Glamorous camping in the embrace of the urban jungle

Summer is the time when, in search of a relaxed break, we take vacations by the sea, lakes and rivers, in the mountains and on remote exotic islands, far away from everyday life and even further from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sometimes we take a tent with us, other times we prefer to stay in a luxurious hotel. Just when we think we've experienced everything, an interesting alternative appears. Glamping - an excellent hybrid of "glamorous" and "camping" - is high on our holiday wish list, perhaps being supplanted by the latest and even trendier urban glamping - glamorous camping in the embrace of city walls, which includes, among other things, sleeping on the roofs of our favorite (many )city.

Urban glamping, or glamorous camping in cities, is an interesting hybrid that is perfect for anyone who likes the idea of camping, but would much rather do it in the city.

Pure luxury "bedroom under the stars"

Telling ghost stories around the campfire, baking marshmallows, sleeping under the stars...these are the idyllic moments that camping offers. When we add to the idyll a luxurious double bed, a top-notch telescope, strawberries and champagne, and a view of the rooftops of New York, we get a completely new experience. New York hotel AKA Central Park, in the immediate vicinity of the prestigious shops on Fifth Avenue, with the "bedroom under the stars" package, offers the possibility of urban glamping on a hundred square meter terrace with a superb view. In addition to a comfortable bed, wood-burning fireplace and outdoor dining area, the package also includes a plasma TV, a selection of black and white horror films, an e-reader with loaded stories, a telescope, snacks by Jacques Torres and Cliquot, a selection of cheeses, strawberries and champagne. For a glamorous outdoor experience, we'll shell out US$1,999 and up per night.

An urban mix of old and modern

Vintage Hazel trailer in the trendy Saint Gilles district of Brussels.

Completely renovated vintage trailer on the terrace of a Brussels boutique Vintage Hotel with a fantastic bed, comfortable shower, plasma TV, wifi, air conditioning and a charming lounge area where we will enjoy an aperitif upon arrival, it offers everything we expect from urban glamping. Since camping is simply not for everyone, the vintage trailer located in the trendy Saint Gilles neighborhood of the city is an excellent choice for those who do not dare to experience the classic experience of camping in nature, but would still like to dip their toe into it. The charming Hazel trailer, which transports us to the 70s with vivid colors and graphic prints, promises an authentic camping experience, without buzzing insects, uncomfortable temperatures, sleeping on uncomfortable floors and poor signal, and just a step away from trendy city shops, restaurants, bars , concert venues and night clubs.

The view from the top is breathtaking

New Yorker Affinia Hotel in a prestigious location on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, offers its guests the possibility of an almost camping experience, with all the touches of a glamorous overnight stay. Hotel Affinia offers wealthy guests the opportunity to try out the concept of camping in quality tents and enjoying à la carte meals served by the staff on the hotel roof with a stunning view of the city that never sleeps. In the tents, the guests are waiting for lamps and a set for baking "s'mores", without which Americans cannot imagine camping and evening gatherings around the campfire, and the offer also includes lunch and dinner in a picnic version.

A magical zoo experience

If we are in a hurry in the British capital, let us be carried away by the ZSL Whipsnade ZOO in London, which, in addition to classic tours, evening gatherings and fun overnight programs that include champagne picnics, a DJ program, zoo tours at dawn and delicious breakfasts, it also offers the possibility of overnight stays in charming wooden cabins, named Lookout Lodge. Whipsnade ZOO is already a very special place during the day, but it's even more magical at night when the zoo comes alive in a way that regular visitors don't get to experience. The camping package includes a welcome drink on arrival, a private sunrise tour of the zoo, a delicious two-course dinner, a torchlight hike through the zoo, comfortable accommodation and a hearty breakfast.

A carefree retreat from the city within the city

If, in the days before air conditioning, New Yorkers escaped heat waves by sleeping on fire escapes, today spending the night outdoors is making a comeback with much more style. In the heart of Manhattan we find a luxury boutique hotel Hyatt 48 Lex, which offers "The Suite Glamping Package", which offers accommodation in superior suites equipped with luxurious inflatable beds, intoxicatingly soft bedding, countless pillows and warm blankets. In each of the rooms we also find a canvas backpack filled to the brim with all essentials and not so essentials for a picnic...including lanterns, books, fine wine and Italian "antipasti" snacks. The urban glamping offer will satisfy both tourists and city dwellers who spend the summer at home and want to spend the night outdoors in the event of a summer heat wave, but don't even want to think about forgetting the comfort they are used to. The whole package doesn't come cheap, of course, especially when compared to retro sleeping on a fire escape. For one night of urban glamping, we will charge from 500 to 2,500 US dollars.

Where old meets new

In Santa Barbara, California, there is a camping site where the old meets the new. Santa Barbara Auto Camp is a happy blend of classic American style and contemporary design that offers an innovative vacation experience. Vacationing in a spacious retro trailer equipped with modern electrical household appliances and comfortable interior furniture will satisfy everyone who would like to experience the charm of classic camping with an urban touch for a few days. Each trailer also has its own garden with an outdoor barbecue, garden furniture and two comfortable retro bicycles for carefree exploration of the camp and the city surroundings.

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A romantic idyll with the sounds of wild animals

Overlooking the harbor at Sydney's Taronga Zoo, luxury safari tents have been set up on the waterfront.

The magnificent harbor in Sydney, Australia offers a spectacular view, especially at night when the Opera House is luxuriously illuminated, standing out beautifully from the dark waters while the lights of the city twinkle in the background. To make the experience even more complete, they are at the Sydney Zoo Taronga Zoo, which overlooks the harbor, luxury safari tents have been set up on the embankment, which offer a great deal of comfort and are equipped with a double bed and a small terrace, where we are also served a romantic dinner at sunset. An exciting night safari is also included in the "Roar and Snore" offer, for which we will charge a little more than 300 Australian dollars.

The adventurous spirit of the luxury heights of Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia is joining the urban glamping trend with a luxury campsite on top of the roof of the Melbourne Central shopping mall. St. Jerome's: The Hotel is an innovative tourist attraction that offers everything we expect from glamorous camping and more, as it boasts superb views of the metropolis. With a night's stay, which costs around 330 Australian dollars, we will be treated to a luxury offer in the fresh air that comes with five-star hotels and includes, among other things, 24-hour service and the possibility of practicing tai chi or outdoor meditation. We will be delighted by the superb Indian-style tents, which offer a sufficient amount of comfort, and the fact that the experience itself combines luxury with a touch of adventure, which is sometimes the perfect recipe for an idyllic holiday.