GLAMPSITES LUXURYFRONTIERS NORTH STAR CLUB, YORKSHIRE so why not go one step further and commission your own design from the Firepit Company, their hand cut fire globes add a dash of blazing magic to starry night time glamping. They’d make a great centrepiece for weddings and events too. If you can provide the appropriate privacy, open air showers and baths are fun additional options, and we all know by now that hot tubs are perennially popular. I recently spotted a new product, a wood fired sauna, that might give hot tubs some competition… ironically it was on Naked Flame Eco Tubs’ website. Which reminds me – I try to keep a look out for new, innovative structures and products, but I do have a life outside glamping you know (no comments, thank you), so if you’re launching an exciting new product please let me know. MOVERS AND SHAKERS Luxury glamping is about to lift off in the UK, on both small and large scales. I visited a luxury development last week, the size of which raised even my eyebrows. In contrast, another was a small, three unit, boutique set up curving around a newly created natural swimming pool. More often these days I drive home inspired by the quality and diversity of glamping that I see being created here, it’s such an exciting time to be in this business. One such glampsite has just been launched - ‘StarBed Hideaways’ is a little gem, possessing all the elements that raise a glamping offer beyond the ordinary into that five star, luxury experience. Located in Devon, it comprises two quality cabins on the Buckland Abbey National Trust Estate. Designer interiors, stylish furnishings and roll-top baths are only part of the package - a visiting spa, falconry and hot air balloon rides are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed by guests. Bryony and Bertie have paid scrupulous attention to detail and possess a clear willingness to make their guests’ experience unforgettable. The website presents the accommodation and experience with clarity and elegance, and the quality is evident from the moment a potential guest lands on a page. If you would like to experience StarBed Hideaways for yourself, Bryony and Bertie have kindly created a limited, exclusive offer to readers of <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Business</strong>, I believe details can be found in the ‘News’ section (pages 6-7). GUEST-CENTRIC When rental fees rise above a certain price point, guest expectations are high, so if we are ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kate Morel provides a completely independent advice and design service to individuals, estates and companies looking to create a successful glamping business. She is well qualified and connected to provide advice on every aspect of creating, operating, marketing and upgrading glamping accommodations or developments. www. katemorel.com / info@ katemorel.com NORTH STAR CLUB, YORKSHIRE going to offer luxury breaks, and charge accordingly, it’s vital that we ‘deliver’. It’s also important to remember that when some guests book an expensive, luxury break, it’s for a special occasion of some sort – a proposal, honeymoon, anniversary or birthday - they may even have saved up for it. As always, the key here is to put ourselves in our guests’ shoes and provide what we would expect. I am sure we would all want to relish the experience, the exclusivity, richness and sheer extravagance, to feel spoiled, special and pampered. I hope our little canter through luxury glamping has inspired you. If you are considering adding a glamping development to your land, and would like to talk through your ideas, do get in touch. There are so many other factors I would have liked to cover, and have a plethora of ideas to share, but alas, Tally says she has other things to fit into <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Business</strong> as well! Until next time, Kate. INSPIRATION Canonici Sanmarco, Venice www.glampingcanonici.com/en Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco www.virginlimitededition.com/en/ kasbah-tamadot LuxuryFrontiers - www.luxuryfrontiers.com Mahail Mzuri, Kenya www.virginlimitededition.com/en/ mahali-mzuri StarBed Hideaways www.starbedhideaways.co.uk 34 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM
garden-oven.co.uk or call 01256 581014 Luxury Fleeces Luxury, creamy soft, brown sheep fleeces, tanned in the West Country. The perfect addition to the luxury glamping experience Our sumptuous brown sheepskins are perfect for cosying up in the evening by the fire pit or snuggling those toes on a frosty morning as a bedside rug. Each one is unique. A sumptuous treat for the more discerning glamping guest in your luxury accommodation, used on sofas as a soft comfy throw, as a bedside rug or on outdoor chairs and benches providing luxury and warmth on a chilly evening. Bulk orders 5 or more £45 each+p&p Order online at www.leafyfieldsglamping.com or call 07842 320 981 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 35