Elite Traveler March-April 2015

INSPIRE TENTED CAMPS

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Patagonia camp CHILE

On the shores of Lake Toro facing Paine Massif, a landmark of Chilean Patagonia, hogging its own 386 sq mile private concession. Experienced guides will open up the ancient forests, lakes, rivers, mountains and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park. Standout service Champagne lunches are served in secluded areas with Patagonia providing a movie-like backdrop. Special amenities A table overlooking Lake Toro, traditional and local Patagonian lamb barbecued to perfection, and a glass of Chile’s finest wine from an organic winery in the Central Valley. Number of rooms There are 18 stylish yurts with huge beds and oversized decks. These are discreetly scattered on a hillside of native tree forest. Room to book Those further down the hillside and closer to Lake Toro have greater seclusion. Who’s slept there A-list actors and European royals have checked in (and opted for private tours) but the camp won’t reveal who precisely. Contact George Warren at Jacada Travel +44 207 619 1380; george@jacadatravel.com; jacadatravel.com. Price $880 per person all-inclusive in low season based on two sharing, including full board, guides, excursions, open bar, entrance fees and transfers. This jungle perch at the "Golden Triangle" (where Thailand, Burma and Laos touch) offers elephant trekking magic and famously world-class service in elegant, colonial-style, cream tents. Standout service One elephant-mad guest was greeted with a troupe of pachyderms on arrival "as a surprise". Special amenities A thatched roof wine cellar with a collection of international and Thai wines; a pool with a Ruak River view; private yoga on request and a bamboo forest-set spa with two alfresco treatment spots. A boutique (open in the evenings) sells local crafts. A three-night “Elephant Whisperer” package includes mahout training, trekking, a private elephant camp dinner and the chance to participate in an elephant intelligence research program. All minibars are free. Number of rooms Each of the 15 open-plan tents has jungle views, outdoor decks and showers and individually handcrafted interiors. Room to Book Certain deluxe tents have spectacular views over the Ruak River, Burma and the peaks of Laos. Who has slept there Numerous celebs, including Rachel Bilson, but Four Seasons refuses to divulge names. Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik co-operated on a shoe design to support the property’s elephant program. Contact Patty Lerdwittayaskul, director of public relations +66 53 910-200; patty.lerdwittayaskul@fourseasons.com; fourseasons. com/goldentriangle. Price Doubles from $2,070, plus 18.5% tax and service charge, per room per night. Four Seasons GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THAILAND 9