Glamping away in Europe

Glamping is a combination of “glamorous” and “camping” which brings the world of camping to the ones who can’t rough it out in a small tent, yet crave a little outdoor thrill. It is a growing global phenomenon that combines camping with the luxury and amenities of a home or hotel. Lodgings at glamping sites (glampsites) include structures such as yurts, tipis, pods, bell tents, safari tents, tent cabins, and tree houses. Glamping sites across Europe offer tents, campfire and wilderness with the comfort of hotel like amenities. We take a look at holidaying in Europe that would also be gentle on your wallet.

 

CASA DE LAILA, SPAIN

Best for: A group of friends, couples and families

Casa de Laila is comfortably nested in the Guadalhorce valley in spain’s Andalucia region. Casa de Laila has five large yet cosy white bell tents. Set amid orange trees, the tents are down up with tasteful Moroccan accents. The floor of the tents is lined with rugs and sheepskin, complemented by soft pillows and bed.

THE FOOD: You’ll get a welcome kit, complete with a bottle of wine, on arrival .The tents have outdoor cooking areas, but for a change, book a table at the onsite restaurants La Terraza.

SIGHTS AND SOUND: Casa de Laila can oraganise activities like kite-surfing and whale- and dolphin- watching. It also has personal yoga sessions and massage on offer.

 

ECO LODGE BREJEIRA, PORTUGAL

Best for: Families with small children, couples

Eco Lodge Brejeria lies deep in the folds of the Portuguese city of Algarve. Built between two hills, the lodge is a 15-minute drive from slives, and is a tranquil setting for a campsite. Eco Lodge Brejeria offers three distinct stay options- a yurt, an old- school Dutch gypsy van and fire van. If you have dreamt of sleeping under the stars, the yurt’s open roof lets you do just that, and its private shower affords great views of the Portuguese countryside. A verandah and small garden house add to the charm. The gypsy van is parked in bushes of medrondo (a red fruit) and allows you to gawk at the Monchique Mountains from your bed. Both the yurt and gypsy van come with a wood burning stove that adds to the warm, romantic feel of the place.

THE FOOD: Eco lodge Brejeria lets you cook your own meal, but you could also avail of a simple three course dinner.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: October through December is medronho-picking season. Via Algarviana, an initiative that aims at popularizing eco-tourism, has routed a 300km hiking trail that passes through Brejeria.

 

LA SORGUETTE AIROTEL, FRANCE

Best for: Large groups, families with young children and pets

La Sorguette Airotel, open from March to October, is in Provence, at L’Isle sur la Sorgue. La Sorguette Airotel has what it calls a ‘nomad space’, which is where you’ll find a fully- equipped shared kitchen and barbecue. There are lodge tents as well, that come with a bed, two bunk beds, a ‘nesting bed’ and a kitchen.

THE FOOD: You can order a breakfast box (310 rs. Per person) the shared kitchen and barbeques. There’s also a grocery store, and a snack bar that’s open only in July and august.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Go swimming, canoeing or kayaking in the sorgue river that encircles the island. The camp organises activities for kids. L’isle sur la sorgue is consider the third most important centre in Europe for antiques.

 

THE LODGE RESORT CANONICI DI SAN MARCO, ITALY

Best for: Families and couples

If you’d like to tread off the tourist path on your venetian vacation, spend a night at Canonici di San Marco, just 13 km from Venice. Locating in the town of Mirano, this glampsite looks over promi Italian countryside. This is a three-acre property with tented lodges, and in true glamping style. They come with a four-poster bed, antique sofas and armchairs. The bathrooms has as antique English aluminium bath tub with modern fittings.

THE FOOD: Breakfast includes freshly-baked goodies, fruits, yoghurt and coffee. Mirano has several options including a traditional osterie (a place that serves local specialities, often at shared tables).

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Take a stroll along the Brenta canal, on which Canonici si san Marco is based, flanked by palatial summer homes of the erstwhile Venetian elite.