Going back-to-basics has never been more luxurious thanks to an array of stylish and super-cosy glamping options available. Here, the team from Lightfoot Travel reveal their favourite luxury camping spots for 2018. No tricky instructions, pegs or hammers required!
Canvas Club, Oman
This private camp deep in the heart of the Oman desert brings a deluxe yet rustic experience to Arabia. Here, you’re met with silk bedspreads, ornate rugs, oriental carpets and atmospheric magic lamps for a special air of Middle Eastern magic. There’s also a loo and hot water showers. Come nightfall, the camp has its own chef who’s a genius at preparing delicious evening meals that can be served on tables under the stars
Jack’s Camp, Botswana
Set on the edge of the Kalahari Desert’s Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Jack’s Camp transports you back in time in one of their ten tents featuring 1940s-style opulent décor, Persian rugs and cool cotton sheets, which form a contrast to the rugged wilderness viewed from the verandah. Days are spent walking with San trackers looking for meerkats, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife that live in, or migrate through, this landscape.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
Four Seasons Tented Camp is nestled in the heart of the Golden Triangle’s bamboo jungle at the border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. A quaint walkway leads to each luxurious tent which features a spacious living area of elegant furnishings, local twists and wooden hot tubs on the outdoor decks. There’s also a gorgeous spa and swimming pool.
Whichaway Camp, Antarctica
The Antarctic season operates between mid-October and March, which means that the tents at Whichaway Camp only open for half the year. Despite being one of the most remote camps on the planet, it doesn’t scrimp on chic. Six state-of-the-art dome-shaped pods merge old-world safari décor with space-age style and modern comforts; think snuggly beds, a writing desk, and an ensuite toilet and wash basin. Indeed, they’re the cosiest places to come back to after time spent exploring ice caves and sharing picnics on glaciers.
Chamba Camp, India
Set in a desert valley between the Kunlun Mountains and the Himalayas, this retreat’s fleet of cream coloured and super snazzy Maharaja-style tents are exquisitely furnished with ornate king-size beds, signature camp furniture, and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers. Each has a wooden deck from which to gaze at the surrounding mountain ranges. Relaxed evenings are spent by the fire, listening to talks from experts, tucking into cuisine prepared by talented chefs, and being attended to by your own personal butler.
Amanwana, Indonesia
Amanwana is a unique and exclusive tented camp set within a wildlife reserve on the island of Moyo, to the east of Bali. Twenty easterncolonial-style tents blend into the forest canopy and lead onto a gorgeous white sand beach. The tents have either a jungle or ocean view, hard wooden flooring, a spacious sitting area with facing divans, large bathrooms, glass window sides and a soft canvas roof. Want more? There’s also a communal lounge, spa tent and library.
Patagonia Camp, Chile
Welcome to the ultimate wilderness retreat! Perched above a dazzling lake, this quirky and cool eco-camp combines a camping experience with the comforts of a hip hotel. Patagonia Camp offers 18 circular-shaped yurts nestled in the forest. Each one features a king-size bed, handcrafted textiles and furniture, a private bathroom, and a terrace with views across Lake Toro and Paine Massif. There’s also a window in the roof for stargazing.
Sal Salis, Australia
Sal Salis brings the concept of wild bush luxury to the stunning Western Australia coast. Fifteen tents and one honeymoon tent are tucked away in the sand dunes, each featuring dreamy bed linen, eco-friendly toiletries, a pumped-up shower and a hammock. The chef provides deliciously contemporary cuisine with hints of bush food, there’s a bar you can help yourself to, and the open lounge filled with books and comfy seating is the ultimate in chill.
Oronui Lodge, New Zealand
Hidden in the hauntingly beautiful Taharua Valley in the middle of the North Island is Poronui Lodge, which offers guest cabins and canvas tents. Both are equally as inviting, but the crisp cotton sheets, hot running water, flushing toilets and gourmet food and wine of the safari camp are hard to beat. When you’re not relaxing in your hideout, you can roast marshmallows by the campfire, and nod off to the sound of the nearby flowing river. The great outdoors doesn’t get any better!
Lightfoot Travel is a luxury tour operator with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, specialising in designer holidays around the world. Call 2815 0068 or email info@lightfoottravel.com for info, or visit lightfoottravel.com.
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This article first appeared in the February/March 2018 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
