Almost anyone who’s been camping as a child will have fond memories of their time in a tent. Being closer to nature, with only the birds in the trees and a gentle breeze is what camping’s all about. That sense of freedom, the need to escape the crowds never leaves us. Yet, when we grow up we are so used to a certain standard of living the idea of slumming it for a few nights on the hard ground is almost too much to bear.
Enter ‘glamping’, or glamourous camping, invented for those who feel the need to be closer to nature, but still like their creature comforts in life. Glamping offers the chance to recreate those blissful moments without having to set up camp and do the hard graft.
Here are our top 5 picks available to encourage you to get glamping.
1. Whitepod, Switzerland
Set high in the Swiss Alps, in the charming village of Les Cerniers, is one of the most exclusive glamping experiences in Europe, Whitepod. Designed to have minimal impact on the environment, this hi-tech eco camp comprises 15 geodesic dome pods set on wooden platforms, looking out towards Lake Geneva in the valley below.
Each private escape is encased in high-quality insulation, equipped with a wood burning stove and lit by good old-fashioned petrol lanterns. These simple but beautifully furnished rooms have their own bathrooms with shower, toilet and sink, while spa facilities are in the main chalet. Les Cerniers Restaurant onsite offers traditional fare using locally-sourced ingredients, and a private ski run with access to 7km of pistes is nearby.
2. Paws Up, Montana, US
Set in the wilds of Montana, The Resort at Paws Up offers five different glamping options catering to families, couples and groups across a whopping 37,000 acre site. All tents have en-suite bathrooms, luxury beds, heating, cooling, electricity and rustic furnishings.
Moonlight Camp is a collection of six safari-style tents on the banks of the Blackfoot River, at the foot of Lookout Rock. Here, guests can enjoy exploring the surrounding forest, do a little foraging, go fly-fishing, white-water rafting, kayaking or horseback riding. And when you’re done with adventure, retire in luxury tented surroundings with your own private butler at your beck and call.
3. Leleshawa Safari Camp, Kenya
When people daydream of their ultimate African safari, it often involves seeing ‘The Big 5’ and visiting the Maasai Mara. At Leleshwa Safari Camp, on the Siana Conservancy north-east Kenya, that’s exactly what you get.
With the capacity to cater to 16 guests, this small tented camp is far away from the crowds descending the Maasai Mara region. Leleshwa Camp is made up of six insect-proof tents, complete with hot showers, flushing toilets and a private terrace. In the evenings, enjoy a sumptuous dinner, and if the game drives during the day aren’t enough to sate your adventurous side, then be daring and head out on a night-time safari with expert guides.
4. Galapagos Safari Camp, Ecuador
Employing the African safari style, this eco-camp in the Galapagos is the perfect place to base yourself for touring these wonderful islands laden with wildlife.
Set on the borders of the Galapagos National Park on Santa Cruz Island, this 55-hectare farm offers views across the Pacific Ocean and the islands beyond. Each of the nine tents are erected on wooden platforms above the ground next to the main lodge and have luxury beds, running water, toilets and a sofa bed for children. Meals are served in the lodge, where there is also a lounge and honesty bar. A wonderful infinity pool overlooking the island provides welcoming cooling on the hot, humid days.
5. Cockatoo Island, Australia
A far cry from the remote glamping examples around the globe, Cockatoo Island is slap bang in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Located on a repurposed industrial island, these campgrounds are the perfect weekend escape if you don’t want to venture too far from the city.
Permanently pitched tents on the waterfront offer guests a laid-back camping experience, with free use of a fully equipped kitchen, fridge, microwave and BBQ facilities. There is also a café on the island and during summer months a bar. Guided walks of the island run all-year-round.
