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Glamping in South America at Patagonia Camp

Patagonia Camp is situated just outside of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, which encompasses a vast array of lakes, rivers, glaciers and mountains.   Patagonia Camp’s philosophy is to protect the beautiful environment of this national park, and to minimally impact the varied and beautiful eco-systems present here.  Each structure that makes up Patagonia Camp, including the luxurious yurts, communal area, and walkways are built up on stilts to avoid damaging the plant life that has grown below for hundreds of years.   The camp also features a low-emission electric generator and a sophisticated waste water treatment system that returns water to the crystalline rivers and lakes completely pure.

Patagonia Camp has another philosophy – to provide their guests with total immersion in nature without foregoing luxury and comfort.  This philosophy is exemplified in each of the eighteen yurts, which have their own private bathrooms and luxuriously-appointed beds.  The yurts are decorated with woven fabrics and locally-handcrafted furniture.  Each yurt also boasts a private terrace, which is perfect for lounging and enjoying one of Patagonia Camp’s famed pisco sours after a day of hiking and sight-seeing.  (Pisco is a type of grape brandy typically produced in the winemaking regions of Peru and Chile.)

 

Patagonia Camp is ideally situated to provide their guests with easy access to one of nature’s most beautiful playgrounds, Torres del Paine National Park.  The design of Patagonia Camp pays special attention to this fact, making sure to display its greatest asset at every opportunity.  Guests can enjoy lying back in their plush beds to a breathtaking view of the sparkling waters of Lake Toro and the impressive peaks of the Paine Massif.  In the dining room, the tables are situated right next to the large picture windows so that guests can gaze out at the magnificent landscape.

 

Guests of Patagonia Camp can experience guided group treks to explore the breathtaking national park.  Guests can also fish in the nearby streams in hopes of catching one of the native salmon or trout, or to explore the local trails on mountain bikes.  Kayaks and canoes are available as well for paddling on Lake Toro.

Meals at Patagonia camp reflect the traditional cuisine of Chile.  The dishes are often imaginative and feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, thoughtfully prepared to be delicious and healthful.  A different dinner menu is available nightly, and often features slow-roasted lamb, or southern hake.   Hearty box lunches are provided so that guests can be enjoy them while out on excursions.

 

Patagonia Camp is located at what many call “the end of the world,” referring to Patagonia’s geographical location at the southern tip of South America.  Guests should be prepared for an excursion of a lifetime.  They’ll experience the best that glamping has to offer – an immersive experience in an amazing, natural environment complete with a warm shower and a comfortable bed to retire to at the end of the day.

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Glamping in Australia at Longitude 131

Longitude 131 is truly an oasis in the middle of the red desert of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.  The fifteen luxury, glamping accommodations lie at the gateway to this national park.  Located just a short distance away from the famed Uluru (Ayer’s Rock), Longitude 131 is named for the exact location on which this beautiful rock formation sits.  Guests to Longitude 131 may come to view the natural beauty of Uluru, but stay for the immaculate, luxury accommodations and impeccable service provided by this Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award winning luxury resort.

From the moment guests arrive at the airport, the pampering begins with a Longitude 131 employee there to whisk you away to your destination.  You are then driven straight to the resort where you will be greeted with a glass of chilled champagne and canapés and shown to your tent. Each tent is named for a different prominent figure in early Australia’s history and decorated in a modern, chic style with historical relics from each explorers’ excursions.

 

The extravagant accommodations of each tent are plush and inviting and include a sumptuous, king size bed, an en suite bathroom,  iPad, Bose sound system, and Wi-Fi.  There are no televisions in the tents however, as all of the entertainment you need is right outside of your floor to ceiling windows.  Each tent is a stone’s throw away from Uluru, and provides amazing uninterrupted views of this naturally-made wonder.  For guests that prefer to enjoy the beautiful colors of a desert sunrise from the comfort of their bed, simply flip the bedside switch to raise the blinds.

Each day, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, which center around exploring and learning about the natural landscape and aboriginal people to this land.  Expert local guides are prepared to escort guests through the surrounding desert landscape to Uluru for a morning excursion around the base of this enormous monolith, which like an iceberg, has most of its mass underground. Guests will also get an opportunity to view the sun setting over this majestic sandstone structure, whose reddish hue is derived from the rusting of the naturally-occurring iron contained within.  Or enjoy Table 131, where guests are greeted by the sound of a didgeridoo and entertained by indigenous performers displaying one of their own cultural dances, all while feasting on a decadent three-course meal under the unspoiled, twinkling night sky that only a remote desert location could showcase in such splendor.  For an opportunity to unwind, visit the Red Ochre Spa where guests can let their tensions melt away.  Try the Red Ochre Spa Signature Treatment for the ultimate in relaxation.  For a unique view of this natural wonder, guests can treat themselves to a helicopter tour over the national park or a Harley ride on a late model Heritage Softail.   Camel rides are another great way to explore the amazing views, complete with a trained guide to point out the wildlife and plant life

Perhaps the biggest compliment that any resort could ever expect to receive is rave reviews about their staff.  One point that seemingly all guests can agree upon about Longitude 131 is the level of attention to detail by their expertly-trained staff.  Many guests tout that “no” is a word that must not be in the vocabulary at Longitude 131.  The staff at this top-of-the-line resort brings the level of luxury to a point that is unparalleled by most other resorts. One point is certain – guests should come to this diamond in the rough prepared to be spoiled.

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Glamping in the USA at Bay Leaf Cottages

Bay Leaf Cottages is a cozy property situated just off the coast of Maine in the United States.  In fact, the Lincolnville beach is a short half of a mile away – that’s just across the road!  Guests to Bay Leaf can expect a welcoming atmosphere with all of the charms of a small town.  Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with the whimsical sight of a wooden bridge built over a small pond and twelve adorable cottages painted in cheery colors situated in a lush, grassy field.

Bay Leaf’s twelve sweet and homey glamping cottages each feature a different decorative scheme charmingly named things such as “Lavender” and “Coriander,” each having been decorated by student interns of the University of Illinois.  The cottages have their own parking spaces, and also include beds with linens, a bathroom with a shower, a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and coffee/tea supplies.   Each cottage features a private deck with chairs, which is perfect for enjoying the cool, sea breeze.   For a summertime cookout, there are gas grills available for use in the picnic area, and the continental style breakfast buffet is included each morning.  And of course, when we think of Maine, who doesn’t think lobster?  Bay Leaf makes sure that guests have a chance to indulge in freshly-caught lobster with their weekly lobster dinner.

 

The proprietor at Bay Leaf Cottages, Jane, is very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and is always happy to help with a quick recommendation. She can even recommend a local lobsterman and show you where his buoys are! There are many dining options nearby in the surrounding towns that have been heralded by foodies, with many of the restaurants focusing on the fresh, local seafood.  For a fun-filled day full of activities, visit the Lincolnville beach, which is perfect for swimming or just sun-bathing and watching all of the different boats go by.  For a more adventurous activity, try launching a sea kayak from the beach to explore the nearby islands.  Guests can also enjoy a hike on the Bald Rock Trail, which has been cited by American Express’ Departures Magazine as one of the “World’s Most Scenic Walks.”