Posted on

A Peek Inside the Glamping Tent from 90210

The elaborate setup (pictured above) is the work of Outdoors Geek, a Denver-based outfitter whose self-proclaimed mission is to make quality camping gear accessible to everyone, at any place, at anytime. Their mission taken literally, means outfitting those of us who prefer luxury camping or glamping to traditional camping.  Outdoors Geek offers glamping options including canvas tents furnished with queen-size beds, couches, and even carpet.

0504Glamping

Outdoors Geek was enlisted by 90210 to create a glamping set for their Season 5 episode entitled “Into the Wild” as reported on CNN’s post ‘Glamping’ in style. It’s also worth noting Olympian Ryan Lochte made a cameo appearance in the episode as himself.

0504RyanLochte

In an ironic twist, traditional campers often turn their nose up at luxury glamping comforts stating that it’s not camping and referencing some uncomfortable part of “real” camping. Let’s just agree to disagree about how we spend our vacation time.

Posted on

Cliff Diving and Relaxing at The Caves in Jamaica

On the scenic limestone cliffs of Negril on Jamaica’s western side, we find a resort that embodies glamping and tropical hideaway, The Caves by Island Outpost. Glamping is all about finding a true ‘getaway’ where privacy, and calm allow the discerning traveler the opportunity to experience a destination to its fullest. The Caves combines the romance and magic of the ocean with all the comforts you can expect from a glamping destination. Negril is located away from larger more crowded Jamaican resorts. The Caves is for travelers who appreciate the extra effort to make an experience special.

TC_diving_5627

Adventurous travelers will have no trouble being entertained. Negril has a reputation for some of the region’s best snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and outdoor experiences. The Caves is comprised of two acres of oceanfront property designed to maximize privacy and a feeling of tropical seclusion despite its proximity to a vibrant town center. The landscape is truly inspiring starting with the honeycomb cliffs atop which the resort stands. Per tradition, guests are encouraged to take early morning dives from the cliffs. Jumps start at 8 ft and can go all the way up to 30 ft and even one inside of a cave.

Negril is famous for its seven-mile beach, which is a short 15-minute drive from the resort.  There you will find even more activities and adventure companies providing everything from parasailing to deep-sea fishing. You might say boredom doesn’t exist in a place like this.

The Caves Aveda Concept Spa is one of the major attractions. Topping the list is the “Caves Massage” where guests receive their treatment by candle light in an actual cave while listening to the sounds of the ocean.  The Caves also has a sauna, plunge pool, and saltwater pool in support of complete relaxation.

cottage

There are 12 choices for cliff-side accommodations, including one and two-bedroom cottages or the larger three-bedroom villa. Each cottage is work of art with its sweeping views of the spectacular landscape and handcrafted comfort. For example, one cottage called “Stardust” is perched on the cliff’s edge overlooking the ocean. The second story bedroom is highlighted by a cozy sitting area offset by a view-worthy balcony.

The Caves

Dining at this all-inclusive resort is anything but standard. Meals are made from local ingredients and follow home recipes. It’s not only the what but the where, meals are served either at an oceanfront gazebo, at a hand-crafted stone table under the stars at the cliff’s edge, or in a private cave (with reservations). To get your mouth watering, here are a few items from the menu: Succulent Rock Shrimp simmered in a Savory Coconut Sauce and served with Seasoned Basmati Rice and sautéed Calalloo greens and a roasted ripe plantain, for dessert, Coconut Crepe with a scoop of homemade tropical mango sorbet, and there’s much, much more.

The Caves, Jamaica

The Blackwell Rum Bar, housed by two limestone grottos, has a full open bar where you can enjoy after dinner drinks. The bar is furnished with cut stone tables and benches built by local stonemasons, not to mention the beautiful backdrop of the turquoise ocean water.

Getting to The Caves is fairly simple, the Montego Bay Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is only an hour and a half away and flights are available from major U.S. cities.

Book your vacation through Glamping.com and receive $100 Spa Credit!

 

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of The Caves and Island Outpost

Posted on

Boomers Collect Travel Experiences Instead of Stuff

Fancy home? Garage filled with exotic sports cars? Forget about it. Today’s affluent boomer doesn’t measure life by high-end material things. Instead, unique experiences are their preferred bragging right, especially when it comes to travel.

This is no surprise to me. Traipsing around the world writing about active travel for boomers—and experiencing a few luxurious adventures of my own—I’ve met my share of baby boomers intent on experiencing a destination through doing rather than seeing.

DSC_8973-okBagan Lodge in Myanmar

Where do affluent boomer travelers find their unique experiences? Adventure cruises, small luxury tours to formerly forbidden lands like Cuba or Myanmar, walking holidays featuring luxurious lodging, or safaris are at the top of the list. The combination of adventure, security and comfort allows boomers to explore in style. After all, our generation is known for being somewhat high maintenance.

Samburu IntrepidsSamburu Intrepids, Kenya

But don’t take my word for it. The Resonance Report 2013 says, “In 2012, 59% of affluents 55+ defined retirement as ‘a time to travel and explore new places’ and 42% of them are planning international travel in the next 12-24 months.” The report goes on to say that affluent boomers list touring wine country, visiting remote locations like Antarctica, participating in gourmet cooking classes, going on safari or traveling on the luxurious Orient Express as some of their top experiential choices.

Glamping is another top choice. The combination of comfortable, even luxurious, lodging plus an array of new adventures is the active experience that so many boomer travelers seek.

safari-elephant

Take safari camps, for instance. What could be better than watching elephants lumber by while sitting on the deck of a luxuriously appointed tent, including ensuite bath, at South Africa’s Gorah Elephant Camp? And let’s not forget about amenities like gourmet dining and guided game drives.

Netting the fish

How about learning to fly-fish? Montana’s Ranch at Rock Creek accommodates the desire to try new activities like fly-fishing while glamping in the comforts of a canvas cabin situated next to a gurgling creek.

horseback-riding-snow Trying a new activity together is one of the best ways to bond with grandchildren and guest ranches are exceptional choices for multigenerational glamping trips. The time spent learning to ride horses at Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado—and the laughs you’ll share around the nightly campfire—are memory-making experiences that the extended family will always treasure.

Don’t have big bucks for your boomer travels? Glamping offers value at a wide range of price points. More importantly, the experience provides boomers with plenty of activities to satisfy the yearning to learn and explore. Shhh, don’t tell anyone—that’s what keeps us young.