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Glamping is Good For Your Health

Spending nights under the stars is much more than taking a break from your everyday life. Vacations have always been viewed as a great way to getaway and recharge your batteries. Recent research now explains part of the reasons why we feel so good.

A report recently published in the Current Biology journal reveals that camping for a week can reset the body’s natural internal clock. The study hypothesized that the biggest culprit of insomnia is electric light. Although electric light is arguably one of the most important human inventions, it has a side effect of interrupting natural circadian rhythms.

In the study, the volunteer subjects went camping for a week but were limited to only natural light sources, i.e. no flashlights or other electronics. By the end of the week the internal clocks of the campers had reset and synchronized with the natural light-dark cycle. Most of the subjects’ body clocks were reset earlier by two hours.

The benefits of getting a good night’s sleep are nothing new, but now it’s easier to understand what’s preventing it from happening. So what should we do? Cut the electricity to our homes? At least knowing how our bodies are reacting to the artificial light helps. Maybe the best solution is to upgrade our vacation habits from ‘rarely’ to ‘frequently.’

The Resort at Paws Up May 2012Photo: The Resort at Paws Up

And because of my biased opinion I would add that the bed you sleep in will affect your results. Camping implies sleeping on the ground, which can be, if we’re honest, downright uncomfortable. Going to bed at a better hour is great, but if you’re sleeping on a rocky, uneven ground you won’t wake up feeling refreshed. This is where glamping comes in – sleep in a king-size bed while “camping.” I happen to know of a website where you can find a plethora of glamping choices. This would be great for a follow-up test. There would be no trouble finding volunteers to participate.

It’s always good news when doing the things you love also improves your health. So, happily add “health reasons” to your list of justifications for planning your next glamping adventure today. Now, take a vacation and go glamping – your health depends on it!

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Paws Up Montana, USA
Turtle Inn, Belize
El Capitan Canyon, USA
Chem Chem Safari Lodges, Tanzania
Cuckoo Down Farm, UK
Whitepod, Switzerland
Emerald Glamping, Ireland
Canonici Di San Marco, Italy
4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Cambodia
Tiger Tops, Nepal

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Spotlight: Marataba Safari Company

There are few places that can be described as mystical and unparalleld, Marataba is one of them. Marataba Safari Company is a place of dreams where the plains touch the mountains deep in the heart of rhino country in South Africa. Marataba is a contemporary, luxurious game lodge surrounded by a world of vibrant color and nature. This magnificent tented safari camp sits at the base of the Waterberg Mountains.

The secret recipe behind Marataba’s success is the intelligent design that combines nature and architecture. Stone, glass, and canvas are used to create a surprisingly comfortable camp in the African wilderness. What could be more enticing than enjoying contemporary comforts in one of the last really raw places on earth? After a day of adventure, it’s a great feeling to crawl into a king-size bed with 300 thread count cotton sheets.

suites-2Photo: Marataba website

There are 15 luxurious tented suites that will live up to anyone’s glamping expectations. Each tent is secluded and blends in with the surrounding environment enhancing the experience and connection with nature. The tents have a main bedroom that overlooks the river and African bush. The en-suite bathrooms have stone baths and showers. The private deck overlooks sweeping plains and twisting river below. The views of the scenic landscape are simply spectacular.

Marataba game drives take you to see the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) and most other large mammals synonymous with Africa. Look for cheetah, white and black rhino, hyena, kudu, impala, and many other species. It’s amazing what you will learn from your guide about the behaviors and habitats of the animals. There is an abundance birdlife. Chacma baboon and vervet monkey can be seen here especially around the lodge. You may even have the opportunity to spend time with a professional wildlife photographer and learn skills for taking great photos.

marataba-3Photo: Marataba website

Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and sunblock. On particularly hot days, you can venture with a guide to swim at naturally formed rock pools. A sumptuous picnic and fully stocked bar will accompany you so you can either frolic and splash in the water or relax with drink in hand.

experiences-2Photo: Marataba website

Marataba is a malaria-free 23000 hectare private concession at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains and forms part of the Marakele National Park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Marakele National Park is a haven for an impressive variety of wildlife, thanks to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and wetter eastern regions of South Africa. Contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterize this spectacular park.

Marataba is the perfect destination for a variety of occasions including family vacations, weddings, and honeymoons. Some kids dream of being astronauts while others dream of being a game ranger. Guides take special care in spending time with children to spark their interest in Africa’s natural wonders. Make a wedding magical by hosting it at Marataba. The experienced staff understand the importance of this special day and tailor all arrangements as you like them. Marataba is an unrivalled destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Whatever your reason, Marataba will set the scene for an unforgettable adventure.

marataba-2Photo: Marataba website

Plan your trip with Marataba Safari Company. Get more information about Marataba.

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Glamping Spotlight: Aman-i-Khás, India

What could be more invigorating than waking up and walking out of your tent to see the starkly beautiful wilderness of the Ranthambore National Park? Aman-i-Khás is a luxury wilderness camp on the edge of the national park. Aman-i-Khás focuses on viewing wildlife and providing a five-star glamping experience. The name Aman-i-Khás comes from Sanskrit and Hindi words that mean “special peace.”

Aman-i-Khás is located in a rugged brushwood forest on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park. The surrounding area is composed of deciduous forest, open grasslands, and waterholes of a semi-arid expanse. The camp provdes access to the 1,334 square kilometers of the Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore is a natural habitat for tigers and other exotic animals. In addition to wildlife sightings, guests can explore the region’s ancient forts and colorful rural villages nearby.

Aman-i-Khás offers 10 luxury tents each with soaring canopies. The tents resemble rich Moghul traveling tents of a days past. The frame is made of steel and is set on a raised concrete pad. The differences from an ordinary camping tent are immediately recognizable. The center of the tent, with its six-meter canopy, features an oversized daybed ideal for lounging. The bedroom area is fitted with a king-size bed flanked by twin writing desks. The bathroom area includes a shower, soaking tub, and toilet.

AmanTentInteriorPhoto: Aman-i-Khás website

Three separate tents house areas for dining, spa treatments, and relaxing. In the evenings, sit on the deck of your tent or join other camp visitors around the communal fireplace. Listen to the sounds of the wilderness settling down for the night, as you discuss the day’s sightings. The meals served include authentic Indian cuisine and a range of western dishes. Fresh produce and herbs used for meal preparation are grown in the camp’s own organic vegetable garden. Dinner most often concludes around a roaring outdoor fire.

The step-well pool, or bawadi, was modeled after the ancient step-wells that are traditional to the area. The design is a series of square concentric steps that converge deeper into the pool. The sunny terrace and grove of trees surrounding the pool provide privacy and make it incredibly relaxing. It’s especially refreshing to take a dip after returning from a daily excursion.

aman-poolPhoto: Aman-i-Khás website

Guided wildlife viewing excursions leave twice daily. Excursions last approximately 3.5 hours. The tours take guests into Ranthambore to spot indigenous wildlife. Prize predator sightings in the core of the park include tigers, leopards and smaller jungle cats. Chital deer, antelope and hyena can be seen roaming the savannah, while lakes and watering holes are home to the marsh crocodile and prolific birdlife. The open-top vehicles transport guests and provide excellent views. The best time to view game is in the early morning and late afternoon.

Visitors are invited to join guided nature walks through the low hills. These walks are led by a naturalist, as is another excursion that travels by SUV to the Banas Riverbed to spot water fowl and wading birds.

tigerPhoto: Aman-i-Khás website

Ranthambore National Park, once the hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955. Following concerted conservation efforts and the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, the tiger population is now more visible and stable.

Aman-i-Khás is available for reservations from October to April, which is also the best time for wildlife spotting. Find out more about Aman-i-Khás.