Glamping in a camper van – Ideas for a luxury holiday
Nature – for some people it means relaxation, while others equate it to adventure. One trend that has been booming for a number of years manages to bring both of these ideas together. Glamping blends the natural world with luxury living, creating an unforgettable mish-mash of outdoor adventure and an exclusive level of comfort. From remote yurts in conservation areas through to glamorous accommodation at the top of a mountain: glamping is available in a huge number of destinations and ranges from a boutique experience through to 5-star resort standards. And there is another option for holidaying in style out in nature: glamping in your own mobile home or camper van. Find out here how to transform your camper van into a gorgeously cosy glamper van – and what you need to know when you opt for a luxury holiday on the road.
What is glamping?
When you say the words “camping holiday”, lots of people imagine restless nights spent on an uncomfortable air mattress on the damp floor of a boring old tent – but those days are long gone. Nowadays, adventurers and peace-seekers alike have discovered a new form of camping: glamping. But what does the word glamping actually mean? It is a portmanteau of the words “glamorous” and “camping” and describes a luxury approach to camping. It is also often referred to as comfort camping or boutique camping. The idea behind it all is getting close to nature – but with comfortable beds, electricity, heating and sometimes even private bathrooms. In contrast to traditional camping, which involves setting up and taking down a tent and sleeping on somewhat uncomfortable terrain, glamping gives you the comfort of a hotel – but surrounded by nature.
From cosy safari tents and stylish treehouses through to luxurious tiny houses: glamping is able to cater to every taste and every budget. In addition to comfortable and often incredibly unique sleeping set-ups, you also get a range of luxury extras, such as a private bathroom, access to a spa and a whole host of leisure activities. And nowadays, there is even a huge selection of 5-star campsites, which offer premium accommodation such as fully-equipped lodges, large teepee tents and even hot tubs.
Glamping in a camper van
Another strand of the glamping trend is bringing your own mobile home or camper van to holiday in style. The comfort of a hotel combined with the freedom and flexibility of camping – that’s what glamping in a camper van or caravan is all about. What’s more, bringing your own accommodation is often more affordable that renting out a glamping tent or hut. And with a well-equipped camper van, you can always enjoy your luxury home comforts with the added bonus of flexibility.
It’s up to you to decide whether you’d prefer to holiday at a campsite with glamping options or at a camp spot out in the wilderness. No matter which option you go for, choosing the right place to set up camp is always important. You can park up in a green oasis, far away from the city lights, to get a better view of the stars. If you’re on a campsite, then settling for a quiet area can have its benefits.
And of course, food plays an essential role in creating the perfect glamping feel. You can still enjoy a delicious camper van dinner without a Michelin-starred chef on board. In a camper van, you can use simple, yet high-quality ingredients to cook your favourite dishes. In the Coast and Ocean models of the new California, you can cook on the practical kitchen module with a gas stove or, with the extra induction plate, you can even cook al fresco. Check out our camping recipes for inspiration for your next tasty meal.
Transforming your camper into a glamper
The advantage of glamping in your own camper van is simple: instead of sleeping in a pre-arranged hut or tent, you can design your four-wheeled home to suit your personal preferences. With a few simple adjustments, you can transform your camper van into a cosy glamping oasis.
When it comes to cultivating a glam atmosphere, the most important thing is making sure your vehicle looks the part. And this is easy to do: new wall cladding and cushion covers can give your van an elegant makeover. For an even cosier feel, try adding textiles like cushions, blankets and carpets in warm colours and made from natural materials. Indirect lighting from solar lanterns and battery-powered fairy lights help to set the right lighting mood. The new California comes with a digital operating concept, which enables you to control features like the background lighting from your smartphone. The perfect ambience is just a tap away!
For a good night’s sleep, you’ll need camp beds with a mattress topper and – when the temperature starts to drop – a heated blanket. Another tip for making sure you are well-rested: bring your own duvet and pillows and make sure you have the right cover sets – linen sets are great in warmer weather, while flannel is ideal for winter. Want to be able to sit outside no matter what the weather is like? An awning provides shade and protects you from the wind and rain.
Why not treat yourself to even more luxury with camping gadgets like a portable espresso pot – a freshly brewed coffee in the camper van sounds good right? Or you could opt for a comfortable inflatable sofa. If you’re camping in winter, then it’s always nice to have underfloor heating and an electric heater to keep you lovely and warm inside while it’s chilly outdoors. The auxiliary air heater in the new California has the same effect. It is fitted as standard in Ocean models and available as an option for the Coast.
What does a luxury campsite have to offer?
While there is no standard definition of a luxury campsite, they all seem to have a lot to offer for an exclusive wellness experience. An increasing number of sites are offering 5-star holidays with exclusive facilities. For a campsite to be able to call itself 5-star, it has to meet certain requirements, which vary from country to country. In some countries, these sites must offer large pitches with an area of at least 100 square metres, have separate, high-quality toilets and shower areas, private bathrooms available to rent and a children’s play area. In other countries, requirements include offering extra facilities, such as a gym, entertainment and restaurants.
In Germany, a 5-star campsite needs to have things like a swimming area – either in the form of a pool or a lake – including sunbeds, as well as facilities like heated washrooms. In some locations, you can even treat yourself to a massage in the spa area or get the blood pumping in a gym session with a personal trainer. These services are more what you’d expect from a luxury hotel, not your typical campsite. So, it is not particularly surprising to learn that pitches on these exclusive sites are more expensive than classic campsites. Germany is also home to a number of luxury camping facilities with pitches for mobile homes and camper vans that offer you a 5-star glamping experience. You’ll find these in places like the Baltic coast, Lake Constance, the Black Forest and the Allgäu region.
Freedom and luxury combined in a camper van
Glamping in a camper van combines wanderlust with comfort – perfect for anyone keen to blend the flexibility and freedom of camping with a luxury experience. By prettying up your camper van with elegant accessories and handy extras or booking yourself onto a premium campsite, you can transform your camping holiday into an exclusive experience. When you’re glamping in a camper van, you can explore some of the most beautiful destinations in both summer and winter for a flexible and luxurious escape.
What is the difference between camping and glamping?
Both camping and glamping enable you to holiday in nature, but the differences lies in your comfort and the facilities available.
Camping involves:
- Feeling close to nature: the focus is on your bond with nature.
- No-frills accommodation: you sleep in a tent, caravan or camper van. You also often cook and eat outside, over a camp fire for instance.
- Shared washrooms: most camp sites have shared washroom and toilet facilities.
In contrast, glamping involves:
- Luxury comfort: glamping offers a high standard of comfort, similar to a hotel – but out in nature. This means you get the best of both worlds: comfort and a closeness to nature.
- Glamorous and extravagant accommodation: The accommodation available is often incredibly unique: from teepees, yurts and safari tents to treehouses and wooden cabins through to mobile homes and tiny houses.
- Private facilities: You get the luxury of your own bathroom, a kitchen and terrace, sometimes even a hot tub or sauna.
- Hotel-standard service: These include spa facilities, restaurants and leisure activities.
So, traditional camping is ideal for anyone keen on an experience that is close to nature and as affordable as possible. Glamping is the perfect for choice for anyone looking to experience nature at a luxury level.
Who would suit a glamping holiday?
Glamping is primarily geared towards nature-lovers and adventurers keen to experience nature with a few extras, such as comfy beds and private bathrooms. Couples can enjoy a romantic escape for two while wellness fans can relax and unwind. Luxury-lovers will find that it offers accommodation that wouldn’t look out of place in a 5-star hotel. And it is also ideal for families as many glamping sites have playgrounds, swimming pools and even childcare services.
Where do you sleep when you’re glamping?
Glamping accommodation offers the comfort of a hotel combined with the natural surrounds of a camp site. They tend to be more comfortable than traditional campsites and offer extra facilities like private bathrooms, kitchens and furnished seating areas. Some of the most popular glamping options are, for instance, a lodge or safari tent with a high-quality interior, luxury treehouses and compact, fully equipped mobile homes and tiny houses.
What is a glamping tent?
A glamping tent is normally a permanently set-up tent that is designed to offer comfort and style. These models are bigger than most tents and offer added comfort with beds, furniture and sometimes even private bathrooms. There are lots of different types of glamping tents, from simple A-frame tents to spacious yurts, safari tents and lodges.
How long has glamping been around?
Glamping has been around for the past few decades, but its popularity among the wider population only began to grow in the early 2000s and has been on the rise ever since. The concept of luxurious camping has been present in a range of different cultures for a long time: from the well-equipped yurts of Mongolian tribes almost 1000 years ago and the luxurious military tents of the Ottoman Empire through to the magnificently decorated accommodation in African safari camps for rich travellers in the early 20th century. So, while the term “glamping” is relatively new in itself, the idea behind it has been around a long time.
Where can you experience glamping?
Nowadays you can go glamping all over the world, enjoying lots of different styles of accommodation and experiences – from exquisite tents in the wilderness to unusual accommodation in exotic locations. Popular destinations include the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps in Germany, Provence and Normandy in France, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the coast of Croatia. Outside of Europe, you can glamp in the Thai jungle or while looking out at the ocean on the beach in Bali. In the USA, national parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite offer high-quality glamping accommodation, while in South Africa you can take a luxury safari including a comfortable lodge or tent.
