Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
The place
Situated four hours north of Chiang Mai in the atmospheric Golden Triangle – a historic region where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge – are 15 opulent open-air tents. The views here are straight out of a painting, with misty mountains fringed by dense bamboo forests.
Design notes
Each tent here has its own distinct character. For instance, Tent 1 features elephant-inspired bathtub fittings, while Tent 13 is adorned with explorer-themed accoutrements like an antique world map and a pair of binoculars.
Standout feature
The highlight of each deluxe tent is a custom-made wooden hot tub perched on the private outdoor deck.
Activities
With an elephant rehabilitation camp on site, you can breakfast in the company of these gentle giants or join in with their morning bathing ritual.
Hot dish
True to its locale, the resort’s Nong Yao Restaurant serves up a medley of Lao, Thai and Burmese dishes. Try the gaeng ho, which comprises Lanna-style mixed vegetables and vermicelli in a pork curry.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Darwin
The place
Located 170km south-east of Darwin, this eco-lodge in the heart of the Mary River Wetlands offers 10 cabins and 15 safari tents ensconced in a lush expanse of green and gold. The abundant avian and wildlife sightings – the area is home to the world’s largest population of saltwater crocodiles – are a major draw.
Design notes
Each safari tent is decked out in blonde wood to complement the outback environs. Fun fact: many of the building materials used have been recycled from an 1800s cattle station.
Activities
Take a short drive to Mistake Billabong, which is teeming with varied wildlife from crocodiles to dingoes. You can also explore the wetlands by airboat or even go on a fishing trip by helicopter.
Hot dish
Savour wild-caught barramundi, lightly seared and served with a delicate beurre blanc (white butter) sauce.
Community efforts
The resort’s tour guides are recruited from indigenous Aboriginal communities wherever possible.
Menjangan Dynasty Resort, Bali
The place
This beachside resort and dive centre offers views of the lowland forests of West Bali National Park and the craggy ridges of the Tiga Saudara mountains. Sequester yourself in one of its 24 beach camp tents or four one- and two-bedroom cliff tent villas.
Design notes
Safari chic – think goatskin rugs and natural materials like wood and rattan in muted tones. Communal spaces like the function room and bar are fashioned from bamboo and alang-alang (cogon grass).
Standout feature
The Cliff Tent Villas boast private infinity pools.
Activities
Sign up for professionally led diving and snorkelling excursions at the resort’s five-star PADI dive centre. Other outdoor offerings include kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking and horse riding.
Unexpected treat
Indulge yourself with the picnic-style hamper filled with luxury bathroom amenities.
4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Cambodia
The place
Four hours west of Phnom Penh, this remote eco-camp set amid the tropical rainforest of the Cardamom mountains is only accessible by boat. The 12 overwater tented villas float on the Tatai River, which is the gateway to South-East Asia’s largest coastal mangrove swamps.
Design notes
Modern red and white interiors are juxtaposed against traditional touches like wooden Hinoki bathtubs.
Standout feature
Birdwatch from the comfort of the sun lounger on your private balcony.
Activities
Go jungle trekking for a chance to spot the rare Indochinese tiger, kayak down the river and mangrove waterways, or take a refreshing dip at the picturesque Tatai Waterfall.
Community efforts
Feel good knowing that the staff looking after you come from the local community.
SEE ALSO: Review: Clifton Glamping, Hawke’s Bay
This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of Silkwinds magazine
