Camping gives off that aroma of closeness to nature - falling asleep under the stars, seemingly outside, and roasting marshmallows on sticks. But of course although the idea of pitching a tent might be exciting for a moment or two or even three, having a tent erected for you in complete and utter luxury is simply just more sensational.
Commingling a more upscale set of facilities and camping have given rise to “Glamping.” Some say, like gay travel expert and writer David Duran, it makes complete sense that gay travel would lean towards this combination and level of travel. He says, “Some (gay men) have higher standards and expectations for what defines comfort and convenience. Glamping provides the experience of being in nature but in a more fabulous setting - heating up beans by a campfire and sleeping on top of twigs and rocks just isn’t for everyone.”
Amen I say to him.
With its roots in Africa safari the environmentally conscious alternative to hotels has now spread across the continents with some of the most luxurious tent structures. Inviting campers to experience the finest of everything from services right down to fare these tents have taken luxury, and camping, into a new realm. From India, to Africa and right back to America here is the acme of glamping.
Aman-i-Khás
On the border of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park is where the ever-beautiful Aman resort has neatly set down ten luxury tents in all their glory. The tents, in sturdy canvas and the finest cottons, are modeled after antiquated Moghul traveling tents and appear out of a magical fable drifting in pure wilderness. Enter the enchanting privacy of the tents and it leads to a daybed – perfect for avoiding the heat of the baking sun and contemplating life. Coming off from the lounging area are sections for sleeping, bathing and dressing all in whites and appropriate naturals. As one of the finest places to see tigers waking up here to a new day looking across grasslands and forest sets that primordial tone we crave. amanresorts.com
Sujan Jawai Leopard Camp, India
In the west of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Indian wilderness and in the Aravalli Hills is where the Sujan Jawai Leopard Camp has set up home. With simply eight tents, with an accent on privacy, the camp spares nothing whilst maintaining their emphasis on conservation and being low-impact. At this camp days of yore are distinct and handsome herdsman and priests live close by as their forefathers did. The tents are of simple design and incorporate all the services desired from a big city hotel - with utter discretion for guests hankering for solace. Nights are spent under the stars enjoying simple Indian cuisine and the silence of the surrounding nature reserve. sujanluxury.com
Dunton River Camp, US
Sited on the southwest flowing Dolores River in Colorado this intimate river camp comprises a select eight en-suite tents and accompanying 19th century restored farmhouse. The tents, each with a gas stove and private porch, are just 20 feet from the river and have views across to the 14,000-foot Wilson Peak of the San Juan Mountains. The simple tents, inspired by African style safari, are decorated in an elegant pared down country style combining cottons and traditional hand-woven Bolivian blankets. Activities, besides for hearty feasts, are aplenty ranging from fly fishing, to horseback riding in the mountains, to the latest offering at the camp: GPS tracked hiking as the ultimate outdoor fancy. duntonhotsprings.com
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Namibia
With stark almost lunar-like landscapes and iconic big African skies the latest camp to open in this area is the tented Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in a private concession between wild ocean and quiet desert. With a mere seven twin-bedded luxury tents, and one family unit, the camp is revered for its privacy and ingress to nature. Accessible only by light aircraft the area is as remote as the Kaokoveld area possibly could be. Flying over shipwrecks, rock formations and nowhere beaches the discreet camp offers a reprieve from the world as it settles into the African wilderness. The area, known for living fossils and the shaggy hyenas, is ideal for exploring with dune boards and sand buggies. If time permits a 12 day safari across Namibia: from Windhoek to the Skeleton Coast Camp and all the way to the Etosha National Park where the Ongava tents are set up is the best for seeing wildlife including the Big Five. wilderness-safaris.com
AND THEN coming soon is Under Canvas in Yosemite, CA
Stay tuned for more…all on 85 acres of forested land…
Hoanib (Huab, Hoarusib, Ugab) area is actually most famous of the desert-adapted elephants. It’s a spectacular place, the Kunene region of Namibia, I’ve driven there a lot. At Skeleton Coast, closer to the ocean and more south a bit the brown hyenas can sometimes be seen.