What is a Starlight destination? You've probably heard it many times, but you may still be unclear as to what it means. Of course, You are not wrong when you associate the term with the stargazing, but the specific characteristics of what is known as a “Starlight destination” may not be so clear to you yet.
Starlight Foundation
The Starlight Foundation It was created, as a pioneer in the whole world, by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC). This foundation, supported by the UNESCO, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), is responsible for granting the various Starlight certifications relevant to those places, tourist destinations, parks, camps, accommodations, etc., that meet a series of rigorous requirements and criteria, mainly environmental, infrastructure, and research and dissemination.
The Starlight Foundation Certification System It thus has various modalities. Among them are the following: Starlight Tourist Destination and that of Starlight Reserve. In this regard, we take this opportunity to inform you that La Dehesa Experiences, Our exclusive glamping in Cordoba, is located in the middle Sierra Morena, a place declared a Starlight Reserve since 2014.
Returning to the necessary criteria so that a destination, a natural site, an accommodation, among others, obtain the certification and the subsequent Starlight tag, we summarize them below. So that you know a little better what a Starlight destination is and what it really offers you. These requirements are the following:
- Good state of the skies. That is, an optimal quality of the sky both at night and during the day.
- Wealth of destiny. Thus, the destination should enjoy varied interest in terms of natural, cultural and scientific resources.
- Smart lighting. That does not hinder the observation of the skies.
- Infrastructures. Existence of good infrastructure, technical resources and services.
- Quality of the offer. Involving all kinds of actors, from public to private entities, including, of course, the existence of Starlight astronomical guides.
- Satisfaction of demand. Referring to both tourists and locals.
- Knowledge management. Involving research, innovation, education and also information.
- Application, monitoring and feedback of the good practices of the Starlight Program.
In the case of a Starlight Reserve, such as the spectacular Sierra Morena that hosts us, the certification criteria are clearly different. But we will talk about that another time.
So what is a Starlight destination?
Well, according to the Starlight Foundation, the highest authority on this subject, as we have just seen, Starlight destinations "are places to visit, which have excellent qualities for contemplating the skies star-studded and, being protected from light pollution, are especially suitable for developing tourist activities based on this natural resource.”
A Starlight Reserve, for its part, is a “protected natural space where a commitment is established to defend the quality of the night sky and access to starlight. Its function is to preserve the quality of the night sky and the different associated values, whether cultural, scientific, astronomical, scenic or natural.”
One of the main differences between the two is that the destination can be anything from a small town, a city or an island, to a region or a natural or national park. In other words, the focus is only on the destination in the broadest sense of the word. Whereas the reserve is always a natural space, which is also protected. In this way, Sierra Morena can be classified as both a destination and a Starlight reserve.
What is clear, finally, and encompasses all certifications, is that Starlight combines nature, science, research and tourism. A mix with a lot of potential.
What Starlight experiences do we offer at La Dehesa Experiences?
Have the privilege of being within a Starlight zone It is, without a doubt, an incredible opportunity that allows us to offer our clients authentic and truly original experiences. Starting with the fact that one of our luxurious cabins, the Starlight Junior Suite, lives up to its name by the fantastic location that offers to observe the stars.
We continue with the services of each of our rooms, which among all the charming details with which they are equipped to offer maximum comfort, also have binoculars and a fabulous telescope to be able to see the stars from the fantastic terrace.
Finally, in La Dehesa Experiences We have prepared a series of experiences for you that, we assure you, will pleasantly surprise you. Starlight Dehesa Experience, the Starlight Experience + Guitar, wave Kayak + Starlight Experience. Each one more appetizing. Don't you think?
Do you want to discover what a Starlight destination is? Enjoy the unique experience of sleeping under the stars at La Dehesa Experiences!
