Sandat Glamping: Truly Glamorous Camping

Normally, when I think of “glamping,” I imagine camping… with with a touch of glamour. You know, a few modern day amenities like a real bed, electricity, and maybe an ensuite bathroom if I’m lucky. What I don’t typically imagine is a luxurious safari tent that could very well appear on the cover of an interior design magazine. This was my experience at Sandat Glamping — a boutique tent hotel on the island of Bali in Indonesia — which elevates the glam in glamping to a whole new level.

Sandat Glamping is located just outside Ubud, the artistic and cultural hub of Bali. Ubud is a popular destination among international travelers because of its hip vibe and stunning natural beauty. The town itself is rife with craft shops, dance performances, yoga studios, restorative spas, artisanal coffee, and organic chocolate. Immediately outside Ubud are lush green landscapes of rice paddies and bamboo forests. Given all these ingredients, it is no surprise that a luxury glamping destination would thrive here.

Meghan and I came to Ubud after spending a week in Bali’s busy coastal surf meccas, so we were excited for some well-deserved peace and quiet. Fortunately, Sandat Glamping is located outside the town center, about a 15 minute drive east of central Ubud, in the middle of working rice paddies.

As a boutique resort, there are only eight accommodations in the entire place — five luxury tents and three lumbungs. A lumbung is a traditional Indonesian “rice warehouse,” easily recognized by its bamboo pole structure and grass thatched roof.

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While the two-story lumbungs would have offered a beautifully authentic Balinese experience, we opted to stay in one of the signature luxury tents instead. Each of Sandat Glamping’s five safari tents has its own, Indonesian-inspired name. We were staying in the Bantan tent, which we learned was also known as the “white tent.”

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The concept of color theming would normally conjure mental images of a tacky hotel on the Las Vegas strip, but that association could not be farther from reality here. Sandat Glamping was developed by a fashionable Italian husband and wife duo with a tasteful eye for design. The color theme in this case is merely an accent, exquisitely woven throughout the unique decor of each luxury tent. Meghan in particular could not be happier that we chose the white tent with the shabby chic decor.

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It was obvious that not a single detail of the interior design had been overlooked, and there were some thematic features that varied from tent to tent, from the hanging light fixture in the bathroom to the musical instrument used to summon room service. (Seriously. Our tent had a little xylophone, in lieu of the standard hotel telephone, if we needed something during our stay.)

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The staff at Sandat Glamping are overwhelmingly accommodating and they would have gladly helped us participate in some of Ubud’s many tourist activities.

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But we only had enough time in Ubud to stay at Sandat for one night, so opted to stay put and experience all the resort’s luxurious details. No need to leave! We’d rather rest and recuperate in our plush lounge chairs by our private plunge pool in the middle of our own slice of tropical jungle paradise.

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We spent the rest of our day relaxing and reading in luxury. When we got hungry, we dined in Sandat Glamping’s main hall, which serves many functions including bar, lounge, restaurant, and meeting area. Just like the luxury tents, the hall is exquisitely designed, with attention to detail obvious throughout. Dinner was tasty too.

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The next morning, we arose naturally with sunlight pouring into the tent, which is one of the many things we love about the glamping experience. This was the first time while glamping, however, that we found ourselves in a luxurious bed that’d rival any 5-star resort. Well-rested and feeling inspired, we went for a run along the paths carved out in the rice paddies and soaked up the beauty.

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Our time at Sandat Glamping was now running short, but we still had time for breakfast. Like everything else, the meal was elevated by an unfailing attention to subtle details. I particularly loved the fresh assortment of Bali’s best bread, pastries, and jam. (I had gone running already, after all.)

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After breakfast, it was time to go. Reflecting on our stay, it’s amazing how we never cease to be surprised by the range of our glamping experiences. We were initially drawn to the concept because we love nature, but find that camping can be cumbersome and a little too rough at times. Even then, glamping usually involves some sacrifices. Not at Sandat Glamping. On the contrary, Sandat has found a way to harmoniously merge the best elements of a boutique hotel — luxury, decor, and hospitality — with Ubud’s natural beauty, without making either feel out of place.

The Top 10 Glamping Spots Around the World

Stuff.com names the 10 best glamping experiences you have to try!

Each of these glamping spots are located at exotic destinations around the globe, offering you the most unique experience outdoors.

Glamping is a trendy term that describes a style of camping with amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services that are not normally associated with traditional camping.

This niche trend has recently been catching on with elite travelers who want to sleep under the stars with plush linens and luxurious lodging.

This new trend offers so many unique and unusual ways to get outdoors with the most luxe amenities.

You can go glamping in airstreams, trailers, barns, farmhouses, pods, cottages, huts, eco lodges, tents, treehouses, tipis and cabins.

These glamping locations give you a one of a kind adventure in some of the most remote and faraway places, offering you both luxury and 5 star accommodations.

Check out the top 10 must experience glamping locations around the world for a trip you won’t forget.

1 SAILS IN THE DESERT, ULURU, AUSTRALIA
In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru’s natural beauty with a luxurious outback experience. Soaring white sails crown Ayers Rock Resort’s Sails in the Desert hotel, shading 228 luxury five star rooms and suites. In addition, the hotel features an expansive gumtree lined swimming pool and a diversity of modern dining, bar and lounge options.
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2 HOENIB SKELETON COAST CAMP, PALMWAG, NAMIBIA
This glamping site is scenically located in a broad valley at the junction of two tributaries of the dry Hoanib River in the Palmwag Concession. It’s location straddles the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of Africa. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp has seven large tents and one family unit, each including en-suite stylish bedrooms with shaded outdoor decks. This stunning camp looks out over starkly beautiful scenery and offers you all the luxuries and amenities for an extraordinary stay.
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3 FOUR SEASONS TENTED CAMP GOLDEN TRIANGLE, SOP RUAK, THAILAND
Escape to the natural wonders of Northern Thailand for an unforgettable experience. You can unwind in superb luxury tented accommodations at the Thailand glamping resort, which feature spectacular views and handcrafted furnishings. Your stay includes round-trip airport transfer, meals, house wines and spirits, elephant trekking and a spa treatment for a remarkable experience in Asia.
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4 PAROS BY AMARYA, GOA, INDIA
This intimate oceanfront resort on Morjim beach, brings you imitable style and dedicated service at this charming property. Amarya offers an enchanting beachfront hideaway with eight tented guest accommodations and a three-bedroom converted Portuguese villa. Intimate, charming, and always stylish, Paros by Amarya offers you the most unforgettable vacation experience.
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5 JACK’S CAMP, MAKGADIKGADI PANS, KALAHARI, BOTSWANA
Home of Ralph Bousfield, Jack’s Camp is one of Africa’s most coveted safari guides carrying five generations of African safari experience. This stunning desert getaway carries the nostalgia of the pioneers’ story-telling tents. The camp has ten luxury tents that offer dramatic old-world safari glamour set amidst of the Great Kalahari environment. Jack believed that an authentic safari camp experience should be more than just a hotel in the bush, Jack’s Camp is a notable place that celebrates the fierce beauty of Africa.
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6 EDENWOOD RANCH AND PRESERVE, WISCONSIN, US
Relax in peace and luxury at Edenwood Ranch & Preserve. Their preserve offers you a quiet rest from the stress of the daily grind. You will fall in with love Wisconsin’s beautiful outdoors, even more without the mess and hassle of camping. This destination immerses you in nature without immersing you in dirt and mud. In addition, the natural setting of Edenwood’s ranch provides a luxurious escape from everyday life.
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7 MACAL RIVER CAMP, CHAA CREEK, BELIZE
The 365-acre private nature reserve is one of the most awarded Belize Eco Lodges. It is set along the banks of the Macal River and reaching towards the foothills of the Maya Mountains, Chaa Creek provides you with a unique adventure. Come visit this serene destination where they create a true jungle experience and the result is an exquisite blend of natural beauty and man-made comforts.
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8 MERZOUGA LUXURY DESERT CAMP, ERG CHEBI, MOROCCO
Desert Luxury camp is nestled in the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and is surrounded by sand dunes as far as eye can see. This destination has eight luxury tents that give the illusion of being alone in the vast African desert. It is truly a place of serenity in the quiet yet, beautiful terrain giving you a spectacular nomadic experience.
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9 KARIJINI ECO RETREAT, KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK, PILBARA, WA
This glamping site is an environmentally friendly Retreat and Campground, it is nestled in the pristine bushland in the heart of the world class Karijini National Park. Karinjina welcomes you to a unique world of environmentally friendly, affordable accommodations with a touch of luxury and a taste of genuine companionship and hospitality in the outback of Australia.
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10 SERRA CAFEMA CAMP, KUNENE, NAMIBIA
Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, it is set amongst shady trees on the banks of the Kunene River. You will fall asleep to the sound of rushing water and by day you will explore one of the driest deserts in the world. Serra Cafeme Camp has eight riverside wood, canvas and thatched villas have been built on elevated decks blending smoothly into the picturesque surroundings. In this isolated region, the Himba people continue their nomadic, traditional way of life and this camp offers guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
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Stone Mountain Glamping

Stone Mountain Park just added three new yurts to make being outdoors a little easier.

Yurts are a popular glamping trend and they are a round structure that merges the world of tents, huts and houses.

Traditionally, used as portable dwelling by nomadic cultures of central Asia the yurt has become a growing accommodation trend around the globe and in the glamping industry.

Modern yurts are permanently built on a wooden platform and they use modern materials such as wood or metal framing, canvas, plexiglas domes, wire rope and other materials.

In addition, a lot of modern yurts have been insulated to keep guests warm during colder months.

These modern building styles allow for yurts to be customized and accessorized like never before with things such as wood floors, fireplaces, plumbing, electricity and so much more!

At Stone Mountain Park’s sought after campground, yurts have caught on as an option for first time campers and anyone else who is looking for a new adventure in the wilderness.

The campground has three lakeside yurts and are now adding three new yurt units to meet the rising demands.

Stone Mountain Park will be taking reservations for the yurts beginning November 27th.

For first time campers, yurts are a very comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors offering guests creature comforts at your fingertips.

The yurts at Stone Mountain are made of wood and insulated canvas and the units are located on a picturesque lake.

Each yurt features large windows, skylights, ceiling fans and lockable doors, dedicated parking, a potable water spigot, charcoal grill, comfortable log-style furniture, private deck with seating, heating and air conditioning, lighting and electricity that make this dwelling a comfortable option for even the most wary campers.

In addition, there is a queen size bed, twin bunk bed and a double futon, offering up to five campers a good night’s rest.

There are also convenience centers just steps away with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.

The yurt concept is over 2,400 years old, but round tent-like abodes have now become a popular glamping trend across the country.

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