Glamping fit for the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh,recently toured the Youth Hostel Association‘s glamping pods in Southease. The pods are small and shed-like, an obvious difference from Buckingham Palace. The monarch and prince visited the glamping site before continuing to the seaside town of Newhaven. Read the original article.

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This isn’t the first time the pair have toured glamping-related facilities. In November 2012, the pair toured a caravan factory in Bristol and took a test drive in the motorhome that retails at £45,434 ($72k and change). The Queen was reportedly impressed but the motorhome again is a bit different than royal train or yacht Brittania. (Original article)

article-0-16295EBF000005DC-498_634x358See more glamping destinations in the United Kingdom.

Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris

The amazing thing about glamping is the diversity of locations where you can find it. Take for example Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris. The southern coast of Australia rarely tops bucket lists of exotic places to visit, but maybe it should. Glamping has the ability to make any remote destination a five-star vacation. Let’s take a closer look at Gawler.

It’s a small family business operating nature based tours that’s been in business since 1988. Guides provide experiences in the outback and west coast of South Australia, contrasts, wild beauty and rich fauna. The Gawler Ranges, located about 400 miles northwest of Adelaide on the Eyre Peninsula, is the Australian Outback at its finest.

The diverse terrain changes from semi-desert to arid to eucalypt woodland, while the age old volcanic landscape is spectacular with its gorges and weathered rocky outcrops. In Spring, the desert comes alive with a carpet of wildflowers covering the landscape… and has over a hundred species of birdlife. The colors are vivid and diverse. You will also see a lot of kangaroos and wombats. At the end of summer, the grasslands near Gawler are covered in a thick carpet of wildflowers. The landscape in one word is “dramatic.”

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Gawler’s luxury safari tents are set in the stunning mallee wilderness region of the Gawler Ranges in South Australia. This is perfect for the nature lover who really wants to get away from tourist traps and experience South Australia’s finest scenery and wildlife. The curved-roof design keeps the tents cool by always keeping the air flowing. Interestingly enoug, no vegetation was removed from the camp site. It was designed and built using the natural fire breaks that the trees create for their own protection.

camp-photo1Photo: Gawler website

The camp has a central dining room which is mostly open sided but is closed when the weather is not so perfect. The camp is a wonderful place to relax, walk and observe the nature which lives in harmony with our presence. Recycled materials were used in its construction and furnishing, giving it a tastefully rustic look.

Kangaluna Camp has been developed by its owners from a life time of experience on how to best live in this environment and dry climate. Water is collected from the roofs and is the only water source. Techniques are used for its preservation, and best of all you don’t have to sacrifice showers or flushing toilets.

Learn more about planning your own glamping trip with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris.

Spotlight: Casa de La Flora

Casa de La Flora in Thailand is one of the most intriguing new destination resorts to come along. It’s snatching up awards and making it on to the top lists of plenty of travel publications. Let’s take a look at what the buzz is all about.

First off, Casa de La Flora is located directly on the the beautiful, palm-fringed beach of Khao Lak. From the Phuket International Airport, it takes only one hour by car to reach the resort. There is no mistaking the resort because of the modern design and architecture. The luxurious, cube-shaped villas and friendly service are well-equipped to welcome guests from around the world.

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The cutting-edge design and upscale amenities of Casa de La Flora are the first to reach Khao Lak. The location in tropical nature and unique buildings make the ideal getaway for a romantic couple or travelers looking for a luxury holiday experience.

The 36 cube-shaped villas were designed by VaSLab Architecture, commissioned in 2008 by one of leading Thai businessmen Sompong Dowpiset, this beachfront resort was aimed to serve as a new high profile but yet humble destination hotel in this beautiful town of the southern Thailand. The architect was given specific instructions to design a series of pool villas with the maximum ocean views possible. The owner challenged the architect to create a bold look of that still yields to warmness and nature. The resort dwellings also needed easy access to the must-have amenities and facilities including a reception lounge, swimming pool, pool bar, beachfront restaurant, spa, fitness, and library.

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The modern architecture doesn’t stop with the outer structures, the interior spaces follow the same motif and lines with built-in beds, coffee tables, and built-in cabinets. The furniture is all custom-made by Anon Pairot Design Studio which carries over the thematic design elements. The same themes extend even into the landscaping and pathways. Extremely thoughtful desing and meticulous attention to details, if nothing else, gives you an idea of what to expect while staying here.

The glass-front villas widen the perspective of the natural surroundings and the ocean. Ten of the villas stand directly facing the beach. Each villa features its own private pool, and don’t forget the 24-hour butler service. Also built in to Casa de La Flora’s design are eco-friendly practices including an ozone (low-chemical) purification system for the swimming pools and waste-water and rain water recycling. Glamping is all about luxury, experiential travel, and being conscious of the environment.

Best of all, Casa de La Flora follows a philosophy of tailor-made experiences. The team is dedicated to making your stay as relaxed and as easy as possible. To make your stay extra special there is a range of unique day trips and activities. Options cover everything from cooking classes to deep-sea fishing trips and elephant tours to sunset cruises. You go on snorkeling and diving trips to the stunning nearby islands of Surin and Similan, take advantage of the resort’s choice of three boats and private pier, the only one along this stretch of coastline. There’s also the option to explore lesser-known marine worlds, whether that’s visiting the remote and unspoiled Tachai island, or taking a short ride along the coast to relax on the pristine sand of the resort’s private beach.

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More personalized activities can also be organized, such as a romantic candlelit dinner at the base of a waterfall or chartering a seaplane to the island of Phi Phi. You can count on the Casa de La Flora team to work their magic to make it happen.

Learn more about booking a trip to Casa de La Flora.  Want more? Here’s a video tour to feast your eyes on: