Glamping is an amalgamation of the words: glamorous and camping. If you think the two and two can’t be put together, then you’re in for a big surprise.
While the multitude of fantastic luxury villas and hotels resorts across Asia have been the go-to for those seeking for opulent accommodations on this side of the globe, glamping is becoming more and more popular today as resorts and lodges are embracing this trend of hospitality. In Southeast Asia particularly, where a few rainforests are still relatively untouched, riverways still pristine, and lush jungles are found within minutes from city centers, it’s no surprise that you’ll find a wealth of glamping opportunities in the region.
If you love the idea of sleeping in the middle of the wilderness but still enjoy the modern conveniences of a luxury hotel or resort, then glamping in Southeast Asia is definitely for you.
Here are 6 luxury glamping sites in Southeast Asia that are sure to change your mind about sleeping under the stars:
Shinta Mani Wild
Siem Reap, Cambodia
An aerial view of one of the tent villas at Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia. Photo: Shinta Mani Wild
The bedroom area of Shinta Mani Wild’s Cambodian Royalty Tent. Photo: Shinta Mani Wild
Bill Bensley is a world-renowned architect who’s designed some of the world’s most iconic hotels and luxury resorts. Shinta Mani Wild, which is part of Bensley’s personal projects, is his prized possession. What used to be a huge unprotected area in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia is now a 350-hectare luxury resort with 15 custom-made tents perched on the edges of the Tmor Rung River and the waterfalls that run throughout the property.
One tent can be found for every 40 acres of land, which means guests are provided with absolute privacy and seclusion from the rest of the resort. The luxe eco-lodge features tents with air conditioning, WiFi, an open-air restaurant overlooking a waterfall, a spa wellness center, and get this, helicopter transfer options to and from anywhere in Cambodia.
Website: shintamani.com
Rosewood Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos
Rosewood Luang Prabang’s safari-style hilltop tents built around the jungle canopy. Photo: Rosewood Luang Prabang
The tents offer fantastic views of the surrounding landscape from both inside or from the balcony. Photo: Rosewood Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO heritage site, is quaint town in Laos, and Rosewood Luang Prabang sits quietly in a valley that’s nestled between its mountains.
There are 23 spacious accommodations at the resort, six of them being luxury tents that either sit on the riverbank or perched on an elevated site with panoramic views. The luxury tented villas feature a wrap-around balcony, as well as a private dining area, which is perfect for anyone who still wants to enjoy the comforts of a 5-star resort while being only a step away from the lush rainforest.
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Thick treetops surrounds one of the tents at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Photo: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
The Superior Tent features rustic yet refined safari-style décor. Photo: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle can be found in an exotic bamboo jungle that’s four hours away from the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai. Bordering Burma and Laos, the resort features 15 tents, as well as a 2-bedroom Explorer’s lodge that’s ideal for families
With an all-inclusive package, guests can revel in the beautiful resort without having to worry about anything. Everything is taken care of by the resort: from airport pick up, every meal during the duration of your stay, spa treatments, to activities such as elephant trekking.
And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, imagine a large tent with interiors that’s designed to look like 19th-century adventure expedition tents. With recycled teak floors, king size beds. private outdoor shower, and a hand-hammered copper tub, you’ll feel like a genuine rainforest explorer who’s come home to his very own luxury abode after an exhausting day trekking the wilderness that surrounds.
Website: fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
9 Hornbills Tented Camp
Ko Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
A pool area view of one of the safari-style tented pool villas at 9 Hornbills. Photo: 9 Hornbills
The indoor furnishings feature locally-made pieces crafted from sustainable teak wood. Photo: 9 Hornbills
Located on the island of Ko Yao Noi, halfway between Phuket and Krabi in Thailand, lies this exclusive, adults-only luxury resort that boasts of having the most beautiful views of Phang Nga Bay. Situated atop a hill called 9 Hornbills, there are only seven large African-style safari tents within the property, each featuring its very own private pool, an imperial bed, air conditioning, claw-foot bathtubs, and furnished with sustainable harvest wood by local Thai craftsmen.
And if a private pool, epic views, and exclusivity isn’t enough, the resort is only steps away from a private beach that guests can reach with their dedicated golf buggy.
Website: 9hornbills.com
Capella Ubud
Bali, Indonesia
Capella Ubud’s Keliki Valley tents are nestled within a lush rainforest. Photo: Instagram @alexpreview
The classy indoor appointments of Capella Ubud’s River Tent. Photo: Capella Ubud
Capella Ubud is nestled in lush forests within the charming town of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, Rice terraces, beautiful jungles, and a rich rainforest surround the property, which houses 22 one-bedroom tents and a 2-bedroom lodge. Each accommodation features its very own private saltwater pool, views of the rice terraces or rainforest, large outdoor decks, and furnished with art and antiques from the owner’s private collection.
Another luxury resort designed by Bill Bensley, the beautiful accommodations take inspiration from the early European settlers from the 1800s. What you’ll see are beautiful colonial-style interiors that merge with local crafts and art details, featuring a unique abode that’s built within the trees.
Website: capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud
Sandat Glamping Tents
Bali, Indonesia
The pool area of Sandat Glamping’s Ylang-Ylang Suite Tent. Photo: Sandat Glamping
The Suite Tent Penjor’s bedroom area features a stylish and sophisticated flair. Photo: Sandat Glamping
And last but certainly not the least, is Sandat Glamping Tents, Bali. Situated right beside rice fields, the resort features eight eco-friendly luxurious structures and five luxury safari-inspired tents that feature a private pool overlooking the lush greenery that overlooks the forest.
With an on-site spa, restaurant, and only 3km from the cultural and spiritual center of Bali, the resort offers the best of both worlds in its exclusive spot: seclusion and privacy, while also being in close proximity to the best of what Bali has to offer.
Website: glampingsandat.com
If you think glamping is still about roughing it out, then we hope these resorts absolutely changed your mind about sleeping in a tent in the middle of the jungle. Amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi, private pools, copper tubs, and golf buggies, are just some of the comforts you’ll find in these glamping options that are sure to create unique and unforgettable experiences for you and your loved ones.
Still not convinced? Check out our travel section for more articles about luxury accommodations and more.
…………………………………………………………….
Featured image: Capella Ubud, Bali
