Vedetta Lodges

Camping has never been a passion of mine, but when the luxurious term glamping (glamorous camping) popped up a few years ago, it piqued my interest. Getting close to nature whilst enjoying the home comforts of a stylish hotel seemed like a much better prospect than slumming it in muddy fields with a thin tarpaulin.

With that in mind, along with images of fireflies flitting through trees and hammocks hitched out on decked patios, I headed to the Vedetta Lodges. They promised sumptuous design that was both high-end luxury and at one with nature, so I was ready to dive straight into the fairytale surroundings and try out this new form of camping.

The Vedetta Lodges is the first camp-site in the Maremma country to gain 5-star status thanks to its fashionable and futuristic take on camping. Set in the rolling countryside of Tuscany, I couldn’t image a better place to enjoy an outdoor holiday – well, a stylish outdoor holiday, that is. The site itself is perched on the southern ridge of Poggio La Forcola and, with only seven charming lodges, it provides guests with a truly intimate atmosphere. Three of the lodges take pride of place over Scarlino, with incredible views across the medieval town. Forests flow out to one side, whilst the glistening ocean sparkles away on the other.

The best part? There was not a lick of mud or a tarpaulin in sight. Each lodge boasts air conditioning, a large, rustic terrace, and cosy seating and dining areas. There were hanging porticos and ensuite bathrooms – about as far as you can get from traditional camping. And, with the lodges named after the Pleides, the seven mythological sisters, it really did feel like I’d stepped into a storybook.

Inside my lodge, it was difficult to imagine I was just feet away from the lush mountains of Tuscany. Thick duvets offered a cosy den, whilst colourful patterns brought the muted, modern colour palette to life. Though I was tucked away in the surrounding greenery, I never felt isolated. There’s an on-site bar and outdoor pool where you can mingle with other ‘glampers’, and the restaurant serves up a great range of Italian treats with incredible views.

I couldn’t wait to explore the beautiful Tuscan scenery. Unlike traditional camping, I woke up fully refreshed, revitalised, and raring to go. I hired a bike from the lodge and cycled along mountain paths and through picturesque forests to Castiglione della Pescaia and other small, hillside towns along the way. It was amazing being so close to nature and soaking up the views out to Corsica and beyond, but it was a very welcome treat to go back to my plush lodge at the end of the day and chill out on the terrace, wine in hand.

No, camping has never really been a passion of mine, but glamping at the Vedetta Lodges has certainly changed my mind. I think I’ll steer clear of muddy tarpaulin, but give me charming lodges perched on the Tuscan hillside any day of the week!