When it comes to camping, you either love it or you hate it.
When it comes to camping, you either love it or you hate it.
For those who love it, being in a serene wilderness setting compensates for the lack of hot water, the hassles of setting up tents in each new location, pesky ants, scratchy sand in sleeping bags and the difficulties preparing decent meals on a campfire.
For the anti-camping brigade, on the other hand, the physical hardships wipe out any enjoyment they might experience from getting away from it all.
But there is a way to get the best of both worlds.
The recent trend towards luxury wilderness camping will thoroughly satisfy those who value their creature comforts, while enabling them to relish some of the wildest and most remote settings in the world.
Here are some of the best.
Australia
Longitude 131° offers exquisitely appointed eco-sensitive tents overlooking Uluru in a remote and peaceful desert setting. Set atop an isolated sand dune, crisp, white linen adorned king-sized beds provide guests with a luxurious setting to enjoy silent and restful slumber. Floor-to-ceiling windows give superb vistas of the magical star-studded night skies. Each tent is air-conditioned and has a mini bar, a private bathroom with a shower and tea/coffee making facilities.
The resort caters for only 30 guests at a time. From each tent, visitors awake to their own private view of the sun rising over the rock, reflecting the countless colours and moods that have become the inspiration for Aboriginal folklore.
The best of contemporary Australian cuisine, emphasising fresh-ness and quality, is provided for break-fast, lunch and dinner in the spacious communal dining tent. Alternatively, delicious outback fare can be enjoyed under the stars featuring white tablecloths and accompanied by the best Australian wine.
There is even an outdoor swimming pool, a guest library, dry cleaning service and a shop/boutique on site. The cost of a stay here is $900 per person per night for a minimum of two nights, which includes all meals, a selection of Australian and imported beverages, a touring program designed exclusively for resort guests and return airport transfers.
Phone (02) 8296 8010 www.longitude131.com.au
India
Aman-i-Khas is an exclusive wilderness camp operating between October and March each year. It is located in one of the finest wildlife reserves in the Rajasthan region of India. Ranthambhore National Park, south-west of Dehli, is world famous for its abundance of tigers.
The six, well-appointed tents, reminiscent of the Mughal era, are constructed of canvas draped on a steel frame with the interior walls and ceilings swathed in fine cotton. Entry to each tent is through a screened area that contains an armchair and a dining table with chairs. Beyond this is the centre of the tent that ascends to a soaring six-metre canopy.
Three further sections for sleeping, bathing and dressing are accessed from the central area.
The bedroom area has a luxurious king-size bed flanked by twin writing desks.
The bathing area includes a shower, soaking tub and separate toilet and the dressing area contains cupboards with hanging space and twin vanities. Each tent is air-conditioned and there is also a ceiling fan and a cooler chest for drinks.
There is a large separate dining tent where delicious meals are served throughout the day and a spa tent where a range of massage treatments is available. Safaris into the jungle in search of tigers, leopards and deer are offered several times a day but there is plenty of time to relax and unwind.
Camp stays are all-inclusive of accommodation, meals and house beverages and run for a minimum of three nights. Tariff per couple per night is around $1,010. www.blueskies.com.au
Thailand
The brand new Four Seasons Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai is set among exotic bamboo jungles. Winding pathways overlook steep embankments and a suspension bridge hangs 18 metres above a verdant valley, where 15 secluded and luxurious tents are spaced comfortably apart for privacy.
Built on elevated ground along a one-kilometre hillside trail overlooking the Burmese Ruak River, the mountains of Laos or the jungle, each tent is designed as an open space with a large outdoor deck.
The furnishings and decor are reminiscent of 19th century adventure expeditions, with handcrafted furniture, hardwood floors, mosquito nets and hurricane lamps. A luxurious king-size bed takes up one side of the tent and an old-fashioned, two-person copper bathtub stands in the middle of the room. Two massage beds and an outdoor rain-shower add to the dwelling’s charm.
The camp has its own elephant with elephant training provided by experienced mahouts, followed by a trek though the jungle.
Excursions down the mighty Mekong in distinctive traditional river boats, and hiking on the wild mountain trails to discover the culture of the hill tribes are also available.
Depending on the weather and season, additional activities include riverbank picnics, nature walks, bird-watching, fishing, cooking classes, opium trade history talks, visits to hill tribes, day trips to Laos and Burma, yoga and spa treatments.
Two-night packages start from $3,129 per couple and include meals, beverages, activities and transfers. Phone: 1800 142 163.
Tanzania
Kirawira Camp, judged to be among the top 100 small luxury hotels of the world, stands on a hill overlooking the endless savannah of the Western Serengeti, an area absolutely teeming with wildlife.
Each tent has its own private veranda and is elegantly appointed with four-poster beds, Edwardian furniture and mahogany bathroom fittings. The grand furniture gives it grace and style that contrasts dramatically with the wilderness setting.
Waiters hover nearby to take care of guests’ needs and open-sided architecture of the public areas keeps guests constantly in touch with nature. There is a pool and plunge bath, waterfall and timber viewing deck outdoors.
Food is prepared imaginatively from the finest ingredients and wines are top quality.
Big game safaris in specially adapted LandRovers take small groups of guests in search of lion, cheetah, gazelle and many other species. Hot-air ballooning is available two hours away.
Tariff per couple per night including all food and wine is around $1,065. Details at www.slh.com
