By Claire Park
Take your next elevated camping trip international by exploring some of the top glamping destinations around the world.
Glamping site integrated into the surrounding natural foliage. Matheus Bertelli. Pexels.
Camping the real way, which, to most, seems to mean pitching a tent, snuggling up in sleeping bags and starting a fire from scratch, is not for the faint of heart. There’s no shame in embracing being an adventurer who equally loves the outdoors and a private bathroom with a comfy bed. Hence, “glamorous camping,” or glamping, was born.
As this upscale style of outdoor stay has gained more popularity, countries around the world have incorporated it into their tourism offerings, giving visitors an opportunity to see the natural world in a new way. Here are some of the top global glamping destinations known for their organic beauty and comfortable lodgings.
1. EcoCamp Patagonia, Chile (rates from $476 per night)
Aerial view of EcoCamp Patagonia’s sustainable domes. Courtesy of EcoCamp Patagonia.
Located in Torres del Paine National Park, EcoCamp Patagonia is the world’s first geodesic dome hotel. It offers views of spectacular granite peaks and places guests in the center of Patagonia’s striking flora and fauna. Domes range from the basic model with no heating and shared bathrooms, to two-story heated domes with private bathrooms and terraces. However, all domes share one thing in common: ceiling windows to look up at the starry night skies from bed.
Despite staying in one’s personal dome, communal areas provide a camp atmosphere, and activities such as local scenery hikes and wildlife safaris are offered to encourage outdoor adventure. For food, communal meals are served in the community domes and are a fusion of Chilean, Altiplanic, Patagonian and international food.
2. Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia (rates from $2,425 per person for a two-night stay)
Sun glistening over the camp of traditional gers. Courtesy of Three Camel Lodge.
At the heart of the Gobi Desert in the Gobi Altai Mountains is the Three Camel Lodge. The lodge is composed of 40 classic gers, meaning homes or dwellings, all with wood stoves and en suite bathrooms. Visitors can choose between three different types of gers. All, however, are constructed with eco-friendly practices and cultural preservation in mind. Dwellings are built using natural stone and local materials, follow traditional Mongolian design and are handmade by local artisans. They also employ an entirely Mongolian staff and support local communities through education initiatives and conservation projects.
Guests can partake in nomadic archery, yoga, sunrise walks, mountain biking and horseback riding. Unique experiences like ger building, a cooking class for Mongolian delicacies, a calligraphy workshop and even a one-hour lecture on the Gobi Desert are also offered. Dining options are quite varied and range from authentic Mongolian cuisine at Bulagtai Restaurant to private dining or picnics in secluded scenic locations. All food is locally sourced and meals are modeled on classic Mongolian dishes rooted in the country’s nomadic traditions.
3. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Australia (rates from $750 per night)
Kayakers exploring the reef beyond Sal Salis’ tents. Courtesy of Sal Salis.
Set on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef in Cape Range National Park, Western Australia, lies Sal Salis. Composed of 15 wilderness tents and one honeymoon tent, all of which are nestled among sand dunes facing toward the Indian Ocean, the lodgings are simple yet cozy. Each tent comes with en suite bathrooms and hammock-topped decks which allow visitors to watch the light change over the ocean.
For activities, there’s nothing standing between you and the water. All it takes is a couple of steps from your tent to begin snorkeling and exploring the reef. The camp also offers excursions such as kayaking and paddleboarding along the coastline, as well as hikes through the surrounding national park. Everyone comes together during mealtimes as breakfast and dinner are served in the open-air lodge, while lunch consists of picnic meals prepared for the beach.
4. Aman-i-Khas, India (rates from $2,336 per night)
Tented Pavilion amid its serene natural environment. Courtesy of Aman-i-Khas, India.
On the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park are Aman-i-Khas’s tented pavilions. While glampers can choose from three types of accommodations, all stays include full board and laundry services as well as morning group yoga sessions.
For experiences, Aman-i-Khas has engaging activities rooted in the region’s wildlife, history and cultural traditions. Visitors can trek up Khandar Fort to explore the ancient fort dwellings and temples, observe a variety of birds and freshwater turtles on the Chambal River cruise or venture into the Ranthambore National Park on a wildlife safari. The wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places to spot tigers in the wild. The camp also offers a variety of dining experiences, such as bespoke picnics after activities, Machan dining serving traditional dishes surrounded by wildlife, organic farm dining nestled within the camp’s outdoor organic farm and alfresco breakfasts in a guava orchard.
5. Under Canvas Moab, Utah (rates from $219 per night)
Suite Tent with a lounge area and a scenic desert landscape deck. Courtesy of Under Canvas Moab.
Positioned in the midst of towering plateaus, sandstone cliffs and the geologic wonders of Utah’s canyon country is Under Canvas Moab, with its safari-style tents and tipis. There are seven tent options to choose from, and the Deluxe, Stargazer and Suite selections include a private bathroom, wood-burning stove and private deck.
Given its location in the eastern Utah desert between Canyonlands and Arches national parks, the camp offers some of the best climbing, mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides and rafting in the world. To fuel up for such excursions, the camp serves breakfast and prepares packed lunches. At dinnertime, visitors can either barbecue at their tent or head into Moab to eat.
6. Cardamom Tented Camp, Cambodia (rates from $363 for two nights)
This eco-camp of 12 safari-style tents, located inside Botum Sakor National Park in Koh Kong, Cambodia, caters to adventurers wanting to be part of conservation work. The surrounding tract of land is home to lowland and coastal habitats that link wildlife corridors to the Cardamom Mountains, and the camp aims to minimize the human footprint on the natural world, serving as a role model for sustainable travel practices in Cambodia.
All packages include nature activities, meals and accommodation. Outings include trekking through the dense Cambodian jungle, kayaking and self-guided hikes with wildlife sightings. The camp even has its own open-air, communal Riverbank Restaurant offering an assortment of local Khmer and foreign dishes in a set-menu style, with the menu based on the availability of local and homegrown produce.
7. Collective Retreats Governors Island, New York (rates from $190 per night)
The Summit Suite facing the stunning New York City skyline. Courtesy of Collective Retreats Governors Island.
Heading into a different kind of jungle, the “Concrete Jungle,” Collective Retreats Governors Island allows glampers to admire and experience the city in a restorative way, removed from the core’s hustle and bustle. There are several types of tents to choose from, with differences in bed size and bathroom type. However, what each tent shares is an unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
As a getaway from the congested city, the camp offers activities that connect guests to a spacious natural setting. These include bike tours of Governors Island, waterfront sunrise yoga, lawn games on the expansive Great Lawn and live music under the stars. For dining, wood-grilled dinners are served a la carte at Three Peaks Lodge every evening, and in-tent breakfasts are available each morning.
These global glamping sites with their distinct landscapes, views, and experiences prove that traditional camping isn’t the only way to properly enjoy the outdoors and sleep under the stars. There’s truly nothing stopping you from booking a trip that’ll allow you to spend your days fully immersed in nature.
Claire Park
Claire Park is a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley studying English and Media Studies with a minor in Music. Her experience writing lifestyle content for UC Berkeley's The Daily Californian newspaper has inspired her to expand her scope to the realm of travel, pursuing her aspirations of becoming a travel journalist. When not writing, Claire can be found singing, reading romance books, journaling at the beach, or acquiring a sweet, caffeinated beverage.