Want to explore life under the open skies but covet creature comforts? Welcome to the world of "glamping", for people who only want to sleep under five stars, writes Alanna Gallagher.
Camping is enjoying a renaissance of sorts with the prospect of being woken by earwig infestations or leaking equipment now a thing of the past. These days the great outdoors experience is a big blank canvas - one that nouveau converts are filling with their own interpretations of creature comforts. These include aesthetically beautiful as well as functional accommodation, proper shower and toilet facilities, and even real beds.
Glamping, this vogue towards an upper-end camping experience is for the people who only ever want to sleep under five stars. For princesses peeved at the idea of nights under nylon, Justin Varcoe, MD of White Canvas Tents, offers Indian-style mini marquees that will make you feel like royalty. These canvas creations are made in Pakistan and offer a selection of hand-blocked linings that really make them too posh for anyone but parents and grown-ups.
The lining patterns lend the creations extra solidity and come in four different patterns; traditional botanical and geometric motifs as well as mirrored and embroidered patterns. "The canvas is proofed in Scotland so it's designed for use in Irish and English weather conditions," says Varcoe dispelling some traditional notions that form and function can't co-habit. The White Canvas Tents range from €880-€7,325, depending on the size and shape of the tent you order. Expect delivery time to take three weeks.
Albion Canvas is another UK-based, bespoke, tent service that offers a range of made-to-order canvas confections. "You'll find none of your nylon, lightweight nonsense here. Our styles are heavyweight, secure, long-lasting and fun ways to explore the world, one that is becoming increasingly popular," says owner Alan Wenham who owes his business success in part to the fact that their Festy tent, a teepee that you can pack into the boot of your car, played a starring role in Channel 4's River Cottage on the Road series.
The company also offers period pieces such as a Baker tent, used in the 1860s, as well as yurts, tipis and tent styles of the nomads, including an Alachigh, the traditional home of the Shahsevan of Northern Iran.
Albion Canvas also sells accessories such as wood-burning stoves for high maintenance holidays and jute tent carpets to keep precious tootsies as far from down to earth as possible. Customisation is also part of the service. Add doors of any description to your yurt or a splash of colour by way of traditional patterns to tipis. Prices range from €660-€26,400 ex-delivery. At present delivery takes 10 weeks.
If you're Oxegen-bound this summer and the prospect of slumming it brings you out in a rash why not check into a Podpad for the weekend? The hobbit-like creations are more chalet chic than temporary structure and offer a genuine roof over your head. The Podpad's wooden structure is 2.440 x 1.970m in size. It comes pre-decorated, with a groundsheet, fitted carpet, shelving, interior lights and a lock for your own front door. Three sliding windows provide ventilation and light, giving you that all important room with a view. Podpads are weatherproof and somewhat soundproof and come in single, double and twin options.
They were a big hit at Glastonbury last year and voted "Best place to camp" by NME magazine. If the weather at Oxegen is anything like Glasto 2005 these might be the swish choice for style fans. A double costs €365.00 for the duration of the festival.
Floral fiends will love Cath Kidston's old-school forms to brave the elements. Tipis with a cowboy print and dome-shaped "sunshine" tents offer nostalgia a go-go as well as a sunny disposition, even when it's overcast. Both are available at Millett's in The Square in Tallaght, currently priced €110.75 and €78.75 respectively. Alternatively the tents and windbreaks can also be ordered from www.cathkidston.co.uk. Expect 28 days for deliver
You can entertain crowd in Meadows & Byrne's big tented gazebo, currently reduced from €695 to €595. Purists looking for a genuine glamping experience might like to investigate an African excursion with Aardvark Safaris . Camps offer real beds, crisp linen, en-suite facilities, flush loos, running water, as well a daily maid service. A typical two-week safari costs from €5,150pp, and includes international and internal flights, transfers, full board accommodation and safari activities.
For home birds, fixtures and fittings worth investing in include a free-standing hammock to laze away hazy days, available to order from M&S Dundrum Town Centre and Mary Street, Dublin, price €499. Avoid becoming a member of the great unwashed with a solid teak Indah outdoor shower. It is fully operational once you attach it to a tap although finding a tap that offers hot water might prove tricky. It costs €375 from Habitat.
All you need to complete the picture is some chilled wine, preferably cooled in an enamel ice bucket, €15.25, and served in hot pink non-breakable hi-balls, €4.60 each, that come with a matching jug, €15.25, all from Debenhams.
At the end of the day it is important to remember that glamping is greater than the sum of its sartorial parts. It is as much about affecting the attitude as investment in the high-end, so start by raising a decent-looking glass and salute the new carry-on in camping!
Camp Contacts
White Canvas Tents 00 44 870 321 3007 www.whitecanvastents.com
Albion Canvas 00 44 1803 762 230 www.albioncanvas.co.uk)
Podpads 00 44 7771 855 960 www.podpads.com
Meadows & Byrne Dún Laoghaire, 2804554 and shops nationwide
Cath Kidston www.cathkidston.co.uk. from Millett's, The Square,Tallaght
Aardvark Safaris 00 44 1980 849 160
Habitat 01 6771433
M&S Dundrum Town centre and Mary Street, Dublin 1. 1850 353585 www.marksandspencer.com
Debenhams 01 8781222
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