The world has changed, and the way we travel has changed. After months of relative isolation, many of us are hungry for a change of scenery, trying to imagine a vacation that still allows for some social distance. What the options we’ve suggested here all have in common is the opportunity to experience the soothing beauty and tranquility of nature, with all its renewing and restorative power. These locales also offer the novelty of lodging in an unusual structure, each one integrated into an environment where you might not expect fine linens, Wi-Fi, and a minibar. These destinations offer a wholly different experience than perhaps any you’ve had before. And whichever option you choose—and whether you plan to travel with family or alone—this is definitely not your typical camping trip.

TENTS
Under Canvas
Various Locations

Under Canvas offers an immersive experience of the great outdoors without forgoing the comforts of home.

YURTS
Yurtopia
Wimberley, TX

Designed for nomadic living, these round dwellings originated in Central Asia and are the product of 3,000 years of engineering. “They’re sort of like what the tipi was for Native Americans,” says Ann-Tyler Konradi, a co-owner of Yurtopia in Wimberley, Texas.

TREE HOUSES
Post Ranch Inn
Big Sur, CA

Built on stilts nine feet above the forest floor and nestled in a canopy of redwood, madrone, and oak trees in Big Sur, California, the treehouses at the Post Ranch Inn are—like all the rooms on the property—designed to be part of nature.

This story appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of MILIEU. To read the complete story or to see all photos, visit the MILIEU Newsstand to purchase this issue in print or visit Zinio.com to purchase this issue in digital format.  

WRITTEN BY EDWARD MCCANN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL JOYNER, MAX VAN OTTERDYK, BAILEY MADE, MINT STUDIOS