Here Are 6 Excellent Hotels for Viewing October’s Solar Eclipse—And You Can Still Reserve Your Stay

While next spring’s highly anticipated total solar eclipse is already creating a buzz, it isn’t the only solar event to look forward to. On October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will grace a narrow strip across the Americas, making it a perfect reason to plan a trip. This unique phenomenon—where the moon obscures most but not all of the sun—creates a striking ring-of-fire effect. Sky enthusiasts can experience this annularity in 10 countries, spanning from the western United States down into Mexico, Central America, and beyond to South America.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

According to NASA, eclipses happen when the sun, moon, and Earth align. The specific type of solar eclipse depends on how far the moon is from our planet.

As the moon travels around Earth, its distance from us varies. When the moon is closer, it appears large enough to entirely cover the sun’s surface, except for its outer layer, known as the corona. This results in a total solar eclipse, which casts a night-like darkness over those situated within a narrow geographical zone called the path of totality.

This fall’s annular solar eclipse serves as a preview for next year’s grand event. During an annular eclipse, the moon is positioned farther away from Earth, preventing it from fully covering the sun. Instead, it moves across most of the sun’s surface. Observers on Earth will see a dark full moon surrounded by the sun’s bright orange edge. While it won’t plunge into complete darkness as with a total eclipse, the sun will appear dimmed.

How can I view the October annular solar eclipse?

The path of annularity, where the complete ring of fire is visible, traverses a narrow corridor across North and South America this October, extending approximately from Oregon to Brazil. According to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, annularity will first reach Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PST, moving southeast through North America, Central America, and finally into northeastern Brazil.

Those located near, but not directly in, the path of annularity will experience a partial eclipse. To safely observe the sun, it’s essential to use a pair of NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses, as regular sunglasses do not offer sufficient protection.

The optimal way to witness the eclipse? Book a hotel along the path of annularity for the night before (October 13, 2023). These hotels, along with glamping options, blend astronomy with adventure and luxury—and they all have availability for the eve of the eclipse at the time of publication.

1. Alaia Belize

Between 11:31:34 a.m. and 11:36:19 a.m. local time, Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, will bask in nearly five minutes under the ring of fire. The eclipse can be viewed from any open area on this palm-lined island, but the picturesque and private vantage points at Alaia Belize are particularly remarkable.

This stylish Marriott Autograph Collection hotel boasts 1,000 feet of pristine Mar de Tumbo beach. Witness the eclipse from a cabana or lounge chair by the water, or at the Vista Rooftop Pool and Lounge, a stunning elevated pool complemented by an Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar. For a more intimate experience, reserve a private beachfront villa, each equipped with its own plunge pool. The chic suites also feature balconies with beach or garden views. Alternatively, join other guests at the main pool to catch the eclipse while enjoying a swim-up bar drink before 11:31 a.m. Rates from $289

2. Bay Point Landing

Southern Oregon is among the first locations to witness the annular solar eclipse on October 14. Experience this celestial event at Bay Point Landing, a collection of cabins, tiny homes, and Airstreams set along the rugged coast of Coos Bay. This area of marshes, sandy beaches, and dunes will enjoy nearly four minutes of annularity from 9:16:02 a.m. to 9:20:01 a.m. local time.

Enjoy the solar spectacle from Bay Point Landing’s various viewpoints, including private firepits and the nearby secluded shoreline. Reserve a minimalist cabin accommodating two to six guests, perfect for watching from the comfort of your front porch’s Adirondack chairs. Alternatively, choose an Airstream suite that features a kitchenette, private bathroom, skylight, and outdoor patio. After the eclipse, unwind in Bay Point Landing’s indoor saltwater pool with its vaulted ceilings, and refuel with comfort food from the on-site food truck, offering delights like fish & chips and fresh salads, ideal for fueling your beach walks and water activities. Starting at $168

3. Kimpton Grand Roatán

The vibrant Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in Roatán is a stunning highlight of the Honduran island, but on October 14, the focus will shift to the sky. Between 11:38:06 a.m. and 11:42:45 a.m. local time, the island, located 40 miles off northern Honduras, will be graced with a magnificent ring of fire. Experience all 4.5 minutes of this spectacle in luxury at the newly opened Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, which debuted in summer 2023.

This 119-room resort, situated on the southern edge of the island, offers a variety of accommodations, including suites, condos, and bungalows, all adorned with local art and artifacts reflecting the heritage of the Indigenous Paya islanders. Many rooms boast private balconies overlooking lush tropical forests. Enjoy the eclipse from your balcony, the outdoor pool surrounded by gumbo trees, or while kayaking in the Caribbean Sea with rentals available on-site. After enjoying the celestial display, treat yourself to a bite at one of the resort’s four vibrant restaurants. Alera serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients and seafood, while The Drop Off beachfront eatery offers cocktails that are as artistic as they are refreshing. Rates start at $265

4. MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa

The path of annularity for the eclipse traverses Quintana Roo, one of Mexico's top tourist destinations, renowned for its sugar-sand beaches, cenotes, jungles, and Mayan ruins. This region, located about 200 miles south of Cancún, will experience the annular eclipse from 12:29:22 p.m. to 12:33:21 p.m. local time. For an unforgettable experience combining eclipse viewing with luxury, head to MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort and Spa.

The MÍA Bacalar features 23 uniquely designed white and wooden accommodations that overlook the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, famously known as the “lagoon of seven colors” for its shifting shades of blue. Enjoy the eclipse from your private patio in one of the Luxe Saasil rooms or unwind in a private plunge pool within the Ixchel suites. For a broader view, visit MÍA Bacalar’s pier or paddle a transparent kayak across the lagoon, allowing you to appreciate both the ocean and the celestial display. After your adventures, indulge at the upscale Hunab Ku Restaurant, celebrated for its traditional Mexican dishes like stuffed peppers and pozole (a savory pork and hominy stew). Starting at $322

5. La Cantera Resort & Spa

In the coming months, Texas Hill Country will experience a celestial double feature, with both this fall’s annular solar eclipse and next spring’s total solar eclipse. La Cantera Resort & Spa, perched atop the rolling hills of San Antonio, offers a prime viewing spot for both phenomena, including the annular eclipse occurring from 11:51:47 a.m. to 11:55:58 a.m. local time on October 14.

This expansive resort boasts 496 rooms across 550 wooded acres, featuring 34 luxurious villa-style accommodations and a dedicated adults-only floor. With Texas limestone walls and decor inspired by local textiles and art, the property pays homage to the area’s rich heritage. The generously sized guest rooms continue this theme, complete with cherry wood furnishings, large windows, and private patios perfect for soaking in the stunning surroundings.

On October 14, La Cantera will collaborate with the University of Texas at San Antonio’s physics and astronomy department to offer an educational eclipse-viewing experience. This is part of their three-day “moon’s shadow” package ($3,500 for two guests, three-night minimum), which includes informative programming, a welcome reception, telescope observations, and a full eclipse-viewing party on the lawn that day. Guests can enjoy meals before and after the eclipse at various on-site restaurants, ranging from charcuterie at Bocado to upscale Texan dishes like beef tenderloin or venison at La Cantera’s Signature restaurant. From $357

6. Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

Mid-October will bring a wave of celestial events to New Mexico. Alongside the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta running from October 7 to 15, the ring of fire will also shine above about one-third of the state on October 14. While many hotels in Albuquerque are fully booked for the popular balloon festival, the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado in Santa Fe, approximately an hour north of the fiesta, still has availability—and guests can witness nearly two minutes of annularity from 10:36:28 a.m. to 10:38:18 a.m. local time on the 14th.

The property spans 57 acres in the Sangre de Cristo mountain foothills, offering numerous eclipse-chasing experiences. Gather around an outdoor firepit as the ring of fire illuminates the sky, or enjoy the view from the pool as the desert landscape shifts in the dimming light. The adobe-style casitas feature wood-burning fireplaces and heated floors, with private terraces perfect for watching the eclipse in comfort. Lounge on cozy patio furniture, including hammocks and chairs. For an adrenaline-filled experience, visit the adventure center and schedule a mountain canyon hike timed with the eclipse, surrounded by wild hops and cholla cacti. Don’t miss the fine dining at Terra, known for its Southwestern dishes like watermelon cucumber gazpacho and seafood paella with saffron rice. From $3,400