The 8 Most Jaw-Dropping Glamping Sites Around the World

If you’ve ever dreamt of spending the night somewhere totally off the grid, Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp, surrounded by a sweeping sea of sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see, is for you. Upon your arrival, a camel will transport you to the top of the dunes so you can watch the sunset. Next, you’ll dine on grilled eggplant, slow-cooked beef tagine and spicy Moroccan wine in a luxurious tent illuminated by antique lanterns. Guests leave just after sunrise to avoid the sweltering desert heart, but this short but sweet 12-hour stint might change your perspective forever.

Perched above the rocky coastline of Big Sur, Treebones Resort is a must-visit stop along your Highway 1 road trip. The 16 luxury yurts—each appointed with roomy king-sized beds and colorful quilt blankets—sit among the redwood trees overlooking the Pacific. (You can breathe that fresh saltwater air right now, right?) In typical California fashion, there are outdoor yoga classes offered almost every day, as well as guided hikes and ocean kayaking excursions. Our favorite perk, though, is the on-site omakase bar where you can sample fresh sushi plucked straight from the ocean.  

Built into the dramatic scenery of Chilean Patagonia (think: jade green lakes, snowcapped mountain peaks and rugged terrain dotted with pink wildflowers), Eco Camp Torres del Paine lets guests experience nature at its very best. The domed hotel suites aren’t heated, and there’s no electricity, but they come equipped with large beds and warm and cozy fleece blankets. Each dome also features a skylight that makes for once-in-a-lifetime stargazing. The eco camp is the ideal spot for exploring Torres del Paine National Park, and you can choose to take part in tours geared toward spots, hiking and wildlife.

One of the most remote, mysterious and unnerving locales on the planet, Namibia’s isolated Skeleton Coast National Park is known for its wind-swept sand dunes and rugged beauty. Parts of dismembered boats and enormous whalebones line the coast, and then there’s Shipwreck Lodge, a campsite built to blend into the surroundings. The ten solar-powered cabins look like grounded ships. Each boasts a wood-burning stove and wraparound deck perfect for taking in the views of the sandy shores extending into the Atlantic Ocean.

If there’s one thing you can expect from the Aman hotel brand, it’s sheer luxury, and this tented site at the foot of India’s Ranthambore National Park—known for its wild tigers—is no exception. The property is made up of ten air-conditioned platform tents that are stylishly decorated in earthy tones of beige and bone, cotton drapes and freestanding bathtubs. Each tent comes with your very own butler (yeo), who will arrange daily open-air jeep adventures into the wildlife preserve and visits to nearby Hindu temples.

You know you’re in for a treat when you arrive at Hoshinoya Fuji, the first luxury camping resort by one of japan’s most lavish hotel brands. The property sits on Kawaguchi Lake at the base of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. Here, chic modern design seamlessly works with its mountain surroundings: 40 concrete cubes with floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible vistas of snow-capped Mount Fuji. Visit during the spring or fall for peak cherry blossom or fall foliage views. At night, you have the option of cooking your own meal of local ingredients in the middle of the forest with the help of a chef. And because no stone goes unturned here, there’s also a wellness spa where you can indulge in traditional Ayurvedic treatment, yoga classes and more.

Luxury camping brand Under Canvas has eight locations in stunning settings across the U.S., from Glacier National Park to Zion, but there’s something truly breathtaking about its Moab location. The campsite is nestled within Arches National Park, surrounded by fiery red sandstone formations and jutting canyons. Under Canvas offers a handful of activities from mountain biking and zip-lining to hot air ballooning and white-water rafting so travelers can take full advantage of the national park. Opt for a suite or deluxe tent, each complete with showers, sinks, flushing toilets and a private deck.

This Relais & Châteaux property takes glamping to new levels, allowing guests to experience wild and rugged Vancouver Island with all the comforts of an upscale resort. The remote resort, reachable only by seaplane or boat, boasts 25 beautiful white canvas tents overlooking the water or rainforest, all lavishly decorated with antiques and plush duvets. Daily activities include kayaking on Bedwell Sound, full-day hikes through lush trails, salmon fishing and even fly-fishing from a helicopter. Of course, you can’t forget about the resort’s restaurant, where local, sustainable ingredients are harvested, foraged and served alongside delicious wines and craft cocktails.