At a literally breathtaking altitude of 3,812 m, you will certainly feel much closer to the moon and stars at Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s largest lakes, which borders Peru and Bolivia. When the sky is clear, you won’t even need any specialised equipment to enjoy the view of the moon hanging in the night sky. Simply head outdoors and look up—the Milky Way stretches across the sky in all its glory.

Stay at the stunning Titilaka, a luxury lodge perched on the edge of the lake, where there are outdoor terraces, overwater decks and boardwalks so you can lounge in comfort as you soak in the glittery view. The lodge, beautifully decorated with local crafts such as woven throws, embroidered cushions and handmade furniture, also offers a nightly stargazing session led by a local guide. Novice astronomers especially may want to attend this, as the session not only offers an overview of the various constellations but also includes the historical lowdown about how the sages of the local tribes used to look to the stars for guidance.

There’s something about moon-and star-gazing that makes you feel like kickin’ it old school by going camping, with a crackling bonfire and roasted marshmallows to complement the experience. But make it luxe, of course.

A stunning glamping destination in the region is Amanwana, a luxury tented resort on Indonesia’s Moyo Island where the 20 safari tents are located between the rainforest and the beach. While there, you can go on a starlight cruise on the resort’s traditional wooden outrigger. Once you are out in the bay, the captain will cut the engines to allow a peaceful drift along the waters as you lay on the day bed, admiring the night sky. The resort’s friendly staff will also be on hand to offer you dessert, cold drinks, tea or coffee as you take in the dazzling view.

Many travellers journey to South Africa for a safari experience, where the goal is to spot the Big Five game animals—the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. Well, you can also spot the heavenly Big Five of star clusters, nebulae and the Milky Way too.

At the Shambala Game Reserve, part of the Leading Hotels of the World group, a stargazing expert can help you locate the three brightest stars in the night sky: Sirius, Canopus and Alpha Centauri, with the naked eye. The winter months from June to August are the best times to enjoy a clear view of the skies. Needless to say, you’ll be able to pick out the moon quite easily here too.

You might be too old to switch professions to become an astronaut or an astronomer, but it doesn’t mean you can’t brush up on your telescope skills. The Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas houses the Maldives’ only overwater observatory which contains the most powerful telescope in the country—a research-grade 16” Meade LX200 telescope mounted on a super-giant field tripod. Plus, there is a chic cocktail lounge located within the same premises, so you can sip on bespoke cocktails as you take in the view overhead.

The observatory’s resident “sky guru”, professional astronomer Ali Shameem, is a protege of Italian astronomer Dr Massimo Tarenghi, who headed the Alma observatory in Chile. The Maldives’ location just above the equator means both hemisphere’s stars are visible from the resort. Coupled with minimal light pollution on this private island and wide, unobstructed skies, this is astronomy at its most jaw-dropping. Besides enjoying the view of the moon and the various constellations, Shameem will also be able to point out various planets, including Saturn and Jupiter.

See also: 10 Global Exhibitions Worth Travelling For This Summer