When one thinks of camping, the phrase “roughing it” typically comes to mind. Flashbacks of faulty supplies, mystery food, bug attacks and the process of “using nature as your bathroom,” tend to prevent people from giving camping a second chance. However, a new trend has emerged that not only accommodate all of your camping needs, but also your luxury needs. and luxury needs. Ladies, meet glamping.

Glamping, originating from such exotic destinations as Africa and Thailand, is a more luxurious way to enjoy the great outdoors by providing glamorous amenities and services. Tents, for example, are often built with an electrical power source, offering appliances, lighting and climate control for guests. As if that isn’t luxurious enough, ditch your sleeping bag and upgrade to either an air mattress or king-sized spring mattress, sheathed in Egyptian cotton sheets. The best part? Camp is set up prior to your arrival, so all that’s left for you to do is to simply enjoy.

The royal treatment doesn’t stop there; full-course meals, laundered clothing, comfortable transportation and on-location spas come standard. Don’t let all this glitz fool you, though; glamping is very much about enjoying and respecting nature. Guests will still embark on river rafting adventures, safaris, go rock climbing and spelunking. The biggest difference being at the end of the day, instead of coming home to a crooked, wet tent, a wait staff and a toasty fire will greet you. Do we have your attention yet?

As this fad’s popularity soars, several resorts and outdoor adventure groups offer glamping escapades, as well as the chance to design your own custom camping adventure. And this includes local Arizona Outback Adventures, which offers a large variety of outdoor adventures, supplying meals and snacks, transportation and all of your camping supplies. Another local option is The Phoenician, a luxury resort and hotel in Scottsdale, which offers its own interpretation of glamping, per request.

“Here at The Phoenician, we can create a glamping experience by providing such luxurious offerings as AAA Five Diamond accommodations, award-winning restaurants and a world-renowned spa (The Centre for Well-Being), all combined with a variety of outdoor endeavors,” says Denise Seomin, director of public relations for The Phoenician.

“The Centre for Well-Being actually offers guided hikes at Camelback Mountain,” she adds. “The resort also has bikes available to guests to explore the 250-acre grounds, or nearby communities. In addition, the concierge staff can arrange a diverse number of active pursuits to add to the glamping trip, from horseback riding to river rafting.”

If your glamping craving takes you beyond the limits of Arizona, Seomin suggests you do plenty of research online and consider seeking assistance from a travel agent.

“Its all depends on the exact type or style of glamping trip in which the travelers are interested,” Seomin says. “Glamping, or the degree of such travel, is really at the discretion of the individuals, who can truly customize the experience to meet their expectations.”

Overall, if you’re interested in pursuing outdoor activities without sacrificing comfort and present-day amenities, glamping is screaming your name.

For more information about glamping at/with The Phoenician or Arizona Outback Adventures, visit thephoenician.com or aoa-adventures.com, respectively.


Glamping at the Phoenician

“Glamping” Photo Shoot Special Thanks To:

Location: The Phoenician in Scottsdale
Clothes and shoes: Barneys, Scottsdale Fashion Square
Jewelry: Hearts, Hearts.com
Makeup: Mozaik Skin & Body
Hair: Lindsay Cohen, All Done Up!
Models: Emily, Kristin and Nicole
Photographers: Cory Bergquist and Glory Shim

glamping at the phoenician


Scottsdale Living Magazine Fall 2012