I am not the camping type, but during my last trip I had the opportunity to stay in The Oberoi's luxury tented camp. It was such a great experience. Even glamping is an understatement. I asked my fellow bloggers to share their experiences and tell us all about the luxury tented camps around the world.
EUROPE
Catchpenny Safari Lodges in Scotland by Lavina from Continenthop
As someone who had never been glamping before, Catchpenny Safari Lodges, located in Elie, Fife, Scotland was exactly what was promised and more. The tents were massive yet cosy and had all the amenities one could have in their own home!
Fancy cutlery, exquisite furnishings, sticks for roasting marshmallows with a fireplace and an outdoor barbeque pit right next to the private sit-out area were some of the highlights.
Located on the coast between Elie and St Monans, I could hear the sea as I drifted off to sleep. The Fife coastal path was adjacent to the lodges and was one of the best walks I'd done in Scotland!
The sunsets were some of the best!
However, if you plan to visit, it isn't just the lodges you'll enjoy! There are organic markets where you can stock up on fresh food and St. Andrews is not too far off too!
There are also distilleries in the area like Lindores Abbey Distillery which also hosts events like tastings and poetry readings occasionally and beautiful harbors like Crail where you can have a seafood picnic if it's a good day!
A great spot to switch off while having fun and having some of the best produce Scotland can offer!
If you are looking for more luxury tented camps in Europe, you have to visit the UK. Yorkshire is a glamping paradise. Here are 10 quirky places to stay. Or what about glamping in the Cotswalds with its charmig villages.
Oceanie
Bay of Fires Bush Retreat in Tasmania by Amy from Out chasing Stars
At the northernmost stop on the Eastern Drive in Tasmania lies the Bay of Fires. Accommodations are few, but the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is by far one of the most spectacular glamping sites. Set off the coast, the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat has a few rooms, but most of the accommodations are the tents. A communal area offers a full kitchen facility, which most guests use to make their own breakfasts and pack a picnic lunch. The retreat’s gourmet chef offers breakfast or dinner and our dinner was phenomenal, far beyond the local options (which is basically the RSL). At night, the campfires are lit, and marshmallows are provided for roasting (with blankets and hot beverages). Wineries, beaches, and the famous hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout are all just a day trip away.
Sal Salis Exmouth in Western Australia by Nina from West Australian Explorer
Sal Salis is an exclusive wilderness camp located in West Australia’s Cape Range National Park. The eco-luxe wilderness tents are set in the white sand dunes and only metres from the turquoise waters of the Coral Coast. The camp is an ecotourism venture with a high priority given to eco-friendly products to leave a minimal trace on the surrounding environment. Each of the 16 tents is free-standing and secluded, with a communal lodge and dining area for guests. There's also a larger honeymoon tent available.
Sal Salis provides the ideal base to explore the Ningaloo Reef, one of the greatest fringing coral reefs in the world. The reef has an incredible diversity of marine life, which can be seen snorkelling straight from the beach. In season, the coastline is also one of few places in the world where it’s possible to swim with Whale Sharks, the biggest fish in the world.
Daylesford in Australia by Jane from Explore the Great Ocean Road
Daylesford is the spa capital of Australia, on 11 hectares of bushland is a glamping experience to match and compliment the therapeutic spa treatments. A place to relax and disconnect.
Each deluxe tent is fully furnished with queen or double beds, plush blankets and a cosy fire to keep warm in cooler weather. The park is an adults only indulgence, a place to be restful and unwind.
Nearby are superb walking trails, excellent cafes, massage and spa baths. Guests immerse themselves in a complete getaway from the hustle of life, this was a place we enjoyed thoroughly as a quick escape from work and the cycle of our daily routines.
Asia
Leopard Trails at Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka by Stuart from Go Eat Do
Leopard Trails offers upscale accommodation in air-conditioned tents a short drive from the main gate of Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is the largest national park in the country and game drives represent opportunities to spot wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears and an array of bird species. Naturalists accompany guests on the morning and evening drives, sharing information about the landscape and animals that inhabit it.
The luxury tents feature beds that can be arranged as twins or doubles, a flushable toilet and an outside shower. The all-inclusive package includes meals served with alcoholic and soft drinks. The Sri Lankan cuisine served at the camp is delicious and mildly spiced, making it an ideal introduction to the country’s food.
Wilpattu Safari Camp in Sri Lanka by Kaylie from Happiness Travels Here
Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka is one of the less touristed safari parks in the region. Cut off by the civil war for many years the park is still lacking not only in crowds but also accommodation. Wilpattu Safari Camp is a luxury tented accommodation on the very edge of the park, wedged between the lush jungle of Wilpattu and the rice paddies of the surrounding village.
Semi-permanent tents have been erected and lovingly decorated with colonial style luxury furnishings including four-poster beds. Through the walk-in wardrobe, an inviting ensuite bathroom is complete with a hot solar waterfall shower.
The complimentary meals of Sri Lankan and international food are served on an “elephant-proof” polished concrete table and pre-dinner drinks are served around an inviting campfire.
An afternoon and early morning safari are guided by Namal an experienced and knowledgeable wildlife enthusiast who had also published several wildlife photography books. Wilpattu is known for its Leopard sightings and with a driver and spotter from the local village, multiple wildlife encounters are guaranteed
Madulkelle Lodge in Sri Lanka by Ruben from Gamin Traveler
Our first experience glamping was in Madulkelle, Sri Lanka. To reach Madulkelle you have to ride a couple of buses which takes an hour from North of Kandy. We stayed in a luxury tent with a bathtub, big couch, and a cabinet. All the things great that you wouldn’t even imagine in a regular tent and all the comfort it gives. We even had wifi connection working properly. The views of the tea plantation was insanely stunning. We even saw the sun rise and set, it was amazing there. We also had a small private pool outside our tent with the view of the tea plantation. Of course we had plenty of great tasting tea! When it was getting dark and colder, it was the perfect time to have it.
Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai
Many years ago, my husband and I went on our first trip to Dubai. We stayed a few days in town, but we also booked 3 nights in a luxury tented camp. As I am not the camping type, I was a bit anxious. When we arrived in Al Maha Desert Resort my fear disappeared right away. I have never seen a hotel room that can compete with these tents. The surroundings are amazing too. Nothing can compete with the stunning beauty of the orange desert dunes. I visited over 60 countries and hundreds of hotels, but Al Maha Desert Resort is my all time favourite. Watch the pictures and convince yourself.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas in India
I recently made a roadtrip through Rajasthan in India. We visited the Taj Mahal in Agra and went cycling in Jaipur. We stayed in a few luxury hotels from the Oberoi Group. Allthough all these hotels were superb, I liked the tented camp in Ranthambore the most. Once again, convince yourself.
Africa
Lemala Camps in Tanzania by Clemens from Travellers Archive
Imagine spending a day in nature, watching animals such as lions and elephants, while hopping up and down in your safari van. And now imagine to end this day with a hot chocolate, that is given to you by locals of the Tanzanian bush that stand by a bonfire and have only been waiting for you. This is something that you can expect when staying at the Lemala Camps in the Serengeti, in Tanzania.
These beautifully decorated camps are nowhere close to being a “camp” just like the one you just imagined. They are, on the contrary, properly floored tents with large doublebeds and showers. While sleeping you can listen to the sounds of the animals that are probably just passing by your tent. There are no fences, no doors, just you, your tent and the wild.
The mornings can best be started with a fresh breakfast facing the Serengeti. If you are lucky, you can have your breakfast while watching the giraffes that are just chewing on some leaves. Sounds perfect, right?
Little Mombo in Botswana by Kavita from Kavey Eats
Little Mombo in the Okavango Delta was the big splurge of our first safari to Botswana, and we loved it so much we visited again a few years later. It was worth every penny!
Located on Chief's Island in the Moremi Game Reserve, it is renowned for both the quality of the wildlife viewing as well as the luxury of the camp itself. Just three visitor tents make up this camp, its small size offering a charmingly intimate experience; though sister camp (main) Mombo offers the same luxury in a camp of nine tents.
Each tent, accessed by a wooden walkway, provides a spacious and romantically decorated bedroom, living area and huge luxury bathroom, as well as expansive outdoor deck (with a sleeping hut and an outdoor shower). The public area is similarly luxurious with lounge, dining area and viewing deck (complete with firepit and pool). Meals are also excellent, offering fine dining cooking in a convivial atmosphere.
Little Vumbura Camp in Botswana by Elaine & David from Show Them The Globe
We’ve been lucky enough to experience a number of luxury safaris in Africa and our time spent in the Little Vumbura camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana was a highlight and one we’ll certainly never forget.
Accessed via the tiny planes which service the Delta from the town of Maun, the Little Vumbura Camp is operated by Wilderness Safaris and is nestled on an island in the heart of Delta. After a bucket list flight over the stunning Okavango Delta, a short jaunt in a safari truck and, finally, a speedboat we arrived at Little Vumbura. The serene surroundings are unlike anything we've ever experienced and it's mesmerizing to be in the wilderness of the Delta.
The tented chalets are luxurious, each facing out into the surrounding plains and complete with a private outdoor deck to view birds and wildlife. Each night we'd hear the hippos splash around in the water below our deck and the lions roaring across the plain. Our favourite feature of the chalets was the private outdoor shower which allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in nature!
The early morning and evening game drives were simply incredible and we had some amazing leopard, lion and elephant encounters as well as a once in a lifetime Mokoro boat ride through the Delta waters. Dinner was served al fresco each evening as we bonded with over stories of the days game sightings and the anticipation of what was still to come!
Cottars Camp in Kenia by Natasha & Cameron from The World Pursuit
Cottars Camp near Kenya's Masai Mara is one of the most exclusive tented camps in all of Africa. Arriving to Cottars 1920 Camp is like stepping back to Colonial Africa in the 1920's, back when safari was a new concept and for the elite. Opened by the Calvin Cottar, the camp is still very much a family operation and are well known around Africa as the "safari family."
Over the years a number of celebrities, royalty, and aristocrats have made Cottars Camp their home while on safari in Kenya. The camp is located just outside the Masai Mara in the Olderikesi Conservancy. The 22,000-acre concession is exclusive to the camp and borders both the Serengeti and Masai Mara. The best thing to do here is obviously go on safari and search for lions, giraffe, elephants and more! It's also possible to have bush breakfasts, go on bush walks, and enjoy the sounds of Africa like old times.
The whole camp is elegantly decorated in 1920's artifacts and the staff, food, and activities are top notch. I highly recommend splurging and visiting Cottars Camp for your safari destination.
SPECIAL
The last one I love to share is not like the other tented camps. It's rather basic, but I like to share it as it is located at such a unique destination.
Bir and Billing in India by Somnath from Travel Crusade
The tented camps at Bir and Billing offers a wonderful vista to travelers across the globe to experience and witness the grandiosity of Nature.
Bir and Billing are two spiritual destinations nestled in the lap of Himalayas in the state of Himachal Pradesh,India.
Bir is a spiritual destination that offers some spectacular vista to travelers across the globe and boasts of monasteries,wild forests and trees and paragliding. This is also the perfect place if you are looking for adventure travel in India. On the other hand Billing is a bit lower in depth and situated 20 kms
from Bill that also offers some mighty and majestic views of Nature.
There are tents of normal variety that are present in both these destinations. Swiss tents are also available for stay at an exorbtant price of around 5000 per day which offers all facilities like attached restroom,TV, internet,fridge and well furnished beds.These tents are waterproof so even in case of monsoon playing spoilsport during the journey,travelers
can consider themselves safe and free from climatic hurdles.
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