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This Is a Points Booking Option You Didn’t Know About

Kristine Hansen Kristine Hansen |
Frantic00/Shutterstock

The most luxurious glamping in the world, and all practically free.

Seasoned travelers are already aware that collecting points and miles means you can book—at a low or no cost—an airline ticket, rental car, or hotel room. But did you know that these points can also earn you a glamp-cation? Or, by sleeping under the stars, you can rack up more points, just like you would at a hotel with a loyalty program? Imagine waking up near a national park, in a wooded oasis, or beside a mirror-like lake and starting your day with a dose of Zen. These are not rustic campsites where you have to pack everything in. Expect beds with thick mattresses, along with bathrooms and fridges, and chef-made meals served on site. Activities include hiking as well as, if along the water, kayaking or sailing.

Push aside any notions of a glampground as an indie, boutique property that lacks a points program. Because it turns out that many are, sneakily, part of larger hospitality groups that do, in fact, engage in loyalty perks.

Here are examples around the world where you can stay in a glamorous tent, and information about which points program is a partner. Just know that most are seasonal, open only between spring and fall.

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1 OF 9

AutoCamp

WHERE: 8 U.S. Locations

Points Program: Hilton Honors

Locations: Asheville, North Carolina; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Catskills, New York; Joshua Tree, California; Sonoma County, California; Sequoia National Park, California; Yosemite National Park, California; and Zion National Park, Utah.

Accommodations at each AutoCamp location are split between Airstreams, cabins and what’s called “adventure tents.” These are safari-style tents on platforms, minimally decorated, but far from sparse. For example, a clothing rack to hang shirts so they don’t wrinkle, and a sofa adorned with a throw and pillow. On each tent’s private deck is a fire pit and outdoor-dining set. Later this year, AutoCamp will debut in Texas’ Hill Country.

 

2 OF 9

Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

WHERE: Riau Islands, Indonesia

Points Program: Marriott Bonvoy

Properties in Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio are high on design and very boutique-y, and this resort is no exception—yes, even the glamping tents. Hugging Crystal Lagoon, which is the island’s largest man-made seawater lagoon, each tent features luxuries such as an outdoor rainforest shower and air conditioning. Some offer whirlpool tubs to further unwind. Elegant light fixtures cast a soft, romantic glow. Either summon staff to prepare a barbecue on your private patio or sit down for a meal at The Patio Restaurant and Bar.

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3 OF 9

Urban Glamping Oasis

WHERE: Glendora, California

Points Program: Marriott Bonvoy

Instead of booking direct through a hotel or glampground, why not choose more room to spread out? Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy is a brand-approved collection of private luxury properties around the world, where you can easily slip into a “home away from home” vibe. Among the offerings is this Urban Glamping Oasis in the San Gabriel Valley, within the Los Angeles metro area, just west of downtown L.A. The tent’s space is akin to a one-bedroom, one-bath unit, and guests sleep on a King-sized memory-foam mattress. Each stay includes access to an outdoor kitchen area.

4 OF 9

Under Canvas

WHERE: 13 U.S. Locations

Points Program: World of Hyatt

Locations: Columbia Gorge, Washington; Acadia National Park, Maine; Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah; Glacier National Park, Montana; Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona; Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee; Lake Powell, Utah; Moab, Utah; Mount Rushmore National Park, South Dakota; Yellowstone National Park, Montana; Yosemite National Park, California; and Zion National Park, Utah.

Under Canvas’ white or ivory safari-style tents are near national parks, giving easy access to bucket-list destinations. For example, the Maine property is a 30-minute drive from Acadia National Park, and a few miles from Glacier National Park is another camp. Stocked with luxuries, the spacious tents feel more like a cabin than a tent, and there’s no TV or WiFi by design. Activities include fly fishing, s’mores, and live music—and you can borrow Lululemon yoga mats and acoustic guitars at the one near Mount Rushmore, for example. Given the remote locations, stargazing is spectacular, and a few even have DarkSky-certified skies.

5 OF 9

ULUM Moab

WHERE: Moab, Utah

Points Program: World of Hyatt

In 2023, this luxury glamping brand debuted from Under Canvas, with the sole location in Moab, snug among red rocks, and each suite-sized tent is stocked with Parachute linens, a rain shower, wood-burning stove, and furnishings and décor that would be at home in a resort. It’s also only one of 70 two-Michelin-key resorts in the U.S. Guests have access to pools and outdoor yoga classes. The restaurant’s menu preaches wellness while also tapping into Southwestern flavors, such as a green chile caesar salad, bison burgers and roasted chicken with salsa verde.

6 OF 9

Marasca Khao Yai, an SLH Hotel

WHERE: Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Points Program: Hilton Honors

Now that Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is folded into Hilton, this means sleeping in a tent under the stars earns you more points, including at this property snug in Khao Yai National Park, two hours from Bangkok. Waterfalls, hiking trails and more are in Thailand’s first national park, established in 1962 and the country’s third largest national park. On property is a breakfast with a buffet option, as well as room service, so you don’t have to lift a finger. Choose from one- or two-bedroom glamping suites or a “glamper tent” that’s very spacious, with a living room, King bed, coffee maker, bathroom, shower, and telescope (for stargazing).

7 OF 9

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp

WHERE: Kenya

Points Program: Marriott Bonvoy

Once this resort opens in August of 2025, within the Masai Mara Natural Reserve, the 20 suites-within-tents will provide a new way to experience the region. There are many reasons to never leave the tent, though, including a private plunge pool and butler service. Meals are taken at the camp’s restaurant, which boasts a wine cellar and a deck that’s ideal for stargazing. Given that this is a safari camp, rates also include game drives in an open-air Land Cruiser.

8 OF 9

WM Hotel Hong Kong, Vignette Collection

WHERE: Hong Kong

Points Program: IHG

While this property is not 100% about glamping, one can book the Glamping by the Sea Private Rooftop Staycation. This is for two people and, as the name suggests, within a tent up on the rooftop garden, with amazing views. No need to pitch a tent: staff takes care of all of that. The experience also includes a complimentary mini bar and free breakfast, plus access to a rooftop infinity pool and WiFi.

9 OF 9

The Fields of Michigan

WHERE: South Haven, Michigan

Points Program: World of Hyatt

In 2019, Michigan native Irene Wood launched this glampground four miles from Lake Michigan’s western shoreline, on a blueberry farm (guests can pick berries for free). It’s now part of the Outdoor Collection, which also includes Under Canvas. Accommodations are among tents and cottages, and there are two types of tents, with the “fields tent” the most luxurious, featuring an electric fireplace and a King-sized bed. One can also book a treatment in one of the massage cabins. Great food is always within reach while on property, whether it’s a grab-and-go picnic basket or dinner at Supper Club.