Supported by DarkSky credentials, proprietary stargazing tents, and celestial-themed programming, outdoor hospitality leader launches “We Own The Night” campaign
DENVER, CO. (Feb. 6, 2024) – Today, Under Canvas, the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, announced that all five of its Grand Circle camps across Utah and Arizona—Under Canvas Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase and Moab—have been recognized as the world’s first official DarkSky-certified resorts, creating the preeminent road trip itinerary for astrotourism. Additionally, Under Canvas announced a new “We Own the Night” campaign, which invites guests to experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky like never before.
“We are honored to receive this accreditation by DarkSky International and to continue working together to honor and protect the night sky,” said May Lilley, Chief Marketing Officer of Under Canvas. “In August 2023, Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase became the first-ever DarkSky-certified lodging property in the world. Now, we can proudly say all five of our desert southwest camps that connect the Grand Circle Road Trip through Utah and Arizona are officially DarkSky-certified. We are very proud of the way that Under Canvas continues to set the standard in terms of reducing light pollution, preserving the night sky, and now offering guests an immersive and unmatched nighttime experience found nowhere else on Earth.”
“Today, astrotourism—in which travelers seek out destinations that offer ideal conditions for stargazing and observing celestial events—is one of the top travel trends in the world,” said Ruskin Hartley, Chief Executive Officer of DarkSky International, the recognized global authority on light pollution. “Under Canvas has been at the forefront of this trend. The brand has consistently demonstrated its commitment to preserving the night sky for present and future generations, and sharing awe-inspiring dark sky experiences with its guests.”
As part of the new “We Own the Night” campaign, Under Canvas guests can enjoy complimentary, onsite programming such as astronomy talks, full-moon hikes, nightly s’mores, starbathing meditations, and moon water rituals. Guests can also search the skies for shooting stars and distant galaxies through the camps’ onsite telescopes; savor celestial-themed food and beverages such as Moon & Stars Cheesecake Bites, Galaxy Lemonade, and Meteor Mimosas; and enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty of the night sky from their private deck or the comfort of their bed inside the brand’s signature Stargazer Tent.
A proprietary design developed and exclusively made for Under Canvas guests, Stargazer Tents offer guests the chance from inside their tent to spot the constellations from a viewing-window intentionally placed directly above their king-size bed. Children under 18 can also discover the magic of the night in their own private, adjacent Kids Tent, which includes a starry night carousel night light that provides a cozy, celestial-themed nights sleep.
On evenings when there is a full moon, new moon, meteor shower, or other celestial event, Under Canvas has plans to host special viewing events on the camps’ yoga decks, featuring dark sky-themed desserts, specialty cocktails, hot cocoa, warm blankets, and more. Guests can visit the Under Canvas website for a celestial calendar and information about specific offerings, special events and star parties at each camp.
Today’s announcements reinforce Under Canvas’ industry leadership and significant impact on shaping the future of outdoor hospitality and astrotourism across the country. The announcement further solidifies what has always made Under Canvas so unique: the brand’s focus on operating in breathtaking, intentionally remote locations; commitment to low-impact development and operations; and thoughtfully curated programs and amenities that allow guests to truly immerse themselves in nature.
For the ultimate star-studded road trip, Under Canvas guests can visit all five DarkySky-certified destinations and save 25% when they stay at two or more camps. Visit weownthenight.com for more information.
About Under Canvas
The leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, Under Canvas is the ultimate outdoor destination experience. Its safari-style accommodations perfectly embrace their natural surroundings while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover their outdoor self in comfort and style. Under Canvas currently operates 11 locations: North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley, West Yellowstone and Glacier in Mont.; Moab, Zion, Lake Powell – Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon in Utah; Mount Rushmore in S.D.; Great Smoky Mountains in Tenn.; Grand Canyon in Ariz.; and Acadia in Maine. To grant further access to the nation’s most coveted national parks, Under Canvas expanded their footprint in the luxury outdoor hospitality space with the launch of ULUM, a bespoke resort brand that debuted its first location in Moab, Utah in spring of 2023. For more information, please visit www.undercanvas.com and www.ulumresorts.com.
About DarkSky International
DarkSky International (DarkSky), headquartered in Tucson, AZ, USA, is a recognized global authority on light pollution, empowering a global movement to protect the night sky. DarkSky restores the nighttime environment and protects communities from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy, and conservation. Since 1988, our global community of dark sky advocates has protected more than 200 International DarkSky Places, enacted dozens of responsible lighting policies, and raised awareness of light pollution on every continent.