GLAMPING UNDER THE STARS
Nothing compares to the sensation of being warm beside a crackling bonfire in the middle of nowhere, under the stars. Returning to nature feels more and more vital in our technologically advanced, hectic life. Spending time outside is a way to feel revitalized. It’s a time to turn off phones and laptops, breathe fresh air, and appreciate serenity and peace, whether it’s by lakes or rivers, high up in soaring mountains or on grasslands teeming with wildlife.
But those times when roughing it meant sacrificing comfort and style are long gone. Glamping entered the scene, delivering the same feeling of being far from everything, but with cozy mattresses, en-suite bathrooms, heating, lights, and even antique furniture and local art, not to mention gourmet meals, specialty drinks, and exquisite wines, as well as swimming pools.
Three Camel Lodge Gurvansaikhan National Park, Mongolia
The Three Camel Lodge is a wilderness ger (traditional nomadic tent) camp with a main lodge and 50 tents that blend in with the arid landscape. The camp is open from mid-May to mid-October every year. It is in a great position for outdoor explorers, with hiking, horseback riding, and camel trekking. However, riding the camp’s motorcycles with sidecars is the most memorable way to explore. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to spot native species including flying raptors, mountain sheep, and ibex. Each ger includes a wood-burning stove, a hand-painted wooden bed, and 24-hour solar power. There is also a spa in the desert, and the main lodge.
Shinta Mani Wild Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
The Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s conservation success stories since ecotourism has mostly replaced animal poaching. The recently opened Shinta Mani Wild, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, is situated on the edge of three national parks (Kirirom, Bokor, and Cardamom). It has 15 specially made tents with plush armchairs, travel trunks, and framed photos, as well as mesh windows that look out onto forested greenery. The tents are situated on the bank of a river that runs through the camp, and access to the camp is by a thrilling zip-line ride. The main attractions are nature and wildlife, including tigers, bears, gibbons, and wild elephants all living in the jungle. With the help of committed rangers and conservationists, visitors may track animals.
San Camp Makgadikgadi National Park, Botswana
In the vast salt flats, desert, baobab trees, and rocky outcrops of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi National Park, elephants, lions, and desert-adapted creatures like ostriches and meerkats all call home. San Camp, one of Africa’s most romantic camping destinations, is situated on a palm-tree-lined island and borders the sparkling Makgadikgadi salt pans. Inside the camp’s seven white tents are four-poster beds, Persian rugs, and antiques. There are 4x4s available for game drives, but traveling with the local San Bushmen on quad bikes, horses, or foot is much more fun. The legendary Jack’s Camp is located nearby and is equally interesting. It will reopen in May 2020 after receiving refurbishment.
Siari Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Siari is the first arrival in the new mega-scale development of the $1.8 billion Costa Canuba on the Riviera Nayarit, about 80 miles north of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s west coast. The development will soon include a golf course and new hotels, including the recently announced reservation of the Ritz-Carlton. Ciari’s Glamping His site is operated by Hamac Hotels, the Mexican company that operates two of Mexico’s most stylish new openings: the Cartesiano Hotel in Puebla and Chablais his Maroma in the Riviera Maya. Located on 4 miles of private beach, the tents are elegantly rustic and feature outdoor hot tubs and outdoor showers. In addition to lounging on the beach, you can explore the surrounding area by kayak or paddleboard, or go snorkeling, fishing, diving and hiking.