, a property 15 miles up the road from Page, Arizona where safari-inspired luxury tents perched on a canyon rim include ensuite bathrooms, king-size beds and a wood-burning stove for chilly nights. It’s been named one of the “Best Resort Hotels in Utah” by Travel+Leisure.
“There are some incredible tent lodges in Africa, but luxury high-end glamping has been late coming to the U.S.,” said Hartley. “It’s a different market to the people who are willing to pitch a tent and cook over gas, but I think both people are going to those places for the same reason—they want to reconnect with the stars overhead.”
Until now there’s been a focus on Dark Sky Parks—typically U.S. National Parks such as Grand Canyon in Arizona, Arches in Utah and Big Bend in Texas—but the new DarkSky Resort status is part of a plan by DarkSky International to focus more on how lighting should be used in different contexts to prevent light-pollution.
It’s hoped that new certification can become the de facto standard for all lodging in sensitive locations, though there’s one particular type of hotel that DarkSky has on its to-do list where bright light can interfere with nature in a hugely negative way. “The one we would love to crack are the beachside hotels in Hawaii and Florida on turtle beaches so they get some kind of recognition for doing things right,” said Hartley.