Sometimes, we just need to get away from it all. When that need strikes, you might want to head for one of these spectacular tented camps.
You might associate tented camps with African safaris – and surely adventurous 19th-century explorers like Rudyard Kipling and Dr Livingstone pitched a tent in the wilds of Tanzania and Zambia. But they definitely wouldn’t have experienced the creature comforts offered by these luxury camps, many of which feature private pools, bespoke furniture and even spas – and they probably wouldn’t have expected these tented retreats to pop up in places like Bali, Sonoma and Myanmar.
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But that’s exactly what you’ll find at these top tented camps. Accommodations fit for a king, services and facilities that are all about the mod-cons, and activities that immerse you in the locale – which, incidentally, could be anywhere.
Twinpalms Tented Camp
Located in Phuket, and officially opening in December, Twinpalms Tented Camp is a blissfully adults-only resort that invites guests to experience a new level of romantic luxury under canvas. Intended to redefine the concept of glamping, and combining unparalleled comfort with meticulous attention to detail, the new hideaway features a tropical lagoon and Andaman Sea views from its elegant air-conditioned one and two-bedroom tented safari-style suites.
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Each luxurious tented suite, all of which are just steps from the powdery white sands of Bangtao Beach or by the property’s tropical gardens, features a broad patio, sun-kissed day bed, bespoke furniture and a colour scheme in neutral, natural hues – some even have private plunge pools for cooling off on those balmy Thai evenings. Don’t miss the Friday night BBQs at Catch Beach Club, or the elegant cocktails and Mediterranean sharing plates at The Lazy Coconut.
Wa Ale
A private island in Myanmar’s Myeik Archipelago, Wa Ale opens this October with tented villas right on the beach. WaAle is an eco-tourism project created to fund the Lampi Foundation, which supports the local villages and wildlife in the Lampi National Park, where Wa Ale is situated. A portion of all revenue goes directly back into the Foundation, which has already opened up a midwife centre on a neighbouring island, protected local turtle species, and introduced safe and legal fishing. The island itself is an incredibly unique experience; there are just 17 villas, including 11 luxury tents, each accommodating up to four guests, with broad sun decks, direct beach access, indulgent outdoor showers, large beds and polished hardwood floors.
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The Lampi National Park is an untouched paradise with wildlife, both in the jungle and in the ocean, as well as spectacular diving, and snorkelling. A great alternative to the more touristy Maldives and Thai islands, guests will discover nearby caves while SUP boarding, vibrant coral reefs, dense mangrove forests, and brilliant walking trails. Afterwards, make for the resort’s River Spa, home to serene vistas and a range of Ayurvedic treatments, before dining on authentic cuisine laced with ingredients from the island’s gardens and sustainably-sourced seafood.
Zannier Hotels Sonop
Zannier Hotels Sonop, nestled in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, offers an unparalleled luxury tented camp experience that seamlessly blends opulence with the rugged beauty of its surroundings. Inspired by early 20th-century British explorers, the camp features ten lavishly appointed tents perched on boulders, each providing panoramic desert views. Guests enjoy world-class amenities, including a heated infinity pool, outdoor cinema, fitness centre, and holistic spa, while culinary excellence shines through exquisite meals blending Namibian and international flavours, complemented by a curated wine selection.
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Exclusive activities at the camp include guided desert excursions, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, and stargazing, ensuring unforgettable adventures. Committed to sustainability, Sonop operates with eco-friendly practices to preserve the stunning ecosystem.
Capella Ubud
Paying tribute to the spirit of adventure among the first European settlers from the early 1800s, this Bill Bensely-designed retreat in Bali redefines the jungle experience with a true rainforest camp, nestled within lush forest terrain and sloping rice terraces. Beautifully constructed against a dramatic backdrop of lush greenery and terraced landscapes, each of the 22 one-bedroom tents and the two-bedroom lodge features saltwater pools, large outdoor decks and indoor and outdoor bathrooms. All the tents, the lodge and some of the public areas are adorned with valuable antique art objects and furniture, some of which are from the owner’s treasured private collection as well as traditional Balinese architectural elements, including antique local-style bed frames, carved wooden doors and entrance gates, suspension bridges and Balinese ‘poleng’ and ‘ikat’ linens.
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Be sure to pop into the Culinary Tent, home to the camp’s dining room Mads Lange, or grab a bite at Asian street food barbecue Api Jiwa, and fend off the mountain chill at The Camp Fire, home to pulled hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows under the stars with a local storyteller. There are also three Auriga Wellness tents with stunning views; The Armory, the camp’s tented gymnasium, which is home to state-of-the-art workout equipment; and The Cistern, the camp’s main swimming pool, with 360-degree views of the Keliki Valley.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Tucked between the jungle and the beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is the safari camp you need when you want an off-the-grid experience without giving up your creature comforts. The 28 tents here pay homage to vintage explorer style with four-poster beds, free-standing copper tubs and teak, but bring some mod cons in the form of private pools, air-conditioning and Sonos sound systems.
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You’ll also want to make use of the property’s facilities, which include an open-air restaurant, a spa, and an infinity pool. You’re actually camping in Yala National Park here, so there’s plenty of wildlife lurking around – you never know when leopards, monkeys, sloth bears and elephants might cross your path; or you could take the safe option of embarking on a safari drive with a naturalist guide.
Shinta Mani Wild
Renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley hits it out of the park again with Shinta Mani Wild, a tented retreat set amidst rivers and waterfalls at the intersection of Cambodia’s Kirirom, Cardamom and Bokor National Parks. Created with the support of conservation organisations and the Cambodian government, this is a seriously eco-friendly resort. There are just 15 riverside tents here, each one done up in regal adventurer style. Vintage packing cases are used as tables; leather-bound books adorn bookshelves; standalone rolltop baths sit in discrete alfresco positions overlooking the surrounding greenery; and there’s plenty of wood panelling lending a sense of permanency.
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This is serious glamping – the restaurant uses locally-foraged ingredients; drinks are served at an impressive waterfall bar; and the onsite spa uses naturally-produced Khmer products. If you can tear yourself away, you could get your “adventure butler” to put together exciting explorations like waterfall picnics, foraging, zip lining, and anti-poaching patrols.
Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort
Luxury tented resort as unique as nature itself, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, in Punta Mita, Mexico welcomes guests to a world where the deep, green jungle is the backdrop for a profoundly personalised retreat. With just 15 luxury tents surrounded by 19 forested hectares on the edge of a private peninsula, Naviva is an adult-only sanctuary that harnesses nature to create an environment that fosters community, personal growth and appreciation for local heritage.
The property’s tented bungalows boast all the luxuries of a Four Seasons suite, yet coupled with the expansive indoor-outdoor living areas that rival luxury safari lodges (some of which feature private pools). Each stand-alone bungalow is designed to immerse and connect guests with the beauty and natural environment of Mexico without sacrificing modern comforts, which include outdoor showers, deep soak tubs, and private fire pits.
Four Seasons Golden Triangle
In a unique spot where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, this opulent permanent camp offers the signature Four Seasons service and the opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants in a responsible manner. This is the safari camp done in style. Each of the 16 tents features plenty of wood touches, canopied beds, rolltop baths and outdoor showers.
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Beat the heat at the riverside pool or alfresco Jungle Spa, and at night, enjoy aperitifs at the Burma Bar and adjourn to the Nong Yao restaurant to try Thai, Laotian and Burmese cooking. If you’re ready to go off-site, you could learn to work with elephants and participate in their daily walks and baths; explore the sights and crafts of Chiang Rai; or go foraging in the surrounding vegetation.
Time + Tide Chinzombo
This seriously stylish camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa region offers privacy and luxury along with the quintessential safari experience. Nestled beneath msikizi trees, Six tented villas (which include a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family tent) use natural materials – leather, reeds and canvas – to create an architecturally arresting accommodation that also features private pools, lavish bathrooms with standalone tubs that overlook the wilderness, and their own yoga decks.
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During the day, head out on fascinating game drives, safari walks or seasonal boat cruises to spot the region’s acclaimed wildlife (which includes lions and leopards), and in the evenings, head to the main lodge with its riverfront sun deck, gourmet dining and elegant open-air library, a great spot for socialising with fellow guests.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
Just north of Dubai, this luxe permanent camp is set in the sprawling Al Wadi desert. Inspired by Bedouin architecture, tents here feature refined Arabic décor, intricate latticework, plush carpets and drapery, and private outdoor decks with swimming pools, sunbeds and desert views. Elsewhere, the property offers a wealth of international dining experiences that include restaurants dedicated to wild meat, mezze, Middle Eastern dishes and Spanish tapas.
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A range of activities gives guests a way to engage with the desert, from tree planting and falconry to night walks and camel treks; if you need a little r’n’r there’s also a swish spa offering treatments inspired by Javanese, Egyptian and Thai wellness traditions.
andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Offering an authentic Kenyan safari experience, this contemporary camp, located at the base of the Oloololo Escarpment, just below the area where Out of Africa’s most famous scene was shot, has a family feel while celebrating the local Maasai culture. You’ll stay in one of the camp’s 40 guest tents, each of which boasts an ensuite bathroom and a broad private verandah – the three Superior Family Tents comprise two interconnected tents and can accommodate two adults and two children.
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In addition, there’s a generously sized lodge swimming pool set among the trees and surrounded by lush lawns and breathtaking views, and a split-level dining area that has been designed around an interactive kitchen and vegetable garden, making food an integral part of the safari experience. For couples, the team ensures they have privacy with exclusive dining location options for romantic date nights in the bush.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Surrounded by dunes and overlooking a pristine beach, this eco-chic resort in Western Australia is remote and designed to blend into the surrounding environment. Tents sit on raised platforms – to offer better views, naturally – and feature cosy handmade jarrah beds and ensuite bathrooms. During the day, explore the area by swimming with whale sharks and humpback whales; snorkel the reefs which sit just off the beach; or take guided morning walks through Mandu Mandu and Yardie Creek Gorge.
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Evenings here begin with sundowners and canapes before a candle-lit dinner using seasonal, local ingredients. This is a designated dark sky zone so put aside some night-time hours to spend staring up at the heavens – this is one of the best places to count the stars and see the Milky Way.
Nayara Tented Camp
If you’re bound for Costa Rica, you might want to check into Nayara Tented Camp, a rustic-chic retreat surrounded by the rainforests of Arenal National Park, home to everything from rare orchards and monkeys to sloths and red-eyed tree frogs. Each spacious, stilted tent features a private infinity pool fed by mineral hot springs and a sun deck for leisurely breakfasts. Your tent is the perfect respite after a day exploring local birdlife, taking guided rainforest treks led by resident naturalists, white water rafting or even zip-lining.
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No trip to Nayara would be complete, however, without visiting its unbelievable spa. Treatments are accompanied by the rainforest’s soothing sounds — birdsong, rain, distant animal calls — and incorporate local materials like organic coffee and volcanic mud.
andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas
Located in Northern Botswana, Chobe Under Canvas is a semi-permeant tented camp offering access to the acclaimed Chobe National Park, renowned for its large concentration of elephants and buffalo, which congregate along the Chobe River. The camp’s five simple but elegant safari tents include double or twin beds, ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets, steaming hot bucket showers, and solar lamps – and for those that need a digital detox, there’s no wifi or electricity.
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After days spent on safari in search of the park’s cheetahs, lions and hyenas, join fellow guests at the camp’s common areas, which include a fire pit for pre-dinner drinks, and a spacious tent for dining, with delicious meals cooked over the coals of a blazing fire.
Paws Up
Combining luxury with unforgettable adventure on a 15,000-hectare ranch featuring untamed Montana wilderness steeped in Lewis & Clark history, Paws Up, which is open from May to mid-October, features six camps with safari-style luxury tents decked out with hardwood floors, fine linens and private en suite bathrooms – oh, and did we mention the butler service? Accommodations are equipped with a living room, heated bathroom floors, a large stone fireplace, a sprawling private deck with a hot tub, Wi-Fi access, and daily full-service housekeeping.
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Situated along the legendary Blackfoot River (as featured in A River Runs Through It), Paws Up boasts kilometres of designated hiking, mountain biking, horse and ATV trails and guests can enjoy private cattle drives, horse whispering, fly-fishing, clay shooting, wilderness workshops, and archery. At the end of the day head for the Cook Shack, home to two stellar restaurants (Pomp and Trough) and the resort’s full-service bar (Tank). Alternatively, try family-friendly Chuck Wagon dining, a seasonal experience that offers a blend of the spirit of the American West with an elevated take on campfire cooking.
Safari West
Great for families, Safari West (also known as the ‘Sonoma Serengeti’), located in Santa Rosa, in California’s Sonoma County, is a renowned wildlife preserve and African-style safari camp offering a distinctive glamping experience. The property’s accommodations feature 30 luxury safari tents, imported from Botswana, each of which boasts private viewing decks, ensuite bathrooms with flushing toilets and showers, polished hardwood floors, and amenities like electric blankets, space heaters, and ceiling fans – Hillside tents offer picturesque sunset views from a more secluded location.
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Guests at Safari West also enjoy a range of amenities and services, including a continental breakfast, meals at the Savannah Cafe restaurant, and transportation via ATVs for luggage and guest transport. Flashlights are provided for nighttime navigation, enhancing the safari experience, which includes a Classic Safari Tour of the diverse wildlife collection, which ranges from giraffes, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, cape buffalo and much more.
Longitude 131
Probably Australia’s most iconic luxury eco-resort, Longitude 131° is nestled in the heart of the Northern Territory, offering the best venue to watch the ever-changing spectacle of Uluru. The resort features 16 elegant pavilions seamlessly integrated into the landscape. In the spirit of the original pioneers, guests can relax after a day’s exploration in a stylish ‘tent’ recreated for the modern traveller. Unparalleled views of Uluru play out from the end of the bed or from the warmth of a bespoke swag unfurled in the cool night air.
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Guests can drink in the sunset on the Dune Top with jaw-dropping views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, before dining in the Dune House, which overlooks the nation’s spiritual heart and showcases cuisine curated from the finest produce from across the country. Afterwards, retreat to the Spa Kinara for an indigenous-inspired treatment.
Wilderness Magashi Camp
AutoCamp Russian River
Another great tented luxury spot in wine country, AutoCamp Russian River offers glamping set among the scenic backdrop of coastal redwoods. Positioned between the Russian River and Guerneville, guests enjoy convenient access to hiking trails, swimming spots, and Guerneville’s vibrant main street, just a short five-minute drive away. The 10 luxury tents (there are also fun Airstream trailers) at AutoCamp Russian River provide a seamless blend of outdoor camping with modern comforts and feature amenities such as luxury bath products and towels, heating and air conditioning, and access to spa-inspired bathrooms.
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Guests also have access to shared amenities including a midcentury modern Clubhouse, The Kitchen offering all-day dining options, The General Store for retail items and grab-and-go snacks, outdoor fire pits, gathering spaces, and covered patios for events.
Lemala Nanyukie Lodge
For those in search of a once-in-a-lifetime off-the-beaten-path game viewing experience, look no further than Tanzania’s Eastern Serengeti, Tanzania, home to Lemala Nanyukie Lodge, located in one of the world’s most celebrated wilderness areas, home to the sensational Great Migration. Lemala Nanyukie Lodge is home to 15 luxurious guest tents, including 13 standard suites and one two-bedroom suite, set across a grassy savanna dotted with rocky kopjes, making for a truly authentic and intimate African experience.
Combining contemporary and traditional design, each accommodation features a spacious lounge and bathroom with double vanity, indoor and outdoor showers, free-standing bathtub, wooden viewing deck perfect for wildlife spotting and plunge pools with views directly across the Serengeti’s magnificent grassland, which you can explore year-round on game drives, wildlife spotting, walking safaris, and hot-air balloon rides, or relax at the property’s spa or with sundowner drinks in captivating settings.
Dunton River Camp
Located in Colorado, Dunton River Camp is a seasonal (June to October) and luxurious tented camp set in an alpine clearing in the Colorado Rockies, on the banks of the Dolores River. This ultimate Rockies glamping destination offers eight luxe tents (four River Tents and four Mountain Tents) with modern amenities, including ensuite bathrooms with 6ft soaker tubs, and double vanities, while the main lodge – a restored 19th-century farmhouse – boasts a dining room, guest salon, and a wraparound deck highlighting views of the San Juan Mountains.
The property also uses electricity generated by 100% renewable energy and is also just over an hour’s drive to Mesa Verde National Park – fortunately, each cabin also comes with two personal mountain bikes, perfect for exploring the park’s trails, or you can work up a sweat in the river-side sauna or try some of the region’s most famous trout fly fishing spots.
Mihingo Lodge
Nestled on a 500 million-year-old rocky kopje on the edge of Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda, Mihingo Lodge is a true wilderness luxury accommodation that offers a magical setting for its guests. Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, this family-owned lodge provides a peaceful retreat with spectacular views over the park’s vast savannah landscape while a tranquil pool overlooks a sweeping wild valley below where buffalo, impala, zebra, eland, warthogs, and bushbuck converge for an afternoon drink.
Bookable through Nkuringo Safaris, guests can choose from 12 luxury tented rooms, each offering its unique charm and character. Whether perched on a rocky outcrop, nestled in the forest, or overlooking the lake or waterhole, every private safari tent provides stunning views of the airy sanctuary. Each spacious canvas tent features an en-suite bathroom and is meticulously styled to complement the local environment, with great attention to detail. The doorways are framed by stunning pieces of dead olive wood found on the property, adding a touch of natural elegance to the already luxurious accommodations.
Glenapp Castle
The Hebridean Sea Safari includes two nights exploring the Scottish coastline and two nights at the celebrated Castle. As part of the bespoke itinerary, guests can also explore far-off beaches in the Hebrides and as they move between the islands, visitors will glimpse the white sandy beaches of Gigha or Tiree, the steep pebble beaches of the Island of Jura, or delve into Fingal’s Cave, which was hidden away until 1772 due to its remote location and which has mesmerised many literary figures, including Jules Verne and John Keats.
Hemingways Ol Seki Mara
A favourite with families, Hemingways Ol Seki Mara – a private tented camp in Kenya’s Naboisho Conservancy – recently launched its second Private Villa Tent, named Chui (meaning ‘leopard’ in Swahili). Referred to as a ‘penthouse in the bush’, the expansive Chui Private Villa has two ensuite double bedrooms, complete with both indoor and outdoor rain showers, alongside a kitchen, dining room, and living area. There is plenty of natural light to make the most of sunshine-filled days and starry nighttime skies, with floor-to-roof glass frontages and high ceilings.
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A community-led property stretching to 200 sqkm northeast of the Mara Reserve, the Naboisho Conservancy has one of the highest densities of lions in Africa, ensuring spectacular game drives with your private guide. The Conservancy also has impressive numbers of elephant, giraffe, and other plains game in addition to hosting some of the rarest animals in Kenya, including packs of African wild dogs.
Loapi Tented Camp
Set in the semi-arid Kalahari Desert in South Africa – the southernmost desert in Africa and the sixth biggest desert by area on Earth – is the new Loapi Tented Camp, a carefree, nomadic and luxurious private homestead that opened in July 2023. In the local Setswana language, Loapi translates as ‘the space below the clouds’ and the camp lives up to its namesake as it is surrounded by the unspoiled natural views of the savannah and Korannaberg mountains.
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Loapi Tented Camp is home to six spacious tented safari homes that have each been designed for exclusive use, operating as a mini-camp to offer tranquillity and privacy. Each tent also includes a private butler and personal chef, as well as a private vehicle, guide and tracker. In addition, guests can embark on a traditional safari or opt for the fully equipped photographic safari vehicle, kitted with the latest photographic equipment and used to spot some of the rarest of animals, including the largest remaining brown hyena population, aardvarks and wild dogs.
Lepogo Lodges Noka Camp
Lepogo Lodges’ Noka Camp, situated within the Lapalala Game Reserve in South Africa’s malaria-free Waterberg region of Limpopo Province, is a fully non-for-profit venture, that is family-run and entirely off-grid with energy sourced from the property’s own solar walkway (the first in South Africa). In addition, Noka Camp has been constructed sensitively, so that only 1% of the buildings touch the land.
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Noka Camp’s five stilted villas, including one villa specially designed for families, are perched atop a 100 ft cliff. The luxurious family villa comprises of a master and a children’s suite separated by a large family living space, with outdoor decking areas and a large infinity pool. In addition, guests have full access to a private butler, chef and safari vehicle. Camp activities range from game drives and water safaris to yoga and spa experiences and tours of iron-age settlements and bushman paintings in the cliffs below the lodge.
Under Canvas
Founded in 2012, Under Canvas is dedicated to connecting guests with the outdoors and each other through experiences in nature. Now offering 11 safari-inspired glamping locations, including four spectacular settings in Utah, its tents include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, plush king-size beds, and wood-burning stoves for chilly nights. In addition, Under Canvas offers an ever-changing menu that embraces both seasonal and thoughtfully sourced produce, plus a wide range of tours highlighting the incredible hiking, driving, biking, canyoneering, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and stargazing opportunities nearby.
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To add, all four of its camps across Utah – Under Canvas Zion, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, and Moab – have been recognised as the world’s first official Dark Sky-certified resorts for their outstanding commitment to preserving the nighttime environment – an impressive feat considering 80% of North Americans can’t see the Milky Way over their homes and finding places to stay where the constellations are visible can be a huge challenge.
Mara River Tented Camp
Last year, one of Africa’s leading conservation brands, Singita, unveiled an entirely new and bold transformation to its Mara River Tented Camp, an intimate and permanent tented camp situated on a dramatic riverbend in the northernmost tip of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Featuring the most beautiful and eye-catching designs inspired by the vibrant colours and patterns of local Maasai geometrics and locally made furniture and accessories, the camp’s six tented suites (four one-bedroom and two family tents) and main guest area pay homage to the colourful shapes of the Kura tribe in particular and are luxurious, functional, and fresh.
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When they’re not enjoying yoga and meditation classes, taking a dip in the pool, enjoying a guided wine tasting, or trying out the camp’s ‘gym-in-a-bag’, Singita’s guests can traverse 40,000-hectares of remote and untouched wilderness, and have exclusive access to some of the world’s most sought-after game-viewing, including one of the famed crossing routes of the Great Migration.
