LOUNGE /
TRAVEL
July 3, 2017
Beyond glamping: The outdoor hotel "The Caravan" | TRAVEL
TRAVEL | The "Outdoor Hotel" Offering More Comfort and Luxury Than Glamping
The Goal: To "Savor Japan's Seasons and Flavors"
Retaining the appeal of glamping while offering superior service and hospitality, the outdoor hotel "The Caravan" allows guests to feel closer to nature and enjoy a comfortable stay.
Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)
A Nomadic Hotel That Changes Location with the Seasons
What exactly is an "outdoor hotel"? Glamping has recently become a trend, with luxurious facilities opening across the country. An outdoor hotel takes the appeal of glamping—the ability to enjoy the outdoors without hassle or preparation—and elevates it with hotel-quality service and hospitality, allowing guests to experience pristine nature in comfort.
Its most distinctive feature is its nomadic nature. The outdoor hotel "The Caravan" embarks on a journey, a caravan, from east to west, north to south, in pursuit of seasonal flavors, guided by the theme of "Savoring Japan's Seasons and Flavors."
It changes locations according to the season: to places where cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in spring, to highlands with low humidity in summer, or to valleys with autumn foliage in fall.
Outdoor hotels feature numerous tents spread across a wide area. These serve as the guest rooms. The tents are Canvascamp's cotton bell tents, chosen for their excellent breathability, which helps maintain a comfortable interior by blocking the intense summer sun and rainy season humidity.
Dining offers a variety of experiences. Lunch upon arrival is a DIY style, allowing guests to enjoy the pleasure of cooking for themselves. For dinner, a renowned chef prepares an outdoor full-course meal using local ingredients. The menu varies, sometimes featuring Italian or French cuisine, depending on the chef's specialty.
Breakfast includes fresh juice and coffee, with a buffet-style meal served near the tent. "The Caravan" offers the unique pleasure of experiencing both the privacy of in-room dining at a traditional inn and the liberating openness of nature simultaneously.
A bar lounge is also available, enhanced by Canvascamp's iconic "Starshade" for ambiance. The extensive drink selection, including champagne, wine, whiskey, and mojitos made with fresh mint, is another highlight, surpassing what's typically found at glamping sites. All drinks are provided as free flow during your stay, adding to the value.
Concerns about bathing, a common issue with outdoor stays, are addressed by dedicated staff who provide transportation to nearby bathing facilities. Amenities include organic certified cosmetics from the French brand "Melvita," known for its argan oil products, ensuring a relaxing end to the day.
Additionally, optional activities like morning yoga and local excursions are offered, tailored to the season and location.
"The Caravan" Schedule
July 15 (Sat) - 17 (Mon, holiday), 29 (Sat) - 30 (Sun), 2017
Fumotoppara Campsite, Shizuoka Prefecture
August 11 (Fri) - 16 (Wed), 2017
Sunny Country Club, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture
September 2017, Dates TBD
Tochigi Prefecture (planned)
Pricing
Standard (8 rooms) | ¥50,000 for 2 guests, ¥46,000 for 3 guests, ¥42,000 for 4 guests
With Dog (2 rooms) | ¥52,000 for 2 guests, ¥47,500 for 3 guests, ¥43,000 for 4 guests
Reservations | Website (http://wonderwanderers.com/)
*Limited number of bookings. Registration closes once capacity is reached.
*Prices shown are per person, per night, including 3 meals (15% tax and service charge excluded).
*Included services: Facility usage fee, meals (3 per day), drinks (free flow), amenities, transportation to bathing facilities, transportation to the nearest station.
*Free for children under elementary school age. Elementary school students: 50%. Junior high school students and older: same as adult rate.
*Children under elementary school age are not counted towards the room capacity.
*Additional charge of ¥2,000 per dog. Maximum of 2 dogs per room.
Inquiries
The Caravan Official Website
http://wonderwanderers.com/



