by A Night Under the Starry Sky in a Scottish Forest
The automotive brand Dacia is offering a unique experience for adventure seekers and astronomy enthusiasts in the United Kingdom. Instead of regular campsites, the company is organizing a special night event called “The Million-Star Hotel.” The idea is to spend a night in the forest, far from urban light pollution, settled in a car with a panoramic roof.
The Car as a Mobile Hotel
The central element of the event will be the company’s largest model — the Dacia Bigster. This over 4.5-meter-long SUV will be equipped with a special factory-fitted Sleep Pack camping kit. This kit, also available for the Duster and Jogger models, includes a 190-centimeter-long double mattress that unfolds in the rear of the cabin.
The kit is designed for comfortable overnight stays: the mattress can be separated and stored in a special wooden box, which also functions as a table and storage space. Despite the potential limited headroom, the Bigster’s panoramic roof will allow participants to fall asleep while observing the starry sky.
Event Location and Conditions
The event is scheduled for February 25-26 in Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park, which holds the official status of a Dark Sky Park. This location was chosen for ideal observation of a rare astronomical phenomenon — the alignment of several planets at once. Under favorable, cloudless conditions, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury will be visible to the naked eye.
In addition to stargazing, guests will be offered additional activities: cooking over a fire, kayaking, and fishing. Although the Sleep Pack kit does not include sanitary facilities, Dacia will provide a large shared tent area on-site with basic amenities.
How to Attend the Event and Accessory Costs
The number of spots for the event is limited. Interested individuals can apply via a special website until January 28, after which participants will be selected through a draw. The main requirements are residence in the United Kingdom and possession of a valid driver’s license. One car is intended for two adults.
For Dacia car owners who wish to set up their own camper, the factory Sleep Pack kit (wooden box and mattress) costs approximately £1,300. The company also offers additional accessories: blackout curtains, a boot tent, and the full InNature camping kit, with a total cost reaching around £1,800.
Such initiatives demonstrate the growing popularity of automotive tourism and brands’ desire to offer customers not just transportation, but a holistic experience and lifestyle. Organizing the event in sync with an astronomical phenomenon makes it particularly attractive, combining technology, nature, and science. It also shows how modern cars are increasingly being reimagined as mobile spaces for relaxation and leisure, expanding their functions far beyond mere transportation.
