Camping and luxury rarely go hand in hand; the idea of spending your nights without life’s little indulgences like Egyptian cotton sheets and king size beds can seem off putting. However this selection of retreats takes glamping to the next level, letting you ditch the camp mat for a four-poster. They allow exclusive access to unique and scenic places – allowing you to escape into the wilderness without sacrificing the luxury of a five star hotel.
Ras Al Khaimah – UAE
The Al Wadi Desert is the last place you’d expect to find a Ritz Carlton, however these tented villas offer five star amenities. By adventuring out of Dubai’s buzzing metropolis you can get a true Emerati experience. The camp is surrounded by historic abandoned villages, farms and markets and provides a more authentic experience.
A stay at Ras Al Khaimah is all about the local traditions; whilst there you can relax with Arabic spa treatments. Signature treatments include a jade face massage and Arabian infused foot bath. You can also watch falconry shows and camel races. Dining experiences include a dessert barbecue and an evening meal at the top of the Al Wadi watchtower whilst a personal chef and butler will tend to your every need. The top tent suites also feature a private pool and elegant Arabic décor.
Longitude 131 – Australia
Escape to the outback in longitude 131’s luxury tents. The accommodation is situated in the heart of Australia, looking out over the Uluru National Park. The World Heritage site is home to Australia’s famous Red Rock and to some of Australia’s incredible wildlife including the red kangaroo. The luxury tents are substantial enough to fit a king sized bed. The Dune House, with its panoramic views and soaring roof, is the central hub of Longitude 131°, where guests dine and relax. Chef Jonathon Bryant gives guests a unique local dining experience that focuses on quality Australian ingredients.
https://www.glamping.com/destination/australia/northern-territory/yulara/longitude-131/
Four Seasons – Thailand
Where else would you be able to sleep in a king sized bed in the Thai tree-tops? The Four Seasons have taken everything that makes their five star hotels impressive, distilled it to its essence and taken it into the rainforest. Their golden triangle accommodation in Thailand is a true jungle escape where TVs and radios are not allowed in order to preserve the peace and tranquillity of the natural surroundings. Nestled high up in the canopy, and only accessible via a walkway, the tents offer views over the Ruak River and the mountains of Laos. Whilst there enjoy watching rescued elephants in their natural habitat or unwind in the bamboo jungle spa.
https://www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle/accommodations/tent/superior_tent/#
Zarafa – Botswana
Zarafa is based in the Selinda reserve on the bank of Zibadianja Lagoon in Botswana. The 1,000 sq ft tents are shaded by the canopies of jackalberry and red ivory trees. Hippos bask in the murky swamp whilst elephants wander the savanha. A stay at Zarafa allows visitors to get much closer to these majestic creatures; the elephants are so used to the presence of the campsite they will often wander right up to your tent patio.
The tent comprises a lounge, private bar, free-standing copper bath, fireplace, outdoor plunge pool and shower with views out to the lagoon. The camp is a place of quiet and tranquillity where travelers can feel part of the African wild. An outdoor gym, in-room massages and afternoon tea bring a bit of the hotel luxury to the camp – helping it earn the Relais and Chateaux seal of approval.
https://greatplainsconservation.com/zarafa-camp/
Desert Luxury Camp – Morocco
The aptly named Desert Luxury Camp offers a new way to experience the Moroccan sand dunes. The two royal suites in the midst of the north Saharan desert offer a surprisingly comfortable and peaceful oasis in the heart of the desert. An onsite chef will prepare traditional tagines whilst you relax in the shelter of your tent out of the suns fierce rays. Despite being located in the middle of the desert the tent still offers complete luxury whilst on site. Enjoy an evening of campfire music under the desert stars and during the day go camel trekking, dune surfing, or relax with Sandhamman – a unique recovery treatment where you are buried up to your neck in warm sands to alleviate aching joints.
http://www.desertluxurycamp.com/royal-camp
Blink – Bolivia
The Bolivian salt flats of Salar de Uyuni have been described as the closest thing to visiting another planet. The bright white salt rock stretches out to the horizon, leaving an alien environment unlike anything else on Earth. Blink offers people the unique opportunity to stay out there in their distinctive bubble domes for £13,400 per person. The camp will only be in place for a limited time making it one of the most exclusive holiday opportunities on the market. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit La Paz – the highest capital city in the world – to soak up some of the Bolivian culture.
https://www.blacktomato.com/destinations/bolivia/blink-bolivia/
The Ultimate Travelling Camp – India
Ultimate Travelling Camp’s aim is for people who have previously experienced the Waldorf Astoria to come to the remote camp and enjoy the same luxuriousness. The tent interiors have been designed by Elizabeth Kerkar, the designer of the Taj Hotel, and feature everything you’d expect from a top tier stay from boutique shops, a bakery, a library.
These luxury campsites can be found at four locations across India, Ladakh, Terai and Nagaland. Each location offers a unique experience from camel trekking to the sacred site of Thiskey monastery and watching the royal sport of polo to tiger watching and river rafting through the Indian jungle. The presidential tent features a four-poster bed, en suite and an additional wing that can be converted into an annex room or lounge.
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