The World’s Most Luxurious Glamping Resorts

Seven unique tropical glamping retreats beneath a canvas roof

 

Sleeping in a tent isn’t everyone’s idea of a great vacation. But at these resorts, we’re not talking blow-up mattresses and sleeping bags. This is glamping, the fast-growing trend of “glamorous camping.” It’s an activity that welcomes guests with luxuriously appointed tents that offer all the consorts of a fine hotel room in a more natural setting. Glamping resorts are often set on spectacular beaches or in lush gardens, and they are popping up worldwide. Here are seven of our favorite tropical glamping locations.

Baja, Mexico

A trip to this award-winning camp begins with a boat ride. Camp Cecil de la Isla is a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly operation on a pristine beach on Espiritu Santo Island in the Sea of Cortez. On the hour-long voyage from the port city of La Paz, guides look for the whale sharks that frequent this area. Once on the island, guests are housed in private tents with added touches such as Egyptian cotton linens, soft lantern lighting, and housekeeping services. The camp centers around a large dining tent where the camp chefs serve a surprisingly upscale menu, considering the location. And the location is why Camp Cecil remains the darling of travel publications. The island is a world-class destination for sea kayaking and is renowned for marine life encounters like snorkeling with sea lion pups and turtles. Visit: https://tosea.net/

Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a backpacker’s mecca, so it’s unsurprising that plenty of camping-themed resorts exist. But if you want the biggest and best glamping experience, you’ll want to head to the island’s west- central coast and reserve your oceanfront tent at Bali Beach Glamping. This 50-tent compound has all the expected trappings of a high-end stay, including private en-suite bathrooms, room service, and available air conditioning. And if you want to avoid cloistering yourself in canvas, the tent sides can be raised to provide stunning ocean views and emerald-hued rice fields. You get all the expected amenities of an upscale property, including an oceanfront infinity pool, spa, and a beachside dining tent. Nightly bonfires, beach barbeque, and unique floating breakfast experiences add to the fun, and the concierge can set you up with every manner of water and land sport. For more information: https://balibeachglamping.com/glamping/

Viti Levu Island, Fiji

The “Pathway to the Stars” camping experience at Fiji’s Nanuku Resort is a truly one-of-a-kind glamping experience. You’ll be the only one enjoying this exclusive private island camping trip. Nanuku is an all-villa boutique property on the southern shore of Viti Levu island. For years, guests have enjoyed day trips to this offshore private island. Recently, the resort introduced a bespoke overnight camping experience that begins with a private boat ride to a deserted beach. After a day of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring the uninhabited island, campers are treated to a beachside seafood barbeque, private dance show, and star gazing session. After securing the camp, the staff retires for the night, leaving guests the choice of retiring to a private tent or sleeping under the stars in a hammock. The following day, the crew returns to serve a gourmet beachfront breakfast. Visit: https://nanukuresort.com/

Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Located halfway between Playa Del Carmen and the town of Tulum, Xpu Ha Bay has been called the Riviera Maya’s best-kept secret. This quiet bay is the site of Serenity Luxury Tented Camp. And luxury isn’t just a marketing slogan. It’s a tent made from natural materials and set on a platform. But instead of camp cots and lanterns, you’ll relax in a Colonial-style safari décor with leather couches, king-sized beds, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, organic bath amenities, and 24-hour personal concierge service. One tent even includes a private hot tub. The camp sits within an oceanfront nature preserve filled with lush greenery and tropical native trees. An emphasis on wellness includes daily yoga, Pilates, and meditation sessions, plus the relaxation of a full-service spa and a serene pool. Guests enjoy a private beach club and healthful upscale dining at the on-site Mystic Restaurant. For information: https://tulumglampingmexico.com/

Costa Rica

This is glamping at the next level – literally. The Nayara Tented Camp is a collection of African safari-style tents on raised hillside platforms designed to minimize the ecological footprint while maximizing views of the Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna Valley. And by platform, we aren’t just talking about a simple wooden deck. These private patios sit under broad canvas awnings and feature glass-fronted plunge pools fed by natural hot springs, soak tubs, day beds, and an outdoor shower garden. Interiors feature upscale furnishings and four-poster king beds. The camp is affiliated with the adjacent Nayara Springs resort, a Relais & Chateaux luxury property. Camp guests enjoy the same five-star service and gourmet dining experiences and can engage in a wide range of activities, from yoga and spa visits to rainforest canopy tours, volcano hikes, and whitewater rafting. Visit: https://nayaratentedcamp.com/

St. John, US Virgin Islands

Lovango Resort & Beach Club is an intimate retreat set on a 45-acre private island just a short boat ride from St. Thomas or St. John. When the resort opened in 2022, guests could choose between luxury treehouses or a private villa. The following season, Lovango added another accommodation class with the Treetop Glamping Tents. The tents are designed to take advantage of trade winds for natural cooling, creating an optimum combination of comfort and sustainability. Expansive decks deliver sweeping ocean views, while interiors feature king-sized beds, indoor showers, and tubs. Resort amenities include three beaches, the Treetops Lounge, and a village-style shopping and dining destination with one of the Virgin Island’s top-ranked restaurants. Visit: https://www.lovangovi.com/

Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Naviva is a 48-acre seaside nature retreat offering 15 luxury tents designed to create an intimate connection with nature. That said, the tents at this unique Four Seasons property are far from something you’d take camping. These wood and canvas showpieces sit on spacious two-tiered private decks and incorporate upscale features like open-air living rooms, king beds, plunge pools, fire pits, deep soaking tubs, and skylit showers. Tents can be opened wide to take in sea breezes, but air conditioning is also available. Inclusive stays provide fine dining at the on-site Copal Cocina de Leña restaurant, in-tent meal service, picnics in the forest, lunches on the beach, and garden dinners. Guests can engage in unique activities and cultural experiences, relax, and take in Pacific Ocean views. For more information: https://www.fourseasons.com/naviva/