Glamping: The Sweet Spot Between Luxury and the Great Outdoors

As a luxury travel advisor, I’m the first to sing the praises of a beautifully appointed suite, a well-timed room-service delivery, or waking up on an ocean cruise with nothing on your agenda except choosing between the spa or the pool deck.

But here’s the truth: even for those of us who adore luxury, there’s something magical about stepping into the fresh air, sipping coffee under the redwoods, or falling asleep to the sound of nature. If you are celebrating a milestone birthday/anniversary, planning a girls trip or want something different to do with the family-this may the perfect travel idea.

What Exactly Is Glamping?

Glamping (“glamorous camping”) is that perfect middle ground for travelers who want nature without sacrificing comfort. No sleeping bags. No mystery noises in the dark. No cold showers. Instead, glamping offers curated outdoor experiences with amenities that feel delightfully indulgent.

Types & Styles of Glamping

✨ Luxury Tents

Think canvas safari tents with king beds, heated blankets, private decks, and often an en-suite bathroom. The closest thing to a boutique hotel—just with better stars (the ones in the sky).

✨ Airstreams & Retro Trailers

Polished silver exteriors, stylish interiors, cozy seating areas, and full bathrooms. Airstreams bring nostalgia with a modern, Instagram-ready twist.

✨ Treehouses

For the child in all of us. Elevated retreats complete with hardwood floors, plush bedding, electricity, and sometimes even outdoor soaking tubs.

✨ Yurts

Circular, spacious, and surprisingly elegant. Many yurts include skylights so you can fall asleep under the Milky Way without sacrificing heat or comfort.

Popular U.S. Glamping Destinations

Moab, Utah

Red rock landscapes, surreal sunsets, and luxury tent resorts that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

Big Sur, California

Pacific cliffs, towering redwoods, and artfully designed glamping resorts like Ventana that blend nature with a refined, serene atmosphere.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Rolling mountains and peaceful forests, with options ranging from safari tents to luxury domes. Ideal for couples or friend groups who want adventure by day and comfort by night.

Zion & Bryce Canyon, Utah

Otherworldly scenery, stargazing galore, and stylish glamping sites that bring the desert to life.

Why Even a Luxury Travel Agent Loves Glamping

I’ll always be devoted to cruise lines (hello, unpack-once convenience!) and beautiful hotels with impeccable service. But glamping offers something I also value deeply in travel: a reset, a breath, a moment to slow down.

A sample of a glamping option