Glamping (a portmanteau meaning glamorous camping) has never been this good. Now you can enjoy the wonders of the outdoors from the luxury of a yurt (round tent with wood floor), a tentalow (bungalow on the bottom, tent on the top), or tipi (cone-shaped canvas tent). Perched on platforms with amazing views, lavish amenities and fresh air, you might never want to rough it in a campground again.

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Escalante Yurts, Utah

Photo courtesy of Escalante Yurts

A Southwest stunner, Escalante Yurts provide upscale accommodation with private bathrooms—a definite plus. There are five tree-named yurts to choose from that are decked out with stylish décor that compliments the natural surroundings. When not lounging in your lavish digs, wander the 20-acre property or explore the nearby red rock formations, rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails, or petrified forest.

Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp, Morocco

Photo courtesy of Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp

At this desert oasis, the sand dunes of the Sahara become a haven for quiet reflection and relaxation. The Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp includes ten tents with comfortable amenities. Experience authentic Morocco with a traditional dinner, a camel ride across the dunes, and a memorable starry night. There is no WiFi in the Sahara Desert, so enjoy your time unplugged.

The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa, India

Photo courtesy of Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa

Staying in one of the Royal Tents at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa is far from roughing it. The tents have all the amenities of a luxury hotel room, including teak floors, blackout blinds, air conditioning and a personal butler. The resort, located at the foothills of the Himalayans, offers 8,000 acres of forest to explore, a golf course, archery, forest bathing, mountain biking, garden tours, moon bathing and more. The 12,000-square-foot Oberoi Spa offers relaxation and restoration in the form of hydrotherapy pools, hamman body scrub, infrared sauna, heated tepidariums (rooms with radiant heat), panchakarma, and use of attars (sandalwood oil infused with flowers).

Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel, Montana

Photo courtesy of Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel

Embrace the outdoors with an overnight stay in a comfortable and cozy tipi at Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel, just outside of Yellowstone National Park. There are ten tipis with a common, high-end bathhouse. Wake up to morning muffins and hot coffee and end the day with s’mores around a campfire while gazing at the star-filled sky.

Ikoma Tented Camp, Tanzania

Photo courtesy of Ikoma Tented Camp

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Serengeti from Ikoma Tented Camp. The rustic accommodation reflects the natural landscape and provides expansive views of the local flora and fauna. Experience the thrill of getting an up-close (yet safe distance) look at some of the amazing wildlife in the area, including lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, crocodiles, elephants and hyenas.

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, British Columbia

Photo courtesy of Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp

Perched on the side of a cliff with expansive ocean and forest views (even from the bathtub), the Tenthouse Suites at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort are the perfect place to commune with nature. This adults-only accommodation, located in British Columbia, includes deluxe amenities such as heated floors, hydro-therapy tub, fireplace, and rain forest shower. While visiting, make an appointment for an outdoor massage looking out at the Pacific Ocean, take a hike, go scuba diving, or visit nearby Thormanby Island.

Camp Linyanti, Botswana

Photo courtesy of Camp Linyant

For game viewing in Africa, Camp Linyant offers rustic accommodation with a focus on the true safari experience. The remote location, with only five tents, offers a more intimate encounter with the landscape and wildlife. Sip wine from the viewing deck while watching elephants, zebras, buffalo, and honeybadgers in their natural habitat.

Sharael Kolberg
​Sharael, founder of Family Travel Channel (familytravelchannel.com), has been writing about travel since 1995. Her work has appeared in Sunset magazine, Outside magazine, ForbesTravelGuide.com, MSN.com, and many others. Follow her on Twitter @FamTravChannel, FB and Instagram @FamilyTravelChannel. See more of her work at Sharael.com.
Sharael Kolberg

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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