Most luxurious glamping experiences around the world
Glamping combines the essence of camping, but without compromising electricity or material comforts.
The concept is a portmanteau of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’, so it’s about “getting away from it all”, but not actually having to do anything for yourself.
How do you know if glamping is for you? If you can’t go without wifi, running water or a spring mattress for any period of time.
Here are some of the most luxurious glamping spots from around the world, where you can sit down and ask “How’s the serenity?”
Longitude 131, Uluru
Photo: Longitude 131.
Photo: Longitude 131.
Watching Uluru change colours as the sun sets and rises is a pretty special sight, and at Longitude 131 Uluru you get to watch it in private from your balcony. The resort has 15 luxury tents decorated with works from local artists, and waiters to bring you cocktails. Some guests don’t even sleep inside, instead opting to stargaze on the decks, which have recently had firepits added. As part of the resort’s ‘exclusive experiences’ package, guests can visit the Field of Lights display by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, where the desert is covered in 50,000 lights.
Whitepod Valais, Switzerland
Photo: Whitepod Valais.
Photo: Whitepod Valais.
When there’s a minibar, as per the Whitepod Valais in Switzerland, you are officially no longer camping. These insanely cool igloo pods, 1700 metres above sea level in the Swiss Alps, also have satellite TV, running water and pellet stoves. Right next to ski slopes, the pods are perfect for people who need a bit of peace and quiet after a long day on the Black Diamond Run, or for those who prefer apres ski to real skiing.
Kingston treehouse, South Africa
Photo: Lion Sands.
The Kingston Treehouse in South Africa will put your backyard treehouse to shame. The cabin is in the Lion Sands Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand, but located above all the big game lions and tigers so you can get close to nature, but not so close that you could be eaten up. With glass walls on three sides, it features a king-size bed, bathroom with a vanity, resort staff to cater to your needs, and millions of stars to look up at as you go to sleep.
Airstream glamping, Spain
Photo: Airbnb
Kitted out 1930s Airstream buses have developed a cult following on Instagram and travel blogs, with the trend even making it to a rooftop in Melbourne. Airbnb has a number of Airstreams available for camping/glamping in, including this luxe one next to a plunge pool about 20 minutes hike from Alozaina village in Southern Spain. The bus is large enough for 2 guests and is a fairly inexpensive option, at just $182 a night.
The dragonfly cabin, Sweden
Photo: treehotel.se
The Dragonfly cabin is not for those easily afraid of heights. It’s one of seven tree houses you can rent out from company treehotels in the Swedish Laplands for glamping above the ground. Don’t let the brutal looking steel facade put you off, the Dragonfly is a huge 52 square metres inside and has a 12-seat conference table, bathroom, fireplace and a king-size bed which has world-beating views of the Laplands forest.
Dunton Hot springs Retreat, USA
Photo: Dunton Hot Springs.
The Dunton Hot Springs Retreat is nestled the San Juan Mountains in South Western Colorado and just steps from the West Fork of the Dolores River. It may be in the wild, wild west, in an 1800s ghost town but with ensuite bathrooms, it’s much more luxurious than any cowboy’s digs. As the name implies the retreat is next to hot springs, and provides bikes for guests to explore the mountain trails.
Nightfall Wilderness Camp, QLD
Photo: Nightfall Wilderness Camp.
You don’t need to go overseas to glamp, you could book into the Nightfall Wilderness Camp accommodation, in South East Queensland’s Lamington National Park. Nightfall has been set up as an eco retreat, built with reclaimed materials and only hosts six guests at a time. The architect-designed tent is nearby natural spas and pools, walking trails, campfires and dense rainforest.
Merzouga luxury desert camp, Morrocco
Photo: Merzouga luxury desert camps
This oasis in the dunes of Erg Chebi, in the Sahara Desert, offers serious comforts after a day of riding camels through the desert. The tents are traditional tents made of camel skin called “haimas”. Each one features a mosaiced ensuite bathroom, rugs and furnishings, solar-powered lighting and catering.
Yurts on the Isle of Wight, UK
Photo: Priory Bay Hotel
Originally built to withstand freezing temperatures in Mongolia, these yurts are perfect for keeping warm and dry in the UK. The yurts are owned by the Priory Bay Hotel, on the picturesque Isle of Wight. Staying there wouldn’t be a seaside holiday involving much swimming, but you would be waited on by a butler 24/7 and get in some proper relaxing on the deck.
