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The Perfect 10: British Glamping Getaways

Atlantic Surf Pods

You have to love the Atlantic Surf Pods just for resembling somewhere that the Teletubbies might go on holiday. A little cul-de-sac of lozenge-shaped wooden cabins, populate a rolling green glade in the heart of Bude in Cornwall; just a few minutes drive to a choice of five beaches. The front of each capsule opens out onto a private decking area, where you can lay back on some overstuffed bean bags, or cook al fresco on the BBQ. The Pods are off-grid, so any lighting is solar or LED-powered, making it a low-impact, eco-friendly option.

Bensfield Treehouse, Sussex

The Bensfield is a treehouse for grown-ups in the Sussex countryside, surrounded by acres of farmland and in rope-swinging distance to a number of local country pubs. Constructed around the trunk of a mature oak, guests access the den over a rope bridge (Indiana Jones-in-the-country- style) and can bed-down in a cosy, timber-lined, roundhouse, that comes with full kitchen facilities and en suite shower room.

The Bivouac, Yorkshire

Inspired by the shepherd’s huts they stayed in during their honeymoon in New Zealand, Bivouac owners Sam and Beth Hardwick decided to build their Yorkshire equivalent in the grounds of the vast Swinton Estate. The site consists of a collection of six hand-crafted wood timber shacks, eight yurts, a converted barn, and a lovely cafe and shop. The shacks are decorated with a vintage, rustic feel, with swinging rocking chairs on the porch, paraffin lamps, vintage suitcases and a wood-burning stove. The Bivouac plays up to the hipster-glamping image, offering courses on wild-food foraging, bread-making and den-building, among the more conventional outdoor activities.
The Cwtch eco-pod, Pembrokeshire
Accessed by a private lane and set in two-acres of woodland, the two Cwtch eco-pods are as reassuringly twee and cosy as you might expect from a place named after the Welsh word for cuddle. The handcrafted timber pods are furnished with vintage touches, such as the old-fashioned radios, paraffin lamps, Welsh wool blankets and crochet throws. The Cwtch is another off-gridder, so candlelight and solar LED lamps add to the romantic atmosphere. Not forgetting the practicalities though, there’s a shared bathroom just a few steps away (artfully disguised in a fancy garden shed).
The Dome Garden, Forest of Dean
The Dome Garden is a cluster of ten geodesic forms resembling holiday homes of the future, populating a Gloucestershire forest floor. Eschewing the twee route, there’s not a bit of bunting in-sight; the domes are minimal, modern, bright and all the more refreshing for it. Owner Jonny Clothier, an ex-architect, had a vision to create his own mini-Eden project, and one of the domes is filled entirely with tropical plants. There is a communal fire-pit and big wood-burning burning stove too, where guests can take part in weekly pizza-making classes.
Ecopod Boutique Retreat, Argyll
The Ecopod Boutique Retreat somewhat resembles a plush James Bond baddie lair. The retro-futuristic geodesic dome, which overlooks Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker, is decorated with leather Eames chair, sheepskin throws, a roaring fire and cedar wood hot tub – there’s not a blow-up mattress in sight. Guests are welcomed with a luxury hamper of local produce, which includes hand-dived scallops and malt whisky. It’s not scabby, that’s for sure.
Manorafon Sea Camp, Ceredigion
The Manorafon Sea Camp consists of domes, ‘nomad’ tents and log cabins set in private spots, just 15 minutes from the coastline. Each dome is individually furnished, with custom-made furniture, cosy Welsh wool blankets, wood-burning stoves and sheepskin throws. While the domes have plenty of private space, there is a communal lodge area where breakfast can be served and guests can socialise and chill- out on sofas in front of the roaring fire. Thrills-seekers can book onto slightly more white-knuckle activities, including kayaking and coasteering, should they want to indulge in something a little less tranquil.
Lochness Glamping, Inverness
In Lochness, all is not what it seems. Peaking over the horizon, ever so slightly obscuring your view of Glen Urquhart are four strange apparitions, rising like the legendary monster out of the ground….These aptly-named Armadillas are larch-clad wooden cabins, that craftily house all your home comforts including under-floor heating. Inside the decor is clean, fresh and modern with a nod to Scandinavian summer cabins.
Mill Farm Glamping, Wiltshire
Glamping Mill Farm-style involves a nice, dry, safe, sturdy wooden lodge with the concession of a canvas roof canopy, just to appease the camping traditionalists. Inside, it’s all countryphile prettiness, with rustic knick-knacks and kids can sleep in the cosy, self-enclosed bunk barns. The lodges are located on Joe and Izzy Drake’s idyllic organic farm, where guests are encouraged to help themselves to fresh eggs from the chicken coop, stock-up on local produce at the Honesty Shop and join-in at feeding time on the farm.
Sunny Brow Farm, Lake District
Down on Sunny Brow Farm there are two yurts, both decorated in a pretty, rustic feel, with hand-crocheted blankets, paraffin lamps and log burning stoves. Outside, each yurt comes with its own BBQ and cosy fire pit, and guests may just see passing deer, as they stroll around the woodland collecting kindling. The emphasis on Sunny Brow is all about the low-impact and eco-friendly holiday; guests are encouraged to explore their environment and learn more about their natural surroundings. There is the option of signing-up for yoga sessions, and the sense of holistic wellbeing even extends to breakfast, when guests can indulge in a macrobiotic feast, made from Sunny Brow’s homegrown produce.
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7 Gorgeous Places To Go Glamping

STA Travel

Glamping is the newest, coolest, and most glamourous way to stay outdoors. Yes, it can cost a little more – ok, quite a lot more in some cases – than your average tent, but as a perfect combination of rustic outdoorsieness (yes that’s a word!), and chic luxury, it’s becoming massively popular all over the world. Think camping but with a place to plug in your phone and a massively reduced risk of creepy crawlies disturbing your slumber.

It’s my new obsession, and the reason I’ve decided to bring you my top glamping hot spots from around the world.

Fair enough, it’s probably not a sustainable way of travelling the world but it’s a whole lot more special than your average room in a 12 bed hostel dorm that’s for sure, and the perfect chance to give yourself a treat after a few weeks or months of roughing it, and a great opportunity to experience a location in a unique way.

Our Guide To Global Glamping

Adventur-Camp, Swimmers In The Desert, Atacama Desert, Chile

The dazzling Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the world great wildernesses. Sit under a blanket of stars and feel like the only people in the world as you experience the ultimate peace and tranquillity next to a roaring fire in the cold desert night.

The Adventur-Camp has 10 bell tents, each one is decorated with natural and locally produced fittings and heated to feel comfortable in the chilly, desert evening air. The perfect camping experience for those that don’t like camping!

Your trip into the desert can deliver large rolling sand dunes, mighty volcanoes, valley lakes and cloud skimming mountain scenery as well as showers, proper bathrooms and yummy food cooked over an open fire – the perfect trip into nature if you ask me!

Adventur Camp, in the Atacama Desert, Chile

Scarabeo Camp (Stone camp), Morocco

Imagine this, you’re sat on comfy cushions in a Bedouin style camp, watching the sun go down and breathing in the warm, Moroccan air, while eating tagine cooked with fresh, local ingredients in authentic clay tagine pots over a man made desert fire, all at the feet of the imposing Atlas mountains. It’s hard to imagine a more inspiring setting.

It’s what travelling is all about. Getting back to basics and really absorbing the places you visit and the situations you find yourself in, Morocco in general is a great place to visit and experience a side of life so different to our own but camping in the desert is the ultimate touch of peaceful paradise.

And let’s face it, what could make an experience like this even better? The guarantee of a good night’s sleep and a warm bed, once the cold night creeps in and the fire has burned out of course. That’s what makes glamping in the desert so special.

Stone camp at Scarabeo Camp. Image courtesy of Sven Laurent @ Let Me Shoot For You

Palmar Tent Lodge, Bocas Del Torro, Panama

Neatly tucked away in a heavenly sport between rainforest and the crystal clear waters of the Carribean are the eco friendly tents of Palmar Tent Lodge, Panama. Spend your days hiking and exploring the surrounding beaches and reefs or just chilling in a hammock with a cocktail and grabbing some serious bronzing time.

Falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle, while tucked up in a comfy bed, under a large, sturdy tent makes this place an incredible rest bite on a central American adventure.

 The beautiful Palmar Tent Lodge, Panama

Sundance Lodges Canada

Ever stayed in a Tipi in the middle of the Canadian Rockies? No? well now’s your chance!

Just a short walk from the Kananaskis River lies a campsite full of tipis, smack bang in the middle of the stunning Canadian landscape. An awesomely, unusual experience that plants you right in the middle of some of the most incredible scenery in the world.

Also, Canada is adventure country, so you can get busy Kayaking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, trekking and fishing during the day time while spending your nights tucked up inside the beautifully hand painted, secluded tipis in the middle of deepest darkest Canada.

Sundance Lodges, Glamping at it's best in the Canadian Rockies

Hintok River Camp at Hell fire pass, Thailand

Situated on an incredible spot near the River Kwai in the mid west of Thailand in Kanchanaburi province, is a retreat neatly snuggled within dense jungle and overlooks the famous river. It’s extreame closeness to Hell Fire pass the renound WW2 railway cutting add an extra special element of historical interest.

A great place to be as active or as in active as you please, you can choose to chill out with some sun bathing or a massage or join in with canoeing, trekking, elephant riding, bamboo rafting or trip to the amazing Lawa caves.

It will, without a doubt, be something completely different to the madness of Bangkok or Haad Rin in Koh Phangan, but this is glamping in it’s truest form a little luxury in the middle of the very basics of nature.

Chill out in between beach parties with some jungle glamping. Hintok River Camp @ Hell Fire Pass

Ketchups Bank Glamping, Queensland, Australia

Now I must admit this one comes at more of a cost than the usual, run of the mill, Aussie hostel but they don’t call it glamping for nothing! Experience your very own 5* hotel room smack bang in the middle of the great outdoors.

Except what this has that most upmarket hotel rooms don’t have, is the possibility of some wallaby visitors wandering past your door in the evening dusk or a camp fire ripe for mashmallow toasting right next to your king size bed.

If you visit during the late winter and early spring you could see Koalas migrating across the Eucalypt trees right outside your next front door too.

Experience Aussie bush living in style. Image Courtesy of Ketchups Bank Glamping

Hidden Valley Glamping, Andalucia, Spain

A beautiful, boutique hotel meets the rustic Spanish outdoors. This glamping site based just 20mins walk from the beautiful town of Alora, which has a handful of authentic tasty tapas bars, swimming pools, resturants and beautiful, traditional Spanish architecture.

The site sits in the stunning olive groves of the Monte Hacho natural park and sierra, in Andelucia; where you can see deer, chameleons, lizards and flocks of birds right on your new, green doorstep. The surrounding area is great for adventurers with horseriding and rock climbing activities a plenty.

The space-age dome-like tent and are dotted throughout the olive grove, easily sleep two people and are furnished with storage trunks, bedside tables, rugs and chairs, solar lanterns and stylish bedding.

Individual solar showers and spacious ‘outback’ toilet tents next to each dome to provide that true, camping feeling.

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Hotel Trend: Modular Glamping

Fodor’s

We started off camping in tents. The wilderness doubled as playground and commode, and food was cooked over the fire. Then came glamping, still camping as far as we’re concerned, but glam-ed up with five-star luxuries like a king bed draped in goose down, and if you’re lucky, a personal toilet and shower. Now, camping has evolved again with “modular glamping”, a fusion of minimalist design and glamping. Curious about why mod glamping is capturing the limelight in architectural blogs and design magazines the world over? We’ve assembled three boxy flats, offering much more than a firepit and dirt floor. Once you “rough it” here, your tent may never pop up again.

Rolling Huts

There are six in the ‘herd’, and people people are flocking here every quarter. Three hours outside of Seattle in Washington’s backcountry, this herd is permanently wrangled. Technically, each hut sits atop eight large steel wheels to comply with local zoning. Built with steel, polished plywood, and a few windows, the boxy glampers are super photogenic. Inside, the minimalist aesthetic is furthered by modular, moveable pieces which double as a second sleeping platform and living room-slash-eating area. In summer, the sliding glass doors offer natural air conditioning, and in winter the wood-burning fire (and furnace if you’re really chilly) creates a cozy aesthetic.

Glamping Scale: Rustic glamping. Each hut has an attached outhouse and a full shared bathroom (with showers) is 30 steps away. The kitchen is bare-bones with a coffee maker, microwave, bar fridge, and limited utensils.

Insider Tip: BYO sheets and duvet, and if you’re a serious glamper, consider bringing an extra camping mattress to put under the thin foamy provided. For foodies, there’s a BBQ trio (two charcoal and one propane) for a salmon bake, but remember to bring wine glasses, a cheese grater, tongs, and any other kitchen utensil musts to make sure the feast is Michelin-worthy.

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Jackson Hole Cabins

Jackson Hole’s Fireside Cabins represent the next frontier in glamping. There’s no roughing it here; spring, summer, fall, or winter four rustic wooden walls and an angled roof (to help with heating and cooling) blend eco-design and contemporary furnishings. Minutes from the slopes and trails of Grand Teton National Park, 20 cabins exude ski-chic without any fur-rimmed and diamond-encrusted attitude. If fact, you may not even want to hike or ski at all once you curl up in front of the fire with good book or bask in the sun on your private deck—après might just be on the agenda all day.

Glamping Scale: Cushy cabin glamping with a flat-screen TV, WiFi, gas fireplace, petit kitchen, full bathroom, and king-sized bed; in other words, worlds away from from roughing it at the campground.

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Mexican Wine Country

A hop, skip, and a jump by car from San Diego, the just-opened Endemico is the uber-expression of

modular glamping. Twenty rectangular lofts sit staggered between desert brush and boulders on a hill overlooking a vine-lined landscape maturing in the heart of Mexico’s wine country. At first, the glamp-ins (glamping cabins, obviously) are hard to spot, blending into the surroundings built with a combination of steel and wood intended to wear and disappear into the eco-retreat’s 232-acre landscape over time. Don’t let the minimal, green design fool you, these modular masterpieces might be off the grid, but they pack an eco-luxury punch with a king-size bed, full bathroom, WiFi, and deck warmed at night by your personal outdoor kiva (a traditional, wood-burning clay fire bowl).

Glamping Scale: Eco-mod resort, verging more on deluxe retreat than glamping, aided and abetted by a pool carved into the landscape and on-site, artisan restaurant.