8. Koh Rong, Cambodia
By day, the Cambodian island of Koh Rong is a natural playground for families and couples who take to the water armed with snorkeling gear, looking down at the vibrant sea life below. By night, the waters beyond the powder-soft sands take on a life of their own, akin to a starry sky beyond the resorts and lush vegetation. While the bioluminescent plankton isn’t unique to Koh Rong—you can spot it on other Cambodian isles—the lack of light pollution around these shores makes nighttime beach strolls and boat excursions under the new moon unforgettable.
When to go: November to May
How to get there: Fly to Phnom Penh, then catch a bus to Sihanoukville port and catch a boat transfer to the island
Where to stay: The Royal Sands Koh Rong is the plushest address on this gorgeous island.
9. Cornwall, England
The waters that surround the British Isles aren’t the first that come to mind when you think of the best places to see bioluminescence. However, come summer, the English Channel throws a few surprises upon Cornwall’s shores. Some of the most notable places to spot starry shores in this corner of the world include Grebe Beach, a hidden gem at the end of the Helford River. On balmy nights, the water can turn a luminescent blue with a splash. Elsewhere, in Penzance, the bioluminescent action is best observed at Pedn Vounder, where, a few times a year, the Channel puts on a display under the constellations.
When to go: July and August
How to get there: A five or six hour drive from London’s Heathrow Airport
Where to stay: In Falmouth, The Greenbank Hotel, a charming waterside retreat, gets our vote. In Penzance, hang out with the cool crowd at Artist Residence Cornwall, where unique bedrooms are set within a storied 17th-century property.
