The Logbook. December Issue. 2018. by TheLostExecutive

THE LOGBOOK

GLAMPING

D E C E M B E R

SAFARI

2 0 1 8

www.naturaltoursandsafaris.com

Article on page

Contents Editors note...................................................................... 4

Glamping Cadiz and Cortijo Dehesa de las Yeguas................................................................. 60

Jail time for review fraudsters................................. 6

Glampinghub.com...................................................... 63

Booking.com launches the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sparkly townhouse........................................................................ 9

Exclusive Tents.............................................................76

Pawesome Vacations For You and Your Furry Friend.................................................................. 12

Tiny Eco Homes.......................................................... 80 NatSol.............................................................................. 84

Helping Rhinos..............................................................14

Outdoorsgeek.com.................................................... 88

Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps........18

Lawson Hammock...................................................... 90

Natural World Kenya Safaris..................................23

Prop-Sync....................................................................... 92

Haywards Grand Safari Company.......................26

ASTECtherm..................................................................94

Goolets.............................................................................31

Four Seasons Fuel.......................................................95

Bushride Travel 4x4 Travel..................................... 36 All Around Tanzania Safaris................................... 38 Allroundsafaris............................................................. 40 The Glamping Show Part 2.................................... 43 WigwamÂŽ Holidays Hafren.................................... 46 Llanfair Hall Glamping.............................................. 50 Sandat Glamping......................................................... 54 Wild Mountains Glamping...................................... 56 Lady Elliot Island......................................................... 58

Editors note

What has made 2018 magnificent and what can be done to make 2019 even better? This is the question that we have been asking the businesses included in our end of year edition. It is an important question to ask, and it’s something we’ve asked ourselves as well. We’ve found that as the end of this year approaches it is a waste to bundle all the experiences, both good and bad, into a package and label it “2018.” What a waste to simply categorise and store the experiences of an entire year! Every challenge and hurdle, every obstacle thrown into the road and every unexpected turn is a lesson that should be valued. Every solution, split-second-decision and leap-of-faith is a triumph that should be celebrated. MAJOR IMPORTANCE No business is absolute. Every single company in the world, from those dreamy start-ups to those fifth-generation monopolies run and prosper off the ingenuity, united focus and ambition of the people involved. In this issue, we’ve taken the time to speak with a number of businesses in the glamping, safari and cruise industries regarding what has made this year magnificent. With a focus on their staff and what they consider to be their triumphs, one of the most important things for them all were the relationships. RELATIONSHIP JINGLES Every business will testify to the importance

of relationships with their clients but for many this is mostly lip service. Then, you find a business such as Exclusive Tents who consider their clients more as friends and family members than just paying customers. In late 2017 one of their client’s resorts were devastated by a flood and Exclusive Tents donated essential component parts to them. Thanks to this and their ongoing support the resort re-opened a year later. There is a business trend to automate as much as possible, the aim of this is to encourage less time to be spent on processes and more time to be spent with customers. But the result seems to be causing many customers to be alienated as the gap between client and provider widens. Thankfully, 2018 has seen businesses of all sizes devote an increasing amount of time and resources to full this gap and engage their customers. If anything, this year has proven that engaging clients and customers more will always have positive outcomes and there is always room for further growth.

Family is important. Remember who is in yours.

Happy festivities. 4

The

Team Published by The Lost Executive LTD Co-founder and Creative and Editorial Director Don Campbell Co-founder Jerome Smith Head Writer Donnie Rust Copy proofreader Daemon Sands Magazine Designer Louise Smith

Working with Glampinghub.com

JAIL TIME FOR REVIEW FRAUDSTERS By staff writer

TripAdvisor®, the global leader in online review fraud prevention, today commended the result of a pivotal legal ruling in Italy which saw a persistent online review fraudster sentenced to jail. In one of the first legal cases of its kind, the Criminal Court of Lecce ruled that writing fake reviews using a false identity is criminal conduct under Italian criminal law. The owner of PromoSalento*, which sold fake review packages to hospitality businesses in Italy, was sentenced to nine months in prison and ordered to pay approximately 8,000 Euros in costs and damages. Paid review fraud – when companies or individuals ‘sell’ fake reviews to business owners – is a violation of the law in many jurisdictions, but this is one of the first cases of enforcement resulting in a criminal conviction. TripAdvisor supported the prosecution of PromoSalento as a civil claimant by sharing evidence from its extensive in-house fraud investigations and providing support from its Italian legal counsel. Review fraud is something TripAdvisor takes extremely seriously, employing advanced tracking technology and a dedicated team of investigators to catch paid review companies and prevent them from operating on the site. More information on TripAdvisor’s inhouse investigation into PromoSalento can be found here. TripAdvisor welcomes the opportunity to work with enforcement authorities, including the UK Competition and Markets Authority and the US Federal Trade Commission, to share information and support their efforts to tackle online fake reviews. Brad Young, VP, Associate General Counsel, TripAdvisor, said: “We see this as a landmark ruling for the Internet. Writing fake reviews has always been fraud, but this is the first time we’ve seen someone sent to jail as a result.”

“We invest a lot in fraud prevention and we’re successful at tackling it – since 2015, we’ve put a stop to the activity of more than 60 different paid review companies worldwide. However, we can only do so much alone, which is why we’re eager to collaborate with regulators and law enforcement authorities to support their prosecutions.”

“Online reviews play a major role in tourism and consumer purchasing decisions, but it’s important everyone plays by the rules,” said Mr Pascal Lamy, Chairman, World Committee on Tourism Ethics, UNWTO. “Fake reviews clearly contravene the World Committee on Tourism Ethics guidelines, which we published last year to guide the responsible use of ratings and reviews on digital platforms. The recommendations were developed in collaboration with TripAdvisor, Minube and Yelp and we know that industry collaboration has an important role to play in tackling review fraud.”

or individuals offering fake reviews should not engage with them but share that information with TripAdvisor directly at paidreviews@tripadvisor. com. All reports made to our Content Integrity team will be investigated and any information, no matter how minor, can help. TripAdvisor has recently launched a new online information resource where people can learn more about how the company moderates reviews and protects its content. New articles will be added regularly addressing popular topics such as how TripAdvisor moderates reviews, or determines whether a review is biased. The site also features a behind-the-scenes series profiling the vital work of our review fraud investigators, with new investigation cases studies added regularly.

The global travel community is a vital partner in the fight against paid review fraud and evidence shared by business owners approached by paid review companies is particularly valuable. Anyone approached or contacted by companies

Article on page

www.goolets.net

BOOKING.COM LAUNCHES THE WORLD’S MOST SPARKLY TOWNHOUSE Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has teamed up with internationally renowned designer and sparkle champion, Christian Cowan, to create the world’s most sparkly townhouse, the ‘House of Sparkle’.

“My designs typically feature a bit of cheeky humour mixed with a youthful take on how modern-day women can dress - transforming them into something truly head-turning! Inspiration for House of Sparkle came from my latest collection featuring shimmer, drama and of course, glamour” says Christian Cowan, designer. “I’ve had so much fun collaborating with Booking.com on the townhouse design – this is the first time I’ve channeled my vision into an amazing place to stay.”

Just in time for the holiday season and located in the fashion hotspot of Soho in central London, House of Sparkle has been designed for Booking. com by Christian Cowan who has famously dressed the likes of Beyoncé, Cardi B and Lady Gaga, and is renowned for bringing fun to the fashion world with copious amounts of colour, glitz and glamour.

Everything from floor to ceiling, including the bedroom, bathroom, closet, dining and lounge area in the four story, custom-designed townhouse will celebrate all that sparkles. The accommodation embraces ebullience, opulence and shimmer – all said to be emergent fashion trends this season – with a gold glittery frontage, black and white checkerboard glitter entrance hall and twisted glittery rainbow stairwell. Available for booking on Booking.com and accommodating up to two guests, those lucky enough to book a stay for the night will be immersed in a sparkle experience. Guests will be able to relax in a lounge dipped in pink glitter or shower in a bathroom amongst blue glittery clouds with giant silver sequin rain installations. A curtain of metallic streamers leads guests into the master bedroom, to a party sparkly world of metallic pinata textures, disco balls and mirror details. A welcome hamper will be provided full of delicious drinks and snacks plus some sparkly games to get guests in the festive spirit. A selection of Christian Cowan clothes will be available to try on and a makeover station full of the latest shimmery products ensures guests will be given the full glitter experience. More, is definitely more!

It’s all in the detail:

• 36,000 gold sequins were used to cover the exterior of the property

• House of Sparkle is a 2,000 square foot townhouse full of glitter, shine and shimmer

• Approximately 2 kilometers in length of metallic streamers adorn the interior walls

• 100kgs of sustainable glitter were used in curating the townhouse

• 52,000 mirror ball facets dazzle in the disco party bedroom

Pepijn Rijvers, Chief Marketing Officer at Booking. com says: “Who doesn’t want a bit more sparkle in their lives? The House of Sparkle is just one lavish example of the many unforgettable travel experiences customers can enjoy in the more than 5.7 million reported listings in vacation, homes, apartments and other unique places to stay on Booking.com. Surrounded by an extraordinary array of gleam and glimmer, we are excited to offer our customers a stay at the House of Sparkle, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience this holiday season!” www.booking.com

PAWESOME VACATIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR FURRY FRIEND Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has delved into its more than 28.8 reported listings, including more than 5.5 million listings of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay, to find some of the best animal loving locations to match its pet-perfect properties[i].

Budapest, Hungary Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and a dog walking dream. Treat yourself and your fourlegged friend to a walk down the beautiful River Danube, the river that separates Buda from Pest. Once you arrive at the Chain Bridge you can cross over to the district of Buda and here you can walk around the beautiful hills that offer breathtaking views of Pest, along with the famous Hungarian Parliament Building. While your furry friend relaxes at the apartment, visit one of Budapest popular cat cafes and enjoy a drink in the company of some cute kittens.

Basilica.

Tokyo, Japan Tokyo is a pawesome location for your pampered pooch with fashion boutiques devoted to providing luxury accessories for your dog, delicious treats and even pet pampering. This pet friendly city also features restaurants and cafes that have menus for both you and your dog to enjoy. After stopping for something to eat take a walk in the beautiful Yoyogi Park and enjoy views of the blossom trees and fountains. In Tokyo it’s not just about the dogs, the Machida Grandberry Mall is known to be a popular meeting place for locals along with cats.

Where to Stay: Supreme City Center Apartment lets pets stay for free! This accommodation is rated highly for its location and is only a short walk from Buda Castle and the Beautiful St. Stephen’s

Where to Stay: Set in the Nakano district, GrapeHouse Koenji offers female-only accommodation and is a great choice for travelers interested in city walks, sightseeing and convenient public transport.

Moscow, Russia Russia’s capital city boasts history and architecture and is also home to the Moscow cat museum which is no surprise considering cats are Russia’s most popular pet. Russia even has its own National

stunning sea views of the Adriatic. After a day of puppy paddling let your pooch relax in your petfriendly room while you visit the spa.

Cat day on the 1st of March every year and these furry four-legged friends can always be seen around the city of Moscow. While it may be difficult for your feline friend to join you for dinner, you can always visit one of Moscow’s cat cafes for some cute company.

Melbourne, Australia Melbourne is known for its wine regions and what better way to experience this than bringing your best friend with you. You’ll need to leave feline friend at home though as this wine tour is strictly for pampered pooches only. Your doggy winery tour features a massage, movie and lunch for your dog while you indulge in a wine tasting. After a day of wine tasting head over to one of Port Melbourne’s dog friendly beaches for a run around in the sun.

Where to Stay: The Apartments on Bronnaya are ideally located in the city center making it a great choice for travelers who are keen to see the sights. These beautiful apartments come with their own kitchen so that you can feel truly at home with your adventurous pet.

Crikvenica, Croatia Crikvenica is a Roman settlement in Croatia and the perfect destination for the traveller and pet looking to relax on this Riviera. Crikvenica is full of beautiful natural lakes and coastlines, perfect for taking a dip after a nice long walk. There is even Monty’s Dog Bar and Beach that welcomes owners and their canine sidekicks for a swim and a snack. Alongside the people-friendly food options there is also dog pizza, dog ice cream and dog herbal tea.

Where to Stay: Quest Flemington Apartment Hotels boast an outdoor pool, tennis courts, fully equipped kitchen and spacious rooms. Take your furry friend for a stroll around central Melbourne and make sightseeing arrangements at the onsite tour desk. Methodology: Percentage of properties that are listed as “pets welcome.” In order to be included, countries needed to have at least 2,500 pet friendly properties.

Where to Stay: Hotel Vali Dramalj is located a one-minute walk from the beach and provides

www.booking.com

HELPING RHINOS How we can all help Pejeta Conservancy, which is home to the last two northern white rhino and the largest black rhino population in East Africa.

Based in the UK and USA with support projects in Kenya and South Africa, we spoke with the organization known as Helping Rhinos. They are doing everything possible to pull this incredible animal back from the brink of extinction and we can all contribute and help. Jill Inglis, fundraising director of Helping Rhinos, spoke with The Logbook regarding what is being done and what can be done to help save these animals from extinction. The charity is specifically involved in antipoaching operations which include dog patrols, air surveillance and a rhino orphanage in Zululand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working since 2012, year on year it has increased its partnerships in Africa and increased the working income in support of those partnerships,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Credit Karen Laurence-Rowe

THE SUPPORTERS BEHIND THEM

Some of the groups that they work with include the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit that also includes a robust educational programme to local community schools. The Zululand Rhino Orphanage which offers care and protection of baby rhino orphans who have lost their mothers due to poaching incidents and Ol

Their cause has attracted prominent support from a number of places. Such as internationally acclaimed wildlife artist Karen Laurence Rowe who helped them secure vital funding for Ol Pejeta Conservancy through the sale of and auction of some of her work.

This comes from those governments who are supporting unscientific and redundant claims, such as China’s consideration of lifting their rhino horn ban, which is frankly so distressing that information about that can be found at the bottom of this article. And poaching is not only done in the dead of the night or in secret. There are organized hunts sponsored by foreigners who pay money to be taken out on safari to shoot a rhino for no other reason than for the joy of killing an endangered and rare animal. Rejoicing at the bloodshed their mentality can be summed up simply by: “I want to kill one before they’re all gone.”

ALL HOPE IS NOT LOST Anti-Poaching efforts are not about fighting fire with fire. You cannot take up a rifle and hunt the hunters because all you are doing is creating a cycle. Instead, anti-poaching is about removing the support for poaching by eliminating the demand. Educating people so that they know what the situation is, making them aware of the consequences and empowering them to make the correct decisions.

Credit Karen Laurence-Rowe

CHALLENGES

To change the situation, awareness is vital and is one of the areas where each and every one of us can help. All of us can show our support on social media, all of us can educate ourselves and in doing so help educate others on the situation.

Raising awareness of the plight of the rhino and raising funds to support their work are two constant challenges. These are being overcome by creating partnerships and developing innovative ways to engage with their supporters and the general public.

THE FACTS ABOUT RHINOS

“The more people made aware directly impacts their effectiveness,” Jill says, “The charity is ably guided by CEO Simon Jones and nominated trustees who together ensure a strategy and budget that keeps up to date with the newest and most effective methods of engaging with donors.”

Rhinos have been poached to the point of extinction for their horns. Because of the indifference and ignorance of those who should know better. Raising, spreading awareness and exposing those responsible for the poaching are some of the things that we can do to help. If we remain indifferent, then one day all we will have are images to show future generations. And when they ask where this peaceful, gigantic, beautiful animal went we’ll have to say, “We let them be hunted to death because we believed in magic rhino horn.”

A QUICK RANT FROM THE WRITER Poaching remains the most pressing issue facing rhino. Whereas rhino habitats are shrinking due to climate change and expansion of human populations, this does not come close to the damage inflicted to their numbers by poaching. And this is specifically related to a demand of rhino horn by the ignorant and the idiotic. It is ludicrous that people still believe rhino horn has any medicinal value at all.

HOW ENDANGERED ARE RHINOS? Rhinos are labelled as a critically endangered species. According to figures from Helping Rhinos there are less than 30,000 living in the wild today. At the start of the 20th century, there were

WHICH SPECIES OF RHINO IS THE MOST ENDANGERED?

possibly 200,000. Human activity has caused this dramatic decline in rhino numbers. Initially numbers dropped due to hunting, but today the main threats to rhino are poaching and habitat loss.

There are five species of rhino surviving today – Black, White, Greater One-Horned (or Indian), Javan and Sumatran and several sub-species within these groups.

POACHING AND ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING OF RHINO HORN

There are three species of rhino in Asia, two of which are ‘critically endangered’ the Javan and Sumatran rhino. There are only around 65 Javan rhinos left in the world and around 100 Sumatran rhinos. The Javan rhino is one of the rarest large mammals on earth and was declared extinct in Vietnam in 2011.

Poaching and illegal trafficking of rhino horn has increased sharply since 2007 and remains one of the major reasons why rhinos are still endangered today. Poaching is big business, and well organised criminal gangs are now well-equipped to track and kill rhinos. One rhino horn can fetch in excess of an incredible £200,000. Political and economic instability within countries can increase the threat of poaching too.

The Greater One-Horned rhino has increased in numbers up to 3,550 from only 200 in 1900 and is the third Asian species that is listed as ‘vulnerable’. Numbers have increased due to successful conservation efforts, though the species is still poached for its horn in India and Nepal.

Rhino horn trade has been banned under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since 1977, yet the blackmarket demand for horn is high. Driven by Asian countries, particularly Vietnam and China. It is used in traditional Asian medicine, though there is no scientific evidence at all to suggest that horn is beneficial as a remedy to anything.

The remaining two species are found in Africa. The Black Rhino is ‘critically endangered’. With only around 5,000 remaining. Numbers of Black rhino dropped by a staggering 96% between 1970 and 1995 but thanks to concerted conservation efforts, their numbers are now rising.

More recently, and particularly among the middle and upper-classes of Vietnam, the purchase of rhino horn signifies someone’s wealth and success. It is used as a status symbol.

White rhinos are classified as ‘near threatened’. There are now around 20,000 living across Africa, yet the increase in poaching levels is once again threatening these populations.

www.helpingrhinos.org/rhino-poaching/

The subspecies Western Black rhino and Northern White rhinos are now extinct in the wild. The only two remaining Northern White rhinos live at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. The last Northern White male, Sudan, died in March 2018 of agerelated issues. You can read Helping Rhino’s heartfelt tribute to him here: www.helpingrhinos. org/sudan-tribute/

LOSS OF HABITAT Habitat loss is the other major threat to rhino populations. As more and more land is cleared for agriculture there is less available space for rhinos to thrive in. Rhinos need a large area in which to feed and roam. If rhino populations end up fragmented, with no safe ‘corridors’ to travel through, chances of successful breeding and recovery will decline further.

CHINA’S INEXCUSABLE CHANGE OF LAW AND QUICK WITHDRAWAL For the last 25 years China has imposed a ban in the domestic trade of rhino horn and tiger bone. This means that any rhino or tiger product sold or prescribed by a medical official is done so illegally. On 29th October 2018 China’s General Office of the State Council issued a notice that is to allow a controlled trade and use in rhinoceros and tiger parts.

The notice goes on to state that

strong potential to increase the level of poaching of wild rhinos in Africa and Asia at a time when official poaching statistics are showing that things are finally improving!

“Except in special circumstances prescribed by law, the country bans all actions involving sales, purchase, use and import or export of rhinoceros, tigers and their related products.”

Having recently been praised internationally for their moves to make illegal any domestic trade in ivory, this announcement came as a shock to many, not only in the conservation world, but within the Traditional Chinese Medicine industry too. In a recent statement, the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK (ATCM) stated that all of its TCM practitioner members (over 700) do not use animal parts in their practices.

But importantly the report also states “Under the special circumstances, regulation on the sales and use of these products will be strengthened... Rhino horns and tiger bones used in medical research or in healing can only be obtained from farmed rhinos and tigers, not including those raised in zoos... Rhino horn and bones from dead tigers can only be used in qualified hospitals by qualified doctors recognized by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.”

ATCM has written to Chinese Government to express their concerns over this new policy, as they also believe that the ease of ban on medical use of farmed rhino horn and tiger bone will potentially put wild animals at risk.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? Due to public outcry the Chinese Government has halted its plans to lift the ban. However, that in this day and age, a decision like that could even be rationally considered reveals how wide the divide has become between those creating the demand and those trying to save animals from becoming extinct.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RHINOS? It is important to note that the State Council’s notice clearly stipulates that only horn from farmed rhinoceros within China can be used by the qualified and recognized individuals. It points out that zoo animals cannot be used under the new law, meaning that not all captive bred rhinos can be used to supply the new, legal demand.

The only logical way forward is to completely ban the trade of any endangered animal parts, including those animals that are “nearly” endangered.

But this would not mean it is good news for rhinos (or tigers) China claims that by making this change in the law they would be able to better control the use of wildlife parts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and consequently reduce the demand for illegally harvested body parts of rhino and tiger.

Helping Rhinos will maintain a collaboration with organisations around the world to bring an end to the current rhino poaching crisis. Despite this announcement from China they firmly believe that the innovative approach of our projects in the field will ensure that they create a future for rhinos in their natural habitat.

But history tells us that even a carefully controlled legal market will not reduce demand for wild animal parts. We have consistently seen a price premium for TCM that uses wild animals. Legalizing even a potentially small market legitimizes the use of rhino horn far more than has been the case for the last 25 years and provides a loophole for the black-market to exploit.

COMPANY ADDRESS: 50 Coulstock Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9XZ TELEPHONE: #44 (0)7912 346 223 EMAIL: jill@helpingrhinos.org

Without doubt, any legal trade opens up the possibility of laundering illegally poached rhino horn into the legal stockpiles. This new law has the

GAMEWATCHERS SAFARIS AND PORINI CAMPS Award Winning Safaris to watch and photograph the wildlife. Where the sound of nature rings over the Horizon. Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps are setting the highest standards for photographic wildlife tours with accommodation in authentic bush camps, demonstrating that business can flourish beside wildlife without encroaching or disrupting it.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A safari holiday in the Porini Camps is perfect for the true wildlife enthusiast who wishes to get close to nature and enjoy an undisturbed personal adventure with a knowledgeable and qualified safari guide,â&#x20AC;? he says. Imagine a guided walk with a Maasai warrior, learning to see the African wilderness as they do and tracking big cats and their prey. Or, night safari game drives in safari jeeps providing you the opportunity to spot the nocturnal civet cat and caracal. Or perhaps you would like to sit in comfort in one of the camps and simply enjoy listening to the night sounds of the bush ringing out as the nocturnal creatures come alive.

Speaking with the Chairman and Founder, Jake Grieves-Cook, he explained that each of the ecofriendly camps is situated within a private wildlife conservancy to offer an intimate and exclusive safari holiday experience. Something memorable that is away from the hordes of minibuses crammed full of noisy tourists.

DESTINATIONS FOR THAT PERFECT SHOT

nights at the Porini Camps and this can include a number of different safaris and outings during that period. For example, a six-night safari itinerary will give enough time to visit two or three different wildlife areas, each one offering something slightly different.

Wildlife safaris that provide the chance to observe and photograph wild animals in their natural habitat have always been very popular. Offering the best locations to secure great wildlife shots is part of what makes Gamewatchers so popular with photographers of every level who have the opportunity to capture something wonderful and share their experiences.

The day starts with a dawn wake-up call with tea or coffee served in a guest’s tent. Then an early morning game drive coming back for a late breakfast or a picnic in the bush before returning to camp for lunch and to relax in the heat of the day. Then afternoon tea followed by an afternoon game drive returning in the evening for dinner. The game drives are in open-sided vehicles with expert Maasai guides who grew up in the area.

Jake says, “Kenya is perfect for dramatic shots. There are a huge variety of landscapes, scenery and habitats including dry bush country, Rift Valley lakes, high mountain ranges with dense montane forests and open savannah plains. It is a good thing that our guests can store thousands of pictures digitally instead of relying on carrying rolls of film!” With such a variety of landscapes that always seem to be shifting and changing with the seasons and animals that thrive there, it is difficult to have favourites. But there are a couple of places that Jake is particularly fond of.

“We take the guest’s enjoyment seriously,” Jake explains, “You book your international flight to Africa and from our base in Nairobi we take care of everything else for you, from arrival to departure. That includes meeting you on arrival at Nairobi, providing transfers to the hotels, booking accommodation and internal flights to the parks as well as booking the best camps and providing safari transport for wildlife viewing. In addition to Kenya we arrange trips to Tanzania as well as to other leading destinations in Africa.”

“If I had to choose,” he says, “I’d say that Amboseli, Laikipia and the Mara are definitely up there.”

WHAT CAN A GUEST EXPECT? Jake reveals that Gamewatchers Safaris is one of the longest established safari outfitters based in East Africa and one of the most competitive. Guests usually spend between five and twelve

THE BUSINESS Jake founded Gamewatchers Safaris nearly thirty years ago and today they take over 7000 people

on safari in Kenya annually. They operate eight small safari camps as well as managing wildlife conservancies on thousands of acres of land. These are leased from rural communities to create areas of protected habitat for wildlife, “We manage the conservancies in partnership with the communities and employ wardens and rangers to protect the wildlife.” By employing family members of the local communities and relying on their experience and knowledge of the land and incorporating this into the safari, Gamewatchers creates an environment of greater understanding and appreciation for the importance of sustainable and non-invasive wildlife viewing.

much more expensive safaris. Including day and night game drives, open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles, guided walks and expert guides but at a hugely reduced price. This is achieved by offering basic accommodation camps that are ideal for those who are travelling on a budget but who don’t want to compromise on their wildlife-viewing opportunities.

RECOGNITION Gamewatchers Safaris has received numerous international awards including “Africa’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018” in the World Travel Awards for 2018. They have also consistently won awards for “Kenya’s Leading Safari Camp Brand” and “Africa’s Leading Tented Safari Camps”. In 2015, they were “Kenya’s Tour Operator of the Year” in the 2015 Ecotourism Warrior Awards.

ECO-TOURISM Gamewatchers have been a pioneer in ecotourism for nearly thirty years, combining environmental protection with cultural preservation by working with local communities on conservation projects. Under the guidance of Jake and managing director Dr Mohanjeet Brar they have committed themselves to preserving Africa’s unique wildlife, landscapes and giving support to local communities. “We believe that the best way to do this is through sustainable ecotourism ventures that benefit the local communities and give our guests a rewarding experience,” Jake says, “Our Porini Camps are a sustainable model that practically implements these principles. We are dedicated to providing our clients with exemplary personalized service and strive to have them leave as friends.”

“All our camps consistently receive excellent customer reviews and we have also been recognized as TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame winners,” adds Jake who stresses the importance of giving the highest priority to seeing that guests have a great experience resulting in a high level of repeat visits and recommendations.

The Porini Camps are situated within exclusive wildlife conservancies in the Amboseli eco-system, Laikipia and the Mara. As well as the Porini Camps, they also operate two Adventure Camps, which have simpler facilities but with the same high-quality experience normally associated with

He certainly appreciates the awards for his business’s hard work and the amount of effort that his team have had to put into their services to bring them to this level. But the award that means the most to him is to see clients return year after year for advice and support with their safari travel plans.

“I think if you’re going to measure your success by anything,” he says, “It should be by how many clients return the following year.”

THE MISSION OF GAMEWATCHERS SAFARIS Gamewathers Safaris pioneered the “Conservancy Concept” in Kenya. This is the leasing of land to form community-owned wildlife conservancies adjacent to the national parks. This creates a buffer for any animals straying out of the National

Park areas and has also transformed the areas adjoining Amboseli National Park and the Mara Reserve. The wildlife habitat here has regenerated, enlarging the area available for wild animals.

Safaris and Porini Camps. Over 1,000 families earn a steady monthly income from leasing land inside the conservancies which Gamewatchers was instrumental in setting up.

As a direct result of these efforts wildlife numbers have been able to increase in these protected areas, including the famous Big Five of Africa. Rare and endangered species numbers have also risen and benefit greatly from the restricted numbers of visitors allowed into these areas.

“It is a cooperation to protect the natural heritage of this area,” Jake says, “It is something we all believe in very strongly and trust our guests will appreciate it too.”

PRICE: Range of tours featured on website: www.porini.com

“By strictly controlling the number of people allowed in we avoid over-using the land, so guests who choose to stay at the Porini Camps located within the conservancies benefit from premium game-viewing with few – if any – other tourist vehicles present.” Jake says.

COMPANY ADDRESS: Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps, Nairobi, Kenya TELEPHONE: +254-774-136523 EMAIL: info@porini.com

The local people have also benefitted from the Conservancy Concept, with over 200 members of the local community working with Gamewatchers

NATURAL WORLD KENYA SAFARIS See Africa in all its natural splendour For over a decade and a half, Natural World Kenya Safaris have been providing safari tours and local excursions to travelers from around the world to share the sublime beauty that is East Africa. Covering Kenya, Tanzania and other safari hotspots the company deals with over 2600 safaris annually and has one of the best rankings on Tripadvisor.

The main services include safari tour logistics in Kenya and Tanzania which entails safari accommodation bookings, tour transport, tour guiding and general destination assistance services. There is a lot that goes into creating the perfect safari package and Humphrey reveals that it isn’t something that was learnt overnight. “It has taken us sixteen years to build the business,” he says, “It’s grown to a fully-fledged tour operator with sixty members of staff, a fleet of fourty 4x4 safari jeeps and ten tour minivans all fitted with pop-up tops. Offices at both Nairobi and Mombasa complete the set up.”

WHO ARE THEY? Natural World Kenya Safaris are a holiday safari tour operator who take great pride in offering local excursions covering Kenya, Tanzania and other safari hotspots throughout Africa. Since 2002, they have been offering value-for-money Kenyan only and combined Kenya & Tanzania safari tour packages that have kept countless guests enthralled.

ACCOMMODATION Working with a range of clients including individuals, couples and groups both large and small. Natural World Kenya Safaris have had to cultivate flexible relationships with a number of accommodation providers along their tour routes to meet the requirements of their guests.

Tours set off from several locations including the Kenyan safari capital, Nairobi, as well as coastal beach areas in Mombasa, Diani, Watamu and Malindi. Each safari tour is designed to be affordable and tailorable to suit your holiday budget whilst still providing the African adventure experience of a lifetime. Since 2012 to 2018 they have been Awarded the Trip Advisor “Certificate of Excellence,” and continue to receive many positive reviews from safari participants. Speaking with owner Humphrey Ndara, we dove into what has given Natural World Kenya Safaris the competitive edge in a crowded market space.

“Value and opportunity,” he reveals, “We aim to be affordable and offer great value for money so everyone has the chance to see the East African horizon like it should be seen.”

“It’s no little thing,” he says, “Where you lay your head at night when you go to sleep can be as important as the safari adventure of the day. Our safaris are a combination of adventure and luxury. A day filled with amazement and wonder and a deep, satisfying night’s sleep. That’s what makes a great safari experience.” And, every safari brings with it a group of people with different tastes in where they would like to

“When the business was first set up the main challenges were inadequate resource and human capital,” he says, “But we overcame them by offering the best that was possible at the time and improving a little bit on every opportunity. Learning and improving consistently is how we have become the company we are today.”

stay. Some liking hotels and others favoring safari lodges or tented camps. A list of appropriate, high quality accommodation sites has been curated over the last sixteen years by the staff at Natural World Kenya Safaris to keep the guests never wanting for that perfect night sleep.

SOCIALS To reach out to clients new and old, engage with industry partners, to comment on current events and to be involved in the going-ons of the travel industry in Kenya, requires a dedicated marketing approach. Humphrey’s marketing staff spend approximately two hours a day on social media and they can be contacted on all the major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogs.

THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL SAFARI BUSINESS

“Social media is an important tool because you can connect with people on a deeper level than merely by email or phone,” he says, “It is a resource to attract new clients and engage our marketplace and keep ourselves relevant.”

Humphrey is an industry player and makes sure that he keeps up to date with what is happening in tourism, travel and hospitality. “We keep abreast of prevailing trends in the tourism industry and we also keep up with the present and future technology and other developing needs,” he says, “We formed the business because we were passionate about tourism and safaris and we want to stay ahead of the game as much as possible.”

According to Humphrey, consistency is the secret to running a good touring business. While it may not seem it on the surface, the touring and safari industry surfs a tide of changes both economic and political in the countries where they are based. Sometimes this affects capital and resources, other times it disrupts human capital but as long as a business approaches it with consistent effort, creativity and above all passion these challenges can be overcome.

SAFARIS OFFERED For a client to select the perfect safari, many things need to be taken into consideration. Specifically, the main question to ask is: what is it that they want to experience? The fact is that East Africa is just too large to be able to fit everything into a single tour, even if that tour was several weeks long. As the song goes, “there is more to see than can ever be seen, and more to do than can ever be done.”

Easy paced drives and well staggered safari overnights make this a friendly safari tour for all including family or seniors. Two nights are spent at the Amboseli which is located at the floor of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there the tour progresses to the Rift Valley stopping at Lake Naivasha where the third night is spent. At Lake Naivasha guests get the chance for a boat ride to see the small game and Africa’s most dangerous animal, the hippo.

The sorts of tours that Natural World Kenya Safaris offer include safaris that deal with wildlife, landscape and culture. Mountain trekking safaris, holiday and beach extensions and the very popular photography safaris. “We usually integrate elements of all of these tours into one package,” Humphrey says, “Allowing a well-rounded experience that will hopefully have the guest wanting more.”

While still at the Lake Naivasha, the tour visits the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park on a short bicycle ride. From there, the tour proceeds to the Lake Nakuru National Park to view the endangered rhino and other wildlife and birdlife. Or, a visit to Lake Bogoria can be arranged instead to view the flamingos that are frequently seen in sizeable numbers here. The World famous Maasai Mara game reserve is the last stop with two nights and days of wildlife viewing, including drives to search for The Big five. On this safari tour accommodation is suggested in a selection of economy, comfort or luxury safari lodges and tented camps depending on budget and style. Transport is in private pop up top 4 x 4 Land Cruiser jeep

WHAT CAN A CLIENT EXPECT? Safari tours are divided into three main categories: Short-haul safaris: Range from 1-3 days Medium length safaris: Range from 4-6 days Long-haul safaris: Range from 7-14 days On average the tours last for seven days and each tour follows a set structure to take full advantage of time. A tour participant is collected from their hotel and they go straight to the safari. Meals such as breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered during the safari and they sleep overnight at one of the accommodations such as a lodge or luxury tented camp. At the end of the safari the client is returned safely to their hotel with a deeper appreciation for this wonderful and unique region of the world.

COMPANY ADDRESS: Pioneer House, Kenyatta Avenue, First Floor, Next to I&M Building, P.O. Box 5036 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Diamond Trust Bank Building, First Floor, Moi Avenue, P.O. Box 89946, Mombasa, Kenya

5 NATIONAL PARKS, “SAFARI KENYA”, FROM NAIROBI TO NAIROBI This tour departs and returns to either the Nairobi airport or the area hotels. Using a pop-up 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep the seven-day tour covers the Amboseli National Park, Rift Valley Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru and the Masaai Mara.

TELEPHONE: +254 700 372 169, +254 788 287 151, +254 720 367 334 +254 720 894 288 (24 hrs), +254 41 2226715 +254 202 216 830 EMAIL: info@naturaltoursandsafaris.com

HAYWARDS GRAND SAFARI COMPANY Don’t just go on any Safari. Make it a grand one. By Donnie Rust

want bespoke, tailor made opportunities to see all of the best that a place has to offer. You want an adventure that would be worthy of a Hans Zimmer original composition. As a top executive, there is something extraordinary about You will not settle for anything less. you. You want extraordinary and vivid experiences. You And nor should you. To experience southern Africa, is enough of a reason to go there. For no other region offers such a diversity of life in such a range of colours and sounds. Life could have begun here and simply boiled over into the rest of the world. With so much to discover, you shouldn’t risk leaving with average memories thanks to an average ‘budgetfocused’ safari guide!

HAYWARD’S GRAND SAFARI Haywards Grand Safari was founded by Peter Hayward in 1991 and it is the only real choice in bespoke executive level safaris for big groups of over 40 people. It is reminiscent of the bygone days of explorers and great hunters who would embark upon African expeditions with an entourage of a hundred people. Bringing along everything from gun-bearers, hunters and guides to female companions, porters and cooks. Today, there can be up to 200 people on just one of Haywards safaris, enjoying the same spirit of adventure as those pioneers in the 1800s but with far higher standards of luxury.

says, “Our ancestors were opening up regions, putting in towns and farming the rural areas. I am 7th generation in line already and count myself lucky to live in a country that is still dominated by wilderness.” Within this wilderness Peter’s company creates private events and safari functions for a selection of blue chip corporates, European royalty, Hollywood celebrities and even Miss World pageant finalists. This high-end class of executive has been the focus since 1992.

We spoke with Peter Hayward himself and discovered just what goes into the background of this vibrant, exciting business.

A LINEAGE OF ADVENTURERS

“In 1991, when we first started we ran smaller weekend fishing camps,” he recalls, “In ’92, we went into the “mega camp concept”, hosting film crews shooting in Namibia and Botswana.”

There is a scale to Peter Hayward’s story that could rival any tale in Africa. A full quarter of a century before the famous explorer David Livingstone ever set foot in Africa, Peter’s great, great grandfather James Hayward, a 24-year-old husband and father set sail on 7th January 1820 to Algoa Bay, South Africa, aboard The Weymouth. Travelling with him was his wife Mary, their oneyear old child William and James’ two younger brothers William and George. This was hardedged pioneering at its best at a time when the Cape’s Eastern Colonies was a vast wilderness of buffalo herds, elephants and antelope, outlined with packs of wild dogs and the ever present simba, the lions.

Between ’96 and ’99 they perfected their production of these mega camps and began hosting corporates into these regions, “Then by the end of 1999 we launched our all new conceptional camp called Haywards Grand Safari Camp – a concept we have been continuously developing ever since.”

Safari camps were a way of life for the Haywards. And not much has changed. “We have a long family line of ‘outdoors men’ and pioneers within the African context,” Peter

This development, while organic, has been very directed. Peter explains that they were clear about wanting to specialize in the group arena from the outset, offering experiences for larger numbers. “But our presentation, attention to detail and the handling of the individual’s experience is our forte. We offer group safaris yet still provide a personal experience to each group member, this has earned us our five-star status.”

THE SAFARIS This is not the sort of safari where you would dos in a sleeping bag and spend the day bouncing about on the roof of a Jeep. This is an entirely different class of safari. The groups that Hayward’s Grand Safaris work with are of the size where the main problem faced is access into pristine wilderness areas. The lodges are too small to cater for groups this size, whereas Haywards allows big groups access to unique and remote wildlife areas by bringing their accommodation with them. Speaking about the exclusivity of their brand, Peter explains, “For us ‘safari’ means taking highly privileged people into highly privileged areas. Our brand of safari is very different from the mill. It is a primary product providing rare and privileged safari events that supersedes the expectations of the clients in every way.”

comes along, and his own four children, work for Hayward Safaris at any given time. And to be a member of the crew, as Peter refers to it, everyone has to be at the top of their game. Extensive training is given, and through an organizing board, each staff member is expected to perform their specific function perfectly. Haywards have an inhouse safari academy for ongoing training and part of this is ongoing development of individual life skills. This is so that their crew members can also become more effective members of society, something that Peter is particularly proud of.

As the Safari sets off across the continent, each location has its own cache of secrets to be discovered. One of the tasks that Hayward’s Safari has to be able to manage is to orientate guests towards an appreciation of the area they are immersed in. Peter reveals that they bring in storytellers to do this, saying, “They are historians in their own right and cover a range of archeological, geological and zoological material in an entertaining and personable fashion.”

And what sorts of qualities does the individual need to possess to be able to work on the Hayward’s Grand Safari? Peter’s first answer is simple: “Anyone who can run a 22-hour shift qualifies.”

An example would be i’Simangaliso, which is the biggest wetland park in Africa set within the Zulu culture, and covering various rhino breeding programmes in Africa. The storytellers use the campfire as their stage and weave their stories to the delight of the guests, answering questions as they go and involving everyone. It is the perfect fireside entertainment.

He elaborates, “The reality is that our crew can handle the punch of long shifts and hard work and do it for extended periods of time. If an individual can deliver and they enjoy the sort of work, we don’t mind where the person originates from. You can’t force someone to have that mindset, but it is an essential mindset to have as we are in the event management industry.”

“Great entertainment doesn’t need to be all glitz and glamour,” Peter says, “We do it on a scale that is grand and that is client specific. But “Grand” could mean privacy and the privilege of being the only people on 3000 hectares of remote, pristine wilderness surrounded by a group of lions, or a herd of elephant which walk through camp as they come to investigate the stories being told. This is the priceless value of what we offer.”

STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME Hayward’s award-winning approach is no secret and Peter knows that despite the sevengeneration advantage he may have on some competitors that he has to keep his business ahead of the game. Part of this is keeping abreast of the developments in the industry and understanding how everyone will be affected by such things as reduced budgets, cost increases or client’s expectations.

RUNNING A “GRAND” SAFARI BUSINESS Up to 90 staff, dependent on each project as it

The company received two international world awards for their Isuzu launch and recently hosted the ruler of Emirates. It’s this diversity that Peter likes about it. These big, high-end, life-changing productions, working with royal family members, or setting up for Dire Straits or Creedence Clearwater Revival on stage, is the space where Peter is most at home.

He explains, “I communicate all the time with people in our world. I like working with true professionals that are on top of their game, and for them to be there they need to know that game inside and out. It’s all part of the formula for success.” He goes on to explain that they are not in the ‘same old, same old’ business and have to constantly be innovating and improving. They have to, because each and every production for a client is unique from top to bottom. To create the best experience, they have to be able to interpret clearly what the client wants.

Pertinently, he says,

“We are not a ‘bed option’ for agents desperate to find enough capacity for their big group. We are in the business of creation.”

“Every client is individual, and we have never had two jobs remotely similar over the past 20 years,” Peter says, “We don’t use templates, irrespective of what the event is be it a 21st or a 60th birthday party, a wedding or the launch of the Ferrari 458, Landrover of the BMW X5. Everything is original from start to finish.”

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GOOLETS Take the time to enjoy the journey

It only took one gulet cruise for business owners Mitja and Alenka to totally fall in love with the concept. In fact, it made such an impression on the pair that it wasn’t long before they were putting plans together to share the experience with others. With a shared background in tourism, Goolets was soon born.

As CEO Mitja MirtiČ explains, Goolets combines the luxury of a hotel, the adventure of a cruise and the boutique style of a top-line glamping resort with glamorous destinations. These include Turkey, Croatia and Greece with additional destination options such as Montenegro and Italy. But it is the time spent upon the yachts, which are called gulets, that make the holiday.

JOURNEYING WITH STYLE

“A gulet is a mostly wooden vessel that comes with a full crew including an experienced captain, chef, sailor and hostess,” Mitja says, “The gulets range in size from twenty up to fifty meters in length and have anywhere from four to eight cabins. Some of our larger fleet come with ten and up to sixteen cabins as well.”

Discerning travellers will know that “how” you reach your destination is as important as getting there. Taking this to heart, Goolets is a company that has perfected the art of “journeying” in style.

THE GORGEOUS DESTINATIONS

According to Mitja, gulet cruises are similar to yachting holidays, if more affordable and somewhat slower. He says, “In the yacht business travel is faster as it is more focussed on getting you to your destination as soon as possible, but a gulet is slower and allows you the chance to properly appreciate the experience of the journey. With food services that are nothing short of amazing, luxurious accommodation and of course wonderful sea views.”

For Goolets, Croatia is the hottest destination at the moment, with Dubrovnik and Hvar being very popular for the jet setters. Greece is always very popular for its food and culture while Turkey, which offers the widest range of gulets (more than 1000 to choose from) is a great choice for variety. Mitja suggests that a combination of Turkey and Greece at this time of year is probably one of the best ways to experience the cruise.

He describes a gulet as a floating hotel. The finest food is served, the cabins are cleaned, the beach is always right there for you to enjoy and the hotel moves from location to location to ensure the view is always fresh and new. The wood gives it style and each vessel is unique and not part of some serial manufacturing. Gulets and yachts differ in one main area, yachts all look alike and are for show offs, gulets are for people who appreciate class. Gulets are preferred by those who like to be pampered, that like great food, to explore places away from crowds and most importantly take their time.

“I have several favourite routes and it would take too long to list them all,” he says, “One of the best of them is a one-way cruise from Split to Dubrovnik where you can experience all the best islands that Dalmatia can offer. This route takes you from Split to Hvar, then to BraČ island with its Golden Cape, to KorČula island then to Mljet or the Lastovo Nature Park with Dubrovnik in the end.”

TAILORED MADE CRUISES Mitja says that most cruises are based on seven nights and eight days from Saturday to Saturday. This being said a ten day or fortnight cruise would also make perfect sense and clients can expect a completely tailored cruise to suit their wishes and tastes. As an example, a seven-day cruise from Split to Dubrovnik can be experienced very differently if you are a family with small kids or if you are a group of young couples. Families like safe beaches and family orientated water activities, couples may wish to swim and relax, eat superb meals and drink the best wines. Or if you are a group of seniors, you may wish to explore different towns, visit museums, experience local culture or just drink at a different taverna every day.

“Beachballs and sand, candles and romance or jet skis and parachuting. Each group has its own cup of tea,” Mitja explains, “All you need to do is tell us what yours is.”

THE BUSINESS KEEPING GOOLETS AFLOAT Goolets was founded by Alenka and Mitja MirtiČ in 2004. It is a family business and they are both still very involved and personally believe gulet cruise holidays are the best type of holidays in the world. The company mantra is “Life is good” and their main mission is to put this mentality to everyone working in the company.

“It took around ten years for the company to really find its feet,” Mitja explains, “And with growth, a lot of challenges presented themselves. The main one was how to keep the services boutique and tailored to each group while we and the sizes of the groups we worked with expanded. There is a big difference between organising a trip for a group of ten people and a group of three hundred.” Out of everything they do, to Mitja the “Human to Human Approach” is the most important and is, in his opinion, the company’s primary goal. Each client works personally with a member of staff to organise their holiday down to the finest detail. Irrespective if this takes 200 emails and a hundred phone calls or is organised over a ten-minute chat, every detail is covered.

“Whatever the size of the group, we accommodate for it,” Mitja says, “This is the highest challenge and most important to us, that each and every one of our guests knows without a doubt that they are our most important one.”

CHALLENGES At the start, Goolets faced-off with the same challenges of many businesses. Quandaries like how to market and get clients without any budget, resources or experience in marketing while also running the business and the cruises. “Saying that it was hard would be an understatement,” Mitja says, “We had to find our ways of promoting a product that nobody knew about to groups of people all over the world. It was cheaper than luxury yachts but wasn’t a ‘cheap holiday’ and nobody knew what a gulet was!” But with a lot of hard work and being ultrastubborn and not giving up when it seemed impossible. Relying on mutual support and some good old-fashioned luck. Then combining these

THE TYPICAL GUEST Goolets mostly work with English speaking groups from all over the world. The most clients come from USA, Europe, South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. One of the things that all of these groups share is that they are in search of something special. The classic hotel and villa holidays can get stale after a while, but not everyone has the money to spend 150,000€ on a luxury yacht holiday. However, all of the groups that Goolets work with are looking for something similar to it.

things with endless studying and learning and educating. Then taking all of this and adding discipline and near super human levels of optimism it all worked out.

building,” Mitja says, “We also have a wide range of other travel agency partners that use our agency as their main go-to partner for gulet cruises. We need to have and keep their trust too.”

“I would say there is really no big secret to success,” Mitja says, “All you need to do is go all in and commit fully, with your full heart, body, soul and all of your brains. Learn. Study. Never give up. And be willing to go in with the realistic idea that for the first 5 years you will not make any money while working 80 hours a week. If you can do that, you know it’s worth it and you will be fine.” This has shaped the business today as everyone involved in Goolets has a real passion for what they are doing. Their devoted marketing team keep up to date with the latest industry news and have a genuine interest in the sector. The commercial department maintain amazing relationships with the gulet owners from all over the world because they have a common passion that they can connect on. The sales team are one of the best in the industry, but not because they’re only good at sales but because they are a team of gulet experts who provide good advice and support to people that are interested.

Goolets tackle this head on. They make a point of networking with people who have more experience than they do, this is why their marketing, sales and customer support are of such a high calibre. The more experienced, trained and supported a staff member is, the better they can look after a customer. There is another useful reason. “We are always trying to learn and study and develop,” Mitja says, “And employing people better than ourselves always gives us the opportunity to do so. You have to connect yourself with the best of everything and implement it into your business.”

“We have a team of amazing people, working on hard projects and trying to have as much fun as possible while doing it,” Mitja says, “If anything, success is an ongoing by product of this.” TRUST AND RELATIONSHIPS Networking and building relationships are a crucial part of Alenka and Mitja’s business. There are a limited number of gulets in the world, so having a good relationship based on trust with owners of these vessels and the qualified professionals that make up the crew is fundamental. But relationship building goes further than this and stitches the entire business together. “An example of this is for a client from the USA, to book a cruise in Turkey, through a company based in Slovenia needs a lot of trust and relationship

Luxury travel, to Mitja, is all about combining “one on one support” which is being able to link clients with attentive personnel, while also implementing the latest technologies to keep things efficient, smoothflowing and secure.

“The more technology that is implemented to allow more of the human element the better,” he says, “As long as everything we do helps people have the best holidays of their life, we should be fine. “

FUTUREPROOFING Keeping the business ready for the future is a daily endeavour, Mitja reveals. One that involves reading the latest blog articles and industry news. Reading books. Attending industry conferences. Talking to other people in the gulet segment and with people from segments that are not as niche to gather ideas and considerations. It’s time consuming but necessary.

PRICE: while the range of luxury goes anywhere from 10.000 €/week and up to 100.000 €/week for groups of 4 and up to 35 people COMPANY ADDRESS: Taborska Cesta 1, 1290 Grosuplje, Slovenia EU

“We are up to date with the latest marketing trends and we do try to implement what makes sense to our company,” he says, “We do try to promote gulet cruises to people that never heard of us before, which is hard, takes a lot of time and is very expensive, but on the long-term basis, we believe it is the way to go.”

TELEPHONE: +386 40 233 240 EMAIL: mitja.mirtic@goolets.net

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BUSHRIDE TRAVEL 4X4 TRAVEL Reliable Travel Comfort WHAT THE CLIENT CAN EXPECT

Bushride Travel was founded in May 2017 by Kangwa Bwalya. Also, famously called “Kay”, he is a man with over ten years of experience in this industry having climbed through the ranks from staff member to boss.

Kay explains that most people rent the 4x4s for anywhere between 3 days to 3 weeks. This includes driving on road and on rough, rugged terrain only suitable for off road vehicles. Due to this the cars are kept in pristine condition and undergo regular checks and maintenance after every 5000 km.

Starting out, he worked as a waiter for three years between 2005-2007 with Robin Pope Safaris in South Luangwa National Park. He then went to the city to pursue accountancy, graduated with Licentiate in 2009 and went straight back into Tourism as Assistant Accountant at Norman Carr Safaris. He then progressed on to Croc Valley as Accounts & Admin Manager. Currently he is the Company Accountant for Flatdogs Camp while also running Bushride as the MD. Working with him are 4 junior staff members and 2 directors including himself.

“Over and above this,” Kay says, “We also offer advice on where they can camp along their journey and tailor-made packages for mobile safaris in Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Botswana. These are custom built around our client with Andrew, our Professional Safari Guide to journey with them.”

RELIABILITY AND RELATIONSHIPS The details are important to Kay and there are some fundamentals that his business is based around. Reliable cars that are fully serviced and cleaned, professional drivers and guides, flexible rental periods, 24/7 support service, comprehensive vehicle and passenger insurance and modern GPS for all vehicles.

“And the most important are the relationships,” Kay adds, “It’s the future of the business. We believe in the importance of first impressions. Creating and building customer relation is the most important marketing tool in this business. Everything else is secondary.”

The love for the bush is what drove Kay to build his own business. And, having encountered the challenges clients have in finding a reliable and legally operating car rental business in Zambia at large, he decided to bring this service to their door step. “Many clients would have ended up hiring a vehicle from South Africa for Safari and road trips in Zambia which is impractical,” Kay says, “But if you’re in Zambia you just cannot find a good, reliable company to hire from and this is where Bushride comes in.”

PRICE: Transfers $20.00-$332.00 per person. Groups get preferential rates. Day rental $150.00$200.00 per day. 5 and more days get preferential rates VEHICLES AVAILABLE: 4x4 SUV, Saloons, 4x4 Full camping equipped with rooftents and Game viewers. COMPANY ADDRESS: Bushride travel PO Box 81 Mfuwe Zambia TELEPHONE: +260 967 914 151 EMAIL: info@bushride-travel.com

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ALL AROUND TANZANIA SAFARIS Truly inspirational Safaris

and the Hadzabe Tribe, some of the last hunter and gatherers still living off the land. The Bushmen and Blacksmiths here share their stories.

In 2011, Fiona Hall, a successful business owner from Australia, was in Tanzania with some friends and decided that she wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. To get there they had to hire a driver, who proved to be a bottomless fount of local information with a natural charisma and talent for engaging his passengers. His name was Marco Duwe and he would become the co-founder alongside Fiona of All Around Tanzania Safaris Pty Ltd.

“Our aim is for the client to leave Tanzania with a deeper appreciation of this incredible country,” Fiona says, “We want them to feel connected to it.”

THE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN Specializing in Tanzanian trips that include all the known locations and a number of unknown and hidden gems, All Around Tanzania Safaris Pty Ltd are the company that seasoned travellers use for their Tanzanian experience. Each Safari is custom built around the Client and their personal preferences as to what they wish to see. The general itinerary includes the “must see” National Parks including; Lake Manyara, Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater . Additional experiences include a visit to Lake Eyasi

ACCOMMODATION

An example of this is how they offer photography lessons pre-safari to show clients how to capture the best images. This sort of attention to detail has also attracted a number of photographers wanting to get into safari-photography.

A variety of accommodation is available on the various tours depending on the needs and budget of their clients. These can range from safaris to high end luxury tented camps and lodges. Fiona says, “We are mindful and proactive in partnering with Tanzanian owned and operated accommodations but are always investigating new options. You always have to aim to provide clients with the greatest, freshest locations with the best service and value for money.”

THING TO KEEP IN MIND Clients are advised to check with their doctors regarding immunizations. Further to this, clients are provided with a full detailed list of important requirements including things like travel insurance and sunscreen.

WHAT TO EXPECT

WORTHY MENTIONS

Creating itineraries that suit a group’s interests, priorities, availability and budget is their specialty. Fiona knows firsthand, that when confronted with the expanse and wealth of things to see in Tanzania, a person can be swept away with what is available and end up missing what they really wanted to see. With each safari having a limited amount of time to work with, each one becomes a tailored expedition, exciting for both guide and group.

All Around Tanzania Safaris sponsors ten children who go to the Tumaini Private School. Fiona was deeply moved by a visit to an orphanage during her first trip to the country, and as a mother herself she wanted to do her part to help. Working with Marco she has incorporated sponsoring children to go to school into the business plan of All Around Tanzania Safaris. For more information visit their website. We can provide an opportunity to visit the School and Orphanage if Clients wish.

“We believe that building a good relationship and communicating openly with our clients enriches the experience for all,” Fiona says, “We are passionate about Tanzania, and our guides are all local professionals with a love of their country and an understanding of what makes a great safari. The more interactive the trip the more enriching for all.

COMPANY ADDRESS: BNji Panda, Karatu, Tanzania TELEPHONE: +61(0)417374744 EMAIL: info@allaroundtanzania.com chris@allaroundtanzania.com fiona@allaroundtanzania.com marco@allaroundtanzania.com WEBSITE: www.allaroundtanzania.com

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ALLROUNDSAFARIS Self-drive Safaris around Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Offering bespoke, tailor made safari experiences for small groups, Allroundsafaris was founded in 2003 by Annamarie Burger and her late husband Schalk Burger. It was their love of nature, wildlife and the desire to share it that inspired them to form the company.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia. When travelling with Allroundsafaris you get to experience unique interactions with interesting cultures such as a stay in a Bushman Village in the Tsumkwe area. Or what do you think of experiencing a night underneath the stars at the Makgadikgadi Pans?

Allroundsafaris contracts the best safari guides to offer their clients the most professional service.

WHAT TO EXPECT

“When we do a guided self-drive in Botswana, a Professional Botswana Guide does the guiding from Maun into Moremi and Chobe to Kasane. In Namibia we contract Professional guides for the duration of the safari. These guides have the most experience, are highly engaging and represent us very well. ”

Annamarie explains that they organize guided group tours as well as self-drives for individuals. Allroundsafaris offers a package of accommodation bookings, travel documents and a detailed itinerary including GPS coordinates. Their expert knowledge is excellent to make sure you are fully prepared to go on your safari!

THE SAFARIS

PHOTOGRAPHY

On average the safari’s have a duration of between 10 to 15 days. Some of the highlights in Namibia include Windhoek, Waterberg, Caprivi, Etosha, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Sesriem and Sossusvlei. The Botswana highlights are the Makgadikgadi Pans, Maun, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Kasane and ending your tour at the mighty

“We encourage our guests to take pictures and our safaris are ideal for photography, and it is included in the normal safari route,” she says, “We rent 4x4 equipped vehicles with rooftop tents for the clients. This not only provides a safe zone for sleeping but additionally an immediate vantage point for taking pictures at times like sunrise or sunset.”

To discuss this further with one of their experts you can contact them on their Facebook page or their website.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND A detailed list is provided by Allroundsafaris to every guest, of essential items to bring. Including sunblock, toiletries and mosquito repellent and other, lesser known items. It is important to pack appropriate clothing for daytime and nighttime because the temperature can drop quite dramatically at sunset. Also make sure you pack clothes in natural colors. Additionally, it is essential that before travelling each guest checks with their medical practitioner regarding any shots or medication that should be taken.

WHAT IS INCLUDED Included within the guided safari package are fully equipped 4x4 vehicles with camping equipment and rooftop tents, fuel, communication equipment and pre-booked lodge/hotel/National Park/Game Reserve accommodation as well as included excursions. Park entrance fees and vehicle fees are included and breakfasts, lunch and supper are provided as per the itinerary.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY As many of the trails used are only accessible by 4x4 vehicles, Annamarie says that many of their clients see the parts of Africa they’ve never seen before. Even if they are seasoned explorers. Thanks to this, many clients often return as friends, eager to see more. “We are after all a family owned and operated company that specializes in guided self-drive safaris in the remote and pristine areas of Southern Africa,” she says,

“It’s a full immersion into the experience as you won’t just be another passenger, you will be the explorer.”

TELEPHONE: +27(0)715803471 EMAIL: allroundsafaris@lantic.net WEBSITE: www.allroundsafaris.com

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THE GLAMPING SHOW PART 2 A standardization model for glamping. Your questions, answered. Laura Golding, Conference Manager for The Glamping Show

WHAT WOULD BE THE BENEFITS OF A GLAMPING STANDARDIZATION MODEL?

Glamping has been named one of the most prominent and influential movements in hospitality. While luxury camping has been present for decades, with camping sites offering luxury accommodations as an addition to their normal pitch sites, it wasn’t until fairly recently that “glamping” has found its footing and become its own mainstream industry. It is a booming market for entrepreneurs looking to enter into the hospitality industry as destinations and suppliers, but many experts agree that what it is now most in need of is a standardization model to lock-in the value for guests and enthusiastic glampers.

Laura explains that there are three ways a standardization model will benefit glamping owners. Firstly, it will help owners manage quality and visitor expectations, secondly it will educate operators on meeting safety & regulatory requirements and thirdly it will promote collaboration among glampsite operators to share knowledge and best practices. “At the moment,” she says, “Without any industrywide standardization, the only way consumers have to compare different glamping experiences is by price. Clearly this isn’t transparent enough for consumers and, worse, opens the entire industry up to exploitation by those simply looking to make a fast buck.”

The Logbook spoke with Laura Golding, Conference Manager for The Glamping Show who have been taking incredible strides to legitimize glamping and bring it into industry maturity. Laura’s experience of organizing Glamping Business events hosted in the UK and the US and particularly the work she’s done with industry leaders has given her an informed perspective on the industry’s future.

Standardization, therefore, provides a way to inform consumer expectations during their research process and before they arrive at a glampsite. Having clear standards for glamping sites helps ensure that the holiday a visitor has

for example from high-end luxury such as highend resort or hotel quality, down to the more rustic experience. This will give glampsite owners choices about where to identify their site and what they’re aiming for and preserve the diversity in the industry, which is important and not something worth sacrificing.” The point in having standards isn’t to be a blocker to setting up or running a business, more a guide as to whether a business plan and expectations are realistic. If an owner wants to attract a glamping visitor audience but are not planning to provide what they expect then this flags up a decision point. Should the owner add in the missing elements or change their branding and target a different audience altogether?

chosen really does meet both their needs and their budget. Providing them with an experience in line with what they’re expecting. Sadly, she reveals that they have a really good case in point about safety. The fires in California at the moment. One of the areas affected is very close to a number of tourism and hospitality sites, including glamping sites.

PROTECTING THE SMALLER SITES But, would standardizing glamping put some sites into a position to monopolize the industry? We asked Laura how we could manage this, to ensure that the smaller and entry level sites don’t suffer.

“We’re not yet sure what the impact on the California tourism community is, but it raises many questions about how operators know they’re doing all they can to keep their sites safe. How they can ensure visitors know their safety is paramount and how operators can prepare for any slow-down in sales that may result from events like these.”

In Laura’s view however, standardization is far more about fishing out the people who are misbehaving and taking advantage of the industry than about allowing larger sites to have a monopoly.

With clear standards in place, operators have a set of guidelines to help them make decisions and also have an obvious support network to reach out to for help and advice.

“Standards will allow new starter or smaller sites to more easily identify where they fit in the industry and then give them an industry-wide tool to manage visitor expectations,” she says, “Crucially, it will help a site to attract the right kinds of visitors for them based on their offer and their niche.”

CHALLENGES IN REACHING A STANDARD If a model was put in place, there is the concern that there may be those who are planning to set up a glampsite or already own one who are unable to meet the standards once they are defined. The Logbook enquired as to what provisions could be made so that small to medium enterprises don’t suffer because of radical changes.

Glamping is an industry that thrives on collaboration and community and the discussion on industry wide standards is already creating a more collaborative environment. Glampsite owners already see the value of comparing best practices and sharing inspiration with each other.

Laura’s expectation is that the glamping industry will largely avoid this by working collaboratively to define standards that are informed by and supported by existing glampsite owners. “The industry is already very collaborative,” she says, “And, as we’ve seen at The Glamping Show, discussions and seminars on standards are well received by members of the industry. Current thinking involves creating a number of streams,

From a visitor’s point of view, standardization is essentially about having transparency on the standard check-list of what’s offered by all glampsites in a specific category. “That makes it much easier for me to recommend a site I loved staying at to my social networks with a clear description of what it offers or who it’s ideal for.” She says.

HOW CAN THE MEDIA HELP? Media and publications can really help by raising awareness on just how beneficial standardization will be for the whole industry. From those who are still researching and planning, those who have just launched their first site or those who are growing and looking to expand.

IS IT REALLY A NEW CONCEPT? ‘We are already aware of a handful of very credible organizations that are focused on standardization of the glamping industry with a view to creating an industry backed rating system.” Laura says, “It is definitely an ongoing process; particularly as the glamping industry is growing and evolving so quickly. I am excited about their progress already and expect to see concrete outcomes in the next 12-18 months.”

Laura says that The Glamping Show, sites and owners, need to see support from the media in promoting glamping as a fully-fledged industry. One possessing high standards that is here to stay. The industry already generates serious tourism revenue and has a fantastic potential to grow further. However, the industry will only be hindered as long as the idea persists among the general public that if you stick a tent in your garden you can call it glamping and make some money.

SUPPLIERS This would not affect suppliers as strongly. The supplier perspective is generally from a manufacturing process rather than a service or hospitality process. Suppliers have their own sets of safety and quality standards that will be different for each type of product or material used. “This may be a discussion point to raise later, once glamping industry standards are in place,” Laura adds.

“Glamping needs to follow the trajectory of other tourism sectors by developing clearly defined standards and accountability across the industry for upholding them,” Laura says, “Only then can we unlock it’s full potential.

SOCIAL MEDIA Glampsites live and breathe social media and the power of it to unlock word of mouth recommendations for glamping and outdoor tourism businesses is impressive. Defined industry standards can only support with driving awareness through social media marketing as they provide a shortcut to the things that matter most for visitors. According to Laura, many smaller glampsites don’t have much budget or time for marketing, so anything that gives them standard terminology to use to describe what they offer will save them time. They can then focus on marketing themselves on the things that make their site unique.

WIGWAM® HOLIDAYS HAFREN Luxury glamping in Wales By Donnie Rust

For that dreamy sense of escapism that you can achieve as you disappear into the Welsh countryside spend a night or two a genuine Wigwam® Cabin for a memorable glamping experience. After an evening spent relaxing and watching the stars from your porch or gazing into the firepit, treat yourself to an amazing shower or bath, and then climb into a bed with sheets so crisp and clean you feel like you’re sleeping in a cloud. Bliss.

animals coming out to explore. You drift into the deepest sleep listening to the world just as nature intended: from the comfort of a top standard mattress and inside the cocoon of a wigwam cabin. Glamping, in my opinion, is the chance to have your cake and eat it. Combining all the benefits of the great outdoors with all the luxuries that you can expect to find at a hotel, glamping brings with it a sense of authenticity and getting back to nature. Whether it’s a lodge, a chalet, a cottage, a bell tent or a Wigwam® Cabin, each site offers a new experience and a new opportunity to recharge those batteries. Great for people travelling alone and perfect for couples and families who find they can enjoy themselves better in the outdoors when they have a really comfortable bed to sleep in afterwards.

And, lying there, drifting off to sleep, you realise that all you can hear are the sounds of the countryside. No cars, no engines, no slamming doors or shouting pedestrians. Instead, you hear animals in the distance, the calm, soothing sounds of farm animals; sheep and cows. You can hear the insects outside, the birds and the curious night

WIGWAM®HOLIDAYS HAFREN

THE DREAM

Nia Meddins and her husband Endaf are new to the glamping community. Their site opened in March 2018 in a bid to share the splendid rural beauty, adventure and flavour that Hafren provides. Set in the heart of Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales on a working farm in Staylittle, this is the ideal glamping destination for people wanting to break free.

“We are a working farm about 1,000ft above sea level,” she explains, “And my husband and I had been thinking about a diversification project for a number of years to create another income stream for the farm. We considered renewable energy and even poultry farming but opted for tourism due to the area we live in. There is a lot of natural beauty to be found here and we wanted to share it.”

There is a heap of things to do from track mountain biking, sailing on Clywedog Lake, taking a walk across Glyndwr’s Way or sitting and enjoying the stunning landscape. As the Wigwam® Cabins are self-catering, it is comforting to know however that you are not too far away from civilization if you need to go in. Local towns of Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth are only a drive around the corner. “We opened on the 1st March with six Wigwam® Cabins” explains Nia. “It is going well and we are learning a great deal and learning it fast.” The six Wigwam Cabins are named after the local rivers, lakes and surrounding valleys: Clywedog, Glaslyn, Hyddgen, Glyndwr, Pumlumon and Sweet Lamb. Each cabin is fully equipped offering the best respite after a gruelling day of rest and recuperation while seeing nature and breathing in clean air. Each cabin includes en-suite facilities, a kitchenette, television, furniture, a double bed and wifi as standard. Additionally, two of the cabins have wood-fired hot tubs. ®

To date, they’ve had 58 bookings with most of the stays lasting a couple of nights at least, “The first night is good,” Nia says, “But the second is even better because you get the benefit of a full day.”

In November 2016, the pair of them attended a seminar with Wigwam® Holidays and decided to go for it. Nia explains why she decided on the Wigwam® Holidays Franchise: “I wanted a product that would blend in with the natural environment, something that we could use to offer some luxury high in the mountains. We had been looking at several different products and decided on Wigwam® Holidays because we get some wonderful mountain weather including snow and a lot of wind up her. This is great for outdoor activities but the product needs to be very robust. Up here tent is another word for kite.” Nia also points out that Wigwam® Holidays provides a product that she felt she could rely on as well as being a company that she felt she could trust. She and her husband put in for planning permission on January 2017 and received it at

hard work was a bit of a blow.”

the end of April. Ground works didn’t begin until August 2017 which is when the Wigwam® Cabins arrived. This required landscaping and turfing through the autumn and winter was a challenge; however they were ready to open by the 1st March 2018.

Now, 58 bookings later, that cold start is just a memory. What followed the winter has been a record-breaking summer with many people keen to try out the new glamping site and share in the wealth of Wales’ natural heritage.

NEVER BET ON THE WEATHER

THE BEAUTY OF SEEING THE STARS

Nia put a great deal of thought and effort into creating the ideal glamping experience for her guests from selecting the best cabins from a highly respected supplier to choosing the locations for each one to give an all-important sense of privacy to couples and guests. But there was one thing she couldn’t predict.

“When guests arrive to us they always comment about the open space, the quietness and how dark the skies get and how easy it is to see the stars.” Nia reveals, “We take these things for granted as a lot of people living in the cities just don’t get to see them.” Wigwam® Holidays Hafren creates a wonderful first impression with the guests. Nia supplies leaflets about local places and makes a point of speaking with guests, offering advice on where to travel; yet many guests don’t leave the site as it is idyllic.

“The biggest hurdle has been the weather!” she explains, “During March we had three sets of very unusually heavy snowfall. It was up to the hedges and the road that leads to our site was totally cut off. We had to cancel several bookings in the first month which after over a year of planning and

“They really enjoy chilling out and just being in the outdoors and take all of the wildlife sightings and the openness,” she says, “We get a lot of keen mountain bikers as we have one of the National Trails passing the site and there are a number of routes in the Hafren Forest for them to enjoy.”

After all, guests are staying on a working farm and have the opportunity to see what goes into running a one of them. This is an insight into an entirely different world with an entirely different pace to which many of the guests are probably accustomed.

“It is a great opportunity to experience what happens outside of a city and to really appreciate country life.” Nia concludes, “We are very privileged to be able to share it.”

GLAMPING There is an industry that has grown around glamping. As a traveller, tourist or holiday seeker, there are increasingly easier ways to find the most varied and exciting locations to stay. Phone apps and websites mean that there will always be an interest in visiting a new and exciting glamping site. The trick, Nia reveals, is to keep them coming back.

“I keep my head in the game by daily updating myself with online articles and the developments of other glamping sites,” Nia explains, “I also pay careful attention to what the guests say. You don’t have to over complicate things, just keep things simple and impressive.”

LLANFAIR HALL GLAMPING

MAKING THE FINEST MEMORIES

in Kendal Cumbria, are made from the finest treated timber and are insulated with sheep’s wool. Additionally, each pod has its own shower wet room, sumptuous beds with 100% cotton bedlinen, sofa, electric heater and Freeview TV/ DVD.

Part of the responsibility of any parent is to fill your family’s childhood with as many positive memories of laughter, adventure and fun as possible. How much richer are our adult lives when we can recall entire summers and weekends ruining our clothes with grass and mud stains? And how much closer are families who enjoy these days in the sun and the evenings around a fire watching the stars? We asked the owners of Llanfair Hall Glamping.

Personal barbecue fire pits outside each pod provide the perfect opportunity to return to a simpler era where a firepit was used to prepare the evening meal and warmth was provided. While inside the communal field kitchens, a microwave, an electric stove cooker, fridge and kettle allow the chance for convenient meals to be prepared throughout the day. Crockery and cutlery are provided. As is a handy fire extinguisher if you’ve never handled a fire before.

MAKING MEMORIES Lucy and John Miller, the owners of Llanfair Hall Glamping in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll in Anglesey have become the local enablers of such golden memories.

While not exclusively for families and enjoying a high number of couples and even individual holiday makers and excursions seekers, Llanfair Hall is a great place for families.

Typical of the best glamping sites, Llanfair Hall offers a luxurious standard of accommodation to work from. The five glamping pods, constructed

HOSPITALITY BUSINESS AFTER 50

A giant chess set, giant jenga, giant pickasticks and normal sized badminton and table tennis are available on site. There are also spectacular bike trails available and a place to safely wash your bikes when not in use. And if someone has blown up the fire pit, there is an amazing outdoor pizza oven that Lucy and John will even supply the dough for.

“We were quite old to be starting a brand new career in our late 50s,” Lucy explains, “but it did make sense. We travel as much as we can and we believe we know what customers want and how they want to be treated.” The opportunity to move to Anglesey also was not to be missed. It was useful as John had to continue his job in Liverpool for the first three years, so it was important that they were somewhere that he could come home to every weekend. Also, Lucy adds, “I had visited the island every summer of my childhood and also brought my children here every summer. It is a place that holds most of my happiest memories.”

“We welcomed our first guests on the 27th February 2015, with a customer base of mainly young professionals with a dog,” Lucy reflects. “While we are still perfect for couples, we are gaining a reputation for hosting family groups. These groups can book out either the whole site or a part of it and their children can play safely but freely – an opportunity that is so rare these days.”

THE CONCEPTION OF LLANFAIR HALL With Tripadvisor reviews beginning with the words “Outstanding” and “Perfect” and “Returned Yet Again” you could be forgiven for assuming that Llanfair Hall was a lifelong ambition for the couple. However, the reality is more a case of destiny calling as Lucy reveals both she and John did not have backgrounds in hospitality at all!

Combining this sensibility with their personal experiences of what they would appreciate and expect when choosing to stay somewhere the Millers have kept their standards very high. And it shows.

“After a varied career in the army John was working in recruitment and I was working as a Market Analyst for Dixons plc and Cape Industries,” she says, “After I had my children, I worked in enterprise education with young people and absolutely loved it. Also worked for one of the dragons from the Dragons’ Den – and absolutely did not love that.”

“We personally welcome all guests on site and try to make sure we are available as much as possible to give hints and tips of exploring the beauty that is Anglesey.” Lucy adds, “We also have two secret weapons in our PR team – our two dogs, one of which has great reviews of her own!”

She explains that it was during a particularly tough day that her friend Ruth suggested that she should set up a glamping site. To which Lucy responded, “What the hell is glamping?”

Also, rather than supply the generic pile of tourist leaflets Lucy has taken the time to create a folder of things to do and see including places to eat and locations that are dog friendly.

Needless to say, the seed was sown.

“I like having a personal approach to bonding and believe it has some bearing on why we have guests returning for the fifth and sixth time!”

business, she built a brand new website when she discovered that their initial one was not phone/tablet friendly in the way information was displayed. And, despite winning the Best Camping, Caravan or Glamping Site in North Wales in November 2017, Lucy refuses to rest on her laurels and is always researching how to further promote and improve Llanfair Hall. This includes researching what competitors are doing online and what the other award-winning glamping sites are doing in their parts of the country to stand out.

Lucy says.

WORKLOADS Teamwork is about splitting the workload and working to your strengths. As such Lucy is responsible for the majority of the office work including admin, advertising, marketing and buying while John is responsible for the maintenance of everything. They both share the pleasures of customer service, the endless laundry and everything that urgently requires attention. Lucy does admit that while she plans to spend up to four hours a week on their social media, where they focus on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, it is the first thing to go when things get busy.

Such improvements include little “added touches” that would interest new guests as well as reward returning ones.

“In each pod we have a feedback form and we have a policy that if guests have suggested the same thing three times we take action,” Lucy says, “So, at the moment wood

This is not to say that the importance of digital growth isn’t a priority. Lucy explains that being aware of the impact of the digital world on her

Photo: Ross Mackenzie

fired pizza ovens and random tables and chairs around the fields are taking precedence.” They have had several enquiries regarding hosting wedding receptions here. Another credit to the solemn beauty of the location and setting that a couple would want to share such an important day at Llanfair Hall with their dearest and closest. Lucy reveals that the first one is happening very soon, which is a very exciting time for everyone involved including Lucy and John.

TRAVEL It may be slightly ironic that for a couple that have created a sterling business based upon the experiences of their many travels; that their success makes it difficult for them to travel. But far from impossible.

Photo: Ross Mackenzie

Lovers of food and great sights, Lucy says that of all the places she’s visited she got the most inspiration from Greece. Particularly on the Peloponnese, a peninsular on Southern Greece where they currently own a small property.

“You do have to keep a finger on the pulse,” Lucy admits, “But we do try and travel each year in May and November. This year it is South America!”

“There are a lot of places I want to visit on my list. Everywhere inspires and we are all so lucky to be caretakers of this wonderful planet.”

Excitedly she lists the locations she and John plan to visit, “Cusco, Macchu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls amongst others. We did Madeira in May and last year – Mauritius and Italy. The year before we did a road trip to Yellowstone National Park, Denver and San Francisco as well as our European trip to Iceland.”

REVIEW

SANDAT GLAMPING Luxury beneath 5 billion stars

THE SITE

Sandat Glamping Tents was founded in 2013 on the island of Bali, 3km away from Ubud. Offering luxurious accommodation surrounded by the splendor of the forest, fantastic dining with a number of influences from East and West and a great deal of privacy.

There are eight luxurious eco-designed structures on site. Five magnificent luxury safari tents supplied by Exclusive Tents which are 40 square metres each with a private pool overlooking the forest. Each tent is surrounded by tropical gardens and has a spectacular indoor bathroom.

Preferring to accommodate a small number of guests at a time, the resort aims to offer solitude and tranquility. Indeed, Sandat Glamping has amalgamated perfectly the atmospheric charm of the rice fields with hotel standards.

Then there are three Lumbug, these are typical barns with a characteristic thatched roof that almost touches the ground that have been converted into evocative and romantic rooms on two floors.

GLAMPING IN BALI Sandat Glamping Tents were the first glamping resort on the rain forest island of Bali. Located only 3km away from the cultural centre of the island, Ubud, which is also their most sought after tourist destination. Glamping here is a chance to immerse yourself in a corner of paradise, surrounded by green rice fields, unique landscapes and sinuous terraces.

WHAT TO EXPECT

of each unit, the Instagram moments found here are incredible.

There is a different kind of peace to be found at Sandat Glamping. Silence is not something you’ll discover here because in a rain forest it is never quiet. Instead, it is a chance to relax in the deepest comfort and let your mind be carried away by the natural sounds surrounding you. Reconnect with nature, but in your private pool while enjoying a glass of wine. Bali is known as “the island of the gods” so feel free to indulge yourself.

COMPANY ADDRESS: Jalan Subak Salà - Banjar Salà - Pejeng Kawan TELEPHONE: 62 821 44081 998 WEBSITE: www.glampingsandat.com EMAIL: www.glampingsandat.com/contact-us/

CUSTOMER SERVICE Being authentic is important to Federico and Emanuela who set up the glamping site in 2013. They’ve only hired staff who are native Balinese and the site is designed to be aesthetically compatible with the surroundings and the site itself is very eco-sustainable. “We chose glamping instead of a traditional hotel because we think that the travelers today want to get away from over-populated centres and touristic areas and take refuge somewhere that they can live in harmony with nature without sacrificing the comfort of a multi starred hotel,” they say. Not to mention, with such vibrant surroundings, with such lush vegetation and the fantastic design

REVIEW

WILD MOUNTAINS GLAMPING Glamping Near the Black Mountains in Wales

Based in a conservation area right on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wild Mountains Glamping sits within a zero light pollution zone. This provides guests with an uninterrupted view of the night’s stars, which sometimes shine brighter than the moon despite being only a stone’s throw away from the vibrant village of Cwmdu.

Carmarthenshire and have always been at their happiest in the country, sharing a love for camping and glamping. “This is a dream of ours and we wanted to share our love of the outdoors, nature and adventure with everyone,” Lisa says.

THE SITE

Co-owner Lisa reveals that Carmarthenshire is blessed with many historical and mystical Welsh Castles. From Dinefwr to the famous Carreg Cennen as well as the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and the beautiful grounds of Aberglasney Gardens there is plenty to see and do.

Situated near the Black Mountains, away from any obscuring city interference and in the middle of the countryside Lisa and Tom wanted to offer the best of both worlds. As such guests can reconnect with nature while enjoying a luxurious night’s sleep.

She says, “You are also spoilt for choice with eateries. You have the Cawdors in Llandeilo, The Old Printing Press in Llandovery and Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne. If you are dreaming about escaping and reconnecting with nature, family and friends or just yourself then this is the adventure you need.”

They have four bell tents, with a maximum capacity of eighteen people on site and each unit is designed to be quite self-sustaining. There are only two members of staff so it’s never going to feel crowded even during their busiest times during the school holidays. “The bell tents are named Olive, Evelyn, Imogen and Maggie,” Lisa says proudly, “Each of our lovely ladies has a frontier stove fitted, a proper double bed with bedding, table and chairs. And for bigger groups we also provide blow up beds.”

WILD MOUNTAINS GLAMPING Lisa, her husband Tom and their dog Ambrose, founded Wild Mountains Glamping in 2017. Lisa explains that they are originally from

Catering to large families, honeymooners, walkers and responsible travelers, Wild Mountains Glamping attracts its fair share of photographers and city dwellers looking to bask under the star gaze, enjoy the peace, the space and the colour green.

“What we hear the most is that people like to come here and just relax,” Lisa says, “Which is exactly what we intended.”

Lisa admits that one of her favourite things to do is to sit outside one of the tents looking up at the hills. Or, enjoy a beer in the Cwmdu beer garden and walking to Talley Abbey and taking in the views.

EMAIL: wildmountains@outlook.com

PRICE: From £60-£80p/n TELEPHONE: 07738284594

WEBSITE: www.wild-mountains.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE “CRM is very important,” Lisa says, “I like to talk to all glampers before they arrive to make sure they have everything they need. Things like directions to get here, advice on what to do and eat in the area and advice on what to bring. We are always around if glampers need us but without being too intrusive.” Guests are also encouraged to leave feedback in the guest book available in the communal area which is a great resource for Lisa and Tom and Ambrose.

REVIEW

LADY ELLIOT ISLAND Home of the Manta Ray Lady Elliot is a coral cay located on the southern tip of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef, 80km north-east of Bundaberg and nestled between Fraser Island and Lady Musgrave Island. The Island is situated within a highly protected ’Green Zone’ of the Marine National Park and is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life.

Regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving locations on the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is renowned for its healthy coral reef and abundance of turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and the entire cast of Finding Nemo. Guests can snorkel straight off the beach and they don’t have to worry about stingers.

TIMES TO VISIT There is so much to discover on Lady Elliot Island and there are plenty of activities on offer to help guests learn more about the Island and its unique history, flora, fauna and incredible marine life. Green and Loggerhead turtles nest on Lady Elliot Island from November to March and hatchlings emerge between February and April. The peak Manta Ray season is May to August and Humpback whales migrate past the island from June to October.

THE RESORT The unpretentious 43 room Eco Resort on Lady Elliot Island strives to provide guests with a genuine eco-tourism experience. Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort offers a range of comfortable accommodation options, with each suite, unit and cabin designed to minimise impact on the Island while enriching guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of the seasonal wildlife. The main goal is to provide guests with life changing moments and world class experiences through natural encounters both above and below the water.

GETTING THERE Guests can enjoy a day-trip or stay for a few days to explore this incredible marine eco-system. Scenic flights to Lady Elliot Island depart daily from the Gold Coast, Brisbane (Redcliffe), Hervey Bay/ Fraser Coast or Bundaberg. PRICE: Variable, see website

LOCATION: Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef QLD 4805, AUSTRALIA COMPANY ADDRESS: PO Box 348, Runaway Bay QLD 4216, AUSTRALIA TELEPHONE: +61 7 5536 3644 EMAIL: reservations@ladyelliot.com.au WEBSITE: www.ladyelliot.com.au

REVIEW

GLAMPING CADIZ AND CORTIJO DEHESA DE LAS YEGUAS Height of relaxation in Spain

Glamping Cadiz in Spain was founded by Amparo Barón, in 2014 and is part of the finca Dehesa de las Yeguas which has belonged to his family for generations. The main house on the land is known as the Cortijo Dehesa de las Yeguas and has been recently opened to guests.

GLAMPING CADIZ. After studying in England, Amparo worked with his family at the finca. In return for this work he owns 4 hectares of land which is where the Glamping Cadiz is situated. With four safari tents, each large enough to comfortably fit four adults and one child in a folding bed, Glamping Cadiz may not be the biggest, but it is very peaceful. Even in the busiest times of spring and summer guests are guaranteed an exclusive high level of privacy.

The only staff consists of a cleaning lady, a maintenance man and a pair of part time gardeners. The tents are generously spaced to allow the impression of being by yourself in the middle of the woods. Amparo says, “Most of my guests say that once you are here, you calm down in five minutes and the atmosphere completely envelops you.”

THE TENTS The Safari tents are custom built to Amparo’s specifications. The canvas and structure come from Pakistan and the wooden decking and wood interior are all made to measure by his carpenter. The decoration comes from his family’s furnisher and local markets, while the fire kilns come from Greece.

Accommodation includes two double rooms and one triple room, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a big sitting room with a huge fireplace that’s quite relaxing and lovely in the evenings. There is also an outside porch and a swimming pool area. All decorated in a classic, rural style.

WHAT TO EXPECT Thanks to the small size of the finca, Amparo is able to be involved more with each of the guests and ensure that they have an unforgettable experience. Guests should take away more good memories than they arrived with.

Luxuries include devilishly comfortable beds and rain-fall showers in tents in the middle of the wilderness. Boasting some of the most spectacular views of the centenary pine tree wood and a sky full of stars.

“I try to discover what they really like and want to do during their time here,” he says, “Those special things that would make their visit that much more enjoyable. And we do our best to meet their likes. I believe that having a professional team and a deep love of what you do, is a good start for guest satisfaction.”

Other amenities such as WIFI, fridge freezers and equipped kitchens are also provided for. These amenities are very important as the guests who mostly visit are families with children and many couples looking to escape from the city to get some good solid rest and relaxation with some homely comforts on hand.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Booking ahead of time is advised so get in touch with Amparo at the website details below. PRICE: Safari tents from 120/night. The Cortijo Dehesa de las Yeguas from 200€/night COMPANY ADDRESS: Finca Dehesa de las Yeguas. Carretera al Portal km3.5 buzón 31.Puerto Real.Cádiz.España TELEPHONE: 0034687272514 EMAIL: reservas@glampingcadiz.com WEBSITE: www.glampingcadiz.com

CORTIJO DEHESA DE LAS YEGUAS The country house known as the Cortijo Dehesa de las Yeguas, has a lot of history and is very significant to Amparo. He explains that the finca (estate) use to breed bulls and Spanish horses. Both he and his grandfather loved horses and he has included this as much as possible in the decoration of the Cortijo Dehesa de las Yeguas. A guest will find authentic cowbells and an old saddle in the sitting room.

“It is a cozy and charming house,” Amparo says, “Full of antique country traditions and atmosphere.” 61

INTENTSLY LUXURIOUS

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Exclusive Tents Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Ltd. Exclusive Tents Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd.

GLAMPINGHUB.COM 10 Of the freshest and newest Glampsites of 2018 These are some of Glampinghub’s freshest and newest glamping sites opened in 2018. From igloos with the most stunning starlit skies to pods and cabins, a discerning traveller is spoilt for choice.

walking distance of Escalante, Utah, where they will find numerous options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. With easy access to Utah’s abundant parks and natural beauty as well as the modern conveniences of the city, this is the ideal spot for glampers seeking a nature retreat with plenty of options for entertainment nearby.

Working with Glampinghub.com we have carefully selected the top ten for you. For more information and even more options visit www.glampinghub. com today.

1. M odern Tiny House Rental for Unique Desert Getaway in Escalante, Utah LOCATION: This breath-taking property sits on an open four-acre parcel surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the colourful high-desert landscape and mountains of Utah’s famous Escalante area in every direction. Stargazing at night is an incredible experience with very little light pollution. Centrally located just off of the Scenic Byway 12, this is the perfect base for exploring Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase National Monument, Capitol Reef, and numerous other neighbouring parks. Glampers will have convenient access to miles of spectacular nature trails for hiking, cycling, and more. Additionally, glampers will be under five minutes from the majestic Escalante Petrified Forest.

DESCRIPTION This modern tiny house rental is situated in the desert of Escalante, Utah, and can accommodate up to six guests for a unique getaway. There are two bedrooms and one full bathroom in this charming and impressive vacation rental. The first bedroom has a queen-size bed, while the loft-style bedroom offers two large twin-size beds. Additionally, there is a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room for glampers who need more space. The luxurious bathroom features a toilet, a sink, and a marble walk-in shower. Linens and towels are kindly provided by the host. The living area boasts natural wood walls with painted accents, a plush sleeper sofa, several comfortable chairs, a coffee table, and a 50-inch flat-screen TV. The kitchen is equipped with an array of cooking and serving utensils and all of the modern appliances that guests might need to feel at home during their stay. Additionally, guests can enjoy meals on one of four stools at the kitchen island.

While the setting of this property is very private and feels secluded, glampers will be within

Outside, glampers will find a cosy fire pit for roasting s’mores and hot dogs, a barbecue grill for cookouts, and a scenic private patio perfect for stargazing or watching the sunrise. Other amenities include heating and air conditioning, a washer and dryer, free parking on the premises, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

receive information about the exact location of the tent and directions on how to get to it after booking. The tent is set on a secluded paddock about three kilometres away from the front entrance of the 1,000-acre farm on which it is located. Except for the sheep and goats roaming around the fields and the birds flying overhead, guests will have the property all to themselves.

FACILITIES Glampers will be able to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying access to modern amenities and conveniences during their stay. The property consists of three separate accommodations, each of which has a fire pit for roasting s’mores, a barbecue grill for cookouts, and a spacious porch where glampers can take in views of the dramatic desert landscape or stargaze at night. Inside the accommodations, glampers can watch their favourite shows and movies on the flat-screen TV. Other amenities include heating and air conditioning, a washer and dryer, free parking on the premises, and complimentary WiFi.

From the elevated position of the tent, guests will enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Capertee Valley, which constitutes one of the largest canyons in the world. Between the canyon’s sandstone escarpments, guests will find an extraordinary landscape filled with rolling hills, eucalyptus woodlands, rivers lined with she-oaks, deep and narrow slot canyons, granite outcrops, pagoda-like rock formations, and peaceful billabongs surrounded by reeds.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Suitable for families. With full amenities including WIFI and cell reception. No Pets allowed. PRICE: £218.14 per night. WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/ unitedstatesofamerica/mountainstates/utah/ escalante/unique-getaway-escalante-utah/

Amid these various environments, guests are bound to see an abundance of birds flitting about. The valley is designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, and 235 bird species have been spotted inside of it, including 25 threatened species. Turquoise parrots, squaretailed kites, glossy black cockatoos, speckled warblers, painted honeyeaters, and red-rumped parrots are among the many species guests may see.

2. L uxury Dome Getaway with Private Hot Tub near Round Swamp in New South Wales LOCATION: This innovative tent is located in the Capertee Valley of New South Wales, about halfway between Mudgee and Lithgow. The exact location of the tent is withheld from the general public for a good reason: because of the exposing nature of the tent, guests need to be able to feel confident that their privacy will not be intruded upon by curious people wanting to see the tent for themselves—especially now that the tent has generated quite a bit of media buzz! Guests will

The valley is also home to an array of natural attractions, including Wollemi National Park, Turon National Park, Gardens of Stone National Park, Capertee National Park, and the Mugii Murrum-ban State Conservation Area. The site is about 45 minutes from Mudgee, where guests will find many restaurants, cafes, and wineries. It is about 200 kilometres from Sydney, where they will find the closest international airport.

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hot tub. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and take in the majestic surroundings of the valley’s unparalleled beauty.

This luxury dome getaway with a private hot tub is nestled in the Capertree Valley near Round Swamp, New South Wales, and can accommodate two guests. The unique dome features transparent walls and a spherical shape and, enabling guests to take in awe-inspiring views of their surroundings and feel a sense of total immersion in their natural environment.

FACILITIES This one-of-a-kind tent is constructed with fireproof, commercial-grade PVC, and it is inflated by a silent, solar-powered turbine that also renews, filters, and dehumidifies the air inside the tent up to nine times an hour without creating any noticeable airflow or leaving any carbon footprint in the process. In the event of rain, the tent will fully protect guests from the elements, and it is strong enough to withstand winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour. A caretaker is available to help guests 24/7 if any problems arise.

The interior of the dome has a bedroom and a bathroom. In the bedroom, guests will find a queen bed topped with a quilt and goose down pillows to ensure warm and cosy evenings. Beneath the bed, there is a sliding cabinet that offers plenty of compact storage space. To help them enjoy the views at night, guests will find a telescope and a stargazing app on the iPad as well. The bathroom is also spherical, but unlike the bedroom, it is not transparent. It is fully shielded to ensure privacy and features both a toilet and a beautiful sink with a vanity. Linens, towels, hand soap, and toilet paper are provided by the host.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND No pets. No smoking. PRICE: £366.71/ night WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/australia/ newsouthwales/capertee/round-swamp-luxurygetaway-new-south-wales/

3. Unique Cabin Rental with Spa Access near Ljusnan River in Gävleborg County, Sweden LOCATION:

The dome is set on top of a wood deck with stairs leading down to a lower deck on which guests will find an outdoor kitchenette. Binoculars and an iPad loaded with a birdwatching app can also help them spot some of the 235 species of birds that have been observed in the valley. The tent is set on top of a wood deck with stairs leading down to a lower deck on which guests will find an outdoor kitchenette. For cooking, guests are provided with a pan, a kettle, and their very own herb garden! For dining, guests are provided with all of the serving utensils and cutlery they might need to feel at home. Other amenities include a USB charger, a sun shield, decking slippers, headlamps, an emergency torch, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

This secluded rental is nestled in the forest on the hillside of Åsberget Mountain in northern Sweden and offers stunning views of the sprawling valley below. The property fits neatly into nature, lifted above the ground by a timber framework. Guests will find the gorgeous Ljusnan River not far from the rental, which flows out into the Bottenhavet Sea to the south of Söderhamn. The property is a former ski slope, with easy access to all the outdoor adventures Ljusnan River Valley has to offer. Just a short drive away awaits the Orbaden Beach, where guests can launch kayaks and canoes in the pristine river water. Though completely shrouded in nature, guests can stop by the Orbaden Spa and Resort for a day of pampering. There is also a local brewery, hiking trails, and fine dining opportunities.

Outside on the lower deck, guests will find a seating area beside the luxurious wood-fired

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FACILITIES

This unique elevated cabin is located near the near Ljusnan River in Vallsta, Gävleborg County, Sweden, and can accommodate two guests. The bedroom area has comfortable futon mattresses that can be hung on the wall to create more space. Linens and towels are provided. Bench seating is available against the huge windows, so glampers can relax while enjoying the breath-taking scenery outside. There is also a small kitchen area with a sink and mugs. Heating and electricity are included with the stay.

This stunning 33-foot-tall rental is perched on stilts on the side of Åsberget Mountain, offering unbelievable views of the forest and the valley below. Heating, electricity, and water are all included in the stay. Guests can also opt for packages that include a visit to the nearby Orbaden Spa and Resort, where they will find a sauna, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and more.

Guests can take in the forest and the valley below by heading upstairs to the loft, which has panoramic views from all sides. The cabin is nestled in trees, with winding natural trails to explore. Just a short drive away is the aforementioned, crystal-clear Ljusnan River, as well as Orbaden Beach and the Orbaden Spa and Resort.

Adults only. No pets allowed.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND PRICE: £238.46 per night WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/sweden/ gavleborg/vallsta/unique-rental-gavleborgcounty-sweden/

4. Gorgeous Glass Cabin with Northern Lights Views near Reykjavik, Iceland LOCATION: This unique getaway is located in Mosfellsbaer, Iceland, and is surrounded by a spectacular natural landscape with ocean views and a mountain horizon. Glampers will find themselves within close reach of numerous natural attractions, including the Úlfarsfell Trail, the Rauðhólar Volcano,

as hardwood floors and woven rugs add to the accommodation’s charm and allow glampers to feel comfortable and at home. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi and parking.

Hafravatn Lake, and the Gullfoss waterfall. Other nearby points of interest include the Mosfellskirkja church, the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the National Museum of Iceland. Downtown, there are numerous inviting restaurants and cafes, along with beautiful, colourful houses typical of the country. The city of Reykjavik, Iceland, is just a half hour’s drive away, allowing for easy travel itineraries and the chance to see the capital city’s many appealing attractions.

Outside, there is a small deck with an outdoor table that seats two where guests can enjoy their morning coffee while taking in the magnificent views that surround the cabin and breathing in the fresh, ocean air. A small path leads to the getaway’s

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private hot tub that provides the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy each other’s company on cosy evenings spent under the stars.

This amazing glass cabin is located near Reykjavik, Iceland, and can comfortably accommodate up to two guests. The getaway has one beautifully designed bedroom and one full bathroom. In the bedroom, there is a king-size bed tucked between glass walls and set under a glass ceiling, allowing glampers to take in the spectacular outdoor scenery from the comfort of the bed and offering the chance to see the Northern Lights. In the full bathroom, guests will find a toilet, a sink, and a spacious, walk-in shower with a rain shower head. All necessary linens and towels are provided.

FACILITIES This getaway is well equipped to provide a oneof-a-kind, comfortable vacation. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included for guests’ convenience, as well as parking and binoculars. Outside, glampers will find wide-open surroundings and a private hot tub for cosy nights spent under the stars.

In the living area, there is a small table for two and a kitchenette that comes with a refrigerator, a toaster, a tea kettle, and basic food items. Guests can unwind in the area’s open, relaxing atmosphere and take in the feeling of privacy and escape from the bustle of everyday life. Stylish accents such

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Check-in any time after 15:00. Guests get a PIN code via email for the door opening one day before their arrival. The code is valid until check-out time at 11:00 the next day. After 11:00 it’s not possible

46 Natural National Parks of the country and is surrounded by incredible Colombia Caribbean coast and coral reefs. Glampers will be in the middle of the stunning ocean on their own island with staff to assist them. They can jump on their speedboat and hop to other island and back to the mainland where many sightseeing and cultural enrichment opportunities await them. Glampers will be just 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Cartagena which can be easily accessed on the speedboat. This coastal city offers plenty of historical attractions including the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the Palace of Inquisition, and Las Bovedas.

to open the door. Guests have to download the NUKI smart lock app to open the door. If guests do not have a smartphone and/or are not able to install the app, please just give the hosts a call and they will open the door via the internet.

The closest airport to this rental is the Rafael Núñez International Airport which is just north of Cartagena.

The hosts’ telephone number will be provided upon booking. PRICE: £453.47 / night

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WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/iceland/ hofudborgarsvaedicapitalregion/mosfellsbaer/ cabin-northern-lights-reykjavik/

This beautiful and unique rental is located on a private island and is perfect for a secluded group getaway near Cartagena, Colombia. The rental offers a Caribbean chic style and has four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms to accommodate up to 16 people. There are a total of five queen-size beds, one double-size bed, and three single-size beds, spread across the various rooms.

5. Private Island Rental with Speedboat for Group Getaway near Cartagena, Colombia

There are living spaces in the island rental which include a TV and comfortable sofas that wrap around a coffee table in the middle making this the perfect spot for a games night in with views of the stunning turquoise waters just a few meters ahead.

LOCATION: This completely stunning and unique rental is located in Rosario Island, Bolivar in Colombia and the whole island is the rental itself. It is one of the

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

There is a fully-equipped kitchen in the rental that has everything guests will need during their stay including all of the table and cookware, as well as a microwave, an oven, a stove, a coffeemaker, and a fridge.

Suitable for couples. No pets allowed. PRICE: ÂŁ1,308 per night. WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/colombia/ bolivar/cartagena/group-getaway-cartagenacolombia/

6. Stunning Getaway Yurt on the Coast near Haleiwa, Hawaii LOCATION: This beautifully designed, modern yurt set on a five-acre farm overlooking the ocean has 80 acres of land and is located in the historic town of Haleiwa. Guests can stay away from the crowds on this secluded yet very accessible property right off Kaukonahua Road. Glampers staying in this rental enjoy a totally mosquito-free environment. Outside, there is a garden area with a BBQ, so guests can cook up a storm in the middle of the ocean. They can also simply relax and unwind on the loungers on the private beach and jump into the sea as they please. This is the perfect spot for guests to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening cocktail while watching the sun rise and set over the water. There is also a large dining table on the deck ideal for al fresco eating.

The location of this property is a short threeminute drive down the hill to the world-famous Haleiwa and north shore beaches with white sands, awesome surf spots, and tons of beach activities.

FACILITIES Guests will have staff on hand to assist with all of their needs including a pilot, a chef, housekeeping, a waiter, and a butler. For entertainment, there is an HD TV, DIRECTV, Blu Ray, and DVD players ideal for a movie night in. There are laundry faculties on the island rental, so guests need not over pack. All bed linens, beach towels, blankets, and toiletries will be provided for guests. Guests will also be provided with snorkelling gear if they would like to jump in and see the stunning coral reefs up close.

DESCRIPTION This beautifully-designed modern yurt is set on a six-acre farm overlooking the historic town of Haleiwa, Hawaii, and 80 acres of farmland, making it secluded and yet very accessible. The location of this property is a short three-minute drive down the hill to the world-famous Haleiwa and north shore beaches with white sands and awesome surf spots and tons of beach activities.

Outside, there are private white sandy beaches for guests to relax and there are sun loungers for guests to chill on. Guests will be given a speedboat with a pilot, so they can island hop and visit Colombiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mainland as they wish.

The rental is a one-of-a-kind experience in a two-story, 30-foot yurt that comfortably sleeps five guests and is a great, safe spot for children.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

The yurt features a spiral staircase, ocean themes throughout, and even has a sailboat couch. The upstairs has a private bedroom, which showcases a queen-size bed suspended by rope to give that floating feel. Downstairs has a king bed on a platform with two single beds that roll out from under it for the kids.

Suitable for couples, families. No pets allowed. PRICE: £379 per night WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/ unitedstatesofamerica/noncontinental/hawaii/ haleiwa/yurt-getaway-haleiwa-hawaii/

Moreover, the yurt features a unique full kitchen with sand- and beach-infused counters, an Olea surfboard island for dining, a computer desk and work area office, and a lounge area to hang out and watch the spectacular sunsets. The stylish bathroom comes with an outdoor shower to wash all that sand off after a long day at the beach.

7. Extraordinary Tree House with a Plunge Pool near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua LOCATION:

This property is completely off-the-grid and features solar power, a water catchment with a rain harvest water purification system, and a flushing composting toilet.

This tropical vacation rental is located north of San Juan del Sur in the lush Pacific coastal region of Nicaragua. Nestled among trees on rolling hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this is the perfect spot for glampers seeking a relaxing nature retreat with plenty of nearby options for outdoor recreation and adventure. The idyllic treetop setting of this property blends seamlessly into the surrounding jungle landscape, offering glampers a sense of tranquillity and privacy. The property is perched high on a ridge covering nearly 100 acres that stretch from the jungle to the ocean and is only a 15-minute walk from Playa Majagual. While the setting of this site is secluded and feels like a remote paradise, glampers will be only 20 minutes from the vibrant town of San Juan del Sur. There, glampers can enjoy a variety of attractions

Guests will be able to watch the sunrise over the mountains, see the sunset over the ocean, relax surrounded by sublime natural beauty, and be within easy reach of an array of local attractions and activities—all the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation. What’s more, this yurt was featured on the hit DIY network show, Love Yurts!

FACILITIES The yurt is locally made by this glamping site to be a superior yurt for the tropics. The walls are made with a marine grade Sunbrella, a breathable material that works very well in Hawaii’s climate and is also environmentally friendly. With windows all the way around the yurt that open and close from the inside, guests have the easy option of opening them to enjoy Hawaii breezes or close them during a cosy rain without stepping outside to do so (these are the only yurts that have this ability)!

including numerous beachside bars and restaurants, a bustling boardwalk with shopping and live music, and a local brewery. Additionally, glampers will be able to enjoy easy access to countless pristine beaches and charming beach towns dotting the picturesque coastline.

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hammock, and an outdoor shower. Glampers will have access to a shared plunge pool just a short walk from the front door. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a Sony audio system, a barbecue grill for cookouts, a video library, and free parking on the premises.

This tree house is situated near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, and can accommodate up to four guests. The rental is supported by massive eucalyptus trunks and curved wood ceilings from sustainable timber. There are two incredible bedrooms and two full bathrooms in this unique two-story treehouse rental. Both bedrooms offer a king-size bed, custom lighting, and fabulous ensuite bathrooms with a toilet, a sink, and a shower. Linens, bath towels, and beach towels are kindly provided by the host.

FACILITIES This tropical vacation rental is located north of San Juan del Sur in the lush Pacific coastal region of Nicaragua. Nestled among trees on rolling hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this is the perfect spot for glampers seeking a relaxing nature retreat with plenty of nearby options for outdoor recreation and adventure. The idyllic treetop setting of this property blends seamlessly into the surrounding jungle landscape, offering glampers a sense of tranquillity and privacy. The property is perched high on a ridge covering nearly 100 acres that stretch from the jungle to the ocean and is only a 15-minute walk from Playa Majagual.

In the living area, glampers will find a buttery leather furniture positioned around a coffee table and a media centre with flat-screen TV and a DVD player. The rental features a state-of-theart screen system that allows for fresh air to flow throughout constantly. Additionally, there is a comfortable workspace with a desk. The kitchen is equipped with an array of cooking and serving utensils and all of the modern appliances guests might need to feel at home during their stay.

While the setting of this site is secluded and feels like a remote paradise, glampers will be only 20 minutes from the vibrant town of San Juan del Sur. There, glampers can enjoy a variety of attractions including numerous beachside bars and restaurants, a bustling boardwalk with shopping

Outside, glampers will find two spacious decks overlooking a low valley where glampers can enjoy bird and monkey watching. The decks feature cushioned outdoor furniture, a barbecue grill, a

and live music, and a local brewery. Additionally, glampers will be able to enjoy easy access to countless pristine beaches and charming beach towns dotting the picturesque coastline.

8. Romantic Cabin with Private Balcony near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

LOCATION:

The host provides an experienced bilingual meet-and-greet to assist guests. Upon arrival, glampers will be met in the town of San Juan del Sur. Glampers will be given a tour of the town, restaurants, and bars, and then escorted to the property. This point of contact will be available throughout the entire stay to assist with any questions guests may have, as well as the booking of any activities.

This luxurious property is located on a 7,000-acre working farm situated in the town of Gonzaga in New South Wales, Australia. This rustic setting enjoys an idyllic backdrop for visitors to experience, with views overlooking the rolling hills and blue skies that surround the area. Two great fishing destinations are nearby: Long Tunnel Creek runs through the property, while Murrumbidgee River is just a few minutes from the property.

A cleaning service is provided every other day. A 24-hour security team with on-site and remote monitoring is included. An emergency medical response team is available. PRICE: ÂŁ104.32 per night WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/nicaragua/ rivas/sanjuandelsur/tree-house-san-juan-del-surnicaragua/

9. Stunning Glamping Tent Rental with a Private Beach for Vacation to Halkidiki, Greece

The gorgeous Minjary National Park is just under an hour’s drive south of the property and is host to a plethora of stunning scenic views and walking trails. The city of Wagga Wagga is only a 45-minute trip from the property and is home to the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, the Temora Aviation Museum, and plenty of wonderful dining and entertainment options.

LOCATION: This stunning beachfront glamping resort is the perfect setting for a vacation. It sits in the beautiful region of Halkidiki, one of the most popular areas in Greece owing to its stunning beaches and glorious temperatures. Without a doubt, one of the main highlights of this property is its private beach, which means guests can relax in true privacy.

DESCRIPTION This romantic cabin is located near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and can accommodate up to two guests, making it ideal for a couple’s getaway. This studio-style cabin has a full-size bed with provided linens. The private, full bathroom features a toilet, a sink, and a spacious, walkin shower. Linens are provided. In the living area, guests will find two comfortable armchairs and a cozy, wood-burning fireplace with provided wood. Utensils and dishes are supplied and there is a kettle for guests to use. Guests are provided with a delicious breakfast daily. Outside, there is a balcony with comfortable seating and amazing views over the farmland.

FACILITIES Guests will enjoy a wide range of facilities at each accommodation on this property, including a spacious verandah with outdoor seating and fantastic views. Guests will be provided with fresh linens and a toasty indoor fireplace is available for those chilly evenings.

The property sits just a short distance from the breath-taking Kassandra Peninsula, in the area of Paliouri. The ideal location means that guests can explore all that the area has to offer, including the perfect combination of welcoming villages with traditional vibes and exciting beach parties and bars. During their stay, glampers should be sure to head to Chalkidiki, which offers a wonderful mix of relaxing sights and exciting entertainment. In Paliouri village, just 10 minutes away by car, glampers will find themselves spoiled for choice with amazing restaurants. The property is very accessible as the airport in Thessaloniki is just 100 kilometres away.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: Family friendly. Wedding friendly. No pets. PRICE: £221.29 per night WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/australia/ newsouthwales/gundagai/romantic-cabin-waggawagga-new-south-wales/

10. Luxury Dome Rental with Stunning Mountain Views for a Glamping Getaway near Malaga, Spain

DESCRIPTION This gorgeous glamping tent rental can be found in Halkidiki, Greece, and is perfect for a beach vacation. It can sleep a total of four guests as it offers a comfortable double bed and a double sofa bed. The beds are both dressed in lovely linens to ensure a peaceful sleep.

LOCATION: This spectacular property is set in the breathtaking countryside of Estepona, Malaga, and boasts absolutely stunning views of the Spanish countryside and the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Glampers will be conveniently located just five minutes from pristine sandy beaches and the sparkling waters of the sea. The property is situated on a picturesque farm offering seasonal organic fruits and vegetables that can be found adorning many different species of trees, plants, and herbs. In the immediate neighbourhood, glampers will experience farm life surrounded by donkeys, peacocks, chickens, and horses. The Natural Park Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja boasts numerous nature trails for hiking and can be reached in half an hour by car. While the setting of this site is very private and feels secluded, glampers will be only five minutes from the bustling centre of Estepona, Spain. There, glampers will find an abundance of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Other popular nearby cities include Marbella located half an hour away and MĂĄlaga just over an hour away.

Guests will have their own private bathroom inside the tent that is fitted with a large shower. There is also a homey living area where guests can enjoy some shade during the day or put their feet up after a busy day spent exploring their private beach. Outside, the tent has a private deck that is beautifully furnished so that guests can relax under the stars and soak in the stunning views.

FACILITIES

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Glampers will want for nothing during their stay since their rental is so well-equipped. The hosts provide all linens and towels and there is access to a capped amount of Wi-Fi each day to use for catching up with loved ones.

This luxury dome rental with stunning mountain views is situated near Malaga, Spain, and can accommodate up to four guests. The glamping getaway features a large master bedroom with a

The hosts recommend that guests have a car during their stay and there is parking available on the property.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Family friendly. No pets allowed. PRICE: ÂŁ110.18 per night WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/greece/ centralmacedonia/kassandra/vacation-rentalhalkidiki-greece/

FACILITIES

king-size bed, tailor-made linen privacy drapes, quality linens, and rustic boho-chic decor. There is also a bedside dresser for storage and a cosy hammock where glampers can get lost in a good book or take a lazy afternoon nap. The luxurious outdoor bathroom is accessed via the deck and offers a toilet, a sink, and a shower. Towels are kindly provided by the host.

Glampers will be able to immerse themselves in the peaceful and exquisite Spanish countryside while still enjoying access to modern amenities and conveniences during their stay. The property features incredible shared facilities, including a fabulous swimming pool, an outdoor bar, a spacious green lawn, a charming herb garden, and breath-taking mountain views.

The living area can be found in a separate building and offers a flat-screen cable TV, a double-size sofa bed, and a coffee table. This building also houses the kitchen, which is equipped with an array of cooking and serving utensils and all of the modern appliances guests might need to feel at home during their stay. Other amenities include a washer and dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, a karaoke machine, and parking on the premises.

Glampers will have their very own private wooden deck featuring an outdoor dining table with seating, lounge chairs for sunbathing, and a luxurious outdoor shower room. This fullyfurnished rental also features a flat-screen TV with cable, a karaoke machine, a sitting area, and a private bathroom. Other amenities include a washer and dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, and parking on the premises.

Outside, glampers will find a fabulous private deck area furnished with lounge chairs for sunbathing and an outdoor dining table. The property features incredible shared facilities, including a fabulous swimming pool, an outdoor bar, a spacious green lawn, a charming herb garden, and a putting green for golfers.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Couples, families. No smoking. PRICE: ÂŁ90.15 per night. WEBSITE: https://glampinghub.com/spain/ andalucia/malaga/glamping-getaway-malagaspain/

EXCLUSIVE TENTS What a Magnificent 2018

In a previous issue, we interviewed Paul Zway the owner and founder of Exclusive Tents, one of the most successful safari tent manufacturers, supplying the most prestigious resorts, glamping and safari destinations across the world. In that issue we looked at how the business began and touched on Paul’s background as a Game Ranger in The Kruger National Park for seventeen years.

gone above and beyond the call of duty on regular occasions. A prime example would be the way in which they donated a number of tents to 4 Rivers Lodge when a flood washed away their resort. And, as a business they are constantly updating and reinventing themselves, never satisfied with how good the quality is now, and always working to improve. And lastly but not least, they are the authentic “live what you sell” business. A family of trekkers, of hikers, of outdoor adventurers and wildlife explorers.

2018 has been a busy year that will be well remembered by Paul and his team. Together we looked at the challenges and triumphs that have made this year magnificent.

FRESH PARTNERS. FRESH IDEAS. FRESH THINKING

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

Corporate bureaucracy has no place at Exclusive Tents, Paul is the anti-office boss and conducts his business with the same casual grace and ease that someone may use to organize a Sunday barbecue.

Exclusive Tents have risen through the ranks to become the most relied on and most loved tent provider for a number of reasons. Most of their clients would consider them friends and they have

Although he would definitely call it a braai. He is a man who has learnt the value of good connections and friendships and knows the kind of inspiration that can come from having them. This was clearly demonstrated this year when the decision to change manufacturers was taken and Johan Maree was brought on board. “The effects were felt almost immediately and are still being felt now,” Paul says, “You should never underestimate the power for change that happens when you find yourself working with someone on the same page as you with the same principles and drive.” Such as a new project in Uganda that is currently having plans drawn up for it. It is a big project, an opportunity to pioneer new methods and put new materials to great use.

He explains that with the previous manufacturer he did not have much say in how his tents were produced, this along with some other reasons were why they cut ties. But since working with Johan Maree things have been different.

“We’ve finished the drawings for a common area tent that will be used by the client for conferences and meetings and act as a center for people to gather,” Paul says “It could be up to four stories high which is quite an undertaking for a tent.”

“Firstly, it affected the sorts of projects we felt that we could take on,” Paul reveals, “Johan, is much like me, we love the concept of doing something different and striving for the best to not impress anyone else but ourselves. It was like shackles had been suddenly removed and we were free to say yes to those different and unique projects that knew would challenge us.”

Each client has a playbook that they give Paul, and this includes images and ideas that they’ve put together so that Exclusive Tents can have an idea of what their vision is. This acts as the preliminary blue print and is a very useful method for the designers to gauge what a new client wants. “Our Ugandan client was clearly inspired by high vaulting ceilings like in a cathedral with a gran span of space to give an incredible impression to those inside. Structurally it is a challenge and we’ve had to think outside of the box to meet their vision,” Paul says.

AFFECTS ON STAFF The Exclusive Tents team have been invigorated by the change. Excitement generates proactivity which influences productivity and Paul says that everyone is thinking differently now and focused on the new possibilities.

“We were a well-oiled machine before,” Paul says “But now, we know that every component of our business is on the same page and it means that for us

“We’re a dynamic group that work well with people talking and discussing ideas,” he says, “We stimulate each other, and it is the same on Johan’s side. Johan has several connected businesses working in three different sites and now that those sites are being brought into one location his staff are finally coming together under one roof.” Their industry is a challenging one, with many demands from many different areas. For each project there are structural, artistic, creative and budgetary considerations, each as important as the other. At the same time every project is an opportunity to push the limits of a company’s vision and abilities. According to him, you cannot achieve the necessary synthesis of talent if you are not in touch with staff and working as a team.

“This will be appearing in all our projects, and it doesn’t matter what size or the purpose of the tent, they were all be made of this new ultrasturdy material that is completely fire proof,” he promises, “It will be the new standard of our products ensuring that the people within will be completely safe from fire damage.”

HELPING FRIENDS Over a year ago, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, a luxurious, one of a kind resort that was committed to sustainable tourism and offered sumptuous luxury in the midst of the ecological miracle that is the Cardamoms Rainforest, almost vanished. In late 2017 an unexpected flood tragically washed through the resort causing incredible damage. Thankfully, the safety measures that had been put in place did their job and nobody was killed or injured however the resort was very badly damaged. As a long-standing client of Exclusive Tents, Paul donated several component parts to help them rebuild and have been instrumental in the reconstruction of this fantastic resort who were able to re-open in November 2018. Owner Valentin Pawlik says, “We decided to change location and with the help of many friends we were able to rebuild with five units on land. We used recycled materials from the old site and added a new tented restaurant that will be using an Exclusive Tents tent, and a large technical and crew area. Our soft opening was at the end of November 2018.”

and our clients, there are even fewer limits to what we can achieve.”

He also reveals that they will be adding 13 floating units, which were the unique selling point of this majestic location and will also be adding a floating bar. “The accident was not our fault and the Chinese government did claim responsibility,” he says, “However, nevertheless, for the sake of our guests and our own peace of mind we are increasing the safety structures across the resort to make sure that something like this doesn’t happen again.”

NEW, HYPER EFFICIENT MATERIALS AS STANDARD Recently, a project that has been in discussions for over six years has finally started to take shape. Exclusive Tents could be supplying a resort in the Serengeti that could have up to twenty-eight accommodation units and all the buildings in the property will be tented. This couldn’t have come at a better time because Paul, who is always driving for product innovation, is introducing a fire retardant and wind resistant material as standard for all of their tents.

TINY ECO HOMES Home is where the heart is about 2.5m wide and can even be double storied, but every other detail comes from the client. There are some provisions to be made regarding what is safe, but beyond that we encourage our clients to think outside the box and put down all of their ideas during the planning stages.”

Tiny Eco Homes UK Ltd are pioneers in the custom construction of tiny houses for the UK holiday and boutique residency market. Road legal, safe and each one being completely unique, founder Chris March has not found a single design that he could not create. With touches like solar paneling, indoor heating, plumbing and entirely customized interior and exteriors it’s no surprise that some boutique enthusiasts are deciding to permanently live in Tiny Eco Homes. If home is where the heart is, why shouldn’t you take it with you?

THE STORY BEHIND TINY ECO HOMES Chris reveals that, considering his background in creating custom built road towable vehicles, it may seem like a natural progression to move into building these tiny eco-friendly homes. But it wasn’t until he saw one in America many years ago that he thought it would be a good investment of his time.

“Nobody else was doing it in Britain,” Chris says, “So I took the opportunity and built a proper house that you can tow behind a car.”

After all, these are not just houses, nor are they caravans, they are homes. And this is an important definition for any client and it explains why Chris takes the time to get things absolutely perfect. Homes are important. Homes are made. They are built, and they are cherished by those who live in them.

THAT CUSTOMISED TOUCH

“A client comes to me with a sketch,” he says, “That sketch represents a vision that they have, a dream. It’s my job to turn that into something that they can actually stay in, that they can actually see, travel with and love.”

There is a wonderful magic about Tiny Eco Homes. They are embodiments of the perfect dream house, specifically made to a client’s specifications and totally their own. Chris explains that he oversees the construction of each Tiny Eco Home personally, working with a team of subcontractors to shape each one from scratch. No two are alike and each one comes with its own list of challenges and unique peculiarities.

WHAT TO EXPECT A standard order will take around eight weeks to process from first contact to finished. For more intricate orders, that may require more planning and construction time, these may take up to twelve weeks. Chris is realistic with clients regarding the timelines on such orders and will generally know how long it will take before he begins.

“Each person has something different that they want,” he explains, “There may be a standard foundation to work with, for example for road towable the homes are generally 7m long and

so much value for their money. However, there are few manufacturers who will build something bespoke and customized at an affordable price. But we will visit the site, discuss what needs to be done, build on our premises and assemble it onsite.”

Once completed and thoroughly tested at base, the Tiny Eco Homes are delivered, or in some cases set up onsite. This gives him the chance to demonstrate the intricacies of the Tiny Eco Home to its new residents.

The holiday market is a sector that Chris is interested in breaking into properly. At the moment the business runs very much on him and his project pipeline looks set to keep him very busy for the future. In addition, he is also involved in another business, an off-shoot of Tiny Eco Homes. “It came about as a solution to a problem. We had a situation that there were no trailers or chassis available to build a tiny house on. We built our own for trailers, road transportable vehicles and cabins,” he says, “We have the corner of this market and our chassis now are sold throughout Europe. If people build a tiny house that is road towable, chances are they’ll be using one of our trailers.”

EVOLUTION OF TRADE Chris explains that he’s always been involved in building and that building Tiny Eco Homes has been a natural progression of his trade. He’s been making them professionally now for almost six years. They also build mobile bars, and a few other variations of the Tiny Eco Homes.

CONTINUED EVOLUTION Chris responds very well to challenges and sees his business continuing to develop on a natural evolution. Looking back, he can see that his business has grown like this throughout the years. One of these natural evolutions includes involving clients in the business.

“I had ten years prior experience in designing and constructing of road transportable buildings,” he says, “This experience has been very important because I know what is required to make each home safe on the road. It is easier to be creative within those parameters than the other way around.” The business is constantly evolving, he says, in addition to the road towable homes they also build park homes, lodges and homes on site. The Tiny Eco Homes are particularly useful in Glamping because they can be erected in locations where easy access is restricted due to terrain or trees. Thanks to his background of taking on projects that have to be aesthetically appealing and yet sturdy enough to be towed behind a vehicle, there aren’t many places where Chris would feel out of his depth. “Glamping is a great industry,” he says, “Unique accommodations in unique places offering unique views and experiences provide guests

“For a number of our clients we offer a commission if they refer us to a colleague, friend or family member who wants a house,” Chris says,

“I love creating and building things,” he says, “It is what I do in my spare time, so it never feels like work to me.”

“This works well if they have a Tiny Eco Home at their place of residence which can be used as a viewing example. We also have a girl who works with us who used to be a client. For people who want a Tiny Eco House to live in she will source a plot for you and your little home. It’s a great set up and both of these came about through a natural progression of working together and trying new ideas.”

after outgrowing their current one, this has been ongoing for a full year.

2019 Where does Chris see his business this time next year? He reveals that they are moving to a new site

“It’s a bit of a logistical challenge,” he says,

“We’re buying the land and it’s at the most awkward bit of this process, but it’s going to be totally worth it. We’re going to have a commercial workshop on 30 acres of land on the outskirts of a village in an area of natural beauty. It’s a development that’s going to open up a lot of doors to new ideas and possibilities. I am very excited for the new year.”

As Tiny Eco Homes operates in a niche market place, building and pivoting according to new ideas, suggestions and opportunities has proven to help Chris stay ahead of the competition by not always following the usual path. This works with the fact that he also is a self-confessed workaholic who is deeply in love with what he does.

You are running out of time to see the world

NATSOL How important is that flush after all?

when the allotment market counted for 85% of their work. There is still significant business coming from the allotment sector and also such areas as rural churches and remote trails. Which makes sense, local authorities may wish to save money but they still need to offer facilities in many remote, rural locations that do not have mains. Of course they’re going to choose the most efficient and reliable supplier with the most experience.

Comparing compost toilets to your traditional WC, there are definitely a number of advantages to having a toilet system that doesn’t require indoor plumbing and all the detail that comes with it. Especially if you’re in the glamping industry and you want to ride that comfortable line between luxury and original settings. There was a time when compost toilets were highly sought after by local authorities who used them for allotment sites and parks. These low maintenance loos provided reliable waste management without the hassle of maintaining indoor plumbing that is exposed to the outdoor elements. Andy Warren, Managing Director and co-founder of NatSol, a business that specializes in the manufacture and installation of compost toilets, recalls, “Since local authorities have had less money to spend on these public areas the demand for compost toilets for these sites has entered? a quiet period.” He founded the business in 2005 with colleague Nick Grant and explains that it is only quiet in comparison to how it was for the first five years

ONE OF THE GLAMPING ESSENTIALS The glamping and camping industry is another area that has been growing significantly. NatSol are perfectly placed to offer a solution to the problem of plumbing installation and waste management that many glamping site owners are facing. One thing that glamping is all about is bringing luxury into the outdoors. Nothing is less luxurious than a toilet that stops working because the pipes have frozen, or there’s a leak or a blockage or something in the cistern has stopped working. And glamping site owners have started to realize this. “Glamping is a growth industry for us,” Andy says, “Many glamping sites are purposefully remote and NatSol has offered an affordable alternative to installing mains. Our toilets don’t smell and are pleasant to use. Most are wheelchair accessible (actually they can all be set up as wheelchair accessible and most are, although this may not be relevant on some remote sites) and they are cheaper to install and maintain on remote sites than conventional systems. No mains services are required and there is no freezing risk.”

to Andy many “so-called” composting toilets are actually dehydrating or incinerating toilets which require heating or they need electrically driven fans and as much maintenance as a normal WC. “The big question is whether the composting takes place in the toilet or elsewhere,” Andy says, “This depends on the size of the toilet. For example, our small toilet the Compact, has waste removed for composting elsewhere whereas our Full Access toilet has two vaults below floor and solid wastes are composted on an annual cycle without removal.” This is all waterless and odourless, a very important factor for any glamp site owner. NatSol, ever developing their business, have another product, a non-composting, non-urine separating waterless toilet. The ZD, or Zero Discharge, was developed for Richmond Park in London and is coming into use for busy public sites.

HOW DOES IT WORK? There are many different kinds of composting toilets depending on where they are going to be. One that provides a safe haven for runners, walkers and hikers from hostile growths of stinging nettles in a field, will be very different to one found in a high class glamping accommodation.

Along with the standard designs which NatSol have developed, they do sometimes offer bespoke systems. Manufacturing is mainly done by other companies to their designs while some components are assembled in their own workshop.

The mechanics behind them can be split into two categories: urine separating and non-urine separating. NatSol compost toilets fall into the former category. The urine goes to ground and the solids are then naturally composted without using heat energy from electric elements. According

“We market our products mostly through enquiries to our website,” Andy says, “Which

COULD THEY TAKE OVER COMPLETELY?

is important because people still have a lot of questions regarding compost toilets and we have considerable expertise in advising enquirers as to which system would suit their needs. We won’t sell a product to someone if we don’t believe it is right for them.”

So, could compost toilets over-take the traditional WC? Andy thinks that they could eventually get an even firmer lead in remote sites such as outdoor locations and glamping sites. The advantages are simply too prominent to ignore. However, he doesn’t think they would for houses.

“Houses produce other waste water which needs treating so it is much simpler to use WCs and treat all the waste in the same way,” he says, “But we are not aiming for the housing market. Right now, it’s about perception change. There are still negative perceptions amongst people who have not used a good compost toilet.” In that case, aside from the obvious scenarios that would be associated with any kind of toilet that isn’t working, how would someone know if they had used a good compost toilet?

“It wouldn’t flush for one thing,” I think I would start with: “It won’t smell for one thing,” Andy points out, “It doesn’t flush and so it is silent in use and it won’t have a high cleaning requirement. There is a view down the loo, of course, but if the last user added ‘soak’ material – usually wood shavings – then it shouldn’t be unpleasant. . So, if you were on a good one, like any one of ours, you wouldn’t really notice much difference.”

an issue. Our reputation for after sales support is central to marketing our products.” Andy says proudly. And in the growing market they have to keep ahead of the competition. This requires them to keep a look out at what other people are doing and re-evaluate their product and services regularly.

“We stay on top of how the product seems to other people. We have a policy of ongoing design improvements to our existing products and responding to a need for new products if we feel there might be a market for that.”

They’re also very reliable. No mains services required, no vehicle access needed for maintenance of most of the products, and very low maintenance for the larger systems. The C (Compact) takes about 25 ‘number twos’ before it needs emptying to a composter. The FA (Full Access) can handle about 6 people using it full time all year as their only toilet. So, for many glamping sites that are only open for 6 months, that doubles to 12 people using it as their only toilet.

CHANGING MINDS Business is good. Allotments are still keeping them very busy as are other non-profit making organizations. Growing groups as well as community orchards, churches, sports clubs, golf public bodies and charities such as the National Trust make repeat purchases. The Envoronment Agency has purchased NatSol products. Glamping and camping are growing markets. Whereglamping is concerned many site owners are just getting into it and simply do not know enough about the options available, so there is a need to educate them.

IN CONCLUSION Reliable suppliers are always important in any industry. In NatSol’s industry, reliability is everything. This means for new customers and clients that satisfaction is guaranteed. And for guests and users their product will either be completely taken for granted or met with incredible relief. In the end, you probably won’t even miss the flush.

A big part of this is how NatSol, as a company, approach customer relationships. The services that they offer are above and beyond what you would expect for a usual waste management company. “I think we give incredible support to our customers. I don’t think any customer who has ever contacted us with a problem – even years after the guarantee has expired – could say that they hadn’t received high quality support to resolve

REVIEW

OUTDOORSGEEK.COM High Quality Rental Camping Gear

Outdoorsgeek was founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Will and Corina. Their elegant business supplies top-named camping and backpacking gear to the novice as well as the veteran outdoor enthusiast and glampers.

‘What are the products that will give our customers an outstanding experience?’” They also offer mobile Glamping, where they ship DIY glamping to the customer for their personal setup. Or, if necessary, they can take it a step further and provide the complete setup and takedown for customers. Their usual glamping customers range anywhere from small DIY customers to weddings, community or corporate events and music festivals. For these music festivals they also offer camp stores for those lastminute purchases from festival-goers.

THE BUSINESS BEHIND OUTDOORSGEEK. COM Outdoorsgeek.com works by compiling rental camping and backpacking products into Camping and Backpacking bundles. Different bundles are created so that customers can simply click and order everything they need with ease. Corina says, “Will’s professional background is in sales, marketing and graphics and mine is in corporate quality control and compliance. We are both massive outdoor enthusiasts and Outdoorsgeek.com was a way to pool all this together and fill a market niche.”

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Sourcing their products from top names in the outdoor industry such as Osprey, Gregory, Marmot, The North Face, Big Agnes and Exped they understand the importance of quality camping equipment and tools.

“Making sure a customer is happy and satisfied with our products and service is central to us,” Corina says, “We ensure satisfaction by providing upfront communication and increasing our value to our customers on every transaction. I once read the different between “Try” and “triumph” is just a little “umph.” And we put the “umph” into everything we do.”

Will and Corina work with nine staff members who are highly trained and share a focus on providing excellent customer service. The way that Corina speaks about it, going the extra mile for their customers is a business policy for them.

“Our Motto is to ‘Inspire Love for The Outdoors’,” Corina says, “We find our inspiration when selecting our products from asking the question,

understand the customer needs. But most of all we are genuine, confident, humble, trustworthy, positive and fun.”

RELATIONSHIP Corina says that building strong customer relationships is at the core of their success. Trust is the foundation of every good relationship and has to be earned through attentiveness and consistency and going beyond the aim of mere “customer satisfaction”. She would prefer to aim for “Customer Amazement.”

PRICE: The average 2-person camping package for a 1-3-day rental is $160.

“Our Google, Facebook and online reviews confirm our commitment to trust,” Corina says,“We strive to be good listeners and ask the right questions- so we can

The average 2-person backpacking package for a 1-3-day rental is $176. COMPANY ADDRESS: 4431 Glencoe Street, Denver CO 80216 TELEPHONE: 001 303 699 6944 EMAIL: contactus@outdoorsgeek.com

REVIEW

LAWSON HAMMOCK The Socially and Environmentally Conscious Hammock-Tents

spirit,” Wes says, “I wanted to run my own business and have a great interest in physical products and the strength of e-commerce. It also means I get to do something that will keep me outside doing what I enjoy.”

Earning founder Wes Johnson a patent, the Blue Ridge Camping Hammock can be considered the pioneer of the hammock-camping market. The flagship product of Lawson Hammock it is as stylish as it is versatile, smoothly combining the best materials with two of the coolest things in the world. Hammocks and tents. Wes set up the business in 2005 after graduating from North Carolina State University with a textile’s degree. Building his business from scratch and wanting to produce the best products possible he juggled a day job and his business for a following eight years. It wasn’t until 2014 that he was able to focus full time on it and devote his attention to growing the business to what it is today.

WHAT IS A LAWSON HAMMOCK? In the simplest terms, Lawson Hammocks are hammock tents. Depending on how you want to use them they’re either hammocks that can be used as comfortable, weather proof tents that can offer you some truly unique camping locations. Or tents that can be used as hammocks.

“I love the outdoors and have always had an entrepreneurial

Designed to his particular specifications, Wes has drawn inspiration from what he has wanted to have while camping in the great outdoors. Often adding in details that only a real backpacker or camper would appreciate. For example, the hammock tent is quick to put up, quick to take down, is easy enough to store away and very robust.

QUALITY IS EVERYTHING Wes only works with the best suppliers and especially those suppliers that run sociallyconscious factories. It is important to him that his partners treat their employees fairly and provide good working conditions. Doing his part to encourage fair employment in overseas communities.

2019 Lawson Hammock are working on a couple of new ideas and collaborations with other brands for 2019. Launch dates aren’t set yet but they’ve been adding new improvements to their brand and standard hammocks to keep things always updating and improving.

“We also have a strong environmentally conscious aspect too,” Wes adds, “For example, we use an environmentally conscious warehouse, Verde Fulfillment, that offsets its carbon footprint. We’ve also supported organizations like 1% For The Planet and Leave No Trace at different times and different levels in the past.”

PRICE: Our flagship Blue Ridge Camping Hammock is $199.00 USD. COMPANY ADDRESS: Based in Raleigh, NC. Shipping from Boise, ID

Customer satisfaction is also as important to him. Being 99% satisfied isn’t enough he says, it has to be 100% and this is backed by a guarantee. Wes even takes this further by personally and quickly responding to any enquiries.

TELEPHONE: 919-829-7076 EMAIL: info@lawsonhammock.com WEBSITE: www.lawsonhammock.com

“Relationships and trust are extremely important,” he says, “They are everything in business, whether it’s with the customer, partners, suppliers or anyone else. You can’t have a successful business long-term if you don’t build great relationships based on trust and mutual respect.”

REVIEW

PROP-SYNC Straight forward property management/synchronisation This is why PROP-SYNC, founded by businessman Nick West, was created to compare property bookings and availability on a number of calendars across multiple OTA’s and PMS’s. Then to sync these and reduce double bookings. Users can then manage their units from one place in the PROPSYNC admin panel and this enables property owners to know, at any time, which rooms are occupied and for how long.

Many short-let property owners would agree that their businesses rely on their properties being occupied. Be it bed and breakfasts, glamping lodges, boutique hotels or properties on AirBNB if a room is unoccupied it is losing revenue.

THE CHALLENGE An average short-let property owner will feature their property on half a dozen travel websites and travel agencies online. Each one having their own requirements for inputting calendar bookings and updating dates of availability. All-in-all this equals hundreds of hours spent each year putting in these details manually.

WHAT IS IT PROP-SYNC is an automatically updating platform designed for short-let property owners who make use of multiple websites for their guests/occupants. It includes real time calendar availability across multiple channels which means no more manual updates on online bookings and no more time-consuming data duplications and duplicated bookings. Things are kept up to date and straight forward.

If there is no time available to do this, rooms and properties can be vulnerable to double bookings. And even if a person is employed to do this regularly, there is no guarantee against human error and this can be expensive and frustrating.

WHAT TO EXPECT PROP-SYNC is designed for people who are not in the IT industry, so it is very user friendly. Regardless, there is always someone on hand should there be any enquiries or questions. Heralding from the IT industry, Nick believes in the importance of communication with customers and answering questions and solving any issues as soon as possible. Valerie Woods, a user since April 2017 said this regarding PROP-SYNC’s customer service:

“They make the process more understandable and dealt with my concerns professionally. If they couldn’t respond immediately, they would always keep me updated and

I knew what was going on. I really liked that because I was more at ease and when using something new, it’s always a daunting time but they really made me feel confident.” THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND • PROP-SYNC calendars are reconciled nightly (i.e. every business day) for peace of mind. • You get a 3-month free trial to see if it works for you • This service is available internationally. PRICE: Fixed monthly fee of £5+VAT per property, £1.50 + VAT per room/unit TELEPHONE: 0044 207 1176110 WEBSITE: www.prop-sync.com EMAIL: enquiries@prop-sync.com

REVIEW

ASTECTHERM Indoor heating. Finally, an energy efficient solution SUMMARY

ASTECTHERM

Recently exhibiting at The Glamping Show, ASTECtherm demonstrated conclusively that indoor heating has really been taken up a notch. In Europe and especially in the UK, glamping sites may or may not be able to open during the winter due to their heating. Traditional indoor heating can prove to be too costly to install, and in some cases too hazardous as well. It is within this niche that ASTECtherm has set itself.

So how does it work? Martin explains that it was originally designed as a low-energy solution for heating houses. The revolutionary infrared radiant heating system runs on extra-low voltage electrical current, making it very economical and safe to use. Once installed, ASTECtherm heating systems are concealed within the fabric of the building allowing for greater wall space and a premium quality interior finish. ASTECtherm heating films can be installed underfloor or plastered into the ceiling or walls, depending on your requirements.

Head of Operations Martin Weaver says, “ASTECtherm is the ideal heating system to provide year-round heating. Because it’s very energy and space efficient it’s perfect for glamping pods and garden rooms.”

“ASTECtherm works by emitting FAR-infrared which directly heats the people and surfaces within the room,” Martin reveals, “While most conventional heating systems heat the air. This isn’t an efficient way of heating as it creates a lot of wasted heat which directly impacts the wallet.”

THE BENEFITS Efficiency, this is a low-energy radiant heating system that uses infrared technology to directly heat up people and objects instead of the air, the heating material is a patented nanofiber fleece which is highly efficient at transferring electricity directly into heat. This means less money spent on running costs. Space and safety, it’s unobtrusive and easily concealed and operates at a low surface temperature. It also creates minimal movement of allergens in the air and reduces condensation and mildew. Convenience, low maintenance. Unlike conventional heating which can become unreliable if overused, ASTECtherm is low maintenance. COMPANY ADDRESS: ASTECtherm, 124 Trinity Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 1JD TELEPHONE: (+44) 0333 577 2455 WEBSITE: www.astectherm.com EMAIL: hello@astectherm.com

REVIEW

FOUR SEASONS FUEL Fuelling the Glamping industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful rustic spirit

Four Seasons Fuel Limited was founded 25 years ago and started its life in the forestry industry before moving into the firewood and solid fuel market.

Also, if you are within 20 miles from their farm you get a free personalized delivery option.

Supplying over thirty camping and glamping sites over the south of England their specialty is suppling kiln dried firewood, kindling, firelighters and BBQ lumpwood charcoal which is produced on their farm in Sussex. A family business, three generations have worked in the fuel industry, devoting their experience and skill into the growth of this forward thinking company. The evolution of this business from forestry into fuel proves that they are always looking to expand their business to newer levels and offer more to their customers.

Billingshurst, West Sussex

LOCATION COMPANY ADDRESS: Four Seasons Fuel Ltd, Four Seasons Farm, Coneyhurst Road (A272), Nrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 9DG TELEPHONE: 01403 783378 WEBSITE: www.fourseasonsfuel.co.uk

SERVICES Open all year round from 7.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, Four Seasons Fuel Limited supply to all camping and glamping sites all over the UK. With a highly professional service that benefits greatly from the vast experience in this industry they have become the go-to option for many sites both new and old.

You are running out of time to see the world 96 Photo by Tobias BjĂ¸rkli from Pexels

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