The magical Mudgee Region

THE Mudgee Region is a destination on everyone’s bucket list right now, and rightly so. Known primarily for its boutique wine and sophisticated country charm with around 40 family-owned wineries, a distillery, and brewery, it is nestled in the hills and surrounded by quaint country towns, rich with heritage and a variety of established quality visitor experiences. 

Located less than 270km northwest of Sydney, the fuss-free journey is all part of the adventure, and what awaits is a stunning mix of charm and sophistication. It’s just a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney or 45-minute flight from Sydney airport with flights departing each day. Encompassing the towns of Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos, and Rylstone (and small villages in between), the Mudgee Region offers an array of food and wine, arts and culture, sports and leisure, nature and small villages to explore. 

Following the huge success of the launch of Sierra Escape, Mudgee’s first and only Luxury Eco Glamping experience, last year, we are pleased to announce the much-anticipated addition of two luxury tents on the property; Dulili meaning ‘Together’ in aboriginal, and Uralla, meaning ‘Home on the Hill’. Sydney couple Cam and Tasch D’Arcy, who now call Mudgee their second home, opened Sierra Escape in 2017 to provide a high quality, glamping experience for those that love the outdoors.

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Upscale glamping near Mt. Fuji

LOCATED in the gateway city to Mt. Fuji, Gotemba in Shizuoka Prefecture, which is merely a 90-minute drive from the center of Tokyo, Fujino Kirameki aims to offer the best combination of two worlds: open-air space with outdoor activities surrounded by dynamic nature and sophisticated comforts of luxury hotels.

Leading Japanese hotelier Fujita Kanko Inc. announced the launch of "Fujino," a new brand for upscale glamping, and it will open the first property "Fujino Kirameki Fuji Gotemba" on April 27 near Mt. Fuji, the iconic and highest Japanese mountain and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.

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Alternative accommodation for a city break

TRAVELLING to a European city does not have to mean staying right in the centre in an overpriced hotel. Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com has alternative ideas that are easy on the wallet and offer a more fun and quirky alternative.

Gothenburg
The Swedish city is an increasingly popular destination thanks to its rich culinary scene, proximity to the coastline and fascinating sights. Kungälvs Camping is just outside Gothenburg in a quiet town. Golfing and fishing are some of the local activities available, while the site has an easy stroll into the nearest town along the beach.

Dubrovnik
Why stay in the centre of Dubrovnik when just 15km away, accommodation for a holiday could be in a funky treehouse! Surely more fun for the holiday photos and Facebook updates. Cadmos Village is situated in Komaji and within easy reach of both Dubrovnik centre and airport. There is so much to do here from archery, painting and ziplining to hiking, bike tours and wine tasting.

Ljubljana
The compact Slovenian city is a must-see for anyone who loves European city breaks. Pitchup.com has seen vast growth in outdoor holidays to Slovenia and when you have a site just a 20-minute cycle from the centre of Ljubljana, it’s not hard to see why.

Madrid
On the outskirts of Madrid lies Camping Park Arco Iris. Although most visitors will probably spend their days exploring the shops, museums and galleries of Madrid, there is also plenty to keep them on site including a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, restaurant and kids’ playground.
Paris

Rome
Who needs to stay in the centre of Rome when from as little as £17 per night, visitors can stay just 12km away and enjoy a shuttle bus transfer everyday into the city. Camping Village Tiber offers guests a swimming pool, pizzeria and free wifi with entertainment in peak season.



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Sleep under the Stars

GLAMPING is a luxury camping style where comfortable and luxurious services are provided in a natural environment. Its popularity is spreading across the world, including #Japan. Recently, a new camping facility called THE FARM CAMP opened near Narita International Airport, which is the perfect location as it gives access to a rich ambiance perfect for stargazing at night.

Guests can stay overnight and enjoy the natural hot spring bath in the facility. You may also avail of the all-you-can-ride zipline. Prices range from 32,400 yen to 42,800 yen for two persons per stay. There is an additional charge of 14,900 yen to 19,900 yen per extra person. These prices are inclusive of tax.

It will soon be the perfect season to go glamping in Japan so you better enjoy your trip by staying in a glamping facility rather than a hotel.

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Stargaze from a bubble

THE transparent pods found in Bulle d’R, located in the wooded area of Dournazac in the Périgord Limousin regional natural park, are deliberately designed so guests can enjoy the stunning night sky views in warm surroundings without the distraction of light pollution. 

Each pod sits on a private terrace area with its own bathroom and hot tub. Meals, breakfast and dinner (upon request) are delivered to the pods by hosts. Visitors can relax at the nearby lake beach, Espace Hermeline, or have fun visiting one of the area’s local châteaux. For something a little different, they can ride the vélorail, a pedal-powered cart on a disused railway line.

Book now via Pitchup.com 

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Kids go free is the battle cry . . .

TO celebrate the arrival of the Wars of the Roses Live, taking place over 50 selected dates from the 27th May, Warwick Castle is offering ‘Kids Go Free’ places on all medieval sleepovers this Spring and Summer, including school holiday dates, within The Knight’s Village.

In front of a 2,000 strong first thumping audience in the new mediaeval-style arena, brave Knight’s will cross lances in this epic conflict, depicting the extraordinary events that divided England six hundred years ago.

The battle will continue on into the evening within The Knight’s Village, where accommodation will be themed in House colours, red and white. An all-you can eat feast, with Wars of the Rose LIVE battle entertainment, will also be available to residents in the Mediaeval Banquet Hall.

www.warwickcastlebreaks.com

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Noirmoutier: hidden gem

 NOIRMOUTIER also known as "mimosa island" on the Atlantic coast of #France is a hidden gem. With natural landscapes, surrounded by the ocean, between Brittany and the southwest, it is linked to the mainland by the famous Passage du Gois, a causeway that floods at high tide, unique in Europe, or by a modern, toll-free bridge, depending on the tides. 

#Noirmoutier is also a nature reserve and ideal for bird-watching as well as water sports such as sailing, sand yachting and diving and with its 80 km of cycling and 64 km footpaths linking the north to the south the island is a haven for those seeking an active holiday.

The mild climate of this island means that there is a very pleasant late season in which to stay at Domaine Le Midi in one of their tents, lodges or cottages facing the ocean some even come complete with jacuzzi. Glamping at its best.

www.domaine-le-midi.com/en

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Picture Credit: www.domaine-le-midi.com, Dantou007 24196991@N03/21861420506 Plage des Dames à Noirmoutier via photopin

Sustainable tourism in Chile

PATAGONIA Camp, the luxury camp in Torres del Paine #Chile, has just received the highest honour of a Distinction in its fulfilment of the Chilean National System for #Sustainable #Tourism from SERNATUR which is endorsed by The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). 

The property architecture, construction and operation have been certified minimally invasive and harmoniously adapted to suit the local landscape. Featuring 20 Yurts (Mongolian style circular tents), this season the camp debuted superior yurts with lounge room, private terrace and outdoor Jacuzzi.

The concept was designed for guests to enjoy the wonderful and wild nature of Patagonia in superior comfort. www.patagoniacamp.com

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Picture Credit: Antoine Hubert 33753516@N00/3286094258 Guanaco in front of the 3 torres del Paine via photopin

Paris the city of love

TREAT your better half to a Gypsy caravan stay in Ile-de-France; #Paris and enjoy the best of both worlds, city and open parkland, on a romantic #Valentine's trip staying at Camping Bois de Boulogne. 

On the outskirts of the city centre on the 16th arrondissement, the campsite offers affordable self-catering accommodation in a number of traditional gypsy caravans. Completely self-contained, the caravans come with a double bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom and private terrace area. For those with children in tow, there’s also a second bedroom with bunk beds. 

Take time to enjoy the number of scenic walks nearby or take a shuttle bus to the city centre and explore all that Paris has to offer lovers.

From £162.85 for two nights per couple, based on arrivals on Friday 10th February. Go to Pitchup.com for futher information.

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Picture Credit: Rusty Russ 10159247@N04/30918159572 Plum Hula via photopin

Family Forays at Warwick Castle

WARWICK Castle is a medieval castle developed from an original built by William the Conqueror in 1068 in the county town of Warwickshire, England and it was a private residence up until 1978 when it was opened as a tourist attraction.

Commanding an unrivalled location on the banks of the River Avon, the mediaeval themed Knight’s Village comprises 28 riverside lodges and seasonal Mediaeval Glamping, set in the wooded grounds of Warwick Castle. Opened in summer 2016, Knight’s Village offers Warwick Castle guests year-round accommodation, with a new range of seasonal two-day short breaks available for 2017:

Fab February (February 17- 25) 

Half term short breaks includes breakfast and car parking, and two days’ Castle admission.

Tiny Knights (March & May) 

In addition to breakfast, car parking and two days’ entrance to Warwick Castle, Tiny Knights enjoy a free two-hour playtime in the Tiny Knight’s Club. Hosted by the Castle jester, it’s a hands-on play experience with crafts, colouring, building, songs and story telling. (Selected dates available)

Easter Breaks (7 - 22 April) 

An opportunity to explore the Towers & Ramparts, following the story of Devile Warwick., Admire birds of prey soaring over the ancient castle; navigate the Horrible Histories® Maze and meet characters from history in a real castle.

War of the Roses Live Summer Spectacle (50 selected dates May 27 - September 3)
Based on true events that tore apart England in the fifteenth century, War of the Roses Live. The Houses of York and Lancaster – cousins at war – take over Warwick Castle. Sleepover in the Mediaeval Glamping Village or a lodge in the wooded glade and enjoy an overnight stay in a themed lodge; an encounter with the knights themselves; longbow shooting and sword handling; breakfast and car parking; and two days’ entry to Warwick Castle.

Starlit Summer Sleepover (June and July) 

With a full day out exploring the attractions and shows at Warwick Castle followed by a sleepover under the star-filled skies.

The Haunted Castle (October 20 - 31)

With wondrous witches, heinous hags, Horrible Histories® and the return of the Trebuchet fireball spectacular. After a day of fearsome fun for all ages the fright factor is cranked high after dark and the Castle remains open until 9pm then head back to your Knight’s Village lodge to hear tales from the battlefield from a real-life knight.

Book before the 31st January and save up to 30 percent on all dates throughout the year.

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Picture Credit: Kotomi flickr.com/photos/23586209@N03/3439567626 Warwick Castle via photopin

Awesome Australia

PLANNING an Aussie road trip in 2017?  Mid North Coast, Australia: Those planning a road trip or holiday of a lifetime in Australia for 2017 should look no further than Pitchup.com to book their campsites and accommodation spots in advance, or online via mobile as they travel around. 

 Pitchup.com’s portfolio of campsites in Australia is growing all of the the time and includes the likes of Valla Beach Tourist Park. Perched on a river bank minutes from a sandy beach and stunning lagoon, the site is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy some sunshine and surf. There are nearby walks available through native bushland to the sea and it is possible to hire canoes and kayaks on the Deep Creek river. For those who love outdoor pursuits, there are two national parks within 25km. Onsite facilities include swimming pool, tennis courts and a barbecue area. At night time, the old wool shed comes alive with live music until the early hours.

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Picture Credit: Pitchup.com