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
