Explore in Style with Sophisticated Camping
Offbeat experiences used to demand a compromise in comfort, but today there are an increasing number of luxury camping experiences in some of the most extraordinary settings imaginable, so that you can embark on off-piste adventures with the knowledge of a comfortable bed and hot shower on your return.
Whichaway Camp, Antarctica
– Offbeat Luxury Redefined
For the bold, Whichaway Camp, set in the heart of Antarctica’s ice desert, offers unprecedented access to the ends of the earth. Sleeping only 12, Whichaway’s exclusivity combined with its remote location and adventure, makes it an unparalleled Antarctic experience. Your journey begins with a private jet flight from Cape Town into the polar circle, where on arrival you’ll cosy up in a private heated pod with a comfortable double bed, writing desk and private washing facilities – an extraordinary home from home on the deserted ice planes. The ambience remains that of a true expedition, yet you’ll enjoy all the trappings of a modern luxury adventure. A private chef is on hand to ensure energy levels remain high for each new day’s exploration, treating you to sumptuous gourmet picnics on ice, as well as hearty evening feasts as you reflect on your day’s adventures. You’ll learn all the skills of a polar explorer from a team of expert field guides, with excursions ranging from trekking to rock climbing, abseiling and even kite skiing across the blank white expanses. One of the highlights at Whichaway Camp is visiting over 6,000 Emperor Penguins in their natural habitat at Atka Bay – one of the least-encountered yet most fabulous wildlife experiences in the world.
Patagonia Camp, Torres del Paine, Chile
– Luxury Camping in the Heart of the Wild
Patagonia’s Torres del Paine is one of Chile’s finest National Parks, adorned with soaring granite peaks, iridescent glaciers and rare wildlife. The park and surroundings are home to a handful of charming lodges, but for the intrepid traveller, Patagonia Camp is the perfect place to experience the wilds of Patagonia up close. Boasting a spectacular view of Toro Lake and the Paine Massif, 18 luxury yurts are perched independently amidst a forest of Coigue trees, gazing out to the intense colours of the landscape and ever-changing Patagonian skies. Each yurt is spacious and secluded with a private bathroom, central heating, locally handcrafted furnishings and has an oversized terrace drawing you to the mesmerising views. From your nest, the sights and sounds of nature all around are incredible and the display of stars at night rounds off an exceptional luxury camping experience. Kayaking around icebergs, zodiac river trips, horse-riding in the pampas, hiking to spot Condors or fishing off the Toro Lake are just some of the exciting day trips on offer.
Choquequirao Trek, Peru
– The Ultimate Andean Adventure
The Andes mountains lend themselves to exciting camping, trekking and rafting trips for all ages, and we like to keep our favourite routes a secret to keep the crowds away. A particularly beautiful 3/4 night trek from Cuzco is the Choquequiaro route, reaching a preserved Inca outpost perched dramatically above the roaring Apurimac River Gorge. The Lost City was considered to be of similar significance to the Incas as Machu Picchu, but having only recently become accessible to non-academics, it’s still very undiscovered. You’ll pass stunning mountain scenery, ancient ruins, traditional market villages and Andean flora and fauna – an experience filled with adventure, nature and culture. Watching archaeologists restoring the complex will prove fascinating, and our team of expert guides will impart their passion and knowledge of the region’s history with their stories along the way. Luxury camping in Peru is a great experience for families – you’ll be treated to a comfortable night’s sleep with state-of-the-art camping equipment, gourmet cuisine and hot showers. We can even arrange massages to sooth the muscles after a day’s trekking, but we find a strong Pisco Sour tends to do the trick.
Deluxe Airstream Camper, Uyuni, Bolivia
– A Romantic Escape Under the Stars
South America remains by modern standards remarkably light on travellers and Bolivia more so than its neighbours, but whilst luxuries are few and far between, magnificent culture and scenery abound. The Salt Flats of Uyuni are the highlight of an memorable trip. Driving through this vast wilderness you will pass flocks of flamingos strutting atop a mirrored lagoon one moment and a vast volcanic crater the next, before a bed of cactuses crops up in front of you, completely out of place on a crystalline sea of salt. After you’ve explored the highlights of the salt flats by jeep, visiting Thunupa Volcano, the Coquesa Mummies and Inkawasi Island, an exciting night awaits you on the Deluxe Airstream Camper without another car or hotel in sight. This modern and comfortable home on wheels comes with a hot shower, electric blankets, a personal chef and private guide. The team will set up a delicious feast to enjoy by candlelight. The night skies and tranquillity are breathtaking.
Galapagos Safari Camp, The Galapagos Islands
– A Natural Paradise for Families
The Galapagos archipelago, home to the most diverse ecosystem on the planet, offers the ultimate wildlife experience on the continent. Many choose to explore the islets by yacht, but an exciting alternative is to stay up in the wild highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where family owned Galapagos Safari Camp has brought the concept of the luxury tented camp from the African savannahs to the tropics. It works perfectly. Located on a vantage point looking out across the Pacific Ocean and national park, the camp’s stylish raised tents epitomise discreet luxury and expansive verandas immerse you in nature. The infinity pool is our favourite spot under a canopy of endemic trees, where you can relax and listen to the mysterious sounds of the forest. We would particularly recommend a land exploration for families to give your little explorers more freedom, and the family suites are perfectly designed with extra space for young children. The camp arranges guided hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving and even surfing to experience as much of the islands as possible. But the real thrill of a Galapagos trip is seeing wildlife roaming free and completely uninhibited. Watching the Galapagos giant tortoises amble along the shores is a highlight of any trip. For those with a curiosity of the natural world, this is a once in a lifetime experience that we couldn’t recommend more highly.
Nayara Tented Resort, Costa Rica
– Coming Soon
There’s glamping, and then there’s Nayara. Opening later this year, it is set to raise the bar for high-spec camping in Central America. Each of these spacious tents will have a bedroom, en-suite bathroom, lounge, outdoor living space and a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs water. Cleverly placed amidst lush foliage, the tents will hold an exclusive position in Arenal Volcano National Park, taking in uninterrupted views over rolling hills and the mighty Arenal volcano. Guests will be treated to private dinners out on the verandah, and enjoy access to the outstanding spa at sister hotel Nayara Springs, making this a fabulous new option for those looking to experience Costa Rica’s cloud forest in style.