Glamping can be such a distant cousin to camping — some sites are so sumptuous, so lavish, that the word camping would never even come to mind. We put together a list for you of some of the most luxurious glamping sites in North America.
The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is a luxury boutique guest ranch in Wyoming on 30,000 private acres. From log-hewn buildings to stone fireplaces to plenty of outdoor activities, this ranch makes every guest feel at home. Book a cozy lodge guestroom or private cabin with stunning views of Rocky Mountain wilderness. It’s a ranch vacation like none other.
Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada is a study in contrasts. This minimalist and modern-designed sanctuary can be found in a remote 18th-century fishing village off of Newfoundland’s rugged northern coast that almost seems removed from the modern world. A local architect designed it as a modern take on traditional Atlantic Canadian architecture. While in a rustic setting, luxury is in full effect with fine linens, inventive local cuisine, a wood fired sauna, a cinema and lots of other touches. Guests are encouraged to immerse in the local culture by foraging for wild berries, fishing for mackerel and listening to the local musicians.
Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa
Founded by the creator of the Discovery Channel, Gateway Canyons resort was created to nourish guests’ curiosity through the art of discovery and adventure in a wonderful setting.
It’s located in the Red Rock Canyons of western Colorado, just one hour southwest of Grand Junction. The 58-room luxury resort offers horseback riding, hiking, fishing, biking, disc golf, rafting, kayaking, jeep tours and more. Stay in your own casita with a king-sized bed, five-point master bath with outdoor garden shower, walk-in closet, and fireplace or you can stay in one of two lodges. And of course, no matter where you sleep, there are stunning views in every direction.
Siwash Lake is an all-inclusive resort on a dude ranch in British Columbia. But don’t think dusty and dirty, this is a first-class, private hideaway surrounded by 80,000 acres of pristine Canadian rangeland. Ranking among North America’s finest, this place is legendary for horseback riding, wilderness adventures, pasture-to-plate cuisine, and lavish safari-inspired tents.
The Ladder Ranch offers one of the most exclusive and unparalleled vacations you will ever experience. Purchased by Ted Turner in 1992, this exclusive property is located in south central New Mexico and covers an enormous 156,439 acres. Turner’s five-bedroom, three bathroom Ladder Ranch house exudes “authentic” Southwest character, complete with his personal touches, representative of countless experiences and adventures. You’ll be amazed at the incredibly diverse and spectacular wildlife (bison, elk, deer, antelope, mountain lions, bears) and the magnificent mix of ecosystems, ranging from desert grasslands to pine forests in the foothills of the Black Range (Gila Mountains).
Lisa Lubin is an established travel/food writer, three-time Emmy®-award winning TV producer, and travel industry expert. After a decade in broadcast television she took a sabbatical, which turned into three years traveling around the world. She documents her adventures on her blog, LLworldtour.com. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.