THE WORLD’S GREATEST GLAMPING
“Glamping” aka glamorous camping has taken off around the world. It’s the perfect solution for those who love the outdoors but prefer to experience it with the creature comforts of home, or a fabulous hotel room. Here’s our pick of the best places in the world camp in complete luxury.
Patagonia Camp, Patagonia, Chile
This luxurious camp lies at the foot of the Torres Del Paine mountain range, overlooking Lake Toro. Guests stay in Yurts, heated tent domes with a bathroom and private terrace over the lake. The camp offers 3 and 4 night programs which include full and half day excursions into the surrounding wilderness. Diners can expect fine local produce, including lamb, Chilean wine, and lake caught Hake. Don’t miss the Patagonian barbeque in the “Quincho”, which serves up slow-roasted Mallaganic lamb.
Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, Australia
Only a two hour drive from Sydney, Jervis Bay is renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal waters. Paperbark is located on 100 acres of untouched bushland, yet is within walking distance to Murray’s Beach. The 12 tents are built above ground for ultimate privacy, each with a wraparound verandah. Visit Gunyah Restuarant for some fine dining in the treetops.
Paws Up, Montana, United States
This resort is situated on a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch in western Montana. Choose between 3 different campsites, all featuring super luxurious tents with a personal butler, private deck, and twice daily housekeeping. Daily activities include horse-riding, river rafting and hot air-ballooning. Once you’ve tried both of the fine rustic restaurants, take a ride on the Chuck Wagon for an evening barbeque under the Montana Big Sky.
4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Tatai, Cambodia
Aquatic Glamping. Located on the Tatai river at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains, these 12 tents are, as the name of the resort suggests, literally floating on water. The tents boast a 48 metre squared area with a private sun lounger balcony. Activities include kayaking, excursions into the mangrove waterways, to the Tatai waterfall, and neighboring villages to explore the markets. At dinner time, expect only the freshest fish caught that day in the river, or if you’re feeling adventurous, go on one of the fishing trips and catch the evening meal yourself.
Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle, Thailand
The remote Golden Triangle is the meeting point of three different countries; Thailand, Burma and Laos. 15 tents stand in secluded Thai jungle, overlooking the Burmese Rauk River or Laos mountains. Each one features handcrafted furnishings reminiscent of 19th-century expeditions, including a copper bath. The camp offers 3 or 4 night all inclusive adventures with activities like elephant treks through the jungle, excursions down the Mekong river, and hikes through the mountains.
Longtitude 131°, Northern Territory, Australia
There is no better way to experience Uluru, one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, than at Longitude 131°. The 15 tents offer full views of the rock, which will impress at any time of the day but particularly at sunrise and sunset. The resort take guests on an inclusive 3 day tour of the land, though these can be personalized to suit your own interests. Dinner at the infamous Table 131° is a must; a 3 course dinner under the starry expanse of the desert night sky.
Banyan Tree Madivaru, Maldives
This is 5-star Glamping at its best. Comprised of only 6 tented pool villas, you will have all the privacy you need to relax and escape the world. And there’s a reason the tents are called ‘villas’ – each one is made up of 3 large individual tents; one for sleeping, living, and another for bathing, which also features a pair of spa beds for in-villa treatments. The tents are also right on the beach – well, there’s only one thing blocking the villas with the sand, and that’s the swimming pool.
Greystoke Mahale, Tanzania
For those looking for absolute escapism, choose to glamp at Greystoke Mahale. The camp can only be reached by charter flights from Arusha, and you’ll find no roads within 100kms. You’ll stay in open-fronted Bandas, which look right over the sand and Lake Tanganyika, or to get an even better view, climb the wooden ladder to your upstairs ‘chill out deck’. Don’t miss the morning ‘chimping’ sessions, where you’ll wander into the surrounding tropical forest after breakfast to spend an hour hanging out with the local chimpanzees.
Whitepod, Bretaye, Switzerland
For skiers, Whitepod is a glamping paradise. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the eco-resort has 7 kms of ski slopes with private lifts, a mountain lodge, cosy wooden chalet, two restaurants, and the ‘Whitepod camp’. The ‘pods’ are igloo shaped tents fitted with wood burning stoves and offer panoramic views of the ski slopes and Les Cerniers village. If skiing isn’t your thing, try some of the other activities, including dog-sledging, para-gliding, mountain hiking – or if it’s total relaxation you’re after, there’s an on-site spa.
Amanwana, Moyo, Indonesia
An exclusive glamping getaway located on the island of Moyo, 15kms off the east coast of Bali. Amanwana, meaning ‘Peaceful Forest’, is the only resort on the island, and with 350 square kms of lush jungle and tropical reefs, you don’t need to worry about sharing it. Depending on which part of nature you prefer to be closer to, choose between the 58 metre squared jungle and ocean tents, all with hardwood flooring, solid wooden walls, and a canvas ceiling. There’s plenty of land and sea adventures to keep you busy here; take your pick from snorkeling, scuba-diving, water sports, and nature excursions to the ‘bat cave’ or Crocodile Head.
