Tented camps are typically synonymous with African safaris, but an increasing number of these accommodations are popping up in unexpected locales, from the edge of a national park in Sri Lanka to Bolivia’s high plateau. These luxuriously outfitted tents come with such perks as swimming pools, original art, and superb dining. But it’s having one of the planet’s most scenic places nearly to yourself that is the greatest appeal.
Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Utah
Like its sister resort Amangiri, Sarika, which opens in April, blends seamlessly into the landscape. The ten undulating canvas tents mimic the shape of southern Utah’s mighty mesas, while inside the furnishings include walnut desks and bespoke campaign chairs done in Aman’s usual minimalist style. Camp Sarika— the name is Sanskrit for “open space” or “sky”—operates year-round with plunge pools kept cool in summer and heated to 102°F in winter. Along with 600 acres of wilderness, intrepid travelers have access to five national parks, numerous national monuments, and the amenities of nearby Amangiri, including a via ferrata route designed just for guests.
From $3,400, all-inclusive; aman.com.
Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica
The owners of Nayara Springs Resort spared no expense when creating one of Central America’s first luxury camps. All of the 29 air-conditioned units were built high on a hillside just outside Arenal Volcano National Park, so guests have unobstructed views of the volcano, and more than 8,000 yards of canvas were custom-dyed to achieve the perfect shade of light beige. Spacious accommodations fuse safari style with Costa Rican design sense—each has a canopy bed with a botanical mural on the headboard as well as a springwater-fed pool and an outdoor shower. Guests can take a dip in any of seven hot springs at the mountain’s peak and take a tour of the surrounding sloth sanctuary.
From $1,200; nayaratentedcamp.com.
The Beige, Cambodia
Set on 24 verdant acres, this 11-tent property feels secluded even though it’s just a 30-minute drive from Siem Reap. Hire a car and a driver to see nearby historic sites like the unesco-protected Angkor Wat. Or, you can stay put. The resort has an infinity-edge pool that floats 16 feet above the ground, an outdoor lounge with a firepit, and a library stocked with books on the region’s tumultuous history. Nods to Cambodia’s years as a French colony can be found in the antique furnishings that abound.
From $326; the-beige.com.
Kachi Lodge, Bolivia
This property, located at nearly 12,000 feet elevation on the Uyuni Salt Flats, might be the closest thing to sleeping on the moon. The landscape includes a plateau covered in bright white salt, cactus-dotted islands, and desert-like rock formations. With not a trace of light pollution, it offers some of the world’s best stargazing. For the six domed tents, Swiss decorators Marina Cardis and Marine Luginbühl had furnishings made from local materials like cactus wood and woven straw and hung colorful paintings by Gastón Ugalde, one of Bolivia’s most famous artists. Guests congregate in the main dome for creative, modern dishes that celebrate the country’s culinary heritage, whipped up by the team behind La Paz’s Gustu Restaurant, which was founded by Noma’s Claus Meyer.
From $2,280 per person, all-inclusive, two-night minimum; kachilodge.com.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka
Adjacent to Yala National Park, this property offers a traditional safari experience with daily game drives that include elephant, sloth, and leopard sightings. Cocoon-like tents mimic the shape and color of nearby boulders, and the beachmeets-jungle location overlooking the cerulean blue Indian Ocean is spectacular. There is also a spa with treatments using native ingredients, a swimming pool, and a dining pavilion serving cocktails at sunset and dinners of Sri Lankan specialties. The 28 colonial-inspired tents feature freestanding copper bathtubs and plenty of dark leather.
From $983, all-inclusive; resplendentceylon.com.
