GLAMPING IS 2020’S HOTTEST TRAVEL TREND
What is glamping? A combination of “glamorous” and “camping”. Most typically they are enormous canvas structures parked on permanent platforms with running water, and often the kind of bathroom you’d expect at 4 or 5-Star hotel. Some are small glamping-only spots, and some are glamping compounds within larger resorts, but in every case they combine not exactly roughing it with a camping ambiance that is accessible and enjoyable to even the most inexperienced outdoor person. Most are also pet friendly. Here are some of the best options.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Consider a small tented enclave in the middle of a pachyderm preserve. A sure plus is an introduction to and the opportunity to live among 45 elephant families that wander the reserve, one or two of which are usually around the camp. Started by the wife of the zoologist who founded the NGO Save the Elephants, this camp seeks to maximize guests’ exposure to wildlife. The six canvas tents have the lightest of footprints: Each is sheltered by a thatched-roof structure built from trees knocked down by elephants. Living trees provide privacy for each tent’s outdoor bathroom and shower, which uses sun-warmed well water. A bonfire by the river and hurricane lamps light the evening meal in the main tent.
Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada
The staff light candles and turn down beds at this camp of 24 pristine-white tents hidden deep in the forest, while black bears tussle in the woods just outside. Your shelter’s Oriental carpet, rough-hewn log bed, and cast-iron wood-burning stove will make you feel like a fancy nineteenth-century pioneer. While the owners initially envisioned the resort as a romantic retreat, its unique location near forest, river valley, and ocean has attracted loads of families. Today, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, archery, and art classes are all on offer as are five-course dinners with wine pairings.
Terramor Outdoor Resort, Mt. Desert Island, Maine
This island is all the best of Maine in one idyllic spot. It has the quintessential New England coastal town, Bar Harbor, full of great restaurants, smaller charming towns like Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor. It is a 60-acre wooded property with 64 luxury canvas tents hidden in the trees, surrounding a central restaurant, bar and store. Most tents have suite bathrooms, some also have outdoor showers, some have fireplaces, and they all feature Wi-Fi, fans and heated blankets, The bar is stocked with local craft beers and ciders, and they also offer a special “grilling experience,” where you are provided with everything needed to cook your own gourmet chef designed open-fire meal outdoors, including ingredients and tools. There is a pool, hot tub and onsite adventure outfitter concierge with rental gear and contacts for guided kayaking, fishing, biking and other excursions.