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Glamping has become a fun and unique way to relax and enjoy nature but without the hassle and discomfort of traditional camping. The term (“glamping”) was first coined in the United Kingdom in 2005 for luxurious, resort-like camping. And luckily, it was carried through to the US, with our own State of Texas offering some wonderful glamping spots that are perfect for a great solo trip or couples getaway. Here are 8 of our favorite!
EL COSMICO
The gold standard of glamping in Texas, and maybe the entire US, El Cosmico is a bucket-list getaway. From DIY Self Tent camping to renting updated trailers from the 1970’s, to Sioux-TeePee Rentals, Mongolian Yurt rentals, African Safari Tent Rentals, and even short-term apartment rentals, they have the perfect accommodations for any traveler with any level of “roughing-it” experience. And the flat, desert backdrop that is Marfa makes the entire experience unforgettable. You more than likely have seen this place on Instagram, or have heard of some of its sister hotels like the Hotel San Jose or Austin Motel, all owned by the Bunkhouse Group, that does an amazing job of curating unique and retro hospitality experiences.
El Cosmico also hosts the annual Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love, coming up on September 26-29 this year!
COLLECTIVE RETREATS: MONTESINO RANCH
The Collective Retreats is a national glamping brand aimed at offering romantic getaways for couples! And one of their locations is in the Hill Country at Montesino Ranch. For $750 per night, you can treat yourself and your significant other to some really fun treats; including a luxurious 60 minute in-tent couples massage, reservations for dinner at the on-site Farm-to-Table restaurant at the Three Peaks Lodge on your first night, along with several other romantic treats. The Collective Retreats also has other fun activities that are great for couples and include: Wine Tour Wimberly, Electric Bike Tours, and a “Beer, Brining & Branding Culinary Class” just to name a few.
GERONIMO CREEK RETREAT
Geronimo Creek Retreat is the perfect retreat for any group of friends looking for accomodations near New Braunfels. They have several options for sleeping accommodations including Treehouses, TeePees, Cabins, and the Homestead Haus. But we like the Treehouses best – they can fit up to eight people and have quick access to Geronimo Creek where guests have 24-hour access to the kayaks and paddleboards. Should the group decide to stay-in for the night, you can challenge your friends to a game of foosball or shuffleboard, or just hang out and have drinks by the firepit. If the group is going out, Schlitterbahn is a 24 minute drive and Gruene Hall is a 30 minute drive.
WALDEN RETREATS
With two large safari tents overlooking the beautiful Texas Hill Country and the Pedernales River, Walden Retreat is the perfect destination for any romantic couple looking for some much needed privacy. Each tent includes a King-Sized bed, Clawfoot Bathtub, an outdoor deck, a private fire pit, and several other luxurious amenities. If you and your significant other are looking for other activities during the day some fun activities we recommend the 290 Wines Trail, visiting Fredericksburg, and Garrison Brothers Bourbon.
SINYA ON LONE MAN CREEK
This is a great isolated glamping site with some wonderful amenities that make it feel like home. The lovely Safari-inspired getaway includes some wonderful features; including a hot tub, hammock, a stone patio, and fire pit. Also, if you are looking to go swimming during the hot summer months, Sinya is surprisingly close to some local swimming holes including Jacobs Well (16 minutes) and The Blue Hole (8 minutes).
BASECAMP TERLINGUA
At least once in your lifetime, Basecamp Terlingua is a destination-must. They have several great options for sleeping accommodations, including cabins, tee-pees, and lotus tents. But we recommend the Bubbles. The Bubble is an inflated dome, where the top half or the dome is perfectly clear, allowing you and your travel partner to admire the rustic beauty of the West Texas desert by day or stargaze by night, all while lounging in a luxurious queen bed. And it is all for the price of $199 per night.
WAHWAHTAYSEE RESORT
Three beautifully designed safari tents are the perfect place to visit during the hot summer months because they have quick access to several beaches along the San Marcos River. Each “tent” is 650 square feet and includes all the luxurious amenities of home; including hardwood floors, fully equipped kitchenette, large indoor shower, and a luxurious king-sized bed. For activities guests have several options including visiting the 150 year old pecan orchard is within walking distance. Or if you would like to float the river, the Texas State Tube Rental is a 16 minute drive west.
THE GETAWAY (COMING SOON)
THE GETAWAY (COMING SOON)
Coming soon in the Piney Woods Region of Texas, there will be a brand new Glamping site called The Getaway. It is a fun and unique concept, using tiny cabins as a new way to get out of the overconnected city life, retreat to the woods and unplug. The Getaway has all the luxuries of home such as indoor plumbing and A/C. Each Tiny Cabin also includes a firepit with a gill rack, making them perfect to try newly found Pinterest Campfire recipes.
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Vacation Like a Local 