Safari tents, glamp houses, spheres, tents – these words are increasingly found in descriptions of unusual hotels. Glamping is a relatively new trend on the Russian market, but already loved by everyone. We found five interesting places in the south of Russia, where it’s nice to stay for a couple of days and forget about everything.
What is glamping
Eco-tourism is becoming more popular, but if previously nature lovers went into the forest with tents, now there is an excellent alternative – glamping. The name comes from the phrase glamorous camping and implies outdoor recreation with amenities and good service. Glamping sites offer chef-driven meals, spa programs, outdoor activities and even an open-air cinema. Each such place has its own zest and, of course, incredible views from the rooms.
“Medoveevka life”, Krasnaya Polyana
Glamping is located in the mountain village of Medoveevka, where you can easily get there by your own or a rented car (from 2,780 rubles per day*). When checking in or checking out, you can also use the free transfer that runs from Medvezhiy Ugol. If you want to escape into nature with comfort and service, choose the “sphere”. The inside is spacious and cozy, there is everything you need: a well-appointed restroom, internet, TV and a private terrace with wooden furniture. Each glamp house offers excellent panoramic views of the mountains.
There is also a Russian bathhouse with a plunge pool with spring water and a trout lake where guests can go fishing. Food delivery from a local restaurant is available to guests.
What else to do
Take a walk to the mountain river Chvizhepse, and on the way to it find an apple orchard and have a picnic. There is an Endemic brewery in the village that hosts tastings and musical evenings. There are also many apiaries, viewing platforms and hiking trails of varying difficulty around. You can admire the mountain landscape, for example, from an observation point along the route “Efremov’s horizons.” Its length is 12 km, you can start from both Medoveevka and Krasnaya Polyana.
The cost of glamping accommodation starts from 15,750 rubles* for one double room per day.
“Forest”, Krasnaya Polyana
Spa glamping in a relict forest on the banks of the Chvizhepse River. Here they make sure that nothing interferes with your vacation, so the tent houses are located at a great distance from each other. Each house is a work of art: decor, handmade furniture, textiles, wide terraces – everything delights you. The price includes breakfast, transfer from the Rosa Khutor resort upon check-in and check-out, yoga and qigong in the morning, as well as spa services – Russian, Finnish, Alpine saunas, Japanese Furaco barrels, heated pool and jacuzzi.
What else to do
Take a day trip to Krasnaya Polyana – there are many walking routes around to waterfalls and observation platforms. Skypark is also nearby. If you like adrenaline, this is the place for you: walk along the suspension bridge and bungee jump. I don’t want to leave the territory? You can get to the master class in painting or rent an ATV.
The cost of glamping accommodation starts from 22,000 rubles* for one double tent per day.
“Sphere”, Krasnaya Polyana
Spheres with panoramic views and a sauna with a plunge pool are located in a quiet place in the mountains. Inside each tent you will find a cozy stove and a bouquet of mountain flowers. On the territory there is an area for outdoor events, an open-air cinema, like you probably saw in one of the films, and a fishing area.
What else to do
All traditional outdoor activities are available here. Glamping also hosts master classes from time to time; please check the schedule and topics when booking. Also nearby there is a beautiful waterfall “Dragon’s Mouth” and an observation deck with picturesque views – the Bzerpinsky cornice.
The cost of glamping accommodation starts from 7,000 rubles* for one double area per day.
“The Best Place”, Adler
Forest glamping next to the Yew-boxwood grove, seven kilometers from the sea. Safari tents are available in two categories: standard and family. The price includes breakfast, wireless internet and a parking space. Other services are paid separately. The restaurant on the glamping site serves dishes from local products: berries, edible plants and vegetables. The bathhouse offers massages and various types of steam baths. The list of entertainment at the “Best Place” is impressive: from morning yoga and horseback riding to pottery master classes and tea ceremonies. You can also taste Kuban wines, and the chef will reveal the secrets of culinary delights and teach you how to cook unusual dishes.
What else to do
Walk through the large circle of the Yew-boxwood grove and swim in the Devil’s Gate canyon. Plan to walk almost the whole day and take a snack with you. Not far from the glamping site there is another canyon – “White Rocks”. And gastronomy connoisseurs will love the Volino farm, where you should definitely try local cheeses or bottle feed the kids.
The cost of glamping accommodation starts from 12,800 rubles* for one safari tent per day.
“9 kilometer”, Dzhubga
This is not even glamping, but camping on the seashore with interesting accommodation options. For example, you can try live in a motorhome. Beach bungalows, tipi tents, tent sites and a cliff cottage are also available for rent here. The bungalows will appeal to those who dreamed of living by the water: the houses are located 20 meters from the sea. The inside is simple and cozy. A motorhome is a good option if you want to try something unusual. A real mobile home awaits you 80 meters from the sea with a barbecue area, a small kitchen and a TV. Showers and toilets are common for all categories of housing and are located on the campsite.
What else to do
Take a trip to Inal Bay and the Silver Waterfalls. If you want to go further afield for the day, explore the wild beaches of pine trees and sand near Gelendzhik, or find the stranded cargo ship Rio.
The cost of camping accommodation starts from 8,000 rubles* for one room for two nights – it is not possible to book for a day.
*Prices valid at time of publication.