Is glamping still a thing? 5 fresh outdoor escapes that say yes

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Is glamping still a thing? These five fresh outdoor escapes say yes, and travelers are trading sleeping bags for king-sized beds inside domes, cabins and treetop suites. These setups deliver the outdoor experience without the hassle of pitching a tent or sacrificing hot showers.

A canvas tent is set up on a wooden platform with two wooden chairs and a small table, perfect for glamping amidst green grass and trees under a clear sky.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Glamping maintains the balance of offering adventure and ease in one unforgettable stay. And these destinations take that idea further, redefining what it means to connect with nature in comfort and style.

Mandai Rainforest Resort, Singapore

Hidden within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Rainforest Resort is a newly opened eco-resort and part of Singapore’s broader rewilding initiative. It’s located near the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, but feels miles removed from the city. The resort features 338 rooms, including 24 treehouse-style suites designed to preserve the forest canopy. Guests can wake up to the sounds of birds and monkeys while leaving the surrounding ecosystem undisturbed.

Embracing biophilic principles, the resort’s architecture makes nature the centerpiece, from open-air lobbies to walkways built around existing trees. The rainforest canopy comes to life with modern comforts like climate control, plush bedding and room service, which are luxuries rarely associated with traditional outdoor stays.

The Bee Pods, Rossnowlagh, Ireland

Perched above the Atlantic on Ireland’s rugged northwest coast, The Bee Pods offer a quieter, intimate take on luxury camping. Each pod is thoughtfully placed to maximize privacy and scenery, with panoramic views of Rossnowlagh Beach and the surrounding headlands.

Inside, minimalist design meets comfort where guests find heating, soft linens and locally crafted touches that reflect the area’s heritage. The outdoor setup includes fire pits perfect for stargazing, and the on-site seaweed bath draws from traditional Irish wellness rituals for a calming end to a windswept day.

On-site beekeeping adds a sweet touch. Guests can sample honey harvested steps from their door and learn about pollinator-friendly practices from the owners themselves. The immersive experience continues with guided walks through wildflower meadows and fresh pastries made with the property’s own honey.

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Mexico

Operated by Four Seasons, Naviva is a luxury wellness experience set in a tropical forest overlooking the Pacific. This adults-only retreat on Mexico’s Punta Mita peninsula is intentionally small, with 15 tented bungalows designed for deep disconnection and privacy. Each bungalow features hardwood floors, plunge pools and open-air living areas that bring in ocean breezes and birdsong from the surrounding jungle.

Beyond aesthetics, the experience is rooted in holistic well-being. Guests can participate in temazcal, a traditional sweat lodge ceremony for cleansing and purification, forest bathing and breathwork sessions led by resident guides. The resort also curates one-on-one experiences, like local cooking workshops and personalized wellness consults, to match individual intentions. For those craving privacy with purpose, this corner of Punta Mita delivers an experience as grounded as it is luxurious.

Shebara Resort, Sheybarah Island, Saudi Arabia

Setting a new standard for luxury hospitality, Shebara Resort is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea Project, which aims to position the country as a leader in regenerative tourism. The resort is located on Sheybarah Island, one of the most remote sites in the Red Sea archipelago, and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Its striking stainless-steel domes were prefabricated off-site and assembled with minimal disruption to the island’s delicate ecosystem.

Floating above coral-rich waters, the villas are designed to reflect the seascape, which mirrors sunrise and sunset in their mirrored facades. Each unit is solar-powered and includes eco-friendly features such as water recycling systems, natural ventilation and zero single-use plastics. Guests can snorkel directly from their private decks into vibrant reefs or join guided marine conservation tours led by resident biologists.

AutoCamp, various US locations

As the exclusive hospitality partner of Airstream, AutoCamp transforms traditional road trip nostalgia into something elevated, yet approachable. Across locations like Yosemite, Joshua Tree and the Catskills, each site is designed to highlight the character of the local environment, with towering redwoods, desert landscapes or wooded mountains.

Guests stay in custom-designed Airstreams, modern cabins or safari tents, each outfitted with spa-inspired bathrooms, luxury linens and mid-century-inspired interiors. The design prioritizes both function and style, offering comfort while keeping visitors rooted in the outdoor experience.

On-site amenities include communal fire pits, outdoor lounges and an adventure concierge to help plan nearby hikes, kayaking trips or scenic drives. It’s a community-focused model that encourages connection, yet gives guests the freedom to engage as much or as little as they like.

The new face of the outdoors

Across the globe, glamping is redefining what it means to sleep outside. From the rainforest canopies of Singapore to the redwood forests and desert plateaus of the United States, today’s outdoor escapes are built with intention, style and sustainability. Each destination offers its own take on what it means to stay close to nature without giving up comfort. For travelers in 2025, glamping is no longer a trend; it’s a thoughtful way to experience the world.

A luxury travel, food and adventure journalist with a passport full of stories from over 46 countries, Mandy specializes in uncovering unforgettable experiences across the globe. With a deep love for the Far East and a diver’s eye for hidden worlds, she brings readers along on immersive journeys that blend indulgence with discovery, and she shares it all on Ticket to Wanderland.

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