Is it luxury camping or an open-air hotel?

Recently, as a consultant, I sat down with a client who had grand plans for a newly acquired piece of land. The original destination: camping. The ambition? A luxury glamping or, as he himself called it, an 'open hotel experience'. This project requires keen insight into concept and target group, because today's holidaymaker doesn't just want luxury camping - he wants the comfort and service of a hotel.

In France, they don't call it 'hôtellerie de plein air', or open-air hotel, for nothing. And in the US, this trend is also booming: there, you can sleep in the middle of national parks with the amenities of a hotel - from a hot tub on your doorstep to fresh bread delivered to your luxury tent. Campsites, holiday parks and hotels are increasingly merging, and that calls for creative concepts.

One particular glamping paradise is Slovenia, where resorts in the middle of nature strike the perfect balance between luxury and outdoor experience. They invested years ago in luxury glamping resorts that have all the aspects of a good hotel:
I will name a few:

- Chocolate Village (Maribor): A dream spot for chocolate lovers. In the Natura 2000 park, you will enjoy everything chocolate-related - from workshops to massages - just a stone's throw from a chocolate factory.

- Chateau Ramšak (Maribor): Set among the green hills of Styria, an idyllic spot for wine and nature lovers, with luxury tents a stone's throw from the city.

- Garden Village (Bled): Green and sustainable to perfection, perfect for families and nature lovers, with special details in every accommodation.

Closer too, we see more and more stylish glamping concepts, such as the Marber and Cuber Suites, Buitenplaats Beekhuizen and Soof Retraits, which effortlessly combine comfort and nature. 

Another interesting trend I am hearing; increasingly, even business visitors are choosing a glamping location instead of a hotel for their meetings and team-building activities. More on this in my next column! 

Because glamping continues to evolve - and I am happy to follow this trend further for you.