Sleep under the stars – World Starlight Stays Selection 4+

Can two people longing to bathe in starlight still see the stars when shrouded in clouds? Please turn to the next page

 

“I am the most premium private wildlife reserve in South Africa, my name is Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and I am located within Kruger National Park—the best-equipped and most species-rich ecotourism destination!” Such an arrogant and commanding tone can only come from Lion Sands, the most luxurious five-star lodge within the reserve. By day, you can drive a jeep to watch leopards drag their prey up trees, elephant herds led by matriarchs moving to the water to cool off, and elands grazing leisurely. It is in this truly wild world that you realize animals are the true masters of the planet. But the more thrilling adventures at Lion Sands are yet to come.

 

As the sun gradually sets, the breathtaking final glow of light is like the best welcome light show, and Lion Sands’ carefully arranged experience is the unique stay in the Chalkley Treehouse. Arriving at the enchanting twilight hour, the Chalkley Treehouse is perched on a 500-year-old windmill tree, about a mile away from the vibrant Sabie River. At first glance, the two-story treehouse may seem sparse and flimsy, but as you step up the stairs, you’ll discover a hidden paradise. Push open the woven wooden door, and you’ll first find the downstairs bathroom, where a modern toilet ensures you’ll never have to worry about finding cover in an emergency. Then, follow the oil lamp’s glow upward, and suddenly, the vast, boundless grassland scenery opens up before your eyes. Here lies the most romantic king-size bed in all of Africa. Lie on the four-poster bed with soft gauze curtains swaying, in this completely silent and pitch-black world, the only light source is the clear Southern Cross constellation above, with the occasional fleeting beautiful meteor streaking by. This is the southern hemisphere sky, unseen in Taiwan, and a sacred atmosphere naturally arises. The small human feels as lonely and detached as the windmill tree standing alone in the grassland, with animals becoming the best companions. The mighty lions, who begin their nightly reign, let out powerful roars, while hyenas and jackals bark incessantly over territorial disputes. Under the full moon, the poses of various African animals unfold like a passionate TV drama. Thoughtful Lion Sands also provides 24-hour mosquito repellent equipment, ensuring it doesn’t disturb the treehouse guests’ enjoyment of the show. Stripped of all the luxuries of civilization, the pure and unpretentious beauty of nature makes the Chalkley Treehouse the finest among five-star lodges.

Around the 1920s, mining engineer Guy Aubrey Chalkley traveled from the United States to South Africa. Passionate about wildlife and always exploring in his spare time, in 1933, he discovered this wildlife paradise. When he bought the land and built the first treehouse for his daughter, Guy Aubrey Chalkley told her not to be afraid of the lion’s roar because such an opportunity would never actually arise in real life. Over the past 60 years, the treehouse has evolved from a photographer’s favorite open-air platform for tracking animals to a luxurious residence with added double beds, vanity tables, and bathtubs. Although the Chalkley Treehouse is now a popular destination for the wildest and most thrilling honeymoon experiences, people come here not only to experience the thrill of lions and leopards roaming beneath their feet, but also to indirectly support the conservation efforts of the reserve, as part of the fees paid to stay at Lion Sands go toward protecting these nearly extinct African animals.

Longing for an icy adventure, you pack your bags and head north. In Finland’s northern Urho Kekkonen National Park, the Igloo Village of Hotel Kakslauttanen features Eskimo-style snow igloos and glass igloos—perfect winter adventure accommodations in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

 

Under the crystal-clear Lapland sky, there are 20 glass igloos with heat-resistant glass windows. The special glass material keeps the interior at a constant temperature, preventing frost even in freezing conditions, making it the best spot for stargazing in the snow. The rooms not only feature luxurious beds and private bathrooms, but also offer a hot sauna each night to ward off the cold. Visiting in winter means you’ll likely catch the season when the aurora borealis lights up the sky, its ghostly green glow illuminating the snow igloos, reflecting beautifully against the warm yellow lights inside.

 

The completely snow-built snow igloos are also a popular accommodation option at the Igloo Village of Hotel Kakslauttanen. Designed simply, they can accommodate 1 to 5 guests, and thanks to snow’s excellent insulation properties, the interior remains between minus 3 to minus 6 degrees Celsius. Guests who choose to stay here are provided with insulated sleeping bags that can withstand minus 32 degrees, as well as wool socks and hoods to wear while sleeping.

The resort also offers 40 cabins of varying sizes and styles. Five of them are Queen Suites, featuring spacious bathrooms and outdoor hot tubs, allowing you to enjoy a snowy soak. The one and only honeymoon cottage is made of beechwood and covered with half-meter-long grass for insulation. Inside, besides a comfortable king-size bed, there’s also a fireplace and a Las Vegas-style bathroom. The bathroom ceiling features a glowing star map, with the North Star positioned right above the bathtub, creating a fun mirror to the real night sky outside.

 

Not only is the accommodation a draw, but the resort is also a popular wedding venue. A reindeer-drawn sleigh slowly carries the happy couple across the snowy landscape to the snow chapel (Snow Chapel), decorated with artistic ice sculptures. Traditional Lapland songs are performed for the bride and groom, making every girl scream with romance. The only caveat is that the chapel’s interior is kept at minus 3 to minus 6 degrees Celsius, so brides and guests might have to skip the elegant strapless dresses. Even so, couples continue to flock here to tie the knot.

 

Next to the snow chapel is the Kota Restaurant, one of the resort’s four dining spots. The warm Lapland tent accommodates 50 guests, where you can enjoy traditional Lapland cuisine with the local Sami people—reindeer meat, fresh fish, and king crabs caught in the Arctic Sea—while learning more about Sami culture and stories.

 

Also like the Igloo Village of Hotel Kakslauttanen, the Snow Restaurant operates annually from December or January until April. Located inside a large snow igloo that seats 150, the tables are made of ice bricks, but the three main courses served are hot and hearty. Whether you dine here or stay in the polar snow igloos, this Arctic ice adventure leaves an unforgettable impression.