An Introduction to Glamptuary
WHAT IS A GLAMPTUARY? WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE AT A GLAMPTUARY? IS GLAMPTUARY EVEN A WORD?
ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS ARE INSIDE AND I’LL HIGHLIGHT SOME AMAZING GLAMPTUARY PROPERTIES WE CAN’T WAIT TO VISIT.
Location - Wild Goose Camping
IS GLAMPTUARY A WORD?
First off – Glamptuary is a word. At least to me it is. I have a call into Merriam-Webster and I’m patiently waiting to schedule a meeting to discuss updates to their book. I’ve submitted the following for inclusion:
glamp·tu·ary (noun) a serene piece of private land offering glamping accommodations, combined with sanctuary experiences including nature activities, spa services, and the chance to connect with Mother Earth.
Glamptuary is the child of two parents named Glamping and Sanctuary. One of these words is very new, and one is very old. As defined by a collection of dictionaries, it goes like this:
glamp·ing – (noun) a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.
sanc·tu·ar·y – (noun) a place of refuge or safety, a place where you can feel at peace
Glamptuary sounds nice. It rolls off the tongue. It sounds like a place I want to be. I love it so much that I worked with an talented designer named Clint to come up with a wordmark that is definitely T-Shirt worthy.
Coming up with Glamptuary got me thinking about some other prominent words in the travel and hospitality sector. I love to learn so I did some research and here’s what I found. Have a look and you may be surprised or at least, enlightened.
ho·tel – (noun) - an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals, entertainment, and various personal services for the public
Photo the first hotel in Japan - Source - The Travel Channel
The first “Hotels” opened in Japan in 705 AD and were called Ryokans. There were resting spots along the Silk Road. Our modern word “hotel” was born from Old French words hostel and hôtel which were used back in the 1700’s.
re·sort – (noun) - a place where people go for recreation, especially one with facilities such as lodgings, entertainment, and a relaxing environment.
The first Club Med - Source - France Today
This word can have many meanings based on how it is used and for our purposes – we’ll focus on the definition above. The origin, again, is French in the 1700’s. Two words this time though. “Re” which means again and “Sortir” which means come or go out. The first “all-inclusive” resort was called “Club Med” and was opened in 1950 in Alcùdia, a tiny fishing village in the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. The very first ‘all-inclusive’ holiday didn’t include running water, electricity or private rooms. Guests slept in tents on the beach, played sports together in the fresh air, shared food under the pine trees and sang songs around the campfire in the moonlight. It was 1950 when Gérard Blitz dreamed of creating a utopian bubble, where different nationalities could come together and forget the recent divisions of war.
bed and break·fast – (noun) - Sleeping accommodations for a night and a morning meal, provided in guest houses and small hotels. Also known as a B’N’B.
Hever Castle (England’s oldest Bed and Breakfast)- Source - The Britain Express
It’s hard to pin down when these may have been officially defined. They’ve been around since we adopted cave dwellings which was a long, long, long time ago. For arguments sake, we’ll say this became known as an option for travelers in the British Isles advertised as “B n B’s”. One of the oldest known is in the U.K. and goes by the name of Hever Castle.
mo·tel – (noun) - a roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists, typically having the rooms arranged in a low building with parking directly outside.
Motel Inn located in San Luis Obispo, CA - Source - California State Library
The first motel appeared in San Luis Obispo, CA in 1925 and was called the Motel Inn. It’s the first big claim in the hospitality category for the US. You have to start somewhere – right?
Pretty interesting stuff. What about glamping? Where did that come from?
glamp·ing – (noun) - a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.
According to Wikipedia, The word "glamping" first appeared in the United Kingdom in 2005[5] and was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. The word is new, but the concept that "glamping" connotes, that of luxurious tent-living (or living in other camping accommodations), is not. In the 16th century, the Scottish Earl of Atholl prepared a lavish experience in the Highlands for the visiting King James V and his mother. Here, the Duke pitched lavish tents and filled them with all the provisions of his own home palace. Probably the most extravagant example of palatial tent-living in history was the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a diplomatic summit in 1520 between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France in northern France. Some 2,800 tents and marquees were erected, and fountains ran with red wine.
The Field of the Cloth and Gold - Source - The National Archives
Fountains of red wine. Well done Earl of Atholl.
I’d take it a step or two further back in time and give credit to the Mongols from 1200 AD. But who’s counting…?
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE AT A GLAMPTUARY?
Glamping accommodations will include structures such as yurts, tipis, safari tents, bell tents, a-frames, cabins, domes, bubbles, huts, converted vehicles, wagons, and caves. Restrooms will be easily accessible, preferably attached to the clamping unit, and luxurious in adornments. Glamping units will come with electrical outlets and be wifi capable. Bedding, furniture and room accessories will be luxurious in nature. Accessibility and parking will be safe and ample.
Sanctuary experiences will be on property and will include activities such as, but not limited to, horseback rides, animal interactions, water activities, outdoor sporting, spa services, meditations, yoga + fitness activities, nature walks, educational activities, entertainment.
The mission of this blog is to define and highlight these experiential accommodation offerings while building a community of likeminded travelers, nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and property owners offering what we’ve defined as a Glamptuary.
The hope is that Glamptuary can help support this wonderful collection of properties, the people behind them, and the people that visit them.
So where are these wonderful properties located? They’re everywhere. On a global scale, there are thousands.
Our goal is to provide first-hand reviews based my travels, and those of contributing travelers from around the world. I’ll do deep-dives in the form of written articles and podcasts with property owners, hospitality gurus, and adventure seekers who support Glamptuary.
Below are a few properties on my bucket list that exemplify what a Glamptuary is.
THE RESORT AT PAWS UP – MONTANA, USA
Location - The Resort at Paws Up
“I don’t think it gets much better than Paws Up. They’ve got a stunning location, gorgeous accommodations and ‘on the money’ activities.” — Kate Morel, International Glamping Consultant
The Resort at Paws Up is at the top of many lists for many reasons. Their website is also exquisite. They’ve done a wonderful job of creating an inviting and easy experience for curious travelers and I imagine it only gets better after you book your stay. Boasting a 37,000 acre resort with multiple glamping units, onsite spa, onsite dining and numerous outdoorsy activities for the entire family, this is definitely “Best in Class” when it comes to an example of a Glamptuary.
THE LITTLE NORDISTE FARM – SARK, UNITED KINGDOM
Location - The Little Nordiste Farm
“Ohhhh my god, I think we found our happy place! Sark is beautiful but I’ve never stayed somewhere as perfect as here on the island. Hollie & Jordan were so accommodating and welcoming. Two days was not enough!” — Victoria Hall
It’s been said that the birthplace of “glamping” (the word at least) was in the U.K. back in 2005 so it’s only fitting that I feature a U.K. property in this list. This serene destination goes well beyond glamping and is another wonderful Glamptuary property. You can take in the majestic views, snorkel and swim, and learn about the various animal residents you’ll call neighbors. Described as a hobby farm offering bell tents set amongst pygmy goats, chickens, turkeys and ducks on the shores of the channel islands on the idyllic island of Sark, this is definitely on my list when I make it back to the U.K.
GLEN EDEN RANCH AND FARM – MONTAGU, SOUTH AFRICA
Location - Glen Eden Ranch and Farm
"Amazing!!! As first time campers/glampers it was truly nothing less than amazing. The glamping site is isolated which allows for a personalized experience. It's peaceful, rejuvenating, tranquil and so much more. Experiencing Alpacas upclose was definitely a highlight. The owners of the ranch are super friendly, welcoming and it adds to the fantastic experience. Glen Eden farm is a must to experience, words does not do justice.” —Siddiq Fakir
A 125 acre operational ranch and farm offering a variety of glamping units, sporting activities, animal experiences and a variety of offerings aimed at family-style vacations. The property has a resort style feel merged with nature, farm and ranch activities. There is a world-class archery range where folks of all skill levels can hone their skills. This property truly has “something for everyone.”
I’ll be focusing my Glamptuary visits this year in Colorado, USA where I currently call home. I’m excited to begin my Glamptuary story amidst the Rocky Mountains!! There will be articles, podcasts, and a LOT of great pics + videos all served up VERY soon.
I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your network.
Have a great story you’d like to tell? I’m excited to hear about your adventures! If you’ve visited a property that you think qualifies as a Glamptuary drop me a line below. We’re building a community here, one vacation at a time.
Safe travels Everyone!
