The Top 10 Tented Camps in the World

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 camp properties with African safaris – and surely adventurous 19^th 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 that feature decked-out tents, pools, great food – and even spas – and they probably wouldn’t have expected these tented retreats to pop up in places like Bali, Bolivia and New York.

But that’s exactly what you’ll find at these 10 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. Although we can’t promise you’ll always have wifi – but that’s half the fun of going off the grid, right?

Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Yala, Sri Lanka

Tucked between the jungle and the beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast, this 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. 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
Cambodia

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. 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, ziplining, and anti-poaching patrols.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Lamai, Tanzania

This solar-powered camp on the fringes of the Mara River is a luxurious retreat that just happens to offer incredible views of wildebeest crossings during the migration. Interiors showcase contemporary chic and safari style with raw leather, canvas, stone, Masai colours, and work by young African artists and craftsmen. This is a truly get-away-from-it-all experience with no TVs and complimentary but inevitably spotty Wifi. Instead, guests can watch the wildlife from the camp’s plunge pool or go on daily guided game drives to spot big cats, crocodiles, hippos and elephants; try bespoke wine-tasting experiences; or relax with in-suite spa treatments.

Four Seasons Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai, Thailand

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. 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.

Kachi Lodge
Bolivia

Sitting in the shadows of Tunupa Volcano on the famous Uyuni salt flats, this permanent tented camp offers otherworldly surroundings and eco-friendly luxury. Each “dome” is fitted with soft carpets, plenty of wood, heating, local art and Bolivian textiles, and comes with strategic window cut-outs so you can stargaze from your bed. While you’re here, take the opportunity to mountain bike across the salt flats or hike to the lower top of the volcano; you could also explore local culture and history on excursions to Coquesa or Alcaya. By night, you’ll feast on sustainable meals created by award-winning La Paz restaurant, Gusto.

Chinzombo
South Luangwa, Zambia

This seriously stylish camp offers privacy and luxury along with the quintessential safari experience. Six tented villas 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. During the day, head out on game drives to spot the wildlife, and in the evenings, sit down to gourmet meals or socialise with other guests at the library.

Capella Ubud
Bali, Indonesia

Bali isn’t all backpackers and surf beaches. This uber-luxe tented property delivers you deep into the Indonesian rainforest – which, by the way, was carefully preserved: not a single tree was harmed in the making of this camp. Another Bill Bensley masterpiece, the 23 tents here all have private saltwater pools with canopied sunloungers, four-poster beds, hammered copper baths, and 24-hour butler service that starts with a welcome duffel bag filled with essentials. Immerse yourself in Bali’s rich nature and culture with tailored experiences ranging from jungle trekking and temple visits to coffee workshops and art classes. Back at camp, enjoy dinner under the stars at the Capella Camp Fire – if you’re lucky – will end with marshmallow-filled hot chocolate and tales from a local.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
Al Wadi Desert, UAE

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. 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.

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Cape Range National Park, Western Australia

Surrounded by dunes and overlooking a pristine beach, This eco-chic resort 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. 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.

Terra Glamping East Hampton
New York, USA

Just two and a half hours from New York City, this bay-front property offers 30 safari-esque tents equipped with queen-size memory-foam mattresses, luxury hotel room furniture, and porches that are perfect for stargazing. And yes, you’ll have hot showers and flushing toilets, too. Hidden in Cedar Point Country Park, the views are, of course, stunning, and you can enjoy that beloved camping tradition of nightly s’mores-loaded campfires, along with complimentary use of kayaks and SUPs, and a separate grilling area. If you’re just looking for some down-time, the lounge tents are stocked with games, books and cards.

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