Glamping, anyone?
ASTUDY showed that those who go for outdoor recreational activities produce inside their bodies a substantial amount of serotonin, popularly known as “the happy hormone.” It is an effective antidote to stress.
This is why there has been a continuously increasing number of fun-seekers who choose to go camping, especially now that the pandemic has taught us a few lessons on how to take better care of ourselves. These happy campers have discovered the benefits of their psychological health and wellbeing.
People used to think that camping would require them to have a long list of things to bring along, endure long-distance travel, bug bites, and other cumbersome irritants. But once they pitch that tent in the middle of nowhere, they get that welcome rush of adrenaline, making them feel that they have secured their own private corner of the universe.
But man’s inner craving to make what is already good even better has added comfort and glamor to camping. Glamping, a coined term derived from glamorous camping, allows one to experience the great outdoors while having the comforts and privacy of a hotel room.
Glamping tents have different shapes and functionalities. They are either the “bare minimum” safari tent, the glassy-looking bell tent, or the more luxurious insulated dome tent which has an opening in the middle for sunlight or moonlight to illuminate its interior.
These glamping tents perfectly blend the benefits of communing with nature and the convenience of having the facilities you are used to at home. Even the elderly now realize that they can have the best of both worlds, an effortless experience while enjoying the wonders of nature.
One of the glamping sites easily accessible from Metro Manila is Casa Antonio in Calatagan, Batangas. It has beautiful Glamping Huts and Tents that are available for a modest rental. There is also the Quest Adventure Camp in Sitio Buhangin, Teresa, Rizal which is ideal for large gatherings and teambuilding activities because, not only does it have Glamping Tents, it also has Pavilions for cluster assemblies, a separate area for a bonfire, and a large swimming pool.
Other popular destinations are Glamping by BLOC in Bgy. Bukal, Cavinti, Laguna where guests have the option to go kayaking or swimming; and the Zoobie Glampz inside Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay Freeport Zone which has become a favorite of families with children because they have safari-themed rooms, aside from their large swimming pool.
However, for those who prefer a more upscale type of glamping, there is Landco Pacific’s Club Laiya in Calatagan, Batangas. It offers a unique type of accommodation – Cocoons, which are large, air-conditioned cylinders attractively decorated with colorful murals of underwater animals. These structures can comfortably accommodate two persons and are equipped with a refrigerator, television, and a safe for the guests’ valuables.
These Cocoons also give guests easy access to beautiful promenades, wellmanicured parks, and a retail area for one’s sundry needs. Right next to it is Laiya’s white sand beach and resort activities so water sports enthusiasts can have their fill of windsurfing, kayaking, and yachting.
Glamping is now the new thing to do. It is a low-impact green activity that affords one a better appreciation of nature, thereby encouraging him to protect it in the right direction for the destination’s sustainability.
Your free dose of Vitamin D from the great outdoors is waiting for you…in style. Anyone for glamping?
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.