The desire for "noctourism" leads travelers to dark places: whether in the desert, the volcanic landscape or in the high mountains - these boutique hideaways show how fascinating the night can be.
"Noctourism" - consciously traveling after dark - has become one of the defining travel trends over the course of the year. Surveys show that more and more holidaymakers are specifically looking for night-time experiences: from stargazing and overnight stays in the desert to city tours after sunset - not least as an alternative to overtourism. Falstaff TRAVEL presents the most beautiful boutique hideaways of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World .
Just two hours south-east of Reykjavík lies Hotel Rangá, a mixture of hunting lodge and luxurious log cabin. Surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs, the house is located in the middle of the Icelandic wilderness. Thanks to two powerful telescopes, guests have a deep view of the night sky from within the in-house observatory with retractable roof.
Dar Ahlam, the "House of Dreams", is located on the edge of the Sahara. After a day on camelback through the dunes of southern Morocco, guests spend the night under the star-filled sky - in a private tent far away from any source of light. The house offers a one-week expedition along the oases - an adventure between silence, stars and sand. Back at the Kasbah, fragrant almond blossoms, manicured gardens and candlelit dinners await.
In the Dolomites, there is an almost meditative calm after sunset. The Forestis high above Brixen offers the ideal place to consciously experience this silence. The architecture made of wood, glass and stone opens up the view of the mountains and the starry nights over South Tyrol. Guests can enjoy the panorama from their own suite or on the terrace of the bar. In the spa, treatments inspired by the surrounding forests bring the beneficial effects of nature inside.
In the Gion district of Kyoto, the night unfolds its poetic side. The Sowaka, a restored ryokan house, lets the old Japanese culture shine in a new light. Lantern-lit alleyways lead guests through quiet neighborhoods where evening strolls offer a rare serenity away from the daytime hustle and bustle. Tea ceremonies in the courtyard continue into the evening hours, when subdued lighting and precise rituals create a deeper connection to the place.
Castle Hot Springs is located between the canyons of the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by hot springs. The Sky View Cabins on elevated ground offer a view of the starry sky. On the private wooden deck there is a telescope for night-time observations, next to a free-standing bathtub filled with mineral-rich spring water.
The elegant tents at Siringit Serengeti Camp blend harmoniously into the landscape, with views of the vast plains. At night, the silence of the savannah sets the rhythm - the calls of the wild animals and the crackling of the campfire can be heard under the starry sky.
