Turn your travels to the wild side with these luxury camping holidays that bring the glam
Tried all the regular short trips from Hong Kong and looking for a different kind of family adventure? Swap your hotel stay for a luxury camping holiday in a remote and unique landscape, as recommended by Lightfoot Travel. No cramped conditions, gas stoves or damp bottoms included.
Amanwana, Indonesia
Fulfil all your Robinson Crusoe-style fantasies at Amanwana, an exclusive camp set within a wildlife reserve on the island of Moyo, a 65-minute seaplane ride from Bali. Here, the Bintang is cool, the beach is pristine, and 20 colonial-style tents blend into the forest canopy. Opt for a jungle or ocean view, and familiarise yourself with the spacious sitting area with facing divans, large bathrooms, glass window sides and fabric ceilings. There’s also a communal lounge, spa tent and library.
Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
Upon arriving into Shinta Mani Wild via zipline (optional!) in Cambodia, the décor will blow you away. The brainchild of hotel designer Bill Bensley, guests are greeted by 16 cavernous canvases decked out with a theatrical explosion of nautical lanterns, regal prints and animal-print sofas. Spend your days on a river safari, wildlife excursion, or swimming in the waterfall of the Tmor Rung river, which is also the view at the Waterfall restaurant (the clue is in the name). The service here, from camouflage-clad butlers, is also exceptional.
Hud Hud Camp, Oman
After a hard day of, um – camel riding – Hud Hud Camp is a magical place to rest your head. This stylish cluster of boutique Bedoin tents are located in Oman’s beautiful and barren Wahiba Sands, and feature large beds, Arabian rugs and elegant furnishings. The private open-air shower is an idyllic spot in which to wash off pesky sand. The camp really comes alive as night falls and the tents are lit with candles and oil lamps; find a scatter cushion and enjoy gourmet food, solitude and stillness.
Patagonia Camp, Chile
Perched above a dazzling lake, this quirky and cool eco-camp combines a camping experience with the comforts of a hip hotel. Patagonia Camp offers 18 circular-shaped yurts overlooking a sparkling turquoise lake in the rolling hills just outside Torres del Paine National Park. Each one features a king-size bed, handcrafted textiles and furniture, a private bathroom, and they’re all connected by wooden walkways. Our favourite bit? The sneaky window in the roof for stargazing.
Sal Salis, Australia
Tucked away in the dunes about 30 metres from the sea, Sal Salis brings boutique camping to the bush on the Western Australia coast. Fifteen tents and one honeymoon tent boast dreamy bed linen, eco-friendly toiletries, a pumped-up shower and a hammock. The chef provides deliciously contemporary cuisine; there’s a bar you can help yourself to; the open lounge filled with books is the ultimate in chill; and the decking areas are ideal for wildlife spotting (if the kangaroos don’t get there first).
Airstream camper vans, Bolivia
It may not be possible to sleep in a tent on the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, but you can bed down in the next best thing – an Airstream camper van. Surprisingly spacious and well-equipped, the new wave of snazzy new camper vans on offer here come with plush bedding, comfortable seating and a private bathroom. Throughout the day, explore the likes of Incahuasi Island and colourful lagoons. At night, return to camp for sundowners under a blanket of a million sparkling stars.
