Spending time in the great outdoors has been shown to improve mood, focus and sleep – and now you can do it in style at Asia’s most luxurious glamping destinations. Escape into nature at these unique havens, where immersion in the wilderness comes with all the comforts of a five-star stay.
Credit: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Credit: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Credit: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Set amid lush jungle at the border of northern Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is a glamping resort like no other. The elegant tented accommodations have hardwood floors and handcrafted furniture, with spacious outdoor decks that offer breathtaking views of the Ruak River and distant mountains of Myanmar. At the edge of the resort, the secluded Explorer’s Lodge boasts its own infinity pool and a large veranda where you can enjoy a private barbeque.
During your stay, discover the magic of the local culture and landscape through a variety of activities, from river cruises and bicycle excursions to a tour of the magnificent White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). The resort is also home to an elephant sanctuary; observe these gentle giants as they roam about and bathe in the Elephant Pond. You can even adopt an elephant – a meaningful way to support the conservation work at the camp after you depart.
Credit: Capella Ubud
Credit: Capella Ubud
Credit: Capella Ubud
Tucked away in the misty hills of Ubud is a paradise waiting to be discovered. You’ll navigate sloping, winding paths to reach the Capella Ubud , where every tented accommodation is equipped with a private pool and a deck overlooking pristine rainforest. Inside, the décor exudes old-world charm, with carved wood accents, patterned fabrics and antique curios adorning the rooms.
If you can bear to leave your cosy hideaway, make an appointment at the Auriga Spa, where revitalising facial treatments and massages utilise locally sourced botanicals and traditional techniques. Nourishing meals – including plant-based dishes – are prepared using fresh, handpicked vegetables and herbs at the Mads Lange restaurant (named after the 19th-century Danish spice trader who became a renowned figure in Bali), while flame-grilled delicacies are available at Api Jiwa. Unwind in the evening at the Living Room, a quirky communal tent where you can trade stories with fellow travellers over a drink.
Credit: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Credit: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Credit: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Animal lovers will delight in the exciting wildlife encounters to be had at Sri Lanka’s Wild Coast Tented Lodge , situated along a stretch of coastline between the Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean. Spot leopards and elephants on a game drive or go birdwatching in the wetlands of neighbouring Bundala National Park.
Even the accommodation is designed to support the local ecosystem, with suites built next to watering holes that attract birds and nurture plant life. Inside, the safari-chic Cocoons are spacious and comfortable, each equipped with a four-poster bed and a large copper tub. Some also come with a private plunge pool, shaded by lush foliage.
Alternatively, take a dip in the larger infinity pool by the domed pavilion that houses the Ten Tuskers Bar. While you’re there, order a tipple made with local arrack – the perfect pick-me-up before a delectable dinner by the beach.
Credit: Shinta Mani Wild
Credit: Shinta Mani Wild
Credit: Shinta Mani Wild
A stay at Shinta Mani Wild is not for the faint of heart: you’ll have to brave a 400-metre zipline that whisks you over the rainforest canopy just to check in. At this nature retreat in the Cardamom Mountains, you can join a host of exhilarating activities curated by your Bensley Butler, from exploring waterfalls and kayaking to mountain biking and foraging. The resort even has an on-site lepidopterist to introduce you to the many butterfly species found here.
Take a break after an action-packed day with a Khmer full-body massage at the spa or a yoga session by the river. Delicious meals made with fresh-caught fish and foraged greens are served at The Headquarters, the resort’s main restaurant. When you’re ready to retreat to your private abode, you’ll find 14 themed lodgings to choose from, including an elegantly furnished space dedicated to Cambodian royalty and a National Geographic Tent filled with vintage issues of the magazine.