Glamping.com - Page 18 of 144 - a discerning guide to experiential travel

August 2, 2016August 2, 2016

Millennials Want More Out Of The Outdoors. Check Out These 5 Affordable Glamping Destinations For Young Adults

When it comes to experiencing nature and sleeping in the great outdoors, most millennials want more than a basic campsite and a hotdog dinner.

Millennials crave outdoor experiences that are unique, special, and above all else, story-worthy. As a millennial and nature lover, I know this to be true.

We’re a generation who largely believes that sharing our experiences are just as important as having them — especially when it comes to outdoor experiences. That’s why millennials will go the extra mile, and even spend a little more money, to have outdoor experiences that are worthy of their social media feeds.

In fact, a recent study conducted by Kampgrounds of America found that millennial campers are “very focused on quality”, value a “nice atmosphere” and look for “lots of activities” when choosing a campsite. The study also noted that 49% of millennial campers said they would like to stay in a cabin when asked “what they aspired to try” when it comes to camping.

Quality, atmosphere, activities and beyond-tent accommodations. It sounds like what millennials are looking for is a glamping experience.

But the term glamping might scare some millennials away. Glamorous camping (glamping) sounds pricey after all.

While it’s true you can spend over a $1,000 per night on some of the world’s most luxurious glamping experiences, there are plenty of affordable glamping destinations that elevate life in the outdoors to the next level while working within a millennial budget. Here are just a few.

1. Wya Point Resort – British Columbia, Canada -$100

With its bright yurts nestled along the rugged coast of Vancouver Island and just minutes away from Pacific Rim National Park, Wya Point is perfect for a millennial couples looking to splurge a little on a romantic seaside escape.

2. Moab Under Canvas – Utah, United States – $89

While higher end canvas “suites” can go for over $300 a night, Moab Under Canvas’ tipis are an affordable way to stay in style and have access to the same amenities and services as higher paying guests.

3. El Jardin Eco Retreat – Jalisco, Mexico – $25

Just a short boat ride from Puerto Vallarta, El Jardin Eco Resort offers a variety of rooms accommodations, including open-air palapas starting at $25 per night.

4. Nature Resort Natterer See – Natters, Austria – $80

Nature Resort Natterer See’s Safari Lodge Tents can accommodate over 6 people have their own kitchens and bathrooms. Plus, there’s the beautiful views of the Alps from the front terrace.

5. Horses and Huskys de los Pehuenes – Neuquen, Argentina

Comprised of two rustic cabins located high in the Andes mountain range, Horses and Huskys offers guest a choice between two rustic cabins. In the summer, you’ll spend your time horseback riding, and in the winter, it’s all about the dog sledding.

July 29, 2016August 1, 2016

Glamping in Peace

Down the winding roads of the French countryside, past pastures, villages, and ancient steeples, the grounds La Chassagne rests on 33 gorgeous acres. Originally a farm, the Schuit family converted the land into a camper’s paradise—full of greenery, wildflowers, and a peace that permeates even the most devoted city dweller’s heart. There are a variety of accommodation options on the property, but obviously our preference was one of their two-bedroom glamping safari tents.

Image Credit: La Chassagne – Safari Tent

The tent is made up of the classic canvas structure, but that is where the typical stops. The floor and furniture are handmade by the Schuit family that has run La Chassagne for over 16 years. Add the personal touches of gorgeous carpet, handpicked wild flowers, and the antique tea set; you have a home that is as charming as it is unique. The Schuit family added a kitchen to the tent as well, and aperitifs on your patio are all that’s needed to complete your paradise.

The forest is a few steps from your doorstep, and it begs to be explored. Dubbed “The Pirate Forest” for the family’s 6 year old boy’s birthday party, the name stuck, and now the path is full of whimsical hand carved wooden creations that make the forest seem even more enchanting than it already is. The lush landscape helps shelter you from all outside stress or troubles, and you can lose yourself (but not get lost, yourself!) on the winding path over brooks and animal tracks.

Image Credit: La Chassagne – The Restaurant

If you wander closer to the farmhouse, you’ll find plenty of nooks in which to curl up and read, with only the rampant wildflowers to keep you company. The original farm’s buildings have been renovated to fulfill the modern needs, and the Schuits wisely kept the original structures and charm. The cottages, restaurant, and chicken coop blend together as well now as ever before, and they set the backdrop to life at La Chassagne. Have Maarten walk you over to see the new beehives, and learn all you can on the fascinating subject. Or eat from Mary Ann’s table hôtes and experience what French food tastes like with Dutch hospitality. Food warning: you won’t want to leave.

Though it is tempting to spend your vacation within the grounds, you should try to tear yourself away to enjoy the neighborhood. The nearby Mupop Museum for Pop Music was just credited by CNN as France, and even Europe’s, best new museum. Interested in something a bit more antiquated? There is a medieval village, chateau ruins, and endless churches to explore and admire. Or simply take a drive through the French countryside—and wonder, with the multitudes who’ve gone before you, how the French can make dilapidated stone homes and fields of wheat so enchanting. Be sure to make it back for dinner. As discussed, no matter what your day entails, the table hôtes will be a highlight.

Once inside la Chassagne‘s borders, your body’s pace will adjust and your mind will quiet. It is a place to reset, recharge, and remember the simpler pleasures life affords. Whether you stay three days or one month, whether you come as a single, couple, or family of 6, you’ll be better from the visit.

July 19, 2016July 22, 2016

Villa Isabel: Nanchu Garden House

The Dominican Republic is a place that few visitors actually experience authentically. The majority of the visitors sit on the beaches, never leaving their all-inclusive resorts. Many visitors have an unrealistic fear of venturing outside of the compounds and guided tours offered in the beach towns, which is unfortunate. This type of experience lacks the local culture, food and soul of the country. Fortunately, there is Villa Isabel, which can offer you a comfortable authentic experience in the mountains, not too far away from all of the characterless all-inclusive resorts.

Villa Isabel rests in the lush Dominican mountains of Jarabacoa. The property is stunning and very much epitomizes “Glamping”. Villa Isabel a beautiful mountain home with rustic char, where no detail has been overlooked, while still achieving a genuine outdoor experience. The area surrounding Jarabacoa seemingly takes you back in time to a more simpler way of life. I always try to travel off the beaten path, and this place is literally off the beaten path up a dirt road just 15 minutes outside of the town of Jarabacoa, in a gated and secure neighborhood. The entire area is surrounded by stunning scenery.

Villa Isabel boasts an unbelievable tropical Japanese style garden that was the creation of the owner Nanchu Espinola. This walking garden has over 600 meters of walkable paths throughout with rare trees, plants and flowers. The garden is quite the selling point of the property, and must be experienced to truly be understood and appreciated. The details of this garden are incredible, with curved pathways leading from one beautiful area to the next. With each step, the garden changes character, and induces a sense of calm and serenity. Locals from all over the area are familiar with Nanchu’s garden. At night, there is a beautiful lighting system that can be turned on, and the garden looks as though it has come from a scene in a romantic film. I highly recommend having dinner or drinks outside next to the garden and then going through a stroll down the lighten pathways at night, as it is absolutely stunning. It is so beautiful that Nanchu’s own daughter decided to have her wedding in the gardens on the property. Just past the garden, there is a river on the property that is just a 5 minute walk away from the main house. The river has fresh clean water and is perfect for an afternoon swim.

The inside of the property is just as beautiful as the outside. The house has three bedrooms, one attached to the great-room with the kitchen and living room and the other two in a different building just steps away, with a wrap around porch. The main part of the house is one the outdoors via breeze ways at the top off the walls, making it feel as though you are outdoors, with the amenities of the indoors.

One of the most glamorous aspects of a stay here at Villa Isabel is the live-in maid and cook, Francia. Francia lives nearby on property and is available to freshen up the rooms during your stay as well as cook all three meals a day (you just need to visit the supermarket and pick up the food). To say that Francia’s cooking is fantastic would bet a large understatement. Her cooking is phenomenal, and many of her best dishes are local Dominican meals. This is an excellent way to experience some of the culture, by tasting local homemade meals that are typical in the Dominican Republic. It’s also very nice to not have to lift a finger, or go out to eat. It makes for a far more relaxing visit and for some memorable meals! Her three sons also live nearby to tend to the property and the gardens. Upon arrival one of them will be available to hand over the keys, and show visitors where light switches are, as well as the switches to turn on water pressure and the hot water for showers.

The property does not have A/C, but it does not need it. The mountain air of Jarabacoa is much cooler than the famed beaches of the Dominican Republic, and a great place to take a break from the heat and disconnect from the rest of the world.

If you can pull yourself away from the peace and quiet at Villa Isabel, there are many activities to experience nearby. Rancho Jarabacoa is only 15 minutes away and offers white water rafting, horseback riding, city tours, tours to waterfalls, and… Nearby, the Akasha Spa rests in the quiet mountains just a few minutes away from Villa Isabel. There is also a popular waterfall nearby that is worth a visit via a quick hike.

The attention to detail in the garden, decor and fixtures on the property are impressive. Everything is very zen, and antique decor is interesting and tasteful. The entire experience provided at Villa Isabel doesn’t just promote relaxation and rejuvenation, it also helps you to meet locals and immerse yourself in the culture and food of the Dominican Republic. After all, isn’t that what traveling is all about?

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