There’s undeniably something magical about sleeping in the great outdoors, cooking your own food, counting the stars, and getting up with the sun. All the wonders of camping don’t have to come with a cold, hard floor and squatting in the bushes though. We’ve gathered some glamping gems where travelers can enjoy the great outdoors without compromising on comfort, ambiance, or style. Sample some of the most experiential sites with these eight wonderful retreats offering everything from luxe, expertly appointed tents to funky vintage trailers, chic huts and modern “flexotels” to boho gypsy caravans in some of the coolest locations and events across the world.
El Cosmico
Location: Marfa, Texas
Cost: From $100 per night
Overview: With over 18 acres of open land, El Cosmico is a unique, funky hotel and campground that houses carefully appointed tents, tipis, and rehabbed vintage trailers. From the Trans-Pecos Festival, culinary workshops, and live music to wood-fired “Dutch Tubs,” design classes, and recreational activities, El Cosmico is an eclectic place to let your hair down, reconnect with nature, and find your inner creative. // elcosmico.com
Sandy Pines Campground
Location: Kennebunkport, Maine
Cost: From $179 per night
Overview: Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, Sandy Pines Campground is nestled in a wooded area near a salt marsh with a beach just a skip away. The camp offers a true taste of the rustic Northeast but with modern amenities like a saltwater pool, Wi-Fi, bike and kayak rentals, on-site laundry, and a clubhouse. Each luxe tent, Hide-Away Hut, and Camp Carriage offer their own unique interior expertly furnished by local designers in themes ranging from nautical and earthy to modern and boho chic. Accommodations include features such as a king or full-sized bed, cooler, fire pit, mini-fridge, and an outdoor deck. // sandypinescamping.com
Sal Salis
Location: Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park
Cost: From $1300 (USD) per night
Overview: Designed to blend with the rustic environment, Sal Salis’ wilderness eco-luxe tents sit on raised platforms and offer expansive views of Australia’s Cape Range National Park and the ocean housing the Ningaloo Reef. Each beachside tent has an en-suite bathroom and the camp offers bespoke group tours and experiences from kayaking and snorkeling to wildlife viewing and up close and personal whale shark swims. // salsalis.com.au
Under Canvas
Location: Moab, Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, Mount Rushmore, Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon
Cost: From $194 per night
Overview: Inspired by an African safari experience, founders Sarah and Jacob Dusek decided to “create an immersive outdoor escape that serves as a unique bridge between travel and the outdoors.” Under Canvas offers seven luxury glamping resorts near America’s most beautiful national parks. In cream-colored safari-like tents or tipis, guests are offered several sleeping options at different price points with amenities such as comfy beds, luxe linens, en-suite bathrooms, catered meals from local restaurants, and wood-burning stoves. Under Canvas also provides a wide range of tours and recreational activities around the national parks as well as on-site events like live-music, lounge games, and endless s’mores. Breathtaking vistas are always free. // undercanvas.com
The Pop-Up Hotel
Location: Multiple destinations throughout the United Kingdom
Cost: From $384 (USD) per night
Overview: The name says it all–the Pop-Up Hotel is literally a hotel that “pops-up” at famous events all around the UK and other European destinations. From country-side cycling competitions and the Love Supreme Jazz Fest to Wildays motorbike events and the famous Glastonbury Music Festival, the Pop-Up Hotel offers accommodations ranging from gypsy vintage caravans and luxe RV’s to traditional yurts, chic tents, wood-framed domes, and “Flexotels” – lockable fold-out rooms with double beds. // thepopuphotel.com
Ventana
Location: Big Sur, California
Cost: From $350 per night
Overview: Want an outdoor experience with a 5-star luxury twist? Ventana Big Sur is the glamping destination for the most high-end traveler. Tucked among 160 forested acres on the epic coast of Big Sur, Ventana features a range of thoughtfully-designed tent accommodations or “Glampsites” with access to an art gallery, on-site spa, fine dining, and a fully-stocked bathhouse. Each luxe tent comes with a picnic table, a king bed adorned with heated blankets, and separate wood-burning or gas fire pits. Morning coffee, housekeeping, and access to the resort’s pools and fitness center complete the high-end glamping experience. // ventanabigsur.com
Firelight Camps
Location: On the grounds of La Tourelle Resort and Spa in Ithaca, New York.
Cost: From $189 per night
Overview: The well-thought-out tents at Firelight Camps sit on platforms and contain beautifully designed hardwood floors, king-size beds with plush linens, and private balconies. Cool perks like free, locally sourced breakfast and battery-powered lanterns that also double as phone chargers add convenience to the outdoor experience. Instructor-led yoga and hiking are also available on site. // firelightcamps.com
Collective Retreats
Location: Colorado, Montana, California, New York, Texas, and Governor’s Island across from Manhattan
Cost: From $500 to $700 per night
Overview: From picturesque fields in Montana to a sprawling Texas ranch, Collective Retreats partners with landowners to set up high-end environmentally conscious tents and repurposed shipping containers in each unique location. They even offer an outpost on Governor’s Island across from Manhattan that includes a multi-course meal prepared by a master chef and outrageous views of the Statue of Liberty. In each location, guests can expect gourmet meals, luxurious accommodations, and recreational activities from hiking and horseback riding to historical excursions and wine tours. // collectiveretreats.com
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