Camping isn’t always what you dream it up to be. Sometimes you have to learn to survive in nature by setting up your own tents, cooking your own food (which might include hunting or fishing for it), getting your own water, finding a way to wash-up in the freezing river, and using the most readily available technique to answer nature’s call. Fast forward a few years to the concept of glamping: glamorous camping, where someone does everything to make sure your crew is comfortable while camping. Trade the muddy ground for a soft bed — what more could you ask for? We’ve done some digging and picked out four of our favorite glamping pods across the globe.
Experience paradise in Hawaii
Hawaii is a magical place. Gorgeous beaches and great weather make the islands a great experience for all visitors. For a truly special experience, visit the Bali House & Bali Cottage at Kehena Beach for an intimate experience surrounded by a picture-perfect paradise. This secluded accommodation includes everything you would expect from a luxury hotel but in the middle of lush tropical gardens and only feet away from Hawaii’s picturesque beaches. As if that wasn’t good enough, you can also enjoy different treatments at the spa, get something prepared in the kitchen, and enjoy activities at the beach.
Stay at a luxury farm in New Zealand
The Bay of Plenty on the west side of New Zealand lives up to its name with incredible characteristics that make it both unique and unforgettable. Right in the heart of the Bay, you’ll find a gem called Kahikatea Farm. On this farm, visitors rent the entire place for themselves and enjoy full luxury amenities that include a queen-size bed, hot shower, hot tub, barbecue grill, fully-equipped kitchen, and much more. The best part of the property is being isolated from everything and being able to experience nature to the fullest surrounded by huge kahikatea trees and groves of nikau palms — iconic New Zealand flora.
Be immersed in nature in Australia
Located west of Canberra in the southern tip of Australia, and lined by the Clyde River, is the fabulous luxury glamping experience offered by The Escape. Be surrounded by nature and tranquility while pampered with wine, hot tubs, spa treatments, gourmet meals made with fresh local ingredients, and comfortable bedding. Top off your Australian glamping trip with kayaking, biking, hiking, horseback riding, and visiting local beaches. Looking up at the starry night skies is a perfect way to end each day.
Step back in time in the US
Just an hour south of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch offers glamping as a way to live the true American frontier experience. Think Native American-style tapestries and worn wood aesthetic, all on the grounds of a Southwestern-style ranch. Each glamp site comes equipped with all the amenities you would expect from a 5-star resort. Outside of your accommodation, Westgate offers horseback riding, airboat tours, and fine dining. When it comes to Orlando — or even Florida, or the United States in general — Westgate is definitely one of the best glamping spots around.
Winter is coming in Ireland
No better way to round up this list than with an adventure taken right from the TV screens. The Game of Thrones Overnight Glamping Experience, located just 40 minutes from Belfast, Ireland, is a truly magical experience for fans of the TV show and for glamping enthusiasts as well. You’ll get to experience adventures inspired by the TV series like archery practice, boating tours to different locations in Ireland related to the story, Medieval-style banquets, and even meeting the real dire wolves from the show.
Slovenian Glamping Royalty
Recently named in Sustainable Destinations’s 2018 Top 100 Best of the Planet, Olimia Adria Village, outside of the picturesque Slovenian town of Podcetrtek, is racking up praise from glampers around the world. Outside of the 2018 award, it has also been named a Slovenia Green Destination and Best Glamping 2017. The grounds itself are surrounded by streams and walking paths, and the luxury canvas tents are dispersed around a large central fire pit. Guests to Olimia are also granted free access to a nearby waterpark and are given unlimited bathing time at a partner wellness spa.
Luxury Adventure Awaits in Slovenia
Near to the culturally rich town of Maribor in Slovenia’s wine region, Chateau Ramsak is situated on a beautiful vineyard. Guests can enjoy endless samples of homemade wine in their countryside mansion where they claim to have the oldest wine press in Europe. Besides getting a little bit boozy, guests can kick their feet up in both luxury tents or treehouse accommodations, each of which comes with their own private hot tub. Visitors are also welcome to meander the gorgeous grounds, swim in the natural pond, and catch a movie at one of their open-air movie screenings.