As the holidays approach, we start looking for travel destinations to visit, somewhere perhaps we have never been to before and experience an impelling adventure. If you are looking for an unusual experience, but also want the luxury and relaxation that holidays offer, then glamping in the UK or around the world is for you.
Glamping is simply amped up and luxurious camping. If you are an adventurous sort and willing to try something new you will almost certainly have heard the term. And if you are a lover of the great outdoors, but not a fan of camping, then this is your chance to explore glamping.
The term glamping is now a widely understood term for quality even luxurious camping and has even made its way into the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. Glamping gives the opportunity to holidaymakers to get back to nature while never compromising on their standards of great quality accommodation.
Here are the world’s most beautiful glamping holiday destinations, which you can explore this year.
Capitol Reef Resort – Torrey, Utah
Looking like something that is straight out of a century-old fairy tale, this camping site provides Conestoga wagons, inspired by the designs of the 19th century.
This resort is located just by the Capitol Reef National Park, which also hosts the main lodge. The individual wagons are fully furnished with beds and have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
All wagons are placed in a circle, with a warm, glowing and very welcoming fire located in the centre of that circle. It is there for all the other campers so you can socialise post-dinner or simply make smores, making it a very memorable camping experience. Apart from the wagons, other cabin and tipis are also provided at the Capitol Reef resort, the choice is yours, but the experience will be unforgettable.
Nomade Tulum – Tulum, Mexico
Mexico always offers an exciting adventure, and when you arrive at this seaside camping site, you are likely to make it a place you’ll want to regularly visit.
Ideal for nature lovers and for those who are deeply into sustainability, Nomade Tulum represents the epitome of culture and nature. The accommodation huts are made out of grass and canvas. At Nomade, you can get to experience ancient healing treatments based on the Mayan culture, along with peculiar events like cacao ceremonies and fire rituals.
Nomade Tulum has a private beach for guests and if you want a day out the Tulum Archeological sit is only a little over six miles from the resort.
Joy’s Camp – Shaba, Kenya
Kenya is yet another enthralling destination to visit, particularly as it is renowned for its outstanding safaris.
Guests staying at Joy’s Camp will be accommodated in ten spacious tented suites that are elevated off the ground, ensuring you will get outstanding views over the landscape. The luxurious tents are lovingly styled after Swahili and Somali architecture features.
Joy’s Camp is located near the interior part of the Shaba Reserve, overlooking a natural spring and so is a perfect place to watch wild animals come to drink. The camp is named after Joy Adamson, a naturalist, animal lover and also the author of the book Born Free. She had lived here for some time in a tented home and is also world-renowned for her conservation work and this area is a tribute to her.
The camp is a delightful place to stay and the tents offer wonderful accommodation and a cosy relaxing night under the stars after an exhilarating day out on safari.
Al Maha – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When you think of Dubai, you may visualise glittering tall skyscrapers, but perhaps not imagine any kind of camping site. But Al Maha will likely change your point of view.
This resort in the midst of the desert seems more like a mirage with an impressive deck and pool. It is just an hour away from the bustling city lifestyle and is the first desert resort in Dubai, having opened in 1999.
It also provides you with an unforgettable experience of taking a traditional camel ride through the desert. The accommodation’s interior follows a Bedouin décor theme and each of the 42 private suites provides outstanding views of the desert.
This is a real luxury holiday experience, where most rooms have their own private pool, and the resort also has great spa facilities. The Al Maha is a wonderful place to relax with your partner as you both watch the colourful sunset in a desert after a long and adventurous day.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru – Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
The Maldives is the perfect place to go to relax and enjoy the clear blue sea, or perhaps just lie in the shade savouring the blazing African sunshine. Whatever your preference, the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, provides you with the ultimate glamping experience. Here you can begin your day by swimming, snorkeling, or even better, diving beneath the beautiful blue water and witnessing the amazing local sea life.
If you are looking for something more adventurous, you could try a night fishing trip in their typical ‘dhoni’ boat.
Your beautifully designed luxury villa at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru comes with a comforting canopy, a beautiful teak wood-flooring and a soothing infinity pool that has a mosaic styled design. And once again at the end of the day, your villa is a delightful place to retire to and unwind.
Whichaway Camp, White Desert – Antarctica
Now, what can be more exciting than spending your camping adventure in Antarctica? There is little that comes close to such a unique experience. To get there you will need to take a nearly six-hour flight from Cape Town to Antarctica. The exciting experience continues with your flight landing on an ice runway.
The Whichaway camp is a tour arranged by White Desert where you stay in solar-powered pods in the heart of Antarctica. The pods are very comfortable, albeit an expensive place to stay.
Wigwam Cabins – Brampton, United Kingdom
Set amid seven acres of verdant countryside the Wigwam Cabins are beautiful ultramodern timber cabins. Here you can revel in the back to nature, natural environment while enjoying the fully equipped en-suite and frankly unusual accommodation. You can even book a cabin with a hot tub on your own private decking area.
Your piece of heaven on earth is located in the serene New Mill Fishing Park. And each luxury glamping cabin ensures you will enjoy a sense of tranquillity with spectacular panoramic views across the lake.
Wigwam Cabins takes glamping in the UK to a whole new level and can be enjoyed by family, friends or even that special someone.
Bubble Lodge – Iceland
One of the main reasons why tourists are attracted to Iceland is to view the Northern Lights. As the name indicates, the accommodation is in clear bubbles that will give you the opportunity to view the Northern Lights while getting cosy in the spherical pods. Not only can you spend all your time inside, but you can also sleep there for the night. There is no need to worry about privacy, as these cabins are separately located on wooden decks, hidden by trees and are some distance for their neighbours. The kitchen and toilets are easily accessible.
Treehouse Greece – Elis, Greece
Living in a treehouse is an exciting experience whether you are a child or even an adult, after all, it is a treehouse!
If you want to have the experience of living in one, then the Treehouse in Greece is the ideal place to visit. Sheltered and located around an organic olive farm, Treehouse Greece speaks of everything Mediterranean, ranging from the quality of the food and wine, as well as the rich culture to the landscape.
Living around an organic farm also promises you fresh produce and the chance to try the authentic local cuisine, which is exactly what this campsite offers. Other great experiences and opportunities while staying here are chances to hike in nearby mountains and the fabulous bird watching available.
There are also nearby shopping opportunities if you should want them, and obviously, as a sun-kissed Greek isle, there are wonderful sandy beaches and warm seas to delve into here.
Staying at the Treehouse Greece will give you among many other experiences the chance to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing break.
Bali Cottage – Kehena Beach, Hawaii
If you are looking for a water sports adventure or waterside camping for your next holiday, Bali Cottage at the Kehena beach in Hawaii is awaiting your visit.
Hawaii is always intriguing to visit, given its protected Natural Area Reserves and also its isolated location in a faraway corner of the world. This particular resort on the island offers you some of the best water adventures such as snorkeling, underwater diving, or boating, while not compromising the luxurious part of the glamping.
If you are not a fan of water sports, you can also go hiking, take lava boat tours, or simply visit the marine sanctuaries.
If you are travelling as a family Bali Cottage has a huge 1000 square foot cottage available for you that also has breathtaking views out over of the ocean. It also has two storeys and a fabulous wrap-around balcony and lanai.
You can reach the resort by taking a flight to Kona or the Honolulu International Airport.
Llactapata – Peru
Whenever the destination of Peru is brought up most people think of the iconic Machu Picchu. And that is exactly where this glamping site is located, surrounded by a picturesque landscape that includes the Salkantay mountain, Veronica mountain, Vilcanota river, Santa Teresa, and Hidroelectrica.
The Salkantay trail is less frequently travelled, through it you can trek to reach the ancient Incan ruins. This is usually a guided trek and you may witness local people performing prayers for your safety through the trail, also known as prayers to Pachamama. This is one of the most adventurous treks you could do, as you witness the glacial lakes, forests, beautiful orchards, and farms as you go.
You can also visit the avocado orchard if time allows, or simply relax in the hot tub outside the cottages, on the peak, while overlooking the mountains and the valley.
La Pinte du Vieux Manoir – Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland
Can we speak of glamping and not mention Switzerland? Impossible!
One of the best places for glamping in Switzerland is La Pinte du Vieux Manoir. Here you can choose from three types of accommodations, they are the Lake House, the Railway House, and the Glass Diamond treehouse.
All the properties are located along the delightfully and charming Lake of Murten. The Glass Diamond treehouse is completely built of glass and provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. The lake house is an exquisite accommodation with plenty of space for a large family. Located by the lake, you can experience one of the best camps possible with your loved ones.
Having campfires or barbeque grill parties in the garden by the lake, or accessing the sauna during cold, makes it ideal to visit in any weather. The House of Merlach has been revamped into the Railway House, retaining the original walls and giving it a touch of the rustic look. It is elegant and luxurious, provides a view of Lake Murten, and offers you the chance to relax by the beach, overlooking the lake. The entire experience is serene and dreamy.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland
Another exciting place to visit during your winter holidays is the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. The resort includes multiple glass igloos that are main the attraction and a fantastic place to view the Northern Lights lights.
Surrounded by the snow and ice, and tall trees, these igloos comprise all the comforts that you need in the chilling cold of the season.
During the day you can spend your time skiing or revisiting your childhood by sledging away on the surrounding icy landscape.
At the end of each day, you will get to experience true winter glamping in your luxury glass igloo. Here as night takes hold you may be able to watch the beautiful gleaming green display of the beguiling Northern Lights. After which you can drift off to sleep and enjoy the sweetest of sweet dreams.
Vedetta Lodges – Tuscany, Italy
The beauty of the pristine Tuscan landscape is widely and rightly appreciated, so where else could you enjoy a better treehouse stay.
Situated near the ridge of Poggio La Farcola and Elba Island in Scarlino, the Vedetta Lodges suites are located in the centre of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Parco Archeominerario delle Colline Metallifere. Here you will be able to view the most exquisite and serene sights, including a waterfall, magnificent mountains, and orchards.
The glamping resort is an ideal location for hiking across the divine countryside. You can also explore the neighbouring olive groves and even taste some of the freshest local produce. When it comes to foods and wines, Italy never disappoints.
The property has a total of private eight suites, each is lovingly furnished with airy open-plan interiors. And at the end of each day, you’ll retire for a relaxing night amid the grandeur of your glamping accommodation.
There are numerous other magnificent glamping sites in the UK and all around the world, these highlighted here are ones you could start off with. However, whether it be a barn, a wagon, a bubble, or an igloo, every glamping site has something different to offer, together with a unique experience to look forward to.
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