For good stargazing, pick a night near a new moon, a spot away from bright lights, and a clear sky. These three checks take only a few minutes. The table below shows how.
This guide sits in our romantic experiences topic, where we plan special moments around what you can check ahead.
What are the three checks?
| Check | What to look for | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Moon | New moon or thin crescent for the darkest sky | A moon calendar for your dates |
| Light | Few lights nearby, a clear horizon | Ask the resort and look at a map |
| Weather | Clear, low cloud, low humidity haze | The forecast on the same day |
If one check fails, move the night rather than force it. A spare evening in your plan helps.
How does the moon change the night?
A bright moon washes out faint stars. A thin crescent sets early and leaves the sky dark for most of the night.
If your dates fall near a full moon, you can still enjoy a moonlit evening on the sea. Simply set your expectations for a different kind of beauty.
How do we find a dark spot?
Resorts on islands and in highlands can have less glare than towns. Even so, the property’s own lights matter, because pool and path lighting can spoil the view.
Ask whether a quieter corner exists, and whether lights can be dimmed for an hour. Our guide on a quiet island honeymoon without tour crowds is a good place to start when you choose where to stay.
What about safety at night?
Dark places need extra care. Tides, slippery rocks and uneven paths are harder to see.
Read the practical risks of a remote island honeymoon before you plan a late night outside. Bring a small torch with a red filter, if possible, to protect your night vision.
What should we pack?
- A light jacket or shawl, because the air cools at night.
- Insect repellent and long sleeves.
- A mat or reclining chairs.
- A small torch, ideally with a red light.
- A star map app, with the phone set to dim and night mode.
- Water and a warm drink.
What should we do next?
- Check the moon calendar for your dates.
- Ask the resort about lighting, a guide and a safe spot.
- Keep one spare evening in case of cloud, as in why to keep evenings free.
- Send us your resort and dates, and we will check the details and confirm in writing.