at select Fairmont Hotels Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
$253+: Spring & summer airfares to Europe (one-way) Air Berlin
$738+: Europe fares from 20+ US cities (round-trip) Major Airlines
$392+: End of spring Europe fare sale (round-trip) Lufthansa
Up to $150 off: Dining at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Up to $150 off: Dining at select Fairmont Hotels Fairmont Hotels & Resorts