l ping m G INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS
Issue 28 November 2021
Pause for Thought HOW RETREATS CAN ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS
FOCUS ON JAPAN UK & USA
ENVI DUBAI LAUNCH
REPORTS BATHROOM FACILITIES PODS, DOMES AND CABINS PART 2
INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION FOR GLAMPING OPERATORS Gl mping BUSINESS
International Glamping Business is published by: Upgrade Publishing Registered address: 47 Oliver Close London W4 3RL
l mping G INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS
Publishers: Upgrade Publishing Steph Curtis-Raleigh e: steph@upgradepublishing.com Editor: Will Rusbridge
Welcome to the November Issue of International Glamping Business.
Sales: Kathryn Kelly t: +44 (0) 7575 408580 e: kath@upgradepublishing.com
In this issue we take a look at the glamping industry in Japan including the quick rise in popularity and their strong rebound from the pandemic. We also have part 2 of our guide to pods, cabins and domes, if you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find part one of the guide in the September issue. Alongside this we also have a guide to bathroom facilities.
Paula Worswick t: +44 (0) 7360 041486 e: paula@upgradepublishing.com Social Media Editor: Annabelle Hilton e: media@upgradepublishing.com Design: Dean Coulter Design on Tap www.designontap.co.uk
www.glampingbusiness.com
Also in this issue are reports for both The Glamping Show UK and The Glamping Show US. The International Glamping Business Team had an incredible time at The Glamping Show UK, which was the biggest and best yet. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions, we were not able to attend The Glamping Show US, which was also a resounding success, but we cannot wait to attend the event next year. On top of all this, Sarah Riley talks about what differentiates a retreat from a typical glamping site, we catch up with Martha Fosberry to get an update on her fun fair stall accommodation and have a roundup of all the latest industry news.
Facebook @thisisglamping
Will
Other Events: The Glamping Show w: www.glampingshow.com e: dan.w@theglampingshow.com
CONTENTS
Instagram @thisisglamping
Glamping Show USA w: www.glampingshow.us e: david@glampingshow.us Eco Hotel Summit w: www.ecohotelsummit.com e: contact@ecohotelsummit.com
© Upgrade Publishing Ltd. International Glamping Business is published 6 times a year. No reproduction of any part of the magazine is permitted, nor storage in a retrieval system without prior consent of the publisher. No commercial exploitation is permitted. No warranty is implied in respect of any product or trader mentioned herewith. Prizes offered in competitions might be substituted with ones of similar value.
13 17 20
05 Industry News Japan’s path to Glamping Success
Japan’s path to Glamping Success
All the Fun of the Fair! - Update on Martha’s fairground stall conversion
27 29 33 40 42 23
A Guide to Bathroom Facilities
Envi Lodges
The Glamping Show UK 2021 Report A Guide to Pods Cabins and Domes Part 2 The Glamping Show USA 2021 Report What Differentiates a Retreat from a Typical Glamping Site
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 03
ARE YOU A GLAMPING INDUSTRY SUPPLIER? BOOST YOUR PROFILE IN OUR MARCH DIRECTORY ISSUE 25% DISCOUNT IF YOU BOOK BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE There is no better way to promote your products to buyers and decision makers around the world than with International Glamping Business Directory 2022. With hundreds of suppliers listed across the Glamping industry it’s easy to find the products and services you need. Contact Kath or Paula for more details kath@upgradepublishing.com paula@upgradepublishing.com
PACKAGES AVAILABLE BRONZE
SILVER
GOLD
QUARTER PAGE ADVERT
HALF PAGE ADVERT
FULL PAGE ADVERT
WAS: £360 NOW ONLY: £270
WAS: £550 NOW ONLY: £412
WAS: £800 NOW ONLY: £600
SPONSOR
PLATINUM FULL PAGE ADVERT & FULL PAGE EDITORIAL
WAS: £1,200 NOW ONLY: £900
THIS INCLUDES COMPANY LOGO ON FRONT COVER, TWO PAGES OF ADVERTS, TWO PAGES OF EDITORIAL AND COMPANY NAME ON THE EDITORIAL PAGES WAS: £4,000, NOW ONLY: £3,000
NEWS AWAZE BOLSTERS UK PORTFOLIO WITH QUALITY ACQUISITION One of Europe’s leading vacation rentals and holiday park business, Awaze has further expanded its UK property portfolio with the purchase of Quality Cottages and sister brand Quality Unearthed. The acquisition of what was the UK’s fourth largest independent cottage holiday provider adds an extra 671 high-end units to the selfcatering specialist’s growing UK inventory, with most of the Quality Cottages properties situated within five miles of the Welsh coast. All the newly-added accommodation will be marketed to domestic and international audiences through Awaze’s key brands – Hoseasons, cottages.com and Novasol. “We’re always excited to add regional businesses like this to the Awaze portfolio and look forward to building on the strong relationships they already have with the local communities they support,” said Henrik Kjellberg, CEO of Awaze. “In Quality Cottages we now have a significantly greater presence along the
ever-popular Welsh coast, while the acquisition of Quality Unearthed means we can continue to surprise and delight those among our three million customers a year who are looking for something a little different from their staycation.”
the local knowledge we have developed over the last 60 years. They also have the expertise and scale to deliver even better results for our owners, staff and guests well into the future, and we wish them every success.”
Quality Cottages was founded and run by Leonard and Margaret Rees. The pair started by converting farm buildings into holiday cottages before expanding the business across Wales as an agency for other holiday home owners.
Awaze’s latest acquisitions follow the recent purchase of three other holiday companies based in the UK and Denmark - Sussex, Hampshire and the South Downs specialist Amberley House, Cornwall-based Portscatho Holidays and Danish operator Bornholmtours. They also follow the creation of a new tech hub for the business in Manchester in late 2020 and the recruitment of new teams to deliver digital excellence.
Quality Unearthed specializes in quirky UK glamping accommodation, such as tree houses, eco pods, wagons and yurts, and was founded by the couple’s son Tim in 2011 - fifty years on from the beginnings of their own business in 1961. “My family and I deliberated long and hard about selling our businesses, but we are very pleased to have been bought by Awaze,” said Tim, adding: “They impressed us with their professional and personal touch and clearly appreciated the value of
“2021 has seen unprecedented demand for managed vacation rentals right across Europe and we continue to look for further opportunities to grow our business and brands,” Kjellberg added. For more information about Awaze visit www.awaze.com
ECO CABIN ENTHUSIAST LOOKING FOR HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE If you are operating or building a resort based on the concept of architecturally designed cabins – then there’s someone who would love to give you a hand in return for a learning experience. Ian Macmillan is ultimately planning his own cabin resort in Canada and would welcome the chance to work for someone else on a voluntary basis, in order to learn the ropes. “I’m ultimately looking for mentorship opportunities either in the development, construction, or operation stages,” he says. “I love to immerse myself and get my hands dirty, so it would be great to be a fly on the
wall and lend a hand where I can. “I’d likely be looking to volunteer but can also offer services in kind. I’m an accomplished cinematographer and filmmaker and an experienced photographer. So, I’d be happy to capture promotional material in exchange for the opportunity to shadow someone in the field,” he adds. Ian is particularly interested in finding a project that offers architecturally designed cabins. Examples of existing properties that spring to mind are the Treehotel in Sweden, Pedras Salgadas in Portugal, and Manshausen or the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway.
“In regards to my own project, I’m in the early development stages now and making a land purchase in the spring in Eastern Canada. The goal is to develop the property in conjunction with a television series that showcases eco-conscious building practises and climate positive design,” says Ian. If you think you can help – please email Ian at ian.a.macmillan@gmail.com
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 05
NEWS
SOUTH-WEST BUSINESS WINS TOP RURAL AWARD Crown and Canopy was named best South West Best Rural Professional Services Business and the winner of the South West Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award at the regional finals of the Rural Business Awards in partnership with Amazon, which took place virtually this year. Following the impressive achievement at the regional final, Crown and Canopy will now go on to represent the South West at the national final of the Rural Business Awards in February 2022. Crown and Canopy are leading UK glamping industry specialists, providing a comprehensive range of glamping consultancy, design and build services. Established over 10 years ago, the business has flourished alongside the glamping industry, supporting landowners, farmers, and estate owners in rural areas across the UK to diversify and establish sustainable outdoor tourist accommodation. The small, dedicated team are involved in every aspect of glamping, offering a full suite of consultancy services from site appraisal through to full planning and grant applications, designing and building retreats, and researching and publishing industry wide annual data on market trends, nightly rates, and industry growth.
The Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the Awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy. The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business with the aim of celebrating the achievements of rural businesses and developing a strong network for rural business owners. Speaking after picking up the prestigious award, Edward from Crown and Canopy said: “We are overjoyed to win two categories in the South West region. We are passionate about the development and survival of rural communities in the UK and are so grateful to be recognised for the work we do. We always aim to bring a holistic approach, thinking about the social, cultural and environmental needs of each project, and it’s fantastic that Amazon and the Rural Business Awards are championing this approach to business in the rural sector and we’re so proud to be a part of it.” Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, added: “We are very proud to be hosting the seventh annual Rural Business Awards in partnership with Amazon, especially after the past 18 months. On behalf of the Rural Business Awards team, I would
like to say congratulations to Crown and Canopy for this very well-deserved win and wish them all the best ahead of the national final.” The Rural Business Awards is the brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of Britain. The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business, with winners in the 13 categories - ranging from Best Rural Start Up and Best Rural Diversification Project; through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and Best Rural Innovation decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations. The Rural Business Awards is hosting a series of regional finals in the North, East, Midlands, South West, Wales and Northern Ireland, throughout October 2021, ahead of the National Final next February. To find out more about Crown and Canopy, go to www.crownandcanopy.co.uk or to learn about the Rural Business Awards visit www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 07
NEWS TRANQUIL SPACES WITH HAZELWOOD HUTS
Hazelwood Huts are a family-owned business based in South Wales who pride themselves on designing and manufacturing high quality bespoke Glamping and Shepherd’s Huts. Their specialist team of joiners build quality timber structures that can be used for domestic and commercial use. The huts are perfect for glamping holiday accommodation, home workspaces, family playrooms and social spaces for your garden.
08 l
Starting at £12,950 ‘The Cwtch’ is a Traditional Shepherd’s Hut built to sit in that perfect spot in the garden to use for entertaining friends and family, or a tranquil space out of the house to use as home office for the ‘new normal’ of working from home, or even as an extra space for the little ones to play in, Hazelwood Huts build to the customers chosen specifications, so each hut is unique. ‘The Hideaway’ is their large Glamping Hut. Specialist joiners work with you to build
www.glampingbusiness.com
your dream glamping hut for personal use or for your holiday accommodation business or even home studio workspace. Starting from £19,950 Hazelwood Huts offer a wide range of optional extras to choose from that are fully fitted by their specialist joiners to help you create your perfect space. ‘The Getaway’ is a fully mobile, towable, road legal Glamping Hut and perfect for that adventurous Glamping experience. The fully towable and braked chassis allows you to take your Hazelwood Hut anywhere the open road will lead you! Starting from £22,950 Hazelwood Huts work with their customers to create the ideal, unique mobile glamping hut they’ve always wanted. All Hazelwood Huts come with a birth date certificate and a complimentary wooden name plaque which are fitted externally to the hut. Visit our website www.hazelwoodhuts. co.uk/glamp to find out more about our huts, download the latest pricing brochure and view photos and videos showcasing their bespoke structures which are built at our workshop in Wales.
ADVERTORIAL
GLAMPING STOVE ADVANCEMENT
with the
Adventurer 5 Charlton and Jenrick have been designing and manufacturing domestic fires, fireplaces and stoves for over 35 years and have used their expertise to introduce a big advancement in glamping stoves - the Adventurer 5.
The new stove and its associated heat shielding kits means that adapting portable or normal domestic stoves into glamping accommodation is a thing of the past. You can be assured of safe, straightforward and efficient installations with less dependence on installers experience when it comes to siting, fluing and fire protection measures. Adventurer 5 also provides low emissions credentials in full and easy compliance with the latest Ecodesign and DEFRA exemption standards for stoves and achieves the new maximum Level 5 clearSkies certification. Installations are therefore not only far safer but also much kinder on the environment and surroundings as well. The Adventurer is much more than just a high quality, characterful, 86% efficient wood stove. Its 4” (100mm) flue connector and compact dimensions will fit into most small spaces. A fabulous range of accessories are available to enhance and complement the nominal 4.5kW stove including an insulated lift-off oven that can be used in combination with the standard fit large and effective stainless steel hot-plate to prepare a multitude of tasty meals. The hot plate is big enough to accommodate full 30cm pans and the oven swallows 22cm casseroles or half size baking trays - unlike many cooking stoves which are impractically small or simply don’t produce enough heat. Left or right-side warming shelves are really useful and a fiddle rail adds improved pan or kettle safety as well as a touch of class. An optional stainless splashback can be used when frying to eliminate some of the inevitable clearing up that goes with cooking delicious food. Under normal circumstances Building Regulations don’t apply to glamping accommodation but doesn’t absolve the installer/owner/ operator of providing a safe and effective stove installation for users. C&J fully address this in the Adventurer 5 and its accessory packages. Specifically designed to avoid a number of problems with installation in timber or other non-permanent spaces, the Adventurer 5 is available with two bespoke heat shielding options which have been independently safety tested to EN13240 for peace of mind. Hearths are taken care of with the freestanding heatshield kit and a marine hearth to BS 8511, which can also be used in non-domestic accommodation, adds extra stability and safety when used with the attached heatshield kit. Hand cutting and securing fireproof boarding, tiling and other handmade features using expensive labour has become obsolete. Environmental considerations are often of high priority for glamping providers and the Adventurer 5 is a state-of-the-art solution for low smoke emissions which is DEFRA exempt for burning wood in designated smoke control areas. Going significantly beyond the domestic 2022 Ecodesign regulations which limits stove flue emissions, Adventurer 5 achieves Level 5 clearSkies certification. ClearSkies is the new objective & independent emissions and energy performance certification mark for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces. See https://www.clearskiesmark.org/ for more details. By specifying the Adventurer, you can be assured to be using one of the very best environmentally performing appliances available. A supremely practical appliance design producing between 3.5 and 5.5kW of heat output, clean burning and an excellent fire view is already incredibly popular and can help customers make a decisive choice of accommodation. The Adventurer 5 combines the best of both worlds, a clean burning, permanent, long-lasting, quality appliance with a plethora of special options for glamping accommodation - the Adventurer is sure to enhance any glamping project.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 09
ADVERTORIAL
White Dove Shepherd Huts are a family-based business founded by Paul Cunningham. Based in the centre of Lancashire, their passion is ensuring that every glamping site owner that comes to them leaves with the hut of their dreams. Paul has been running a successful joinery manufacturing business for over 20 years, spending much of that time manufacturing external and internal timber frames. His son, Sean, is also an experienced and fully qualified joiner; they’ve worked together in the joinery manufacturing business for over 11 years. Paul’s other son, Martin, runs his own steel manufacturing business, creating the steel chassis. By working together, they are able to offer shepherds huts that are bespoke from the very start. White Dove Shepherd huts don’t believe in standard huts or putting their huts into categories. They manufacture and create unique huts to suit all of their customer’s needs, from home offices to glamping pods and everything in between. Visit White Dove Shepherd Huts with your ideas and plans and they’ll do their very best to accommodate your ideal hut. Think of it like a blank canvas: they’ll put your ideas together, go through it all with you and bring your dream to reality. At White Dove Shehrd Huts, it takes around 5 or 6 weeks to build a hut, depending on the final layout and internal finish. They are then delivered to the site complete, with usually a small amount of work to be done once in final location. The construction of the White Doves Shepherd Huts starts with real quality and craftsmen who
MODERN MATERIALS
with a Rural Feel give them proper attention to detail - from the bespoke steel chassis for every individual hut to the finished colours. A lot of pride is taken in the making of all their shepherd huts, giving extensive scope on design and layout. They can also manufacture bespoke furniture in their fully equipped joiners workshop to a very high standard. A strong timber base using C24 grade structural timber gives the base for each hut, and a roofing system of curved corrugated galvanised 0.7 steel with dripstop (condensation-controlled fleece). White Dove Shepherd Huts are built to last in all types of weather, fully insulated to be cool in summer and warm in winter with double glazed sealed windows and doors. All of their huts are designed and built to be used all year round. The steel galvanised curved roof and external steel walls come with a 200-micron resistant top coat.
If well cared for and maintained, the huts should last for 20+ years. Performance warranty is up to 30 years dependant on colour and location. Once painted, the external timber comes with 10 years protection. Based in the UK, White Dove Shepherd Huts are always on hand to help out their clients should any damage or accidents occur that may need a repair. Client support is foremost in their relationship. White Dove Shepherd Huts are built by craftsmen and hand built traditionally in the heart of Lancashire using locally sourced material from start to finish. Using modern materials but still giving you the rural feel and heritage of the shepherd hut. To find out more, visit whitedoveshepherdhuts.co.uk
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 11
12 l
www.glampingbusiness.com
JAPAN’S PATH TO
Glamping Success
With glamping becoming popular in Japan around 2015, it’s a relatively new addition to the Japanese tourism sector. While the industry was affected by COVID, glamping has come out the other side more popular than ever. With a growing number of people looking for glamping getaways in Japan, businesses are rushing to make the most of the opportunity. International Glamping Business Publisher Steph Curtis-Raleigh reached out to Kenji Kurimoto of Glamping Japan to find out more.
popularity, “In 2017, there were only 80 glamping sites in Japan but now there are more than 300. Our tent has been introduced to more than 70 sites.” The jump in the number of sites from 2017 to present demonstrates the growing popularity of glamping in Japan, having nearly quadrupled in just four years. This increase in the number of sites represents a growth in the demand for glamping sites across the country, and it has not gone unnoticed by larger companies looking to run multiple sites, “We have 3 sites under the name Glamprook. The Farm, a company based near Tokyo focussing on farm activities, has 2 sites and there are around 10 campsite companies that have 2-3 sites. Hoshino, the company behind the Hoshinoya hotel among others, Marriott and other hotel groups are also trying to add glamping tents to their hotels.”
With the popularity of glamping at an all-time high and supply just about keeping up with demand along came 2020 and the COVID 19 pandemic. The pandemic affected industries across the world, but tourism took a hit harder than most. Interestingly, the trend that has been seen within the glamping industry is that as international travel became more and more difficult, people started looking for new and exciting ways to explore the country that they live in. This rise in the popularity of domestic travel coupled with the fact that glamping sites are usually found in low population areas and able to adapt to social distancing measures more easily than brick and mortar accommodation options meant that when lockdowns weren’t in effect, glamping sites saw a rise in demand. “With international travel becoming difficult, there has been an increase in domestic tourism
While it’s not entirely clear when glamping first emerged in Japan, 2015 is a milestone, “It was in 2015 that the famous hotel group, Hoshinoya, opened a glamping styled hotel. There are certainly some glamping pioneers before 2015, but they are very small sites and it was at a time when the term glamping was not yet widely known in Japan,” says Kenji. Since then, the glamping sector in Japan has fully established itself within the tourism industry and has shown a huge increase in
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 13
14 l
www.glampingbusiness.com
which has been very positive for the glamping business. The effect of Covid on the tourism industry led to a sales decrease of 30-40% from last year. But glamping has an image of social distancing in Japan, so these losses did not affect glamping businesses and there has actually been a sharp rise in the number of new glamping sites being created,” says Kenji. So, coming out of the pandemic, the glamping sector in Japan has firmly cemented itself as an important part of the overall tourism industry. With popularity high, and a sharp increase in the number of sites the glamping industry is starting to mature. In the life cycle of glamping industries across the world, this is when having a unique selling point and first-class service becomes paramount. Whether a small one tent site or a larger more resort style experience, offering guests luxury and a true glamping experience is integral to success. “There are a number of sites that offer luxurious experiences, demand for them is already high and continues to grow. Our sites and the Hoshino sites come to mind, offering full service, good scenery and various activities,” says Kenji. However, this does come with some drawbacks. The growing popularity of a new sector of tourism will of course draw out the more opportunistic of companies, looking to cash in on this new form of travel. “There is a bad tendency in our market where some of the producing companies who oversee a number of sites gather new players with the
phrase ‘Glamping is very lucrative’. Once they have the sites, they add the bare minimum of small tents and barbecue grills, then set very expensive prices. This is definitely a negative for the industry as for the time being, glamping has become very popular but if the tourists only visit these types of sites then they will become bored and disappointed with the level of service when compared with the exorbitant prices. So, we expect that the market will be bipolarised soon, sites that are not offering a true glamping experience will lose popularity and luxury styled services will have more demand.” The success of a site comes down to a lot more than good accommodation, owners need to focus on the experience as a whole and offering activities for guests is a great way to make a site stand out, “Activities and attractions are important of course, and barbecue is a must. Location is very important as marine, forest activities and Onsen (hot spa) are very popular. As the popularity of glamping increased, so did the number of sites that are offering these types of activities. Because of this, sites are branching out in what they offer with additions such as full service like a resort hotel and educational activities where guests can study something.” When it comes to accommodation there are many similarities to other countries in terms of preference. Research carried out by Glamping Japan shows that while there is a variety of accommodation types to choose from, some are more popular than others,
“There are around 50 glamping sites that are simply old camp sites updated with small tents and cottages.” Says Kenji, “Around 100 are renovated campsites with big tents, such as Nordisk or Canvascamp and around 50 sites that feature containers or trailers. From 2018, dome tents gained a lot of popularity and are now used on over 100 sites.” There is one difference however, that stands out as glaringly obvious, which is the near complete lack of any kind of canvas tents, “Tents with weak structures such as canvas tents and those with weak wooden structures are not favoured due to issues with the weather. The Japanese Government has strict regulations for architecture to protect against typhoons and earthquakes. On top of this, or perhaps because of it, there are no wooden frame tent manufacturers in Japan, so it becomes necessary to import from another country. This in itself is difficult due to the ongoing quarantine measures and the humid climate of Japan.” As for the average size of a site, the research shows that, “5-10 tent sites are a very standard size, up to a maximum of around 20 tents. It’s rare to see sites that are larger than this. From our research, we have counted the average number of accommodation units on a site is 7.3.” If you’d like to find out more about Glamping Japan, you can find their website at glamping-japan.co.jp. To take a look at the Glamprook sites, head over to glamprook.jp.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 15
The Variety of the
JAPANESE GLAMPING INDUSTRY
Glamping in the UK started to significantly gain popularity back in 2008 and has since become an important sector within the overall tourism industry. The Japanese glamping industry is a lot younger, only gaining prominence around 2015. Despite this, the industry has grown very quickly, emerging stronger than ever after the pandemic related lockdowns, and now encompasses a great deal of variety.
HOSHINOYA FUJI Hoshinoya Fuji is described as “Japan’s First Glamping Resort” and opened its doors in 2015. The resort is undoubtedly more glamorous than camping, featuring 40 cabins as accommodation. Situated on the slopes of a hill that overlooks Lake Kawaguchi, the accommodation looks out over the lake at Mt Fuji. The cabin, all cubical in shape, were built to represent telescopes focusing on Mt Fuji, with floor-ceiling-windows creating a truly breathtaking view. A short walk from the accommodation, through the red pine forest, guests can find the Cloud Terrace. The Terrace includes multiple wooden decks, chairs, hammocks, open fires and small tents suspended from the trees that can be used for night-time star gazing. There are multiple options for dining including prepared meals based on French cuisine in the dining hall, or guests can cook for themselves in Dutch ovens and skillets at the Forest Kitchen, with a glamping-master guiding them every step of the way. Activities at the resort come in the form of early morning canoeing, food smoking workshop, electric bike tours, nature tours and aerial stretching (a relaxing exercise using soft cloth that hangs from the trees).
THE FARM Farm Stays have become increasingly popular in both the UK and the USA and have now made their way to Japan. Featuring glamping sites set on farmland, farm stays focus on educating guests about life on a farm as well as making the most of the surrounding areas to provide engaging experiences for guests of any age. Located in the Chiba Prefecture, The Farm’s accommodation comes in the form of bell tents, cabins and a dedicated camping site. The bell tents are situated on decking platforms, with the more expensive options featuring a second story seating area. Dining options include The Farm Café that makes meals using the produce made at The Farm, alongside a BBQ area where guests can have meals prepared for them or can chose to make their own. Activities include vegetable harvesting, bushcraft, leather craft, candle making, kuksa (handmade wooden mug) making and The Farm even have their own hot spring.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 17
INN THE PARK Inn The Park is a weird and wonderful place full of spherical hanging tents in the woods. At night, once it has gotten dark, the area is transformed by the light emanating from within these tents to create something truly magical. Accommodation is available as tents suspended from trees or raised off the ground on wooden decking. Each of the tents sleeps up to two people and provides glorious views of the surrounding woodland. Dining takes place in the indoor salon and uses locally sourced products with the menu constantly changing throughout the year. Inn The Park focuses on events as opposed to activities which include regular park cinema nights where films are shown on projectors in the woods, board game nights, adventure schools and yoga workshops. To find out more about the glamping sites mentioned, visit hoshinoya.com/fuji/en/, thefarm.jp and innthepark.jp.
CAMPING TRAVEL STORE – YOUR PERFECT PARTNER Should you be looking for glamping tents as a smart investment in your site? Then Camping Travel Store is for you. Their tents are designed and manufactured to withstand the worst weather, be it rain, wind or both, indeed their modular inflatable tents are tested to Force 12 wind speeds. The manufacturers represented by Camping Travel Store use only the best materials for breathability and strength to bring that wonderful feeling of being under canvas. Profit from the high quality of TenCate Outdoor Fabrics As one of the market leaders in tent fabrics, TenCate Outdoor Fabrics are used in a majority of their tents, so you know that your tents are built to last. Their Karsten range of tents is available in both 100% cotton canvas and Campshield FR1 material, perfect for all season pitching. For Eco-sites they are leading the way with innovative tents made from the Tencate BlueCamp material which is a combination of cotton, polyester and Recycled Denim Jeans.
18 l
www.glampingbusiness.com
Spoilt for choice At Camping Travel Store you will be spoilt for a choice of multi-award winning tents from the very best Dutch manufacturers, Karsten, De Waard, ESVO and together with a great supplier of modern day bell tents they have a tent for every occasion. They have a renowned reputation Their clients are varied from the smallest of sites to holiday parks including John Lewis, who have their very own site. The one thing they all have in common is the desire to provide the best accommodation for their guests within their budget. “We’re absolutely delighted with our new Karsten Safari tents; they blend into this beautiful landscape perfectly”. Margins Holidays For more information about their range of tents, please visit www.campingtravelstore.co.uk
All the fun OF THE FAIR!
By Martha Fosberry
Phew! What a season it has been... as I write this, I am eyeing up the first juicy red apples of autumn growing slowly but surely in our newly planted orchard. I say “new”, as our fledgling apple growing efforts began only about five years ago. Sadly, the ancient orchards whose apples would have adorned the fields of Moon & I HQ (originally an 18th century cider house), like ruby jewels in a harvest crown, were ripped out several years ago in an effort to make the house more “desirable” to potential buyers. Call me old fashioned, but I desire nothing more than celebrating the ancient history of these acres we are blessed to build our business on. We are therefore, slowly, consciously replanting our patch of Herefordshire heaven. Each tree planted feels in some way like a quiet, thank you, to the land. Back to our beloved fun fair stall. Truthfully, progress has been slow, but steady. A wise friend once said to me, “progress is progress, forward is forward... even if you are a tortoise”. Well after a hare-paced summer, we are feeling a bit tortoise-y as we slide into winter. We have been blessed like many I hope, with a very busy season. It has been an absolute joy doing check-in after check-in, as the big C has loosened its grip on our industry. However, with the combo of full occupancy, change overs and full-time childcare during the summer holidays, any work on our beautiful fun fair stall has taken place either off site or in our evenings.
20 l
It’s what’s on the inside that counts... Once the structure was in place, we decide a rain-proof solution was required for working within the space itself. We dusted off and donned the stall with its original (spiders and all) yellow ragged roof, which actually fared better than anyone expected and I am almost certain its brilliant yellow cover can be seen from outer space. During the height of summer, Reuben travelled to Kent to work with his father Kel on the ingeniously crafted panels to seal and create the upper walls of the stall. Contrary to my theory of just “putting a bit of a wood panelling in”, the infills of the old stall proved a bit more challenging. Kel engineered the most incredibly designed, lightweight panels whose bespoke shape lifted into the opening windows, all seven of them (eighth panel begin kept clear for the door), sealing and insulating the stall. The inside of the panelling flat, and the external panel curved to mimic the overall shape. We had some issue with suppliers and price increases which meant it took over two months to design and create the panels, Kel carefully rethinking things at each issue we uncovered along the way. Now, with panels reunited with stall; like Cinderella with her shoe, we are one step closer to being ready for the ball.
www.glampingbusiness.com
Meanwhile, I had been clutching at straws, trying to listen to the funfair stall’s identity – by this, I mean the breakthrough idea or concept that is the catalyst for the space’s ongoing deigns (external and internal). It is important that this light bulb moment occur in good time for Reu, Kel and I to discuss and collaborate on all of the aesthetic decisions about the space as it develops. From windows to woodwork, if we all have a clear idea of how the space will “feel”, it makes it easier for us all to dream up how the space can develop. I know the nature of the stall lends itself to the obvious fairground theme... but I was struggling to find the linchpin. Luckily, due to my ongoing addiction to car boot sales, my eureka moment came in the shape of an unloved, £1 antique reproduction of Lothar Meggendorfer’s International pop-up Circus book. Meggendofer was a German illustrator and early cartoonist known for these pop-up books published in the 19th century. In another moment of divine serendipity, I sat on the warm grass floor at the car boot sale and unfolded each beautifully illustrated scene. Six scenes stood in front of me telling stories of circus acts of daring do. Six scenes almost screaming out to be adorned onto the six internal panels of the stall that
require décor (the other two panels remaining plain for the bedhead & door). Hurrrah! Basic concept born, thank you universe. I have begun to use inks to explore recreating the scenes in stark black and white, almost like the shadows of the circus / fairground scenes playing out. Needless to say I am in love, and look forward to seeing how these fledgling ideas take flight in the coming months. In the more immediate future, Reu will be putting in the two windows at the front to overlook our beautiful view of the Black mountains and making the ironmongery to fasten in the panels, and will then begin to look at the door design. Up on the roof As much as we have come to love the familiar yellow roof of our fairground friend beaming out across our meadow like some enormous Glamping sunflower, the time has come to improve things. While we scratched our heads in deliberation, through some beautiful bout of kismet, we welcomed Jason Thawley, the owner and innovator behind Tree Tents (and all-round Glamping Glitterati) to stay at the Moon & I. He had booked completely by chance to stay in our shepherd’s hut as he needed to be in the area for work. During his stay, we began talking shop and coaxed him into a canvas conflab about our dream roof. Words like “integral insulation”, “unique fabric finishes”, “wood burner outlet”, “insulated sky panelling” banded around like sweet, sweet music to our ears. A cosmic match made in heaven! We are hoping to work with Jason early next year to create a bespoke roof to nobly step into the shoes of its neon predecessor. We honesty feel we have found the Michelangelo to create the ceiling of our humble hand-made Sistine Chapel. Thank you Jason! That’s all folks... (for now) Autumn is a really important time in our line of work to stop, take stock (sometimes literally!) and to reap the harvest of a successful summer. Giving thanks to our spaces - repairing what needs repair, rethinking what needs change, and preparing for winter the season of deep rest. So, here’s to sitting fireside and thinking of what Glamping dreams may come in 2022, always remembering that whatever your dream, however big or small your business; forward is forward, progress is progress. Even if you are a tortoise. *A special thanks to my wonderful parents in law Kelvin & Barbra who, without their endless and seemly never-ending support, we quite simple would not be able to run our business. Thank you!
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 21
A Guide to
BATHROOM FACILITIES
It may not be the most glamorous of subjects, but nevertheless, it is an important one. Every glamping site out there needs to have bathroom facilities available for guests, but this is sometimes easier said than done. There are a number of considerations to be made when looking for the right company to go with such as whether your site is on or off the grid along with whether you want each unit to have a private bathroom or a block that is shared with the entire site. Lacklustre bathroom facilities can have a huge impact on the experience a guest has at your site, so it is important to do the research and find the solution that is right for you
WOOWOO WATERLESS TOILETS waterlesstoilets.co.uk Who are WooWoo Waterless Toilets? WooWoo has been around for over 10 years, founded on the belief that our current ways of handling human ‘waste’ can create more problems than they solve in the long term. What do we offer? Our solutions range from simple DIY products that people can build into an existing structure, to modern compost toilets that look like regular flushing toilets, through to high capacity, low maintenance toilets suitable for municipal use. Most importantly, we offer excellent pre-sales advice to ensure people are getting the most appropriate solution for their situation.
Do your facilities require a mains water connection or septic tank installation? All our solutions share a common theme - no mains water or sewage connections are needed, so they’re ideal for use in remote locations. Many don’t need electricity either, so we really do offer completely off-grid solutions! Smaller, domestic-style units can be easily installed in an existing structure (including mobile dwellings such as shepherds huts and caravans) and our municipal solutions come complete with the building, including disabledaccessible units. Maintenance The maintenance varies depending on the particular product. The domestic-style waterless toilets, such as the Separett Villa, are typically suitable for use by 2-4 people and would require emptying on your guest changeover day. Our higher capacity systems such as the WooWoo
GT or Kazuba toilets require much less attention and can go for 3-6 months between maintenance (depending on use). Delivery and Installation Some products can be installed by the customer themselves and we typically carry these in stock in our UK warehouse for quick delivery. The larger solutions are made to order and need manufacturing and installation times factored in, but are usually around 8 weeks. Lifespan and Warranties This will vary depending on the product. Some of the manufacturers we work with offer a five-year warranty and we know from conversations with old customers, that they are being used twenty years on
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 23
BATHROOMS Neither have to be mains connected. Electricity can be supplied by a generator or other suitable power source, whilst water can be supplied via a borehole if necessary. In most cases, waste water is discharged via small pipes to mains drains or a sewer. But the pumps can equally connect to water treatment plants and septic tanks or other storage means that will require regular emptying. Kinedo shower cubicles just require a hot and cold-water supply and provision for the waste drain. Are your facilities suitable for off-grid sites? As long as an off-grid site has power and water and suitable storage for waste, then a Saniflo can provide a pumping solution. Our new range of Zehnder industrial lifting stations use robust German pump technology. What maintenance is required to keep your facilities in top condition? Saniflo pumps are designed with ease of access in mind. Regular cleaning and servicing is recommended and Saniflo has its own recommended descaling liquid specifically created for use with Saniflo units. The cleanser is a concentrated solution for optimum cleaning power and trouble-free maintenance and prolongs the unit’s life and efficiency.
SANIFLO saniflo.co.uk Can you tell us a little about the background of your business? Saniflo is one of the most widely recognised brands in the UK plumbing market thanks to its range of pumps, lifting stations and macerators that facilitate the installation of WC and washing facilities when conventional drainage is not possible, too difficult or too costly. The range of products includes pumps that can be sited indoor or outdoor and will discharge waste from small or large buildings, including multiple small buildings. Whether it’s Glamping, Camping or Caravanning a Saniflo can help sort the waste for bathrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities – whatever the structure. As well as pumping stations, Saniflo
24 l
www.glampingbusiness.com
manufactures the popular range of Kinedo self-contained shower cubicles. Consisting of shower trays, glass internal and external panels and door, most models include the showerhead and valve as standard. Quick and simple to install these cubicles provide a watertight environment with no need for grout and silicone and are easy to maintain. Saniflo’s reputation for after sales service is enhanced by its unique network of 100 service engineers who cover the whole of the UK. Do your facilities require a mains water connection or septic tank installation? A Saniflo pump or lifting station requires connection to both water and electricity.
How long does it take to create and deliver your facilities? Saniflo UK has exceptional stock levels of all products in the range and has access to rapid deliveries from the manufacturing plants in France and Germany. Products are installed by plumbers, builders and engineers. Length of installation depends on the complexity of the project. What is the lifespan of your facilities and do you offer any warranties? Larger commercial pumps have a two-year warranty, whilst some smaller domestic pumps have a fiveyear warranty. Saniflo products are manufactured using only the best quality componentry and designed to last. Many customers have Saniflos that are working even after 20 years of service.
SANIFOS MAKES GLAMPING POSSIBLE Saniflo UK continues to provide drainage solutions to unusual and remote places guaranteeing business continuity for some of the country’s prominent staycation attractions locations. Galley Hill Farm situated on the edge of the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, an ‘Area of Natural Beauty’, is a farm with a successful ‘Pick Your Own’ business and a caravan site with 10 pitches in a stunning woodland grove adjacent to the family farmhouse. The busy caravan site encompasses a block with shower and WCs and has recently expanded from 5 to 10 pitches plus two sizeable glamping pods complete with bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living room.
Waste from the house and the toilet block is discharged to a septic tank that was recently upgraded due to new regulations that came into effect in 2020. A separate chemical disposal point was also installed for the caravan site.
and trench for the main connection pipe. A small shed was erected to house the electrics and alarm for the Sanifos. The pods were dropped into place and the waste connections installed from the borehole water supply, which has its own water filtration system.
The proposed space on site for the glamping pods did not have sufficient gravity fall to reach the septic tank, which was 70m away, and thus required a pump to discharge the waste. A Sanifos 610 underground lifting station provided the perfect solution; with sufficient capacity to accommodate more units in future.
The Sanifos 610 has a 612-litre tank and is offered with a choice of one or two pumps. Galley Hill Farm specified the twin pump model to ensure continuity of service. The pumps work alternately to ensure even wear of the motors, but in the event of one pump failing, the other will activate to ensure it keeps working. It is supplied with a smart control box which is an interactive, intelligent station monitoring system and integrates an alarm for early warning of any problems.
A clearing behind the farmhouse was prepared which included concrete bases for the pods, a large pit for siting the Sanifos
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 25
Your ideas, your design
Luxury, Bespoke Living Our exclusive Lincolnshire Shepherd Huts are lovingly designed to meet your requirements. Each Hut is individually crafted to your specification. Ultimate Luxury Glamping, Couples Getaway, Family Accommodation, Personal or Garden Retreat, Gin Bar or Coffee House, Studio of your choice. Your options are limitless. We make and design everything ourselves, offering a bespoke service from start to finish.
Off-grid living available
Start your journey here Call the team on 07930 521 108 email info@lincolnshireshepherdhuts.co.uk or visit www.lincolnshireshepherdhuts.co.uk
ENVI LODGES The First Experiential Eco-Lodge Brand to Launch from the GCC A new luxury experiential eco-lodge brand and management company officially launched during the Arabian & African Hotel Investment Conference at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai last month. ENVI Lodges is co-founded by Chris Nader and Noelle Homsy, both avid travellers and experts in the hospitality industry. Over the last decade, they witnessed the change in tourism in the MENA region and foresaw the travel revolution when it was still in “evolution”. “I think we can call it a revolution,” says Nader. “According to Businesswire, the global experiential lodging (glamping) market size is expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2027, rising at a market growth of 17.5% CAGR.” “Travellers are looking for meaningful trips. They want to have a positive impact on the place they visit,” adds Homsy. “We believe that the current hospitality offering in the region needs to evolve to remain relevant. So, we created a hotel brand in line with this global shift towards transformational and regenerative tourism, focusing on eco-lodges that are immersed in nature and anchored around experiences: adventure, wellness,
agritourism, cultural immersion, and environmental discoveries.” ENVI offers three types of accommodation (tents, prefab suites, and alternative pods), all built with low impact on the environment and with a sense of place, following the brand’s seven sustainability pillars. In fact, ENVI lodges will be developed and operated based on globally recognized sustainable tourism standards. According to a recent report by Booking.com, 83% of global travellers now believe sustainable travel is vital. With the push from governments in the MENA region, particularly the GCC, to promote eco-tourism, and the development of nature-centric tourism projects in KSA, the UAE, and Egypt, ENVI lodges is well positioned to grow its portfolio within a short time frame. “Last June, we raised funds from European and GCC investors to develop the brand
and we’re getting ready for our second round in 2022,” says Nader. “What is very encouraging is to see the growing interest of investors in developing lodges with ENVI at such an early stage of our inception, and we already have a promising pipeline of projects under negotiation, particularly in the UAE and KSA.” ENVI Lodges has brought on-board world-class hospitality experts and advisors specialised in experiential travel, and signed several partnerships, including with a world-class experiential designer, an eco-lodge marketing firm, and a large distribution platform. ENVI is also set to announce the signing of a major partnership with an alliance of eco-resorts and a renowned loyalty programme that will enhance the brand’s global reach. www.envilodges.com @envilodges
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 27
Report
2021
Once again, The Glamping Show has come and gone, bigger and better than the year before and instilling a sense of excitement over next year’s event. International Glamping Business were delighted to be able to attend the event, which was a great success, bringing together the largest group of glamping manufacturers yet. With 107 exhibitor stands present at the show, the exhibition space was transformed into a sea of wonderful and eye-catching structures. What started as a quick stroll through the entirely outdoor space, ended up a great pilgrimage of all thing’s glamping. From Escape Mood’s mirrored cabin that looked like something straight out of a sci-f film to Blackdown’s luxurious shepherd hut complete with the outdoor brass bathtub located on the decking. The Snuggeries were present showing off a beautiful cabin with a second story balcony area, just around the corner from the Conker which never fails to draw a crowd. Pods, yurts, tipis, domes, safari tents and shipping containers, there was something for absolutely everyone. The Glamping Show represents the largest collection of glamping companies available in the UK, all gathered for three days, as current and future glamping site owner peruse their wares. Since its inaugural event in 2015, the show has grown in size, both the number of exhibitors and visitors larger than that of the
year before. In this sense, the 2021 event was no different, boasting more exhibitors for the visitors to see, and more visitors for the exhibitors to sell to. “This year is definitely the biggest yet and we’re getting an even better response than last year. We sold a couple of units on the first day which is always a great start for a three-day event.” Coal Bunker. The growth in the popularity of glamping has been steadily growing for a number of years now, but travel restrictions brought in by the coronavirus pandemic has caused it to skyrocket. As people realised that international travel was becoming more and more difficult, they started to look domestically for holiday options. As business started to return to normal, glamping sites across the country were finding themselves fully booked. This is a trend that has outlasted the travel restrictions and many sites are boasting full occupancy rates well into next year. This explosion of interest was reflected at the
show with a large cohort of new entrants to the business as the UK domestic vacation sector responded, but perhaps more important was the number of existing operators choosing to reinvest in their businesses to enhance and expand. “It’s been a great show so far, we’re seeing a lot of interest. We’ve been meeting people from all over the world, international sales have been fantastic.” Unidome. Registration for the event was up 60% on the last show with over 5,500 people signing up to visit. Attendance for the event was well over 3,500, again, representing a 60% increase on the 2020 show. “We’re having a great show, we’ve been really busy. We had around 30 emails on the first day alone and are hearing from people all over the UK and Ireland.” Eurobuild. But it’s not just the number of people that are looking to set up a site that has increased,
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 29
Bespoke designed and built by traditional craftsmen with over 35 years manufacturing expertise from start to finish. From concept to completion, we can manufacture and install your huts. Made to an extremely high standard from the best, locally sourced materials, using traditional practices and modern techniques. Although created from modern materials, our shepherd huts still provide a rural feel and are true to the heritage of the shepherd’s hut. They are weather resistant and are built for durability. Fully insulated and double glazed. With endless design and colour finishes, we will build your hut with attention to detail and practicality, and with great pride taken in the quality of our product. Each hut is lovingly crafted with its own individuality giving you a totally unique space.
01772 721093 / 07976 616253
info@whitedoveshepherdhuts.co.uk
www.whitedoveshepherdhuts.co.uk
Of the visitors in attendance:
48%
were in the early stages of development (exploring opportunities and looking for land)
20%
were experienced operators (of whom 69% were planning to enhance and 89% to expand their businesses)
the number of glamping manufacturers is also growing as well. Of the 107 exhibitor stands present, 30% were new for this year. As the popularity of glamping increases, so too does the number of companies who look to make their mark and drive the industry forward. Walking around The Glamping Show, it was incredible to be able to see this change and innovation first-hand as we noted all the fantastic new companies with their wonderful products and services.
The Glamping Show seminar programme was also back, and for the second year running, held entirely online. 42 industry experts gave a total of 58 sessions representing the largest collection of glamping knowledge available. The programme, which was available to view over a period of a month, was very well received with viewers from 27 different countries. Gathering over 3000 views, the seminars were watched for a total of 610 hours.
The International Glamping Business Team would like to thank Swan Events for organising such an incredible show and can’t wait to see what is in store for next year’s event. Each year The Glamping Show proves that glamping is far from a quirky fad, and this year more than ever has shown that it has not only established itself as a viable longterm business opportunity but is now firmly entrenched and bringing change to the entire tourist accommodation sector.
First time exhibitors included Oliver’s Huts who brought along a fantastic shepherds hut and Kata Tipis, the UK’s leading Event Tipi manufacturer, who were showing of their first offering to the Glamping market: the Kata Glamp. The Qube Eco Tiny Homes were present, who have been in the modular build sector for over 13 years and have now diversified into the Tiny Homes market for glamping, and Steelpad who were exhibiting their Steelpad 20 Glamping pod, a purpose designed 6m converted shipping container. “It’s our first time at the show this year and the reaction that people are having is very good. For the people who are interested in our product, we’re getting around a 60% strike rate, which we’re happy with.” Airospring.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 31
ADVERTORIAL
GOING GREEN WITH TRUDOMES We believe that even the little things can make a big difference when it comes to making steps towards becoming more sustainable in your business, which is why our geodesic dome packaging is ecofriendly and made from wood, minimising plastic waste. Our TruDomes box packaging just so happens to look amazing too, branded with our TruDomes logo. We love seeing what our customers use their boxes for once their domes are assembled, finding creative ways to re-purpose rather than throw away. TruDomes customers share that same passion for sustainability. Grove Farm Glamping, hailing from Surrey, recently built their luxury dome kitchen out of reclaimed wood, using the wooden box that their TruDomes glamping dome arrived in, along with some left over wood from their dome base – waste not want not! Charlotte, from Grove Farm Glamping said, “when you’re creating a space it’s
32 l
www.glampingbusiness.com
easy to use new things, but it’s kinder to the environment to re-use”. Grove Farm Glamping have made a conscious effort to reduce waste and be more sustainable as a business, whilst still managing to attain a high-end, luxury finish to the interior of their glamping dome, ‘The Olive Pod’. Dartmoor Domes are another TruDomes customer, whose glamping business makes sure that sustainability is a priority. James, from Dartmoor Domes, said, “all materials were sourced as locally as possible and no machinery was used to make the site. So it’s just a handmade, off-grid, back to nature experience”. James explained “for the interiors we followed our ethics where we could, recycled or natural carpets”. TruDomes are made in Britain, making TruDomes the sure choice for any sustainably conscious glamping business owners. TruDomes.com
A Guide to
PODS, CABINS AND DOMES
Part 2
For this guide we have combined three incredibly popular types of accommodation in the glamping industry: pods, domes and cabins. From the very early days of glamping, pods have always been a popular choice of accommodation for sites across the country. With low set-up costs and the possibility of being used year-round they serve as an excellent way to break into the glamping market. Cabins are among the most sought-after choices of glamping accommodation in the US and have a strong presence in the UK too, including the quintessentially British Shepherd’s Hut. Domes have seen their popularity skyrocket over the past five years or so, providing large interior spaces and an attention-grabbing exterior. Part 1 of this guide can be found in the September issue of International Glamping Business.
SCOTIA CABINS scotiacabins.co.uk Can you tell us a little about the background of your business? Scotia Cabins started life in 2015 as a business to run alongside our family farm. It’s been quite a journey since then and over the last 7 years, we have helped hundreds of outdoorloving Scottish families revolutionise the way they interact with their gardens. What type of structures do you offer? We design, build and install Camping Cabins, BBQ Cabins, Classroom Cabins & Garden Studios across the whole of Scotland – including the islands! Our structures can be adapted in over 50 different ways between them! The Garden Studios can be adapted for almost all sizes and needs. The BBQ cabins can have extensions and become doubles, triples, the options are almost limitless! What is unique about your products? All our cabins are designed and manufactured in the UK which means we are currently able to offer a much quicker lead time than imported cabins.
We also have a huge amount of options at the design stage and can be flexible to suit the planned area. Working with us throughout the process gives our customers peace of mind that they’re working with an expert team who is in their corner and who knows the long journey ahead with these projects. Each one is different so having that support with one of the critical parts is essential. Also, the trademarked design of the sloping walls in the cabins gives so much space, they are like a Tardis! What maintenance is required to keep your structures in top condition? All our structures are designed for longevity and minimal maintenance.
The BBQ Cabins require a stain once or twice a year, which doesn’t take long. We also offer an annual service and maintenance contract where we can come out to check over the cabins. How long does it take to create and assemble your structures? This depends on size, location, base, and the weather! Our recent project saw us install 53sqm camping cabins in 4-5 days per cabin. What is the lifespan of your structures and do you offer any warranties? All our buildings are guaranteed for 10 years.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 33
PODS, CABINS and Domes
FACET12 BY HUNTER OUTDOORS hunteroutdoors.co.uk
Can you tell us a little about the background of your business? Facet12 is a creative production house, specialising in bespoke glamping pods. The company was founded by design experts and glamping enthusiasts, Alex Hill and Luke Basey, who have backgrounds in unusual and bespoke build projects for many well-known brands. What type of structures do you offer? We offer limited edition interesting and striking structures that you can get passionate about. POD:IUM is a preassembled timber glamping pod, built on a CNC plywood frame, insulated with sheep’s wool, clad in Accoya, and installed on ground-screw foundations.
34 l
What is unique about your product? First and foremost, it’s the pod’s appearance, and that’s supported by the knowledge that only 12 of any design will be built. So, when buying into something special, you don’t run the risk of a mega-site complex being installed just down the road! What maintenance is required to keep your structures in top condition? POD:IUM requires very little maintenance. Externally clad in Accoya, this timber has a 50-year warranty and can be used untreated if you prefer the appearance to weather naturally. We select quality products to give you a longer, more reliable service, looking to save
www.glampingbusiness.com
you time and money in the long run – not just a headline. We can work with you to create the most suitable maintenance plan for your pod, taking into account your environment and pod usage. How long does it take to create and assemble your structures? We deliver the pods in a finished state. We’ll have installed your ground screw array and sub-floor in the day or two prior to the pod arriving, ready to be lowered on, secured, and connected to site services. What is the lifespan of your structures? With normal maintenance looking after the general wear and tear, you’ll be enjoying your POD:IUM for decades to come.
PODS, CABINS and Domes
SNUGGERIES snuggeries.co.uk
What maintenance is required to keep your structures in top condition? All of our structures are designed to be very low maintenance, in terms of areas such as cladding we do offer, as standard, a range of beautiful real woods and also versatile composites. We feel that this allows you to make that all important choice of how you’d like your structure to look in years to come, either natural weathering or minimal maintenance over it’s lifespan. How long does it take to create and assemble your structures? With our structures all being bespoke, different size requirements and having their own individual features it really does vary. To take our ‘Terrace’ as an example, depending on any other requirements by the customer this would have a build time of 4-6 weeks.
Can you tell us a little about the background of your business? We started Snuggeries with the mission to offer premium, exceptional quality, sustainable, and high performing structures that are a credit to your business, your guests and ensure that ultimately as an experience owner your ROI is achieved quicker through higher accommodation fees. Our bespoke nature allows customers to truly customise their designs and luxury offering, we encourage our customers to draw on their imagination and inspiration to really define how they would like their offering to look and feel. We only construct with high quality materials, ensuring that the product that you’ve invested in is sustainable and offers a solid ROI for many years to come. What type of structures do you offer? We offer anything your imagination can think of! We currently have two designs that are popular, both truly bespoke that have been designed with our customers.
We will encourage you to really delve into your exact requirements and we will do our very best to make this possible. What is unique about your products? We feel that our products are unique as they allow a site owner to really target the clientele they’re hoping to attract. We work with you, listen to your requirements, and do our upmost to make these a reality.
What is the lifespan of your structures and do you offer any warranties? We construct the majority of our structures out of Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs), they’re high energy performing panels that have a well-documented life expectancy of 60+ years. We offer a guarantee of 10 years from the date of completion against structural defects that occur in the floor, walls or roof of a building manufactured by us. We will also pass on warranties or guarantees from the manufactures and or suppliers of the components.
We have two structures that can be purchased as ‘products’, however we would even encourage you to customise these if the current configurations don’t fit in with your location of where they’re to be sited. We strive to offer a service, not just products, and it all starts with a discussion!
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 35
PODS, CABINS and Domes
LANDPOD landpod.co.uk Can you tell us a little about the background of your business? A family run business, for Landpod creators Steve and Jake, it all began - as most great ideas do - with a passion for getting closer to nature, and the love of a challenge! Steve blames Jake, Jake blames Steve but somewhere in this mix the gauntlet was thrown down to create “a Glamping Pod for a music festival that will keep you feeling human… and won’t sink in a sea of tents”. Mission accepted and the first Landpod was created in 2012. So why stop there? Steve and Jake did some digging and found that there was a demand for a compact and quirky glamping unit that
36 l
went far beyond the festival field. What type of structures do you offer? We offer unique all terrain Pods & Cabins. What is unique about your products? Your Landpod will be delivered to site flat packed and then the Landpod team will install it in your desired location, this means we can get your Landpod into remote locations or places with limited access. Each Landpod structure is built on the iconic adjustable legs so there is no need for costly foundations and there is limited impact on the surrounding environment. The Landpod is painted in the branded
www.glampingbusiness.com
Landpod colours which seamlessly blend into nature. What maintenance is required to keep your structures in top condition? We suggest that the Landpod roof is cleaned with hot soapy water every 12 months. The structure of the Landpod needs to be brushed down with a soft brush every 2 months to keep in top condition. How long does it take to create and assemble your structures? If access is good it will take approximately 4 hours for the Landpod team to build one Woodland Lodge, this is the largest Landpod we offer.
PODS, CABINS and Domes
HAZELWOOD HUTS hazelwoodhuts.co.uk
Can you tell us a little about the background of your business? Hazelwood Huts is a family-owned business based in South Wales who pride themselves on designing and manufacturing the highest quality bespoke Glamping Huts & Traditional Shepherd’s Huts for domestic and commercial use. We are a specialist carpentry and joinery business with over 50 highly skilled carpenters and joiners with a fully equipped joinery workshop in Pontypridd, South Wales. What type of structures do you offer? We build bespoke Traditional Shepherd’s Huts, Luxury Glamping Huts, fully road legal and towable Glamping Huts, Glamping Pods and a range of associated glamping timber structures and extras. From our base in South Wales, we service the whole of the UK Mainland so can deliver and install your Hazelwood Hut pretty much anywhere. What is unique about your products? Our design team and highly skilled joiners work with customers to create and build bespoke Shepherd’s Huts and Glamping Huts for domestic and commercial use. All Hazelwood Huts are bespoke so we can offer a really personalised service for our customers who have specific requests for interior layouts and fit-outs. Each hut is made to order so a client led process helps us deliver fully customised structures on an individual basis as we understand that people have different requirements, our huts are not a ‘one size fits all’ product. What maintenance is required to keep your structures in top condition? Every structure is different so the approaches to good maintenance may vary from hut to hut but we only use the highest quality of
materials available to build with. Our timber buildings require very little maintenance due to the quality of materials used, the high levels of skilled craftsmanship and our quality assured manufacturing process. We would however recommend an Osmo UV protection oil and applied as per the product’s instructions to keep the cladding in good condition but general care for the structure will prolong its life greatly. How long does it take to create and assemble your structures? It can take between two and four weeks to build one of our structures from signing off on the specification with the client, dependant on size and internal fitments and finishings. The larger the unit the longer it will take but our team of specialist joiners approach all manufacturing processes with the highest of standards to ensure the finished product is one we can all be proud of. What is the lifespan of your structures and do you offer any warranties? At Hazelwood Huts we design and manufacture robust, commercial grade structures for domestic and commercial use. Each Hazelwood Hut comes with a 5-year guarantee and the life expectancy could be in excess of 30 years if maintenance guidelines are adhered to and it is treated well throughout its lifespan. A well cared for hut is going to be something that can bring many years of pleasure to the owner and people who use it. As we are a UK based company, we are on hand to help or support our clients if any accidental damage or quick repairs need looking at. We like to support our clients all year round and build great relationships with them.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 37
PODS, CABINS and Domes
JANS OFFSITE SOLUTIONS jansoffsitesolutions.com Jans Offsite Solutions is a leader in the design and manufacture of high specification, bespoke glamping pods, TORP vacation lodges and houseboats for the leisure and tourism sectors. Last month, in partnership with London based architects Studio Anyo, the company officially unveiled the TORP lodge, its latest build, at Grand Designs Live which caused quite a bit of razzmatazz among the hospitality industry. TORP lodges are a truly unique concept and are set to revolutionise the way people holiday in the UK. They will help holiday parks evolve to offer the lodge experience sought at the higher end of the market, combining the outdoors escape provided by glamping with the comfort of home and the design of a boutique hotel. All buildings are manufactured by Jans Offsite Solutions from a 80,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility under the strictest of conditions allowing the company to achieve the highest standards in production and finish. Jans Offsite Solutions range of House Boats
38 l
offer a contemporary way of living on water. It’s Glamping Pods with their state-of-theart one piece barrel roof sets new standards in elegance and performance. Made from composite it’s not only a striking piece of design but reliable, long lasting and requires no maintenance throughout its lifespan. The company has an unerring focus on design incorporating the latest material advancements and technology not only in the build, but in the electronics and exterior and interior finishes it uses. The result is houseboats and Glamping pods that make waves and deliver more. The company employs talented design and manufacturing teams as well as innovative project leads who are intelligent thinkers and deliver creative buildings that disrupt the sectors it works in. What type of structures do you offer? Jans Offsites Solutions manufactures Glamping Pods, Lodges, HouseBoats and other Modular Buildings
www.glampingbusiness.com
What is unique about your products? Our glamping pod has a one-piece GRP roof that is leak-free and has a long lifespan. Our houseboats are spacious and allow you to live on the water without compromising luxury and our TORP lodge is set to revolutionise the way we holiday in leisure parks. What maintenance is required to keep your structures in top condition? All our products are designed to be low maintenance and maximises margin. How long does it take to create and assemble your structures? Our products arrive in one piece ready to be part of your site. What is the lifespan of your structures and do you offer any warranties? We offer a 12 year guarantee.
POD:IUM
Limited-edition Luxury Glamping Pod
Ideal for any season, the POD:IUM glamping pod from Facet12 will turn a venue into the ultimate luxury retreat. POD:IUM is home from home, with nature on the doorstep. Everybody’s doing it! Glamping has crossed the line from niche to mainstream. Everybody’s doing it. Everybody’s loving it. Driven by growing standards of luxury and people’s desire to be close to nature, bookings for outdoor holidays in the UK have increased by more than 200% in the last two years. As the glamping trend gains momentum, and landowners all over the UK are opening new glamping sites, how do you go beyond the ordinary, the standard, and the expected? How do you stand out from the crowd? POD:IUM luxury glamping pod POD:IUM is a limited-edition luxury glamping pod, designed and constructed by Facet12, a business founded by design experts and glamping enthusiasts, Alex Hill and Luke Basey. Built for durability and longevity, with electric and plumbing installation, this beautifully finished pod features a well-equipped kitchen, modern shower room, comfortable bedroom, and cosy living area with stargazing roof. An alternative version of POD:IUM is available on request. In place of the kitchen and
bathroom, you have a single space with a luxury log burner made on the Isle of Wight by our friends at Charnwood. With only 12 POD:IUM units available, Facet12 is offering venues something refreshingly different to the standard solutions on the market. These inspiring spaces turn a venue into the ultimate luxury retreat, with an instant USP. Committed to sustainability The pods are clad in Accoya – a sustainably sourced, fully biodegradable material made from chemically engineered softwood. Strong, durable, and easy to maintain, Accoya is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The pods’ superior sheep’s wool insulation has zero global warming potential. POD:IUM is built on ground-screw foundations, which have a far lower impact on the natural environment than concrete – a material that accounts for up to one eighth of the world’s anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Ground screws allow you to site your pod anywhere – even in hard-to-access areas, where a concrete base wouldn’t be possible. The process takes just a few hours.
Facet12 pledges to plant 100 new trees for each pod sold. Cosy winter breaks Where do people spend their winter holidays? Hotels, cottages, B&Bs? One thing’s for sure: they’re not all crowding into the UK’s glamping sites. Glamping is still very much a summer treat. But the cosy POD:IUM glamping pod, insulated with sheep’s wool, has everything the winter traveller is looking for. POD:IUM offers site owners the opportunity to stretch out the glamping season and increase annual bookings by offering snug glamping pods during the winter months. What could be better than spending quality time in the UK countryside, with nature on the doorstep and stars shining through the skylight … Order your POD:IUM glamping pod To learn more about Facet12 and the limited-edition POD:IUM glamping pod, visit www.facet12.co.uk or phone Luke on 07901 608912.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 39
USA
grows by more than 150% The Glamping Show USA (www.glampingshow.us) was held near Denver, Colorado in October. This was the fourth in the annual series of trade events held annually to serve the north and south America community of business professionals in the glamping sector of the outdoor hospitality industry.
40 l
www.glampingbusiness.com
This year’s event set new records for the total number of verified onsite trade visitors, the number of paid conference delegates, the number of exhibitors which included several international companies. 1053 trade visitors made the investment of time to visit the Denver-area event. This was up from approximately 450 attendees to the 2019 show (Note: 2019 was the most recent “in-person” event before the pandemic. In 2020, The Glamping Show produced a virtual event with over 1500 unique visitors). Of the more than 1000 total visitors, over 550 registered to participate in the professional conference program.
A new educational feature was launched this year with a ½-day preshow workshop (held the day before the expo opened). Entitled Glamping Business Basics and sponsored by the American Glamping Association, the sessions featured an overview of the glamping business and was tailored to those new or thinking of entering the business. “Considering this (additional workshop) meant that delegates needed to come to the event a day early and stay and extra night, we were thrilled to see how many participated in this preconference workshop” said Sally Matteson, the Conference Director and co-owner of the event.
The show’s traditional 2-day conference program featured 8 sessions with an outstanding faculty of industry veterans. Sessions featured a variety of topics including The Guest Experience, Adding Events to Boost your Bottom Line, and Building Asset Value; How to Build Your Business for Future Success.
Another new feature offered for the first time this year was a “on-demand” opportunity for those that were unable to join us at the event. Visitors had access to digital booth units (stand) so that they could interact with all the exhibitors. Additionally, the entire conference program was available during this 2-week opportunity.
This year’s expo featured 70 exhibitors that came from the US, Canada, Mexico, England, Ireland, Netherlands, South African and Australia. With both indoor and outdoor exhibition space, visitors had the opportunity to visit over 40 different structures and to interact with a wide variety of products and services targeted specifically to the glamping business market. “We welcomed over 1000 trade visitors and 70 exhibitors to the 2021 event,” said David Korse, Sales Director, and co-owner. “Everyone seemed happy, enthusiastic, and with positive comments about the show. We will return to the same venue in 2022 with the hope that the pandemic will be fully behind us thereby making it possible for more visitors and exhibitors to safely make the trip to join us.” The 2022 Glamping Show USA will be held at the same venue in the Denver area on October 4th & 5th.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 41
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES A RETREAT FROM A TYPICAL GLAMPING SITE?
Sarah Riley CEO of Inspired Courses for hospitality businesses and developer of The Perfectly Planned And Profitable Retreats System®
What types of retreats are there? Are they typically wellness related or are there educational retreats such as stargazing? The list of retreats is endless. From gut health, woodcrafting, pet training and everything in-between. I recently researched the different types of retreats currently being offered and I counted over 63. It seems that the only limit is your imagination, as long as you have the audience interested in it. But from my experience, if you follow the formula I share in my Perfectly Planned And Profitable Retreats System®, you can make anything a magnet for bookings. The key is to focus on what facilities you have to deliver your desired retreat and if it truly interests you.
42 l
www.glampingbusiness.com
Do you need any accreditation to become a retreat, or can anyone set one up? The deliverer of the retreat has to have experience in what they intend to deliver and in some cases this does require accreditation and qualifications. However, this doesn’t mean the host needs it as they could be working in partnership with the deliverer of the event. So, for example, if a glamping site wants to host a weight loss retreat focusing on gut health and food fermentation, they would work in partnership with a nutritionist and fermentation specialist rather than delivering it themselves.
What should a retreat offer? Can it be as simple as offering a couple of activities throughout the day? Or does the site need to revolve around the experience that is being offered? The program must be thought through carefully and not thrown together at the last minute as there is a delicate balance to achieve when delivering retreats. The attendees need to feel as if they have benefitted from the activities they’ve been promised, but also from the relaxation and self-care time they have had during the event. However, this also depends on the theme. For example, someone who has booked an activity focused retreat will be disappointed if they keep finding themselves twiddling their thumbs waiting for the organiser to make things happen.
Is there a typical group size for retreat stays? Smaller and more personal events are much easier to organise and less stress for the host
and deliver of the event. However, as I demonstrated in my masterclass there will be a natural breakeven point for every retreat. I use an automated spreadsheet as this is different every time depending on the style of the event. The essential piece of the puzzle is to find this breakeven point and then know that every booking afterwards will bring 100% profit to the organiser. The numbers should then be capped when it reaches the maximum for manageability purposes.
What is the average duration of a stay at a retreat? Retreats are most commonly a day to a week long as any longer is difficult for the attendees to commit to. However, there is a little-known piece of legislation that applies to retreats that makes it easier to run shorter events than longer ones. This is why I work with the Principal of a law firm when advising on the compliance responsibilities of hosts. My advice is to do your research in advance and always seek the advice of specialists. If you are unsure of how it might apply to your event then I am always happy to help.
For site owners, what are the staff requirements for a retreat? Will there need to be trained staff for the services on offer? The more staff the better as it makes it easier to enjoy hosting the event and this is easily achieved when working with partners. For example, a host glamping site will have their usual staff in place to manage the accommodation side of an event, while a yoga teacher will be present at certain times throughout the day. The food can be arranged by outside caterers or the hosts regular staff
and so on. The best part of working with multiple delivery partners is knowing you have a team of people working with you and it helps to boost your relationships with local small businesses. Just remember to focus on your budget and know your events breakeven point.
Are there any requirements for the facilities and accommodation on-site? Do they need to be very high-end to attract guests? The variety of events is very broad and anything goes in my opinion. Just be sure to match up your ideal guests expectations with the style and quality of your facilities. If there is a mis-match then this could attract negative reviews, which no retreat host wants.
What advice would you give to a glamping site owner that is thinking about the possibility of opening a retreat at their site? If it’s one thing we’ve missed over the past year, it’s time with each other to enjoy amazing experiences, learn new and inspirational things and have a bit of self-care time. Added to that, many have been working from home and not having their usual interactions with people in the office, leaving them feeling as though they are missing something vital. Also, the buying power of millennials is increasing. These are reasons why I believe retreats are going to sky-rocket in 2022 and beyond. So if you are considering running a retreat and using them as a way to build followers, boost your income during offpeak and mid-week times or even to launch your new business, now is the time to start planning.
Gl
mping
BUSINESS
l 43
