The Welsh countryside is becoming a destination for a unique wellness experience: “star bathing.” Driven by rising demand—a Booking.com survey found 72% of travelers interested in dark sky destinations—businesses and parks are offering immersive stargazing sessions to counter the effects of urban light pollution. The trend taps into a primal human connection with the night sky, now rare for most city dwellers.
The Allure of Darkness
For many, the experience is transformative. Dani Robertson, a dark skies officer for Snowdonia National Park, describes attendees at her stargazing events being overwhelmed with emotion, even sobbing at the sight of shooting stars. “Every event has a huge waiting list,” she says, noting that for some, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness true darkness. 98% of the UK population lives under light-polluted skies, meaning generations now grow up with limited or no view of the stars.
Wales is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, with two of the UK’s six International Dark Sky Reserves located within its borders. The growing popularity is partly due to a rising interest in wellness practices that leverage natural environments. The concept of “star bathing” draws parallels to forest bathing, which gained prominence in Japan in the 1980s, both emphasizing emotional and psychological benefits.
Beyond Science: The Emotional Impact
Astrotourism operator Dafydd Wyn Morgan of Serydda emphasizes the emotional experience. His sessions prioritize feeling over scientific understanding: “It’s about how it makes you feel emotionally.” However, the experience often sparks curiosity and deeper engagement with astronomy. Morgan, who started Serydda after the death of astrophotographer Alyn Wallace in 2024, has hosted over 100 people, many of whom return for repeat visits.
The psychological benefits extend beyond mere awe. Annalisa Setti, a senior lecturer at University College Cork, explains that immersion in nature triggers “positive relaxation,” reducing brain activity linked to negative thoughts. This effect may explain why demand for these experiences is outstripping supply.
A Fragile Resource
Despite the night sky’s permanence, the ability to see it clearly is not. Light pollution continues to encroach, and access to truly dark skies is increasingly limited. For those seeking a connection to the cosmos—or simply an escape from urban glare—rural Wales offers a rare and increasingly sought-after experience.
The desire to reconnect with the night sky is fundamental. It’s a reminder of humanity’s place in the universe, a benefit that is becoming increasingly rare in modern life.
