Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
happening places to go glamping
AS MORE travellers indicate a desire to escape into nature – escapes that include gourmet dining and plush bedding – so-called glamping continues to grow in popularity.
A new report conducted by market research firm Arizton projects glamping, or luxury camping, revenues to grow steadily in the next five years, reaching about $1 billion (R14bn) by 2024.
The report also noted that the newly founded American Glamping Association signalled the industry’s migration to the mainstream.
In an attempt to satisfy this growing need, hospitality companies are continuing to create low-impact tented camps around the world that reconnect travellers with the great outdoors in comfort and style.
US
“Our camps have become more immersive with designer furnishings, more adventure activities, wellness programmes and an elevated culinary offering,” says Sarah Dusek, the co-founder of Under Canvas, an adventure-hospitality company operating eight eco-conscious tented camps adjacent to national parks.
Most tents are outfitted with king beds, wood-burning stoves and en suite bathrooms with hot showers. Using 80% less water and energy than a similarly sized hotel, the company strives to leave the land as untouched as possible.
Prices start at $189 for basic safari tents with communal bathrooms.
Costa Rica
“Travellers have shifted towards collecting life-altering, perspectivechanging experiences,” said Luca Franco, the chief executive of Luxury Frontiers, a design firm specialising in quality tented camps.
The company is partnering with Nayara Resorts in north-west Costa Rica to develop 29 family-friendly tents overlooking spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. They will launch in December alongside two of the brand’s properties, Nayara Springs and Nayara Spa, Resort & Gardens. Constructed on stilted platforms to minimise the camp’s footprint, each tent contains open-air living areas and plunge pools with mineral water sourced from hot springs.
“By omitting the tent’s fourth wall, our guests are immersed in nature,” said Leo Ghitis, owner of Nayara Resorts. “They sleep to the sounds of the rainforest.”
Rates, from $1 200 a tent a night.
Bolivia
Swiss outfitter Amazing Escapes was tapped by the indigenous Jirira community in Bolivia’s Altiplano region to build a sustainable tented camp on the Uyuni Salt Flats, at the foot of the Tunupa volcano.
“Our challenge was to make the camp ‘clean’,” said Paul Kennes, the chief executive. The domes have solar energy, closed-loop water systems, incinerating toilets and more.
Prices begin at $1 980 a person based on double occupancy for a minimum two-night stay.
Rwanda
Wilderness Safaris’ new environmentally responsible Magashi Camp opened in May.
“Established in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and non-profit conservation organisation, African Parks, our core purpose is to conserve Rwanda’s diverse savannah ecosystem and threatened species,” said Ingrid Baas, the camp’s manager.
Six tented guest rooms are set on a lakeside perch in Akagera National Parkwhere guests enjoy a parade of wildlife including leopards and elephants, zebras and giraffes. Lions and Eastern black rhinos are also at the park.
Starting rates from $470 a person a night.
Australia
Rottnest Island, a car-free nature reserve off the coast of Perth, recently welcomed Discovery Rottnest Island. The retreat comprises 83 high-grade canvas tents tucked behind the dunes of Pinky Beach.
“We have accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly tents to deluxe family lodgings with kitchenettes and ocean views,” said Grant Wilckens, the chief executive of Discovery Holiday Parks.
Guests can spot rock parrots and native quokkas, friendly marsupials”
Rates from $119 a night for a standard tent based on double occupancy.