Top 5 spots for glamping

Glamping – a unique way to experience the world’s natural wonders – has never been so ‘in vogue’. From glacial valleys in New Zealand to the Australian Outback, here’s our pick of glamping locations for those that want to be close to nature without the damp sleeping bags and tatty tents!
 

Minaret Station, New Zealand

Minaret Station, New Zealand 
Minaret Station is New Zealand’s first luxury tented camp, located at the head of stunningly picturesque glacial valley in the heart of the Southern Alps. Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station treats those fortunate enough to experience this wilderness landscape to a level of comfort and style never before available in the New Zealand Mountains. Guests are hosted under canvas in luxuriously furnished tented suites complete with wall to wall sheepskin carpet, king beds, private deck set with its own hot tub, full en-suite with double vanity and endless hot showers.

Galapagos Safari Camp, Ecuador 

Galapagos Safari Camp, Ecuador 
A completely new way to experience the wonders of the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Safari Camp – a luxurious eco camp – offers guests the opportunity to enjoy total comfort under canvas while experiencing nature in its purest form. The camp boasts a bar, cosy fireplace and even an infinity pool – perfect to enjoy the magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean and the famous western and northern islands, including Isabela and Guy Fawkes. You certainly don’t have to venture far to be amongst the wildlife as the Galapagos Safari Camp borders the National Park in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island’s “transition zone” and is close to the tortoise reserve.

Longitude 131, Australian Outback

Longitude 131, Australian Outback
Luxurious eco-sensitive and romantic, Longitude 131 lies at the gateway of the dual world heritage listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, complete with private views of the sun rising and setting over Uluru (Ayers Rock). With just 15 tents in total guests only have to share this experience with a few others. A white domed roof and flowing fabric draped from the centre create the illusion of camping, but unlike early pioneers and explorers guests revel in sublime comfort. The flick of a bedside switch is all it takes to raise the blinds and watch the spectacular moods of Uluru at sunrise. Seasons (www.seasons.co.uk/01244 202 077) offers three nights all inclusive from £2095 per person staying in a Luxury Tented Cabin.

Pueblo Barrancas, Uruguay 

Pueblo Barrancas, Uruguay 
Immersed in a wild coastal landscape of native woodland within a ravine naturally eroded by rainfall, Pueblo Barrancas is the first resort to offer the glamping experience in Uruguay. Guest can choose from beachfront thatched roof cabins, spacious yurts and safari tents, all placed on raised wooden platforms overlooking the sea. There’s no shortage of mod-cons either as each cabin is equipped with its own bathroom and shower, a kitchen including a fridge and microwave oven, minibar as well as double and single beds. On site is the excellent Pueblo Bar, a restaurant and beach bar offering music and good food based on the famous Uruguayan BBQ style known as parrilla. There’s excellent spots nearby for surfing, kite surfing and other activities and the resort is located in San Sebastian de La Pedrera, within the Rocha Department – an area well known for its beach towns such as Punta del Diablo and La Paloma.

The Serai in Jailsalmer, India

The Serai in Jailsalmer, India
A luxury desert camp and spa, The Serai has 21, large canvas tents set on thirty acres of the hundred acre estate of indigenous desert scrub in the Great Thar Desert. The camp has a pool inspired by a traditional Indian step-well, a Spa created by Raison d’Etre - one of the leading Spa companies in the world, a Dining Tent and Lounge Bar. The Tented Suites, of which there are fourteen, are pitched on a base of beautiful local ‘Jaisalmer’ stone. Each comprise of an exterior relaxing area, a covered sitting room, a spacious bedroom and en suite bathroom, covering an area of over a thousand square feet. In addition the luxury tented suites have their own private walled garden complete with sunken pool and the Royal Suite boasts its own private spa and lounge tents. Seasons (www.seasons.co.uk/01244 202 077) offers three nights on a breakfast basis from £745 per person staying in Tented Suite.

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