photo by Francesca Felix Smith
Travel
2018’s Ultimate Glamping Guide Across the Globe
Remember when we asked you to send in your favorite glamping spots? Well, thank you for giving us hundreds of tips! We have compiled this list based on what you, the amazing celebrators and travelers, deemed the best of the best across...
photo by Francesca Felix Smith
Remember when we asked you to send in your favorite glamping spots? Well, thank you for giving us hundreds of tips! We have compiled this list based on what you, the amazing celebrators and travelers, deemed the best of the best across the globe. It seems that this year may be glamping’s most golden year yet. With pop-up tent hotels, airstream outposts, countryside A-frames and safari style tents appearing not only around the country but around the world, slow living seems to be this summer’s biggest goal. We’re bringing you the glamping spots that have our attention focused on desert skies, jungle palms, alpine outlooks and turquoise seas. All you need to do is whisper to a friend, “I’ll stop the world and glamp with you.”
Reporter: Alyssa Brown
Reporter: Alyssa Brown
Far from roughing it, HABITAS Tulum offers luxury canvas tent sites nestled right into a canopy of jungle palms along with glass-walled rooms that look right out to the Caribbean. Take a dip in the turquoise seas and rinse off in the outdoor showers before settling into your big, cozy bed for the night.
Sleep under the stars of the Wadi Rum desert and let the Bedouins show you the most spectacular local sights. You may even find yourself sleeping in a cave in the land of Lawrence of Arabia—for real: this is where he allied with the Bedouins against the Ottoman Empire and later the movie was filmed. Learn more about Wadi Rum Desert glamping →
Living on the edge of the coast in Malibu does indeed seem like a dream for most, but you can at least make it a reality for a long weekend at this permanent airstream setup. Secluded on its own perch overlooking the ocean, Malibu Dream Airstream is glass-walled and fully decked out for a weekend well spent with your boo.
The newest location for the Under Canvas crew, the Black Hills near Mount Rushmore is another great glamping spot for families and friend groups of all sizes. Always putting luxury first, these tents have their own bathrooms. Some even have claw foot tubs inside.
Between grape vines and beneath 5 million stars, the clear-span bubble tents at Campera are all about the views. Grab a bottle from a local vineyard in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine country and plan to make a night of constellation spotting.
Beachside camping in Maui? Sign us up! The furnishings are simple and the beach is just a wander away, giving Camp Olowalu the ultimate low-key vacation vibe.
Play with baby kangaroos, snorkel Ningaloo Reef or enjoy whale watching at this Western Australia safari camp. The seaside tents on the sand dunes are solar-powered and total eco-conscious, which you’ll really appreciate when you see how stunning the setting is.
Calling all lovers of high desert, art and Southwestern culture, Marfa’s El Cosmico is the place to stay. Whether you prefer a safari tent, tepee, yurt or RV, there’s a little something for every glamping personality type at this desert outpost. Learn more about El Cosmico glamping →
Japan’s first luxury camping resort, Hoshinoya sits on a red pine slope overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and gazing out to Mount Fuji. The human connection with nature takes priority here, with balconies and hammocks strewn between trees and minimalist cabins that encourage visitors to get up and go outside.
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Woodsy and rural, this Maine setting is perfect for the glamper who finds the purest form of joy by trekking through nature. Sleep in an A-frame in the woods, a big yurt on the river or in one of the cozy canvas tents.
It’s all about that yurt life over at Green Acres in the Texas Hill Country. Located east of Austin, this spot offers weekenders vintage-clad tents and comfy hammocks to hang in. You can even bring your dog along for a little time in the countryside.
Big Sur’s best spot for living your best yurt life, Treebones is a collection of 20 fully furnished yurts on the California coastline. Be sure to book the ocean view yurts for the best sunset views, and you’ll want to wake up early for the serene yoga sessions.
Majestic Uluru stands proud in the scenery of this glamping gem. Designed with the luxury of an Australian homestead in mind, the safari tents and balconies at Longitude 131° give guests a real sense of place.
Craving a safari escape but can’t get as far as Africa in a long weekend? Check out Texas Hill Country’s Walden Retreat for a mix of enjoying nature, wildlife and the big, starry Texan skies just an hour outside Austin. Posh digs too, y’all.
Say hello to the cutest collection of airstreams, retro trailers and RVs you’ve ever seen. The Vintages Trailer Resort is nestled into Oregon’s Willamette wine country and provides the optimum playing ground for a weekend of wine tasting and cooking on the charcoal grill.
How does this sound for a day of glamping in the Holland woods? Wake up to a breakfast of locally foraged and farmed goods, go for a long walk in the wilderness, kayak out to a floating sauna and cook a six-course dinner over an open flame with a chef’s assistance. It’s all in a day’s vacation at the gorgeous Stedsans in Hyltebruk.
Set on the southern coast of Sri Lanka where leopards, sloth bears and elephants freely roam the surrounding jungles, this spot is a goodie for wildlife sightings and taking it easy. Chena Huts does luxury well, with 14 thatch roofed bungalows buried in their own little wooden decked coves. Book it when only plunge pools, big bathtubs looking out to the mangroves, cozy beds and an in-house spa will do. Learn more about Chena Huts glamping →
The majestic nature of Joshua Tree makes it an awesome destination for those who love desert, sky and quiet. For a sleep spot that embraces the best of the California expanse, check out the three jazzy airstreams at Joshua Tree Acres.
Wadi Rum Night offers a full-on outer space experience where you can stay in one of the Full of Stars rooms—a dome-shaped bubble tent with a see-through ceiling for endless stargazing throughout the night. Book a four wheel drive or ride camelback led by Bedouins to get there. Learn more about Wadi Rum Desert glamping →
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With gorgeous views of the Waitaki Valley on New Zealand’s southern island, Valley Views Glamping certainly lives up to its name. Spend your days cycling nearby trails and spend your nights sipping on local wines under the very starry skies.
Easy access to pueblo, the ski valley and nearby hot springs make this airstream destination an easy pick for anyone looking to stay in boutique accommodations in Taos. There are 13 unique vintage RVs setup on the mesa and you’ll feel very much part of the wide-open desert with a stay at Hotel Luna Mystica.
Craters, volcanoes, waterfalls, gorges, mountains and huge rock formations are all part of the daytime agenda at this West Iceland glamping spot. Wooden huts are where you’ll want to be at night, cozied up in your warmest sleep ensemble.
California’s Central Coast high-desert sets the backdrop for this glamping hotspot. Stylish little huts on wheels are mixed with trailers and camping spots so you can set up a little desert town filled with your favorite folks at Blue Sky Center.
Beach living at its absolute most luxurious, Indonesian hideaway Amanwana is home to 20 glammed out tents overlooking the Flores Sea. Located west of Bali, this Moyo Island setting is upfront-and-center to gorgeous reefs, wilderness and jungles.
To make camping more accessible for all, Happy Glamper offers three choose-your-own-adventure trailer options for those headed to Israel’s Ramon Crater or Negev Mountain. Choose from a simple mobile kitchen setup, a kitchen plus overnight camping gear or a teardrop trailer that’s fully stocked with glamping gear.
Overlooking the green rolling hills of New Zealand, Waitomo Hilltop Glamping has glamping goals written all over it. Take a hot bath outdoors, book in for a massage, fire up a pizza in the big stone oven. For those adventuring beyond the property, you’ll find gorges, limestone cliffs, glowworm caves, waterfalls and so much more near this gem.
Ride horseback through this sprawling Texas ranch and you’ll stumble upon a hideaway of safari style lodging that’s totally cozy and at one with the surrounding landscape. Collective Retreats in Austin’s Hill Country sits on a ranch and organic farm where access to all things gourmet is easy-peasy.
Just a couple minutes from downtown Mendocino, this cozy spot feel worlds away from the urban hustle. Set in a grove of trees, Mendocino Grove serves as easy access to many of the area’s best hikes and beaches.
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Take me down to the caravan city! Check out this rad oasis of airstreams with modern fit-outs in Ojai. Looks like quite the place for a gathering of friends and California nature loving peeps.
There’s a setup for every glamping style in the mountains around Asheville. Airstreams, teepees, safari tents, geodesic domes. The gang’s all here. Just add people.
Located just outside Boston, New York and Virginia, these little handmade hideaways is paradise for those looking to disconnect from city life. Rolling with your homies? Book a few of the 4-person rooms. Prefer to go stag? There are plenty of rooms in the forest for you too.
This Canadian pop-up bell tent crew will roam where you roam in BC and bring along the luxury setup that’s right for your troops. Based out of Pemberton, these guys are big on Vancouver Island and the south-central interior.
When packed tourist destinations just won’t do, you can rent your own island off the coast of Georgia. It even comes with a fully furnished tent and you can upgrade to include a private chef for the weekend.
Hiking, scrambling and hot air ballooning are all on the agenda at the Bedouin Camp. It’s glamping for the adventure lover, especially for those on the lookout for a good desert rock to climb.
A treehouse that’s tucked away in the forests of South Carolina, this charming getaway feels very much like the vision of a romantic southerner. A big cozy bed, antique pieces, whitewashed walls and a porch swing sounds like glamping done just right.
When you can’t get to the great outdoors but want the outdoor lifestyle to come to you, head to the rooftop bell tent by Shelter Co at the Beverly Wilshire. And remember, nothing screams luxury camping like late night campfire s’mores dipped in 24-carat gold.
Set just beside a cenote in the jungles of Tulum, Nativus offers a glamping site that’s fit for two. Check it out if you’re after a trip that includes your own private swimming hole in hotspot Tulum.
Calling all Tri-State Area glampers, this pop-up tent hotel company wants to plan your next vacay. Wanderland is happy to beachcomb for you to find the right spot in New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania for you and your crew to set up shop.
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These bedrooms in the South African bush are open-air and built into the trees. We’d wager a bet that they’re the best stargazing spots around. Learn more about Lion Sand glamping →
Southern Utah’s hidden hideaway, Basecamp 37° offers safari style tents located within easy driving distance to Bryce Canyon National Park, Coral Sands State Park, Grand Canyon, Zion and more. It’s no fuss and no frills at this BYOB glamp site, because who needs frills when you have so much to admire outside your shelter.
The verdant hills and vineyards of Australia’s Margaret River region set the scene for this luxe camping spot. The off-the-grid geodesic domes at Mile End Glamping are fully furnished and complete with kitchens and bathrooms, so it’s kinda like a little staying in a little bubble house.
Check out the north, west or southern regions of the Serengeti from the comfort of Ubuntu Camp. Here you’ll find a small safari camp that moves with the wildebeest migrations along the river.
Just a couple of hours from NYC, this Kingston group glamping spot on the Hudson River offers furnished canvas tents in a location that’s great for exploring the Catskills. Terra Glamping is big on the wow factor too, so give them a shout if you’re hoping to plan something epic with a bunch of your friends.
Off-grid treetop camping at Kudhva in North Cornwall will have you nestled into a willow grove, surrounded by wildflowers and just beside a swimming hole that’s fed by a giant waterfall. Oh, and there’s a wood-fired Japanese bathtub you can use to warm your bones.
A one-of-a-kind experience for those looking to go off-the-grid and into the desert of Oman, Hud Hud does pop-up luxury tented campsites in northern and southern Oman. Simply name your destination in the sands, islands or mountains.
Choose from a Moroccan desert camp or beach camp and gather your favorite nomads to head to Camp Adounia. A trip with this crew might include camel rides, spa treatments, surf lessons or sand boarding down the dunes.
Set in northern Laos, this 23-suite Rosewood resort is tucked away in the historic royal settlement of Luang Prabang just along the river’s edge. Hidden in the jungle terrain, you’ll find hilltop tents and riverside structures that make up this high-end Colonial style wilderness hotel.
Set in Vancouver Island’s bucolic UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, this wilderness retreat gives visitors a fully immersive experience with nature. Stay in one of the large canvas suites and spend your mornings birdwatching, fishing, hiking and exploring the island’s ancient temperate forests and spend your evenings relaxing in the cookhouse and lounge tents with good wine and good friends.
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Set on wooded decks wedged in the oak and sycamore groves along Santa Barbara’s El Capitan Creek, these safari tents are totally luxurious. Be sure to book in for a massage and take a soak in the heated pool after your horseback ride along the beach.
Forget what you’ve been told about the City That Never Sleeps because a restful, quiet night is an actual possibility on Governors Island in NYC. All you have to do is hop a ferry to get to this wide-open grassy green place that’s dotted with canvas tents filled with sophisticated furnishings.
Colorful, spectacular, larger-than-life Zion National Park is the backyard for this luxury camping outpost. There are about 30 canvas tents on-site, all with their own cozy vibe and campfire spot.
SoCal’s newest pop-up glamping party company, Camp’d Out will set up luxury camp wherever you’re looking to go. Especially suited to the big-bash crowd, this has tents and beds and will travel.
A small safari style oasis sits on a ridge overlooking Lone Man Creek in the rolling hills of Texas Hill Country. Located just 45 minutes from ATX, Sinya offers seclusion in the form of one glamp nest with a plush sofa, clawfoot tub, cushy bed and sweeping views.
Three designer treehouses in the Cottswalds are so luxe they even have heated floors. The Fish Hotel is a luxury getaway with plenty of perks, but super sweet woodland setting of the elevated pods is at the top of our list.
New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay is the gorgeous home base for this glamping grounds. Shower outdoors, cook over campfire, pop around local wineries, kayak the Maraetotara River and find a million other ways to enjoy the great outdoors at Clifton Glamping.
Set along Australia’s New South Wales coastline, tiny homes and bell tents make up the glamping digs at Tilba Lake Camp. Wedged between ocean and lake, you can be sure this getaway will be a wet one.
Located along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this getaway is eco-luxe and offers a glamping site that really is more like staying in a hotel than camping. The safari tents sit alongside a restaurant, a swimming pool, a beach club and a huge stretch of white sandy beach.
Family-friendly glamping is made easier than ever at Florida’s Westgate Ranch Resorts where the safari tents are big enough fit a family of four and even have air conditioning units inside. For those who prefer something different, there’s also a collection of teepees on the grounds that are fully furnished and have fireplaces too.
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Part yoga retreat, part gourmet paradise complete with personal chef, the setup at Kin in Haiti is one that teaches visitors about the lay of the local land while providing a very comfortable getaway. Spend your days sailing on a 62-foot yacht and rest your head for the night in one of 15 very cozy safari tents by Shelter Co.
With an airstream in Palm Springs and another coming soon to Vegas, Silver Trailer injects modern sensibility into timeless vintage digs. The 1967 caboose is all set for a fall opening in downtown Las Vegas.
Set along the Ottawa River, these 8 glamping suites offer a gorgeous perch to see the countryside and enjoy slow living. Each luxury camp setup comes with a record player and a stash of records to peruse so you can light up the campfire and dance under the stars.
If you’re a city dweller, upstate New York is the place to head for summer activities and to touch base with wild grasses. Located in the Hudson Valley’s quiet setting of Germantown, Gatherwild Ranch offers luxury camping for those who like to take summer nice and slow.
What! Oregon Trail come to life, y’all! (Minus the Dysentary, of course.) Through September, trekkers of the Capitol Reef National Park in Utah can spend their overnight trips in covered wagons with red rock views and plenty of luxury amenities.
With lobster shacks, glistening lakes and tons of nature trails, the small towns of Maine light up with visitors each and every summer. Head to Sandy Pines in Kennebunkport to get in on the action and you’ll find a campground stocked with A-frame huts, safari tents and carriage cottages on wheels, all varying in size and style, with a whole lotta luxury built-in.