1) What is the glamping and why everyone is talking about it
Glamping is "glamour + camping"sleeping in the middle of nature with boutique hotel amenities (real bed, bathroom, air conditioning, design) and details that enhance the experience: privacylocal gastronomy, wellness and activities in the surrounding area. It's not just "a beautiful campsite": the key is in living in nature without sacrificing comfort.
When I receive guests I like to sum it up like this: "You wake up surrounded by holm oaks, bathe in your private swimming pool and, at night, look up at a sky of stars that looks like a painting".. In destinations such as Sierra Morena (Andalusia) this is not a metaphor: it is part of one of the most important Starlight Reserves and Destinations certified by the Starlight Foundation for the low light pollution and the quality of its night sky.
What to expect from well-chosen glamping
- Accommodation singular (safari tent, yurt, dome, tree house), tubbo...).
- Environment real (pasture, forest, coast, high mountains).
- Services of small hotel (en-suite breakfast, high standard amenities, friendly service).
- Activities of nature (hiking, wildlife, astro-tourism, wellness).
At La Dehesa Experiences, for example, we have opted for safari tent-style suites and tubbos-both with private swimming pool-in a 27-hectare meadow. It's our way of taking glamping to the next level. luxury-natural.
2) Types of glamping: from safari tents to domes (and the "tubbo" phenomenon)
Safari tents. European glamping icon: wooden structure, premium canvas, king bed and full bathroom. Spaciousness, terrace and views are sought after.
Yurts. Nomadic-inspired; circular and cosy feeling. They tend to be more "experiential" than technological.
Geodesic domes. Futuristic architecture with panoramic windows for "sky and landscape". Very popular for stargazing.
Tree houses. Awakening at altitude, total immersion in the forest and silence.
Tubbos. The new favourite for getaways romantic: glassed-in capsules or suites on a platform, with great privacy and (in top projects) private swimming pool. In my case, when we present our Tubbos Dehesathe reaction is usually: "It's like a designer lookout just for us!".
How to choose your type
- If you want to space and familysafari tent.
- If you prioritise panorama and skydome or tubbo.
- If you get the childhood in the foresttree house.
- If you are looking for aesthetic disconnection + privacytubbo with private swimming pool.
3) Glamping in Spain: best areas and how to choose yours
Spain is a map of microclimates: green north, atlantic/mediterranean coast, steppe interior and dehesas, mountain ranges. To get it right, combine weather, type of landscape and experience:
- North (Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia): forests, cliffs, frequent rain = eternal green. Ideal for active families.
- Pyrenees and northern hinterland: mild summers, cold winters; perfect for hiking and clear skies in height.
- Mediterranean coast: more hours of sunshine; glampings close to urban coves and inlets.
- Inland Andalusia (Sierra Morena, Subbética, Jaén): astrotourism first class, dehesas, autochthonous fauna; warm summers, delicious springs/autumns. Sierra Morena is listed as Starlight Reserve/Destination and is a national reference in star tourism.
Quick checklist for choosing
- Define who travels (couple/family), 2) chooses type of accommodation, 3) looks at seasons (price/temperature), 4) reviews activities (sky, routes, fauna, wellness), 5) confirms real privacy (own swimming pool, separation between units).
If you dream of spectacular skies, Andalusia + Sierra Morena is a safe bet: Starlight certification backs up what you'll see at night.
4) Glamping in Andalusia and Cordoba: what makes it special?
Andalusia shines for its light, gastronomy and leisurely pace. But the secret of northern Cordoba lies in the meadow and sky. In Sierra MorenaStarlight certification guarantees darkness and transparency of the sky; that's why astrotourism here is not an "extra activity", but rather the half of the experience.
In our house (La Dehesa Experiences), the night ruleswe organise outings to read constellations and understand mythology and science of the firmament; by day, we walk among the century-old holm oaks and, in autumn, we listen the rut. Nothing connects you with nature as much as feeling that roar at sunset before you take a swim in your private pool.
Moreover, everything is designed to make it easy for you to get there and disconnect quickly (we're near Cordoba city). When I designed the check-in flow, I set a goal for myself: that the first hour should be "wow + rest".. We achieved this with large terrace, designer furniture and the silence of the pasture.
5) Luxury in the middle of nature: privacy, private pool and Starlight skies.
Luxury" in glamping isn't marble, it's intimacy + details that matterno pool sharing, turn off lights and see the Milky Wayand have a local and slow breakfast, and have space to be at your own pace.
- In our safari-tent suitesterrace with views, private swimming pooland technology for connect and disconnect.
- In the tubbosplatforms of ~100 m², total intimacy and private swimming pool.
- Extras that make a difference: wood therapy massages on the terrace, romantic packspersonalised experiences.
At night, we reduce illumination and encourage you to a Starlight experience guided tour. It is one of those moments that people remember for years. The Andalusian astro-tourism network itself endorses this: Sierra Morena is Starlight Reserve/Destination since 2014.
Acknowledgements: we were Winner "Singular Hotel" 2022 in the Roca Hotel Initiative Awards (Grand Hotel). It is an endorsement of the idea of sustainable luxury we stand for.
6) Practical advice: couples, families and romantic getaways
Couples / romantic. Search real privacy, private swimming pool and darling. Add romantic pack and reservation massage at sunset. If you stay two nights, I suggest: day 1 chill + stars; day 2 soft trail + siesta + slow dinner on the terrace.
Families. Prioritise space, secure terrace and activities soft. The safari suites with private pool work very well: while the kids are relaxing, you can enjoy the Milky Way. In autumn, bellows (guided activity, small groups).
Friends / rural disconnection. Avoid tight schedules; the luxury here is lowering pulsations: coffee looking at holm oaks, long bath, reading in a hammock, km-0 dinner.
Sustainability with a head. Ask for renewable energiesmaterials and waste management. On our farm, the construction was designed for integrate with the landscape and minimise impact; you'll notice it in the night silence and the absence of light pollution.
7) Frequently asked questions about glamping
What is the difference between camping and glamping?
Camping = nature + basic services; glamping = nature + boutique comfort (hotel bed, bathroom, design, privacy).
Are there glampings with private pools?
Yes. In high-level projects, each unit has your own pool. In La Dehesa, both suites as tubbos include it.
Is it a good idea for families?
Absolutely. Search for units spacious and with terracePlease check pool safety rules and extra bed/cot options.
When is it cheaper?
It is usually weekdays in low season. Please confirm the timetable when booking. In our case, the low goes approx. from October to March and weekends are high all year round.
What's in my suitcase?
Lightweight layers, comfortable shoes, swimming costume, hat and jacket for the night (even in summer it cools down if you turn off the lights and look at the sky).
Is the Sierra Morena sky that good?
Yes, it is Starlight Reserve and Tourist Destination: dark, clear skies with low light pollution, ideal for astrotourism.
Conclusion
If you've made it this far, you've got the map: choose type, CHOOSE SKY and travels when best fit with your plan (and budget). Glamping done right is quality time: intimacy, nature and attention to detail. And if you fancy living it up in Andalusia, I will be delighted to welcome you to our pasture: "wake up surrounded by nature and rest under the starry sky of Sierra Morena".... and bathe in your private swimming pool before going to sleep.