Hi babes! It’s been a pretty busy couple of weeks for the Mind & Body Complete team. We had our awesome Destin Florida Yoga Retreat two weeks before, then I spent last week at a glamping conference! Oh yes, that’s a thing! Today, we’ll discuss what it is and why I believe it compliments the yoga ideology. Trust me, there’s a reason my family and I now run our very own glamping accommodations at The Retreat Ranch.
What’s Glamping Anyway?
According to the good ole’ Cambridge Dictionary,
Glamping is a type of camping that is more comfortable and luxurious than traditional camping. The word is a mixture of ‘glamorous‘ and ‘camping‘.
Retreat Ranch Retreats
What can I say? It’s all in the name! Glamping operators offer various types of accommodations at locations all over the world. Our intention is to immerse our clients in nature in the most comfortable way possible. We also strive to do this sustainably, so as not to affect the local ecosystem.
At Retreat Ranch, we’ve crafted a unique experience by combining the rugged beauty of Texas with the holistic practice of yoga. To keep the experience authentic, our glamping experience combines yurt-style accommodations, a bunkhouse, vintage trailers, a yurt, container villas and a spot to pitch your own tent should you prefer.
Burning Man Moment Captured by Stout Tent
The Glamping Business is Rad Man!
The annual conference I mentioned earlier, is put on by the amazing team from The Glamping Show USA. It’s an incredible event where glamp operators, aficionados and curious newbies can go to learn more about the lifestyle. They even offer onsite glamping accommodation for attendees. I mean, I totally geeked out in the best way possible.
While this lifestyle has recently increased in prominence, it’s nothing new. Ever heard of Burning Man? Yup, that’s glamping taken to the most EXTREME form of luxury (hello private airport in the middle of the desert!). But if you think about it for a second, it must be worth the experience for celebrities like Paris Hilton, Heidi Klum, and P Diddy (is he still going by that?), to trek to the middle of nowhere every single year to camp glamp it out.
How to Choose the Best Glamping site for You!
I admit I’m a little biased here but combining yoga with glamping is the way to go! Lol. Truly though, it tends to come down to how and where you want to enjoy nature. Here are a few questions to ask yourself that can help narrow down your search plus a rumination or two from me.
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Where is my preferred location? Is it forest, desert, beachside, park, ranch or even island-style?
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What are the accommodations like and what’s my personal sleeping preference?
Thoughts: From my own experience, our guests want nature + a bit of luxury. Do they mind sharing a bathroom? Then yurt. Do they want a private bathroom but don’t mind going outside? Then vintage trailer. Do they want to feel like they are glamping but have indoor plumbing? Container villas or bunkhouse. Do they really (really) wanna just camp? Then they will pitch a tent.
Most, if not all glampers though, appreciate that we offer electricity, heat, air-conditioning, Tempur-Pedic style mattresses and luxury linens! Hey, nobody who goes glamping want’s the bare-knuckle Appalachian Trail experience. That’s what camping’s for!
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What amenities does the campground offer?
Thoughts: I have business associates that offer beachside glamping that focus on water activities. I’ve also got some that offer art-centric activities, be it music, painting, and other means of self-expression.
I’m a yoga teacher trainer, so naturally I wanted a safe space where people could come to meditate and do yoga. My husband and I also wanted to create a fun space that’s family friendly, so we also thought it important to offer other amenities like our dipping pools, hot tub, sauna and horse trails. Shoot, we even operate hybrid options. Ever hear of equine yoga? Oh yeah! It’s a thing and it’s great!
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Will I need to forage for food?
Thoughts: Most glamping retreats provide delicious meals for their guests. We do and we even offer wine too! Be sure to check before booking if they accommodate special dietary requests. Also, don’t forget to see if all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included or just some. PS there is a different between a glamping retreat (where lots of goodies are included) vs just booking a glamping stay which may mean you are on your own a lot.
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How will I get there?
Thoughts: Any well-run glamping operation team will offer either airport pick-up and drop-off options, resources to schedule pick up/drop offs and parking spaces. Just be sure to schedule ahead if you require any special transportation services and note any additional costs attached.
Yoga, Glamping and Yoga Teacher Training Time
At Retreat Ranch, we operate multiple retreats throughout the year where you can glamp while gaining yoga teaching hours through our online yoga teacher training program. Oh yeah baby! We offer this through our Combo Program with In-person Retreat package. Our Mind & Body Complete team and our Retreat Ranch team is all set to take care of you.
PS- if you visit the ranch, you’ll get to meet me and my family. We’ve permanently set-up shop there. Try it out, you can never go wrong with sustainably combining luxury, yoga and nature. Trust me, yurt never regret it! Get it? *Hehehe*
Until next week!
XOXO
Shannon
