Sleeping Among the Stars: A Wellness Escape

There's something quietly grounding about standing beneath an unobstructed canopy of stars, feeling simultaneously infinite and utterly small. This week, as the Perseid meteor showers paint streaks of light across our skies through August 24th, I'm reminded of that magical Thanksgiving we spent in Jasper, Alberta Canada—where the night sky wasn't just dark, it was alive.

Just days ago, we witnessed the moon's delicate dance with the Seven Sisters, the legendary Pleiades star cluster (a.k.a. the Seven Sisters). This lunar occultation—a perfect cosmic choreography where stars disappeared and reappeared behind our celestial neighbor—reminded me why we seek these moments of wonder. Whether it's the pristine darkness of Jasper's designated Dark Sky Preserve or the mystical expanse above Joshua Tree National Park closer to home, these experiences reshape our perspective in ways that screen time simply cannot.

Enter astroglamping—the sophisticated marriage of stargazing and luxury camping that's redefining how we connect with the cosmos. Unlike traditional camping where you might battle with tent stakes under a flashlight, astroglamping curates an immersive celestial experience in locations specifically chosen for their minimal light pollution and exceptional night sky visibility.

Recently, I discovered Under Canvas, a collection of safari-inspired resorts positioned strategically outside America's most iconic national parks. From Yellowstone's geothermal wonders to Utah's red rock cathedrals at Zion and Bryce Canyon, these 15 destinations—including ULUM Moab and The Fields of Michigan—prove that experiencing the outdoors doesn't require roughing it (but you can, if that’s your travel style).

Their mission resonates deeply: "To inspire connections with extraordinary places, people, and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors." They believe that being outdoors inspires and connects friends, families, and loved ones—that unique experiences enrich lives and strengthen relationships. Most importantly, they understand that nature fosters environmental consciousness while serving as our best architect. It's this philosophy that transforms a simple night under the stars into something transformative.

The Wellness Factor

There's an unexpected wellness component to sleeping beneath an unfiltered night sky. When we disconnect from our blue-lit devices and reconnect with natural rhythms, something shifts. The constant hum of notifications fades, replaced by cricket songs and rustling leaves. Our circadian rhythms, disrupted by artificial light, begin to recalibrate.

But perhaps most importantly, astroglamping offers perspective—a reminder of our place in this vast universe and our responsibility to it. When you're lying in a comfortable bed, canvas walls open to reveal the Milky Way stretching overhead, it's impossible not to reflect on what truly matters. The daily grind feels distant. Connection—with nature, with loved ones, with ourselves—feels immediate and essential.

Making It Happen

The beauty of modern astroglamping lies in its accessibility. Under Canvas has partnered with World of Hyatt, allowing members to earn and redeem points on these outdoor adventures.

Under Canvas is also a partner of Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH), a partnership that captures the spirit of adventure and boutique-style glamping, making Under Canvas a gateway to unforgettable experiences. They've elevated the glamping experience to luxury standards while maintaining that essential connection to the natural world.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, an adventure with family or friends, or a solo retreat for reflection, the infrastructure exists to make these cosmic encounters both comfortable and meaningful. The hard work—finding dark skies, weather planning, equipment setup—has been done for you.

As recent astronomical events remind us, the universe is constantly putting on a show. The question isn't whether these celestial spectacles are happening—they are, every night. The question is whether we'll step outside to witness them. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

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P.S. Power Down. Look Up.

National Parks are among the last remaining sanctuaries for pristine night skies. The International Dark Sky Association has certified over 160,000 square kilometers of protected land and night skies across 22 countries—a constellation of preserved darkness that grows each year. Flagstaff, Arizona, blazed the trail as the first International Dark Sky City in 2001.

Mark your calendars for celestial celebrations: Jasper Dark Sky Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary October 17-26, 2025, while Joshua Tree National Park marks its 10th annual Night Sky Festival October 24-25, 2025. These aren't just stargazing events—they're invitations to reconnect with the cosmic perspective that our ancestors knew by heart.

Learn more: International Dark Sky Association | Jasper Dark Sky Festival | Joshua Tree Night Sky Festival

Ready to sleep among the stars? Let's plan your escape to where the sky meets your sense of wonder.