Glamping vs a Hotel: Why Your Next Getaway Should Be Somewhere a Little Different

Sometimes you don't need a big overseas holiday, an expensive resort or a week away to feel like you've escaped. Sometimes all you need is one night somewhere beautiful, a little time together and a chance to slow down.

But when it comes to planning a getaway, most of us automatically start looking at hotels, motels or holiday homes. Have you ever considered glamping instead? If you're looking for somewhere a little different for your next escape, here's why swapping four hotel walls for a beautiful glamping experience might be just what you need:

1. It's about the experience, not just somewhere to sleep

Let's be honest. Most hotel rooms are pretty mundane. A queen bed, a bathroom, maybe a television and somewhere to put your suitcase. There's nothing wrong with that, but sometimes you want more. Glamping offers something quite different. Imagine waking up to birdsong, opening your tent to beautiful natural surroundings and enjoying your morning coffee without having anywhere in particular to be. At Te Awa Glamping, our setting alongside the beautiful Whanganui River makes the surroundings part of the experience.

2. A little luxury, with a lot more nature

Who says you have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy the outdoors? Glamping brings together the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the feeling of being immersed in nature while still having those little luxuries that make a getaway special. Think comfortable bedding, beautiful surroundings, a peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without having to pitch a tent or sleep on an air mattress!

3. Less noise, fewer people and more time together

One of the best things about getting away is having time to reconnect. No overflowing to-do lists, no household jobs waiting to be done and no distractions pulling you in different directions. Unlike a sterile hotel, glamping offers the opportunity to enjoy a more peaceful and personal experience. Spend the afternoon exploring, enjoy a leisurely meal, sit back and watch the evening sky or simply do absolutely nothing... and sometimes doing absolutely nothing together is exactly what you need.

4. It's perfect for a romantic getaway

You don't need a special occasion to organise a night away together. Although anniversaries, birthdays and celebrations are certainly fabulous excuses! A glamping getaway offers something a little more memorable than your usual night away.

5. Discover somewhere you might not have thought to visit

One of the joys of choosing somewhere a little different is discovering places you might otherwise drive straight past. Taumarunui and the surrounding King Country have so much to offer, from majestic river scenery and outdoor adventures to little hidden gems worth exploring. Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape or a base for exploring the region, there's plenty to discover. And when the day's adventures are over, you can return to your own peaceful little corner of the countryside.

So the big question: Is glamping better than a hotel?

Well, that depends on what you're looking for. If you just need somewhere convenient to sleep before an early meeting, a hotel might be just the ticket. But if you're looking for something memorable, somewhere to slow down, reconnect and enjoy a different kind of experience, glamping might be exactly what you're after. It's about making the most of your time away rather than simply finding somewhere to stay.

Ready for something a little different?

If you've been thinking about getting away for a night or two, it's definitely time to try something new.

Don't just book somewhere to sleep. Book somewhere to escape.