New openings are kind of our thing. We love a new hotel, restaurant, venue or café opening and bring as many as possible to you. New urban hotels seem to appear almost daily and that makes sense considering the ebb and flow of city life however, when a hotel pop ups in a secluded corner of nature (think: deserts, mountain tops, seaside cliffs), our interest in doubly piqued. Another mild obsession of ours (and yours, we know) is glamping. Gone are the days of hauling your own equipment hundreds of miles into the middle of no where and here are the days of arriving to your destination already set-up and ready for use. Oh yeah, and with real beds and showers to boot.
We got word that a new glampsite was opening near the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and were instantly intrigued. Imagined by Under Canvas, the brand responsible for putting glamping on the map in a big way, this new Grand Canyon glampsite was going to be bigger than ever with special touches like a welcome tent outfitted by West Elm and a yoga deck. The Venue Report has been long time supporters and fans of Under Canvas and their knack for scouting some of the most beautiful locales in the country for their luxurious camping meets hotel experiences. Moab, Yellowstone and the Glacier National Park are just some of the current outposts.
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A Warm Welcome
The Under Canvas team invited us into the desert to experience the camp first hand and to explore the Grand Canyon. We happily obliged and loaded 10 of us (and a dog) into a Minnie Winnie RV thanks to Outdoorsy and hit the road. Upon arrival, our collective breath was taken away as we approached the welcome tent: several peaks rose from the sand-colored tent, set up teepee style, and was flanked by an outdoor dining area lit by string lights. Brush and juniper trees made up the natural surrounds while other worldly clouds floated ahead and a rainstorm was visible in the distance. We were certainly not in San Diego anymore.
Inspiring Interiors
Once inside, gasps were audible and jaws were visibly dropped. West Elm had transformed the tent into everyone’s dream living room: communal dining areas, cozy pockets for sitting and chatting, and snack and coffee stations filled the space all using West Elm furniture and decor. We ran around taking photos excitedly and quickly reconvened for a welcome champagne toast, charcuterie bites and plastic-free water provided by Boxed Water.
Not Your Standard Tent
The seasoned campers of our group were glad to find that there was no crouching through a tiny tent to cramp our style – this is glamping! Outfitted with seriously comfortable (and warm!) beds, furnaces and lanterns, it’s only sort of camping. You’ll fall asleep with the sounds of the desert and maybe a distant coyote or two. Feeling extra adventurous? Book the stargazing tent that has a domed window over the bed for ultimate stargazing.
Vast Opportunities
Primarily a hotel, this Under Canvas outpost perfectly accommodates explorers of all types from families with children to serious hiking groups. We had a blast bringing our team to the camp so corporate retreats would do well here, especially with the gorgeous West Elm decorated lobby tent for fun group meetings and team building events. Of course, this would make for a simply stunning wedding venue as well with the outdoor deck that can be transformed into a ceremony and reception space for intimate weddings – plus, guests can glamp onsite with the wedding party!
Book your stay at Under Canvas Grand Canyon →
