Exclusive Sanctuary Baines' Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana has just five suites that overlook a lagoon on the Boro River. Each has a four-poster 'sky bed' that can be rolled out onto the candlelit wooden deck for a night under the stars, overlooking a lagoon where hippo can often be spotted and you wake up to the sound of the African dawn chorus. There are also alfresco bathrooms and the Camp can arrange for you to return from an exciting night drive to discover a free-standing bath tub on your private viewing deck.
What could be more romantic than the melody of chirping crickets and a cool breeze on a balmy Italian summer’s night? L’Albereta in Lombardy, Italy is home to a special Honey Room, which has a cabriolet roof that opens for a dreamy evening of stargazing. At the push of a button the roof opens up to fresh air, allowing the sky into your room. Add to this the breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards, mountains and lake and you really are experiencing heaven on earth.
W Retreat Maldives' private island Gaathafushi is a paradise island for two. It comes with its own 'hut' that was set up on the island to allow guests to experience the clean Indian Ocean breeze from all sides plus serene views of the water. The hut is as luxurious as they come and has been kitted out with a signature W Bed with the softest cotton sheets. Now that's what we call Robinson Crusoe island bliss!
The Rooftop Suites at Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como all have hot tubs on their own balcony - and there's more... The Jacuzzis are unique in that they can be covered and turned into beds, enabling you to star gaze from your own balcony in your own private bed - as well as take in the gorgeous lake view. Inside, the suites' luxurious bathtubs overlook the lake and the bathrooms feature Cedarstone and Imperial marble with double basins.
Due to its dark skies, location and elevation offering crisp clean images of planets and stars, Utah is a wonderful place to sleep outdoors. Amangiri, set on 600 acres of Southern Utah desert in Canyon Point, has private sky terraces so you can gaze at the Andromeda Galaxy, Saturn, Orion Nebula and Hercules Cluster from the comfort of a bed. The hotel also lends its guests star gazing kits, with a sky chart, binoculars and a book, to enjoy the stars from the private sky terraces or desert lounges.
At Singita Pamushana Lodge in southeast Zimbabwe, you can relax on a day bed in the middle of a game reserve. And in case you're worried about being eaten by a lion as you rest, there are rangers nearby that keep watch! If lying on a bed in the bush isn't your thing, there are luxury pool loungers with sensational views over the Malilangwe dam and sandstone hills so you can indulge in a poolside nap on your African safari holiday.
For a room with a view in Samoa, Taufua Beach Fales are idyllically set at the ocean's edge on Lalomanu beach. The closed fales have a veranda and timber walls for when you want shelter and privacy, plus there are open fales that have tarpaulins which can be rolled up to allow you to soak up the beach atmosphere. The beach consists of one mile of shining sand, the blue lagoon and shining coral, offering a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers.
Loisaba is an outstandingly beautiful place to experience Kenya's wilderness up close. As well as a lodge, house and cottage to sleep in, there are unique Star Beds located in one of the eastern valleys overlooking a waterhole and on the banks of the Ewaso N'giro River. Each bed is on a wooden raised platform with wheels so you can choose from sleeping on the open deck or under the shelter of the roof. Star Bed guests can also take a guided 'star safari' at night, on foot or on horseback.
For the ultimate romantic night under the stars in New York, AKA Central Park offers residents an intimate starlight setting to enjoy massages, a candlelit dinner, movies and stargazing at the city's first alfresco bedroom. Think of it as super-luxe glamping in Manhattan, where there's not only a plush outdoor queen-size bed set in front of a wood-burning fireplace, but a 42-inch plasma-screen TV to watch classic flicks, a telescope for stargazing and midnight snacks provided. We can't think of a more fabulous way to spend a summer night in New York.
The Malori is a beautiful new sleepout option in South Africa's Tswalu Kalahari, offering a one-of-a-kind experience and the chance to sleep out in the heart of the 100,000 hectare private game reserve. The Malori has a raised platform with thatched overhang so you can sleep under cover or out in the open. There's no compromise on luxury as on arrival a guide sets up sundowners for you and a chef prepares dinner on the deck while you enjoy the panoramic views across the Kalahari.