Fall is in full swing in many parts of the U.S., and that means planning as many seasonal activities you can before the falling leaves are replaced by falling snow. Although it may already seem like it’s a little too cold for camping in some regions, the idyllic outdoorsy experience may still await.
If you would like to heighten your camping adventures, consider looking into a trend that allows for all the things that make camping enjoyable, but with less work for you.
Glamping, or “glam camping,” brings the comforts of staying in a luxury hotel to the outdoors. Companies such as Collective Retreats and Under Canvas are doing just that.
Photo courtesy of Collective Retreats.
Collective Retreats
With diverse locations across the country, Collective Retreats offers various options for people seeking an authentic and unique experience. The company’s goal is that each person gets the chance to create their own “Traveler’s Mark,” a mark that represents the individual and them as a traveler.
For a traditional campground feeling, check out Collective Hill Country location in Wimberley, Texas. The retreat is located on Montesino Ranch, a 225-acre sustainable and eco-friendly area overlooking picturesque valleys, canyons and mountains. There are plenty of dining options and activities, including s’mores around a campfire and horseback riding.
Each tent accommodation has its own amenities including French Press Coffee, in-tent spa services and private decks. Enjoy waking up to a Texas sunrise and gaze at the stars during a cool night in one of your private tents.
Photos courtesy of Collective Retreats.
If you’re looking to escape to the outdoors, but want to have a feeling of city-living, book a stay at Collective Governors Island in New York, N.Y. The company’s latest retreat, the Island provides guests with famous skyline of Manhattan’s lower side. Venture out of your tent to popular parks, the Brooklyn area or Lower Manhattan.
Collective Retreat provides guests the option for a Farm-to-Table dinner that features sustainably sourced seafood and fresh produce from the Urban Farm that is located on the Island. Yoga and private boat tours around the city make this location special.
Photos courtesy of Collective Retreats.
Under Canvas
National Parks put nature on display and Under Canvas allows guests to stay within or near their natural beauty. The luxury adventure glamping company took inspiration from African safaris. With that in mind, the founders of Under Canvas combined the safari tent with lush amenities, still keeping the rustic atmosphere.
Photo courtesy of TheNomadicPeople.
With most of the camps being near National Parks, there’s one that is sure to create a memorable time. Each spot features multiple luxury tent options for people to choose from, each with their own individual comforts, such as a viewing window above the tent’s bed for stargazing before bed.
Glamping near Utah’s Zion National Park borders the park and is located on 196-acres. The breathtaking famous red rocks of Zion provide the back-drop for the trip. Guests’ adventures include hiking trails, rock climbing and canyoneering. Wind down with you own in-tent massage and enjoy the extensive meal options provided.
Photo courtesy of Stephanie C. Russo.
Photo courtesy of TheNomadicPeople.
Photo courtesy of HeyKelseyJ_4.
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and be in awe at its natural beauty, bordering North Carolina and Tennessee. Go on a guided hike with a park expert or take the opportunity to tour the park from a helicopter view. Get a view of the mountains from the roaring white rapids or zipline from the mountain tops. There’s no shortage of exhilarating experiences here.
Photos courtesy of Paul Joyner.
Featured photo courtesy of Collective Retreats.
The busy summer season is coming to a close, but here are a few unforgettable destinations around the world that should be shared! These curated experiences are opportunities to immerse yourself in new cultures, taste new foods, appreciate art, design, history and enjoy time for yourself to rejuvenate.
Photo courtesy of São Lourenço do Barrocal
Wild Terrains — Portugal
As the only travel company leading women-only group trips that partner exclusively with local, female-owned businesses, Wild Terrains has expanded and launched their second destination – Portugal. This new eight-day/seven-night journey takes women travelers to Lisbon, Alentejo, and Porto, where the dynamic history, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes are just the beginning. Guests stay at stylish women-owned hotels like The Lisboans in Lisbon and Duas Portas Townhouse in Porto. Experience a Lisbon street art tour designed by Vanessa Teodoro, a South African street artist. Enjoy a tasting menu dinner at women-owned Prado with wine pairings by Portugal’s top female winemakers, and so much more!
Other activities:
Foraging with Portuguese mixologist Constança Cordeiro, private mixology lessons, biking through the countryside of Alentejo Visit. Travelers will learn more about Portuguese food history with cooking classes and eating your way through Porto with a food crawl. Another option is to take a day trip to Douro Valley to meet some female winemakers in the region, and so much more!
Photo courtesy of Prado Restaurant Photo courtesy of The Lisboans
Photo courtesy of Wild Terrains
On Foot Holidays — Catalonia
The hills of Catalonia are perfect for a fall getaway, with the grape harvest in full swing in September. On Foot Holidays’ self-guided hiking vacation will take you through the terraced vineyards of the famed Priorat winemaking region to the town of Porrera, where there are, of course, plenty of opportunities to sample the local wines in celebration of completing your walk. Starting at Montsant, only an hour from Barcelona, the route through quiet hills with magnificent vistas also passes two fine abbeys – Poblet and Escaladei – the former thriving and active, the latter now being restored as an archaeological site of major significance.
Did you know?
All of On Foot Holidays’ 32 routes throughout Europe are designed by a local – someone who lives near every route and is responsible for the upkeep of the route, hotel liaison and providing telephone support for all walkers during their trip. For this route, the locals recommend a stay in Barcelona at the end (or start) at one of On Foot Holidays’ hand-picked hotels or B&Bs.
Photos courtesy of On Foot Holidays
Les Ilets de la Plage – Saint Barth
The sixth edition of the Saint Barth Gourmet Festival takes place November 6-10, 2019 on the island of Saint Bathélemy. Now considered a major culinary event, the Festival’s cast of participating chefs is once again star-studded and comprises iconic figures of haute French cuisine. The Saint Barth Gourmet Festival is counted as one of the major events in the world of culinary excellence and one of the best gourmet festivals on an international scale.
In addition:
The intimate, family-owned beach resort offers 12 private villas with direct access to the white sand beach and azure sea. Secluded yet central, Les Ilets has been a well-kept secret for years, combining the privacy and serenity of a villa with a hotel concierge service at an affordable price.
Photo courtesy of Pierre Carreau
Photo courtesy of Gerald Tessier
Ignacia Guest House — Mexico City
Stay in the beloved Colonia Roma neighborhood at Ignacia Guest House, a trendy eco-friendly bed and breakfast. Featuring just five unique suites, the hotel’s namesake is Ignacia, the housekeeper who took care of this 1913 colonial mansion for more than 70 years. In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the chef will bake the traditional holiday bread for breakfast that week – Pan de Muertos or “bread of the dead,” a slightly sweet, brioche-like bread covered with orange blossom water and anise seeds.
In addition:
Foodies will love Eat Like a Local Mexico City’s special Dia de los Muertos food tour where founder Rocio Vazquez Landeta shares her personal approach to the celebration. Start the day with coffee, sweet bread, and street tacos with a visit to the flower market to enjoy delicious food while shopping for candy skulls, flowers, candles, colorful papers, and more.
Photo courtesy of Jaime Navarro
The Liming — Bequia
To Caribbean locals, liming means ‘the art of doing nothing.’ At The Liming Bequia, this leisurely way of passing the time comes with added luxury. Set on the tiny island of Bequia, this boutique hideaway is refreshingly off the beaten track compared to larger islands. With lush gardens, a private marina and views towards Canouan and Mayreau, The Liming instantly rewards you for going that bit further.
Did you know?
Reopening after the off-season on November 9th, 2019, The Liming Bequia recently announced a special offer for travelers –
“stay for 7 nights, pay only for 5” – so guests can enjoy liming for even longer.
Photos courtesy of The Liming, Bequia
For similar content try the following articles; Expert Q&A: Combining Luxury Travel with Curated Wine Experiences, Traveling the Globe in Search of The New Art Deco, Experiential Travel, Docent-Led Destinations.