Many people enjoy roughing it in the great outdoors. But sleeping under the stars in a tent with bared-down essentials, unplugged from technology and eating meals around a campfire isn’t for everyone. While some aspects of camping may be enticing to others, some are turned off by the potential of pesky bugs, sleeping on hard and uncomfortable surfaces and the lack of fine cuisine.
As a result, glamping, also known as “glamorous camping,” was created. Gaining popularity in the last few years, the upscale experience appeals to those who want to be one with the great outdoors — without compromising the luxuries of a five-star resort. While there are many brands offering glamping adventures around the world, the most exclusive property is the internationally acclaimed The Resort at Paws Up in Montana.
Over a decade ago Paws Up introduced glamping to the world with The American Safari™. In the years that have followed, the property, located around 30 miles from Missoula, has hosted the likes of Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow. The property boasts over 37,000 acres of uncompromised beauty and is a working ranch, home to more than 300 elk, a couple hundred Black Angus cows and an abundance of horses. In addition to the ranch, 10 miles of the legendary Blackfoot River runs through the resort, where guests are invited to fly fish their afternoons away.
The resort offers an uncompromised menu of activities such as ATVing, horseback riding, authentic cattle drives, fly-fishing, clay shooting, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, skijoring, snow tubing and more, all available pending seasonality. Also available is water adventures and equipment, such as jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wakeboarding and waterskiing, along with access to fishing boats, sailboats and a water trampoline.
But if breathtaking views, tons of activities and being in the middle of a great American experience aren’t enough for you, their top selling point is arguably its personalized service complemented by five-star amenities. Paws Up offers a concierge service that will plan guests’ trips well before arrival, making sure to note all of their preferences (favorite drink, dietary needs, level of equestrian experience, etc.) so the helpful staff can accommodate any and all of its guests’ needs while glamping. Additionally, the glamping accommodations offer luxurious amenities like ensuite bathrooms with heated slate floors, plush bedding, WiFi, camping butlers, camp chefs and more. The property also includes a luxurious spa, which offers pampering services, fitness and yoga classes, two on-property restaurants, a lavish barbecue area and a full-service bar.
Paws Up offers its glamping experience from mid-May through mid-October (after all, glamping in the cold might not be the best experience!) but the resort itself is open year-round, offering lodging in luxury homes. One-bedroom glamping accommodations start at $522.50 per person per night.
The Resort at Paws Up is also available for events and weddings. And if you have children, don’t even think about leaving them at home. The property is totally family friendly and offers camps for kids from age three to 12.
For more information about glamping at Paws Up, visit their website here. ■
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