Can You Go Glamping in Timeshares?

Glamping, short for "glamorous camping," is an outdoor vacationing trend that combines the luxury of resort accommodations with the natural beauty of a campground. At its core, glamping is about comfort and convenience – plush bedding, gourmet meals, and high-end amenities, all amidst the tranquility of nature.

While camping purists might scoff at the idea, there's no denying that glamping opens up the great outdoors to a broader demographic, particularly those who might not be drawn to traditional camping.

By contrast, timeshare properties are typically in popular vacation destinations, such as beachfronts, mountain ranges, and even within city centers. Many timeshares offer resort-like amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants.

With both glamping and timeshares, the appeal is a luxurious escape while maintaining a feel-at-home convenience. Given the popularity of both concepts, it's only natural to wonder if you can go glamping in timeshares.

Can You Really Go Glamping in Timeshares?

While most timeshares operate conventional resort-style accommodation, certain timeshare resorts have started to adapt to the glamping trend, either by converting some of their spaces into glamping sites or by affiliating with nearby glamping establishments. The idea is to offer a unique experience to their members, diversifying their vacation offerings, and capitalizing on the growing popularity of glamping.

One of the best examples of a timeshare company entering the glamping space is Westgate River Ranch Resort - offering an immersive experience in luxury camping in the midst of central Florida. The moment you step into this sprawling 1,700-acre ranch, you're transported to a frontier-style retreat where rustic meets modern comfort.

The resort's luxe teepees, luxe Conestoga wagons and glamping tents redefine the outdoor experience with their sophisticated design. Each is beautifully furnished with plush king-sized beds, private bathrooms, and personal concierge service, providing an exquisite blend of wilderness and indulgence. Yet, it's the unique touches like the cowhide rugs, chandeliers, and outdoor fire pit that genuinely embody the glamorous camping spirit.

The surrounding environment invites glampers to explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the central Florida region. Horseback riding, nature trails, and fishing offer adventurous escapes. Come dusk, gather around the communal fire pit to share stories and roast marshmallows under a blanket of stars.

Tucked in the Virginia countryside, Bluegreen Shenandoah Crossing offers luxury yurts epitomizing rustic elegance. Each yurt is a serene oasis, providing modern comforts including a private bathroom, full kitchen, central heat and air and high-end furnishings, seamlessly blending traditional nomadic design with contemporary flair.

Surrounded by the relaxing Shenandoah landscape, these upscale yurts offer panoramic views, tranquil moments under the stars, and immediate access to the area's sprawling hiking trails and tranquil lakes.

In Europe, companies like Canvas Holidays offer a choice of glamping holidays primarily in France, Spain and Italy. Their accommodation options include luxury mobile homes, lodges, and glamping tents in various locations. While technically not a timeshare, their model does allow customers to book the same or different accommodations year after year, similar to a timeshare concept.

Cabins, Cottages and Chalets

Many timeshare operators realize the need for more specialized accommodation options for their owners, especially in more rural areas. This is why cabin accommodations have become a popular way to offer a more personalized accommodation experience in natural surroundings, even though they would still be considered a step up from glamping accommodations.

Wyndham Destinations, the world's largest timeshare company operating Club Wyndham, WorldMark and Shell Vacations Club, has explored these options. Some of their locations, like Club Wyndham Shawnee Village, offer cabins that bring a taste of nature into their accommodations with forest-themed decors, fireplaces, and proximity to outdoor activities.

Disney Vacation Club members have known for years about cabin-style accommodations in the midst of the Disney World theme park. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers Copper Creek waterfront cabins overlooking Bay Lake with a wrap-around screened porch featuring a private hot tub. 

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa showcases the Treetop Villas, stand-alone accommodations elevated 10 feet above the ground in the midst of woodlands to give you the sense of vacationing amidst the treetops.

Recently, Disney Vacation Club announced the planned addition of cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground into the DVC points program. The property currently spans 750 acres next to Wilderness Lodge and has 400 cabins onsite. DVC will be methodically upgrading 350 of the cabins to be more environmentally friendly, with cabins due to be available to DVC members in 2024.

In South Africa, the availability of safari vacations is an easy choice for chalet-style accommodations and Legacy Hotels & Resorts offers timeshares. Their property, Bakubung Bush Lodge, located amidst the wilderness at the edge of the Big-5 Pilanesberg National Park, could be a perfect candidate for a safari timeshare stay. The African savannah backdrop could offer an unforgettable experience offering views of the roaming wildlife.

Will There Be More Glamping Options for Timeshare Owners?

While not all timeshare resorts currently offer glamping experiences, the industry is always changing and upgrading their programs. As the demand for unique and luxurious outdoor experiences grows, it's likely that more timeshare resorts will start to incorporate glamping into their offerings.

However, it's worth noting that glamping purists argue that the very structure of timeshares – fixed locations and accommodations – contradicts the spirit of glamping, which is about flexibility, spontaneity, and a deep connection with the environment. This is one reason why all of the major hospitality branded timeshare programs like Club Wyndham, Marriott Vacation Club and Bluegreen Vacations have all converted to points-based programs.

A significant opportunity lies in harnessing the appeal of both models to create a unique ownership option. For example, timeshare properties could create 'glampshares,' offering a fixed number of weeks in a glamping site each year. This could involve luxury tents or cabins in natural settings but with access to resort-like facilities and services. Alternatively, existing glamping sites could offer timeshare ownership or introduce points-based systems, allowing vacationers to prepay for their future vacations.

As the trend of glamping continues to rise, it's understandable that more timeshare resorts will adapt and offer glamping experiences to attract a wider range of vacationers. Just remember, regardless of where you're headed, the goal is to unwind, enjoy, and create lasting memories.

Have Any Questions About Glamping in Timeshares?

Here is where our licensed timeshare resale agents can be a great resource for you, since they live in the timeshare space every day and keep up on the trends impacting the industry. They have the knowledge needed to make educated decisions about buying or even selling timeshares, all with no upfront fees.

If you have any questions, feel free to send them to us through our Contact Us page or you can call us on 877-624-6889 and speak to them directly.