If you’re not the type to rough it with a full-on camping holiday, but you still want to try a ‘back to nature’ experience, why not give glamping a go? You’ll get the chance to sleep in a super comfy bed and enjoy proper bathroom facilities, often with access to amazing food – all while embracing the great outdoors. Not sure which glamping spots are the best? From Africa to Oman, here are a few that will get you packing your suitcases!
Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild
At the luxurious Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia, you’ll stay in a tented camp surrounded by lush forests and overlooking waterfalls. Located in a wildlife and nature reserve between Bokor and Kirirom National Parks, it’s a three-hour drive away from Phnom Penh. Designed by renowned luxury hotel architect and designer Bill Bensley, the exclusive camp only has 15 tents, each tastefully decorated in La Belle Époque period style. You can choose to stay in the Wild Tent, Waterfall Tent or the Two Bedroom Tent (with outdoor bath). There’s also a Bensley butler to assist you with everything you need. The camp welcomes guests above the age of 10.
Besides pampering yourself with natural and organic treatments at The Boulders Spa or having a dip in the pool, you can enjoy other fun activities, including trekking, kayaking and exploring with expert local guides, which the Scott Dunn team can help to arrange. At the camp, meals are served in your tent or at the Waterfall Restaurant, and feature locally sourced ingredients. For a drink, head to the Landing Zone Bar.
3165 4050 | scottdunn.com/sg/shinta-mani-wild
Wilderness Safaris Mombo
Mombo and Little Mombo are Wilderness Safaris’ flagship camps in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The authentic bush accommodation offers sustainable luxury, operating with a small eco-footprint as part of the brand’s ethos. Both camps are located on the same island; Little Mombo has just four tents and is a smaller version of its sister camp Mombo, which has eight tents. Design-wise, features include crackled leather headboards and bed bases, wooden and brass chandeliers, and hand-painted embroidered cushions. Each suite also comes with a private plunge pool. Expect delicious meals using locally-sourced ingredients in family-style dining. You can also opt for private dining options. Signature dishes include Botswana beef fillet, ostrich and apricot tagine, and African bream fillets.
The camps’ location within the Moremi Game Reserve attracts a huge number and variety of wildlife. Go on a game drive and look out for the likes of spotted hyenas, lions and buffalos. Mombo is also committed to rhino relocation through its Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project.
Time + Tide Nsolo
Time + Tide Nsolo Camp is located by the banks of the Luwi River in Zambia – you can get there via a two-hour game-drive transfer from Mfuwe. The intimate campgrounds house just five rooms with open air bathrooms and outdoor showers, all beautifully designed with the inspiration of the riverside setting. Each is set on a raised wooden platform, overlooking a river lagoon that’s brimming with wildlife, including lions and wild dogs. From May to October, guests can enjoy the safari company’s popular “Sleepout Under the Stars” experience.
Glamping at Nsolo offers a wide variety of activities, including day and night game drives and walking safaris around South Luangwa National Park, and a visit to the nearby wild dog den. Book the five-night Return to the Wild Safari deal, and get one night free plus a “Sleepout Under the Stars” experience.
timeandtideafrica.com/camp/nsolo
Al Baleed Resort Salalah By Anantara
To experience some of the magic of the Middle East, try a mobile ‘glamping’ adventure through the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and Oman Expeditions. Take your pick from personalised itineraries of varying lengths, exploring various landscapes, from deserts and mountains to beaches. Trips tap into the expertise of specialists such as anthropologists, geologists, archaeologists and astronomers to cater to travellers with different interests. Travel on luxury four-wheel drive vehicles and spend nights in luxury camps, with a private tented bathroom featuring outdoor showers, comfortable mattresses, cotton sheets and oil lamps. Each evening, you’ll also enjoy Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean dishes whipped up private chefs under the stars.
For the icing on the cake, before and after your camping experience, stay at Al Baleed Resort Salalah. Located along the beach, the five-star property has private pool villas, an infinity pool and a spa. This glamping experience is offered from late September to April.
anantara.com/al-baleed-salalah
BubbleTent Australia
Keen to get out of your “bubble”? Then why not stay in one of these? BubbleTent’s clear dome accommodation overlooks the beautiful Capertee Valley in New South Wales. Set atop a raised wooden deck, each dome’s setup includes a comfy queen bed with goose-down pillows, a sliding cabinet for storage and a composting toilet. Stairs outside lead to a lower deck that has an outdoor kitchenette and a seating area. All guests are given binoculars, an iPad loaded with a birdwatching app, USB charger, sun shield, deck slippers, headlamps, a torch, insect repellent, sunscreen and a first aid kit. For a romantic getaway, book the Virgo Bubble – it comes with a wood-fired outdoor hot tub!
Natra Bintan
Keen on a spot closer to home? Formerly known as The Canopi, Natra Bintan is a glamping resort now managed by Marriott International. The air-conditioned safari-style tents come with four-poster beds, TV, Wi-Fi and outdoor bathrooms. A man-made seawater lagoon is nearby, so guests can enjoy water activities, including family-friendly bumper boat-rides, kayaking and wakeboarding. Also, the in-resort restaurant Patio serves local and international favourites and has an alfresco bar lounge. Guests can enjoy access to complimentary transfer services to and from the Bandar Bentan Telani Port.
marriott.com/tnjtx-natra-bintan-a-tribute-portfolio-resort
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