Glam-Camping for the Bling-Bling Crowd

By Dian Hasan | June 4, 2009

Alvin Toffler, author of Future Trends, once mentioned “High-Tech, High-Touch”: the more high-tech a society becomes, the more people yearn to socialize, interact with each other and the environment. In the internet era, this theory is aptly proven by the proliferation of social media networks, and the birth of super fine niche-markets. Travel and Hospitality industry are not spared, continuing to evolve and innovate to meet new travel and accommodation demands from increasingly specific niche markets. If your memories of camping in the woods as a child never left you, now you can re-live the experience, albeit in very different ambience. From eco-chic to luxe-to-the-max under-the-canvas Tents!

1. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
Accessible only by riverboat, Golden Triangle’s 15 tents are all about jungle immersion – minus the wet shoes and bug-infested beds, of course.  Learn to pilot an elephant through the dense palms and vines, or just opt for a Thai massage in the open-air spa and evening cocktails in the thatched bar on stilts. For more info: www.fourseason.com/goldentriangle

2. Longitude 131°, Ayers Rock, Australia
Press one button next to your king-size bed and the blinds of your safari tent rise to reveal the sun over Uluru, Australia’s other most photographed red rock icon next to Syndey Opera House.  Aboriginal guides lead walks around this sacred site, and chefs serve multi-course dinners al fresco under a sea of stars. For more info: www.longitude131.com.au

3. Canvaschic, France
Ever wondered how the Mongolians live their nomadic lives in tents called Yurts? This unique style of accommodation offers a choice of 14 different Yurts, all hand-crafted from oak and ash and covered in natural canvas. This is “roughing it” to a degree for the closest experience of how Genghis Khan and his unruly army lived. For more info: www.canvaschic.com/mille_etoiles/

4. Aman-i-Khás, Rajasthan, India
Aman-i-Khás is the epitome of luxury tent fantasy, on the outskirts of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. Experience the lifestyle of Moghul adventure travelers of their heyday. Set in an incredible natural setting, Aman-i-Khás offers easy access to the nearby wildlife sanctuary, providing safaris amidst the brushwood Aravalli Hills and the crumbling remains of ancient palaces.  For more info: www.amanresorts.com/amanikhas/

5. Amanwana, Moyo Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, East of Bali
Coming from the Amanresort collection, expect to experience superlative personal service and a setting Amanjunkies always rave about. A coastal encampment, its luxurious tents have solid glass and wood walls and stone decks. The secluded cove to one side offers privacy for basking in the sunshine, and water sports for the more active, while inland the jungle is alive with monkeys, deer and exotic native species. Amanwana offers the true taste of paradise in a most exotic location. For more info: www.amanresorts.com/amanwana/

6. Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Kenya
A magical collection of 50 luxury tents with verandas overlooking the river. Tents include a full bathroom; some with outdoor showers. Lounge, bar, buffet and other amenities are included. Situated near the Mara River in Masai Mara—a prime location for hippo viewing, thanks to pools created by a fork in the river. For more info: www.fairmont.com/marasafariclub/

7. Banyan Tree Madivaru, North Ari Atoll, Maldives
Less is more at the Banyan Tree’s new Maldivian outpost, a private island that is home to just six tented pool villas, fitted with timber floors, rattan and teak furniture, and vine-draped outdoor showers. Each 246-square-meter villa comprises separate tents for sleeping, lounging, and bathing alongside a beckoning blue-tiled swimming pool. If you manage to drag yourself away from these irresistibly comfortable quarters, a myriad of water activities await. Private butlers can arrange windsurfing, canoeing, and wakeboarding as well as scuba diving and snorkeling at dozens of protected marine areas and pristine reefs.For more info: www.banyantree.com/en/madivaru/

8. Desert Nights Camp, Oman, UAE
Immerse yourself in the Wahiba desert landscape of sculptured dunes, rugged mountains and vast empty spaces… in style. Luxurious Bedouin-style tents, fully air-conditioned with en suite bathroom with shower, bedroom and living area. Enjoy the day with desert safaris, dune buggy rides and camel rides. And have your evenings transform into a memorable Omani traditional feast, with music, folk dances, and sumptuous food.  For more info: www.cvtravel.co.uk/hotels/Oman

9. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia, Canada
Before a tutorial on the private breaks of Vancouver Island, start the day with a straight-edge shave surrounded by rainforest.  Clayoquot’s 22 canvas tents, reachable only by floatplane or water taxi, are outfitted with antiques, candles and stoves for British Columbia’s cool nights. For more info: www.wildretreat.com

10. Serra Cafema, Namibia, Africa
With retractable glass walls, these 8 minimalist-chic-canvas-and-thatch tent-chalets blend into the vast, silent desert of northwestern Namibia. Local Himba people, who live as they did centuries ago, inspired by the woven headboards and chairs.  Activities include visits to Himba communities.  For more info: www.serracafema.com