Roughing it in the wilderness isn’t for everyone. For some, the idea of camping evokes images of soggy sleeping bags and questionable instant noodles. But glamping,a blend of “glamorous” and “camping”, flips the script. It’s where a boutique hotel’s comforts meet nature’s serenity. Think plush beds in safari tents, meals made with locally sourced ingredients, and bathtubs under the stars.
What makes glamping special isn’t just the comfort, but the chance to connect with nature without sacrificing sleep, style, or sanitation. Glamping lets you unplug without going full survivalist, whether it’s a safari-style tent on the African savannah or a stargazing dome in the desert.
Below are five destinations that offer unforgettable nights beneath the stars, and not a sleeping mat in sight:
1. Under Canvas, Zion National Park – Utah, USA
Tucked just outside Zion’s red-rock canyons, Under Canvas is the kind of glamping destination that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. Their safari-style tents come with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves, and private decks perfect for watching the sun rise over the cliffs.
There’s no Wi-Fi here, and that’s intentional. Instead, guests are encouraged to tune into rustling leaves, distant coyote calls, and the crackle of a firepit. Activities range from guided hikes and canyoneering to late-night s’mores and star parties. Zion’s desert sky is famously clear, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.
After a long day exploring the park’s trails and slot canyons, there’s something magical about returning to a candlelit tent and drifting off beneath canvas walls as the wind whispers outside.
2. Longitude 131° – Uluru, Australia
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sight of Uluru glowing red in the morning sun, Longitude 131° delivers it, with five-star style. Each luxury tented pavilion faces the iconic monolith, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sweeping views of the outback.
Interiors blend Indigenous art with contemporary design, while private plunge pools and curated minibars add a resort touch. What sets this experience apart isn’t just the setting, but the sense of connection to Aboriginal culture.
Guided walks with local Anangu guides, immersive storytelling, and gourmet bush tucker menus turn your stay into something deeper than a luxury escape. Nights here are a sensory dream: the stars are intense, the silence is vast, and the land feels ancient and alive.
3. The Highlands – Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Perched on the edge of a forested volcano, The Highlands is one of Tanzania’s most unique glamping spots. It redefines the safari lodge experience with domed canvas pods that resemble space-age observatories.
Each pod comes with a wood-burning stove, en-suite bathroom, and panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’s remote, yes, but intentionally so.
Days here begin with early morning game drives into the Ngorongoro Crater, followed by hearty breakfasts overlooking misty plains. Afternoons might include a visit to a local Maasai village or a guided walk through the highlands. And at night? You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of distant hyenas, wrapped in cozy blankets under a vast African sky.
4. EcoCamp Patagonia – Torres del Paine, Chile
For those drawn to the dramatic beauty of Patagonia, EcoCamp offers a sustainable way to explore it. Their signature geodesic domes are modeled after the ancient dwellings of the region’s indigenous people but outfitted with modern comforts.
Expect heaters, low-impact electricity, and views that make you forget cell service even exists. What makes EcoCamp stand out is its commitment to conservation. The entire site is designed with eco-conscious principles, from composting toilets to solar energy systems.
Guests are encouraged to hike, kayak, and observe wildlife , all while treading lightly on the land. The reward for your effort? Night skies are so clear that it’s hard to tell where the stars end and the mountains begin.
5. The Bubble Hotel – Iceland
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep inside a snow globe, or what feels like one, Iceland’s Bubble Hotel delivers a surreal, otherworldly experience. These transparent, inflatable domes are hidden deep within the Icelandic countryside.
There’s no front desk, no restaurant, and no crowds. Just you, the aurora borealis, and the quiet hum of the wind through the trees. Each bubble is minimalist but cozy, fitted with heating systems, comfortable beds, and just enough room for a snug night’s rest.
Shared bathroom facilities are located nearby. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense, but it’s wildly memorable. The real show starts when the northern lights ripple across the sky, turning your clear roof into a private planetarium.
Glamping doesn’t just change how you experience nature; it changes how you remember it. Whether you’re sipping wine beneath desert stars or listening to lions in the distance, these destinations prove you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to have an adventure. Just unzip the tent, step outside, and look up.