I had always heard about “glamping.”. You know, camping but in complete comfort and luxury. But did people actually do it?
Thanks to RedBalloon, I found out that, yes! They indeed do!
Invited to take part in the #RedBalloonMums campaign, I was designated with the “extremely tough” assignment to spend a night glamour camping in Jervis Bay.
After a short 2.5 hour drive from Sydney, I turned into the dirt road that led to the camping grounds, surrounded by majestic mangroves and paperbark trees. Instantly, I knew we were in for a very special experience.
The uniquely designed tented accommodation is an eco-friendly haven. Sheltered in heavy, durable canvas solar energy provides the hot water and dim yet romantic 12 watt lighting.
Furnished with comfortable outdoor lounge chairs, the front deck welcomes you into the lavish spacious room.
Zipping the front entrance open, jaws drop when sighting the luxurious queen size bed, where a mosquito net drapes elegantly over it.
The open air bathroom completely takes my breath away. Immediately spotting the deep bathtub, I excitedly started planning my night’s agenda.
Dinner. Bath. Bed.
The original plan was to take Mr Surfer for our first night away from the twinlets. Alas, work got in the way. (You snooze, you lose, buster!)
I was so very lucky that my beloved friend, Daisy was able to join me at last minute’s notice. What was supposed to be a romantic getaway, ended up being an even better spontaneous girlfriends’ field trip. (Sssshhh…don’t tell my husband!)
Spending pre-dinner time in the cosy common area, there was the choice to play one of the board games that were sitting in the cupboards (Scrabble, anyone?) Instead, we sipped some white wine, gazing at the welcoming wood fire.
Wouldn’t you?
Squeeing with excitement throughout the entire jaunt, the highlight was undoubtedly, dinner.
Delectable entrees, gastronomic mains and desserts that made your taste buds do the happy dance, we were in foodgasmic heaven. Seriously. Long gone were the humble days of toasting marshmallows on the campfire.
I returned to the tent, looking forward to a tranquil soak in the bath. Despite the air being crisp and cool, there was nothing cold about it. Bathing in the (almost) outdoors had never been so pleasant.
With bellies full of scrumptious food, it didn’t take long for us to crash into the plush bed.
However, being the typical urbanite, the perfect darkness and the peacefulness actually woke me up a couple of times. The rustle of leaves and the thought of (shock, horror) nocturnal wildlife roaming around the tent left this city slicker a little jumpy. But of course, Daisy the country girl, stayed fast asleep.
Paperbark Camp is currently closed for winter but will reopen for the weekend of the 30th and 31st of August.
If you and your partner are looking for a weekend escape, a RedBalloon experience is ideal.
I’ve already started planning what the next one will be. (With Mr Surfer, of course!)
RedBalloon is offering all you awesome readers a $30 discount when spending $129 or more. Just visit www.redballoon.com.au and enter the promotional code REDMUM at the checkout.
Do you enjoy camping? Have you ever thought about going glamping? Are you scared of nocturnal wildlife too?
Joining the IBOT team over at Essentially Jess
Deb @ home life simplified says
Looks fab. I was very jealous watching all your photos appear while you were away lol. O glad ou went with daisy rather than miss out – FUN girl time!
Deb @ home life simplified recently posted..Getting started – art journaling
Lydia C. Lee says
That looks so fab! I’m keen as to go there – but like you, I freak out when it’s too quiet, and hear every twig snap!
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Mumabulous says
This sounds all too soft for Dadabs but I am going as soon as Colin Firth finds a window in his schedule. I have photographic evidence that he enjoys an outdoor bathing experience. 😉 In all seriousness this looks heavenly. You’ve made me jealous yet again.
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Jacana says
I am not one for camping – but that looks like something I could handle with ease. Like the bath.
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Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says
I actually heard about this place at the start of the year when a friend from up here was bridesmaid in a wedding there. It looks amazing! I’d totally love to do something like that one weekend! But “open air bathroom” in a sentence after “mozzie net on the bed” makes my behind itch. ha ha! x
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Rhianna says
Oh gosh that looks amazing. I watched with great envy on Instagram the other night, so glad you two had a wonderful time away. Well deserved I am sure.
Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses #teamIBOT
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natalia familia says
That looks amazing Grace! You are one lucky lady. I would love to do that, I do love camping mash-mellow-style, but I could definitely get into Glamping!
natalia familia recently posted..four-ingredient everyday bread-maker loaf
Kyla says
The little man (and the big man) have been at me to go camping lately, I think I should suggest this as a compromise, it looks amazing!
Kyla recently posted..Girls on Film
Alison at The Thrifty Issue says
Awwwww – that looks amazing! I will NOT camp anywhere at any time … however this I could certainly handle 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Alison #IBOT
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Seana - Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel says
Lovely, we’ve had dinner there once and I loved it. Having a bath in the almost outdoors would be fan-bloomin-tastic.
Seana – Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel recently posted..RedBalloon’s Best Sydney Treats – A Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
kirri says
Next time I want to come glamping. All your IG updates were making me decidedly cranky with major FOMO
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Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
This is definitely my kind of camping Grace! Looks fabulous 🙂
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EssentiallyJess says
I’m a fan of camping, but this seems truly awesome! I could probably even convince Boatman it’s almost the same thing 🙂
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Tegan says
My idea of camping is definitely glamping. I must have running water and be able to shower. Hate getting into bed with dirty feet.
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Lisa Wood says
Now that is my type of camping!!! i would so gladly go Glamping any day if that was where I was going to sleep 🙂
Hubby and I haven’t had a night to ourselves in a very long time……this has given me an idea!!!
Looks so nice – and that bath tub would be where I would spend nearly all of my time!
Glad you had a good time, even if it was without hubby.
Lisa Wood recently posted..Vivid Sydney Circular Quay
Josefa @always Josefa says
What a gorgeous weekend away! I loved Jervis Bay when we were there over the summer. Just this weekend a girlfriend and I were just wishing that we could get away for a cheeky girls weekend – look at you – you make me want to go away for one even more now xx
Josefa @always Josefa recently posted..Why it is OK to Crush Candy and Kill Zombies
Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
I’m totally a glamper – eg when we go camping, we stay in cabins, we’re not brave enough to go it rough with 3 little kids! Glad you had a ball – you deserve, I’m a little bit more than green with envy! As for wildlife – they don’t worry me x
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Robomum says
I’ve camped both ways but nothing as glam as this. Was very envious looking at your status updates I might add… You’re a very lucky girl – the place looks amazing!
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Rina says
That looks gorgeous and cozy! I would love to spend times in there too 🙂
Rina recently posted..Moving Out at Last
Wendy Parks says
My husband loves to camp, but through my years as Girl Guide I got all camped-out and he can’t convince me to go with him.
Except – this kind of camping sounds like it would suit me perfectly! Going to check out Red Balloon 🙂
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Lani says
Looks amazing! I’m not a big fan of camping… but I think glamping is much more my style! I will definitely check out Paperbark Camp. Cheers
Lani recently posted..Baby days
Miss Cinders says
Oh this is just rubbing in how awesome it was with salt! lol
I can imagine you pair sunk into the totallyrelaxingkidfreezone feeling like Queens!
Jealous? Yes totally! lol
MC xx
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Tahlia @ the parenting files says
WOW!!!!! OMG!!! This looks gorgeous!!! I want to go there! My style of camping. xoxo
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Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
This is something I would TOTALLY do. Daisy is a lucky lady 😉
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Leanne Winter says
Yes, I would definitely go for wine over a boardgame – we leave home to get away from boardgames, right? Thank you, Grace, looks wonderful.
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Melanie @ mummyandtheminis says
Lucky you! I would love to go glamping someday or even camping again. I miss going camping since the kids have come along. I think I am just too scared to try!
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Mrs Holsby says
I do love a spot of camping, and glamping it defo more my speed these days.
I haven’t attempted it with chilluns, so I reckon a night away from them is actually a way cooler idea.
Like, way cooler.
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Kim @Fallling Face First says
Camping, WITH A BATHTUB. It’s the only way! Jealous indeed. x
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Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
I love the idea of Glamping, I think I could even get Mr Toddlers to join me.
The best Glamping I have enjoyed is on safari in Kenya. The 4 poster beds draped with mosquito nets, a marble en-suite at the rear of our tent, and being able to sit out on our deck and look across the savannah an watch the animals.
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Nami says
Even with two boys in Cub Scouts, I will NOT go camping. Unless…it looks like your experience. Then – most definitely, it would be the scouts who miss camping!
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