When travel begin again, many of us will be dreaming of replacing our busy city breaks with longer holidays in beautiful, remote places, full of fresh air and easy social distancing.
The good news for fussier travellers is that camping in the world’s wildest places doesn’t mean you need to give up the hope of a relaxing holiday. There are terrific glamping sites across every continent for any traveller who wants to experience solitude in far-off places, without compromising on comfort. We’ve rounded up nine of the best glamping experiences in remote places to inspire you when you’re ready to travel again.
Kachi Lodge, Bolivia
The Uyunui salt flats are eternally captivating to travellers and Kachi Lodge allows you to stay in the middle of this otherworldly landscape. As well as views of the plains ahead, it’s the perfect spot for stargazing, sitting at 3600m elevation. The lodge also runs on solar energy, with its own water treatment unit for added sustainability. It is currently accepting bookings.
Chamba Camp, India
Nestled in the mountains of the Ladakh region, the Chamba Camp is steeped in local Buddhist culture. Packages include trips to the picturesque monasteries of the region during the day, while in the evening you can enjoy private dining with ingredients picked from their own organic garden. Open from May to October.
Pitahaya Glamping Retreat, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s first official upmarket camping experience enjoys some of the darkest skies in the country, making it possible to see the Milky Way at night. You’ll have access to five acres of nature reserves around you, as well as spectacular beaches on the southwest coast some 20 minutes away. Too relaxed to move? There’s also a pool to cool off during the day. It has recently reopened for bookings.
Northern Lights Wilderness Camp, Finland
Living up to its name, this mobile camp in Finland is in a different location every winter season. You’ll have the entire place to yourself, as you’re shuttled to and from by snowmobile. The amenities are basic: there’s only room for two but the clear roof means you have the best chance of spotting the elusive Aurora Borealis during the night. Available between January and April from Off The Map Travel.
Longitude 131, Australia
Relax in the heart of outback while gazing at the natural wonder that is Uluru. There is an onsite spa which uses products made with local ingredients and an open-air terrace gives you the option to dine under the stars. Guests can also delve deeper into Aboriginal culture, learning about the creation stories of the local Aṉangu. Due to reopen for bookings this September.
Sun City Camp, Jordan
Dubbed the ‘Martin Domes’, the signature lodgings in this Sun City Camp are settled in the red dust of the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, Jordan. Your tents are equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool, and are the perfect base to try the quintessential adventures like a Jeep tour over the dunes, sunrise yoga or a float in a hot air balloon. Currently open.
Kingfisher Lodge, UAE
Stretched across its own private peninsula in the ecotourist enclave of Kalba, Kingfisher Lodge boasts just 25 tents in total for an expansive sense of privacy. Explore the region’s spectacular biodiversity by day and retire to the dining tent for a glorious buffet after dark.
Highlands Camp, Tanzania
Wake up in the wilderness at this stunning high-altitude Highlands Camp is in the Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site which is Tanzania’s only conservation area that also supports human habitation. Learn about Maasai culture and be rewarded with views over this unique ecosystem at night from your luxury domes in the morning. Currently open for bookings.
White Desert, Antarctica
Glamping doesn’t get more remote than this. Antarctica’s only luxury accommodation, White Desert skips the traditional gruelling – but spectacular – journey and instead flies visitors in, staying in a temporary but comfortable dome with meals cooked by an award-winning chef. Trips only run in November and December and the company is accredited as carbon neutral.
This article was first published 25 May 2019 and was updated 7 August 2020.