Camping in the traditional sense doesn’t appeal to everyone; with the struggle of pitching a tent, unsavoury (or complete lack of) bathroom facilities, dire sleeping bags and unwanted bugs, it’s no surprise why. Fortunately, ‘glamping’ continues to take the world by storm, offering spacious, well-appointed camping alternatives that don’t sacrifice on five-star comforts. Adopt the spirit of the original pioneers with these six contemporary camps, tastefully reimagined to cater to the modern traveller.
Singita Mara River Camp
Serengeti, Tanzania
Not for the faint-hearted, a stay at Singita Mara River Camp will have you rubbing shoulders with wildebeest, big cats, hippos and crocodiles. Located at the heart of Serengeti, in a 350,000-acre reserve dedicated to conservation and anti-poaching, this is one camp setting the standard for eco-conscious tourism. Off-the-grid in every sense of the term, the camp’s six spacious canvas tents and communal spaces are made with natural or recycled materials, and everything is powered by a custom solar system designed to ensure electricity is only used if and when it’s needed. For true wildlife-enthusiasts, mark a stay between July and November to witness the annual wildebeest migration from the camp’s privileged riverside position.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Located in the Golden Triangle, an area in South East Asia where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma converge, this secluded Four Seasons camp offers 15 luxurious open-air tents. Effortlessly mixing the adventure of 19th-century explorers with 21st-century comforts, the tents have a colonial-style decor featuring luxe linens, vintage-style washbasins, handcrafted furniture, and a private wooden hot tub overlooking the lush bamboo forest. Designed to be a celebration of nature, the secluded camp even doubles as an elephant sanctuary, promising a truly remote and authentic ‘into the wild’ experience.
Rosewood Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos
Marking the Rosewood hotel group’s first foray into the world of luxury tents, this newly unveiled Laos property (opened April 2018) offers guests total immersion in nature. Featuring five different accommodation types (23 guest rooms in total), the six hilltop tents were built harmoniously with the environment, sitting nestled in amidst a leafy canopy with wraparound decks offering uninterrupted mountain and river vistas. Each tent takes its design cues from the different Laotian hill tribes they’re named after, with distinctive decors characterised by ethnic patterns, colours, motifs and textiles.
Aman-i-Khas
Rajasthan, India
Taking safari-chic to entirely new heights, this luxe camp at the fringe of northern India’s Ranthambore National Park promises an experiential escape like no other. Set alongside a world-famous reserve home to tigers, hyenas, crocodiles, leopard and deer, Aman-i-Khas comprises a selection of tents housing a lounge, spa and dining areas, plus ten canopied accommodation tents. Positioned tactically to ensure the utmost privacy from neighbours, the 6-metre high ceilings, elegant cotton draping and classic furnishings all create an atmosphere of relaxation–a welcome refuge after a day of adventuring.
Book with Total Management Travel and receive upgrade on arrival • continental breakfast daily • a 60-minute massage • early check-in/late check-out • complimentary Wi-Fi.
Longitude 131º
Northern Territory, Australia
An area rich in cultural heritage and history, Longitude 131º puts guests right at the heart of Australia’s captivating Northern Territory. Encircled by mesmerising views of the outback with Uluru (Ayers rock) in the background, 15 tents sit elevated along a secluded dune. Each features custom-designed furniture and local indigenous artwork, floor-to-ceiling windows at the foot of plush beds, a spacious ensuite bathroom, and expansive balcony. The adults-only retreat also offers a complimentary touring programme, encouraging guests to discover first-hand the rugged and untouched terrains before they relax and unwind at the onsite spa, or indulge in modern Australian cuisine at the central Dune House.
Book with Total Management Travel and receive daily full breakfast • $65 AUD experiences or spa credit per person • early check-in/late check-out • complimentary Wi-Fi.
Chateau Ramsak
Styria, Slovenia
One destination to add to the travel wishlist, this underrated Balkans country is known for its enthralling landscapes. Experience its uniqueness from the comfort of a safari-style luxury tent at Chateau Ramsak, a fairytale-esque estate in Northern Slovenia. Set in and around vineyards in the scenic wine region of Styria, the estate offers larger tents for up to four guests, more intimate tents for two, plus an elevated tree house. The tent interiors are elegant and charming, and each comes well-appointed with its own private terrace and hot tub. Guests can wander the fifteen hectares of rolling hills and vineyards, indulge in a massage or an afternoon of wine tasting.