Open Air Business April 2017

GLAMPSITES
empty field. This means we create the
accommodation structure(s) from scratch;
I’m often told that people find this the most
challenging decision. To be fair, choosing the
right structure for the location/guest profile
can require some skill, especially when
we have planning permissions and other
factors to consider. Fortunately, there is a
wide range to choose from, and professional
companies are pushing boundaries with
innovative designs. Adria have brought a
super boutique mobile tent into the market,
as have Eco Living Australia, and the UK’s
leading bespoke treehouse designers, Blue
Forest, continue to trail blaze with innovative
designs. I’m also delighted to keep finding
small, craftsman-owned companies who are
willing and able to design and build bespoke
structures.
When it comes to buying the structure(s)
do choose wisely, it can be a big investment
and getting this right is crucial, not only
in terms of appealing to guests, but the
business’s long term success. Do note that
occupancy rates and rental fees as suggested
by some marketing brochures are not always
achievable, so research ideas and potential
results. Alternatively, seek objective advice
from someone in the business (it doesn’t
have to be me, just get as much sound
advice as you can). It can be difficult to put
things right with hindsight and, sadly, I’ve
seen some costly mistakes.
FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL
Last year, one of the UK seminars I presented
was ‘Inspiration from International
Glamping’, which highlighted glamping and
design features from around the world that
caught my eye as outstanding. To be honest,
I was on something of a mission because I
ADRIA
wanted to inspire more of us in the UK to
create mind blowing glamping offers akin to
the places I was finding on other continents.
Internationally, manufacturers are
responding to the demand for luxury
glamping and new, stylish structure designs
are launched every year, companies such as
InTenta, Tentickle, Adria and Eco Structures
Australia are among those leading the way.
There are many others, and it is fascinating
to see so many new concepts being created;
I can barely keep up these days.
One company totally blew me away when
I discovered them a few years ago. Luca and
his team at ‘LuxuryFrontiers’ have created
stunning designer developments in South
Africa, Italy and Spain. The company ethos
is commendable and their environmental
qualifications are impressive. They tick
all the boxes for me, and I would love to
see them create more developments in
Europe and particularly the UK. So, if you’re
ambitious and like their work we need to
talk.
Another example of exceptional
international glamping is Richard Branson’s
‘Kasbah Tamadot’ in Morocco, and ‘Mahali
Mzuri’ in Kenya, which combine stunning
locations with world class accommodation.
If you’re looking for inspiration you will
find it here, they are nothing short of
breathtaking and, naturally, appropriately
priced.
RULE BRITANNIA
It’s fair to say that we have a couple of
challenges when it comes to creating
glamping developments in the UK. Firstly,
the climate limits the rental season for
some structures, secondly, our planning
regulations are more restrictive than
elsewhere. However, these needn’t limit our
imagination when it comes to luxury and
GLAMPING HUB
Warner Springs, California
design, and whilst speaking to interested UK
landowners, I’ve recently been encouraged
to hear that more are interested in creating
something exclusive.
Outside of the USA, I have a sneaky
suspicion that the UK is one of the leading
countries in creating new glampsites each
year, but don’t let that deter you because
as I said earlier there are still profitable
opportunities to create something in the
high-end sector. The UK has more heritage,
character and elegance than you can shake a
stick at and there is no reason at all why UK
glamping can’t compete on the international
field.
UNIQUE BY DESIGN
At this level, it is 100 per cent about giving
guests an experience they can’t find
elsewhere, and facilities they’d never have
at home. Luxurious interior design schemes,
and opulent touches that guests wouldn’t
think of putting in their own homes, add to
the exclusivity. Showers and baths can never
be ‘over the top’ as far as I’m concerned –
and I love the imaginative, elegant bathroom
furnishings at Canonici Sanmarco near
Venice. In fact, grab a coffee and bask in true
Italian gorgeousness, it’s totally inspiring.
At the luxury level of glamping, we’d
be remiss to overlook the use of outside
space, and a dedicated area with generous,
comfortable garden furniture sets the scene
nicely. I’m excited to share a recent discovery
with you – a company called Rivelin who
create fantastic outdoor spaces using super
stylish furniture. They also supply the most
impressive Sheffield-made, gas powered fire
pits, and when I say impressive, I mean it. For
those of us who prefer a real crackling fire,
or an environmentally sustainable option,
then a heavy-duty, log burning fire-bowl is
in order. This is luxury glamping remember,
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