When glamour meets camping

“It’s no surprise that the word “glamping” comes from joining the words “glamorous” and “camping” together to create a perfect combination of outdoor adventure with all the luxuries and conveniences of a fabulously well-appointed hotel,” says Allison Frame, Co-Founder of The Divine Destination Collection. “Better yet, you don’t need to lug your own tent, food, and supplies across the wilderness. Everything you need is ready and waiting for you.

“It’s also a great way to stay safe while COVID is still a concern. Group activities and meals are held outdoors, and tents are a good distance apart from each other. But most of all – it’s fun! I think our Divine Destination Collection travellers are really going to love it!”

In Canada, glamping has taken off, with prime locales promoted across the country, from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia to Tofino on Vancouver Island, and in Ontario Whispering Springs is considered one of the best, singled out for its beautiful location and luxurious amenities.

Welcome to Whispering Springs

Nancy Corcoran, who owns Whispering Springs with her husband John, says glamping is like staying at a boutique hotel in the forest where you can enjoy all the conveniences of modern life, like running water, electricity, and great food.

At Whispering Springs that means luxurious soaker tubs and electric blankets in every tent and cabin, and a cocktail bar onsite. “There is an orchid in every room,” says Nancy. “Little touches like that make our guests feel like we care, so we work really hard at that. We want them to experience more than just staying in a hotel room.”

Nancy says glamping is especially popular with people who used to love traditional camping but are older now and want a more effortless experience while enjoying the great outdoors. “They love the convenience of having everything they need and more.”

But the pandemic highlighted the allure of glamping for all ages – including a younger crowd. “We were fortunate to be able to operate during COVID,” says Nancy. “We were low risk as we had lots of outdoor space so people could be apart.

Besides being located on 200 acres in the County of Northumberland by a beautiful spring-fed pond where some tents have a water view, each tent has been given a distinct name and theme – such as the Savannah, which has an African safari theme; the Firefly, which is whimsical; and Harvest Moon, which evokes the Southern Blues. “Guests have told us that they keep coming back to try out the different tents.”

But the main thing that makes Whispering Springs stand out is the staff.

“We have the best staff,” says Nancy. “Many are friends and family. They feel ownership of the place and really get what we’re trying to do. As a result, our staff are mentioned as one of the best features over and over again in guest reviews.”

A great place to celebrate

There is an extra special event coming up in August 2023 that is especially close to Nancy’s heart.

Nancy’s two-year-old granddaughter Ayla is a paediatric stroke survivor, and they have experienced first-hand the lack of support available for families trying to help their children thrive and grow with serious developmental challenges. To give these families the opportunity to learn from each other and share experiences, Whispering Springs will be hosting a two-day Camp Moonlight where children with disabilities and their families can enjoy the retreat free of charge and make some magical memories.

Nancy’s family has also created the Camp Moonlight Giving Fund to be directed to charities that will help families with the tremendous cost of physical therapy and special equipment that is not covered by the government health plan. On September 11th, Whispering Springs will also be hosting “An Evening Under the Moon.” An overnight stay in a luxurious Safari tent, gourmet dinner, and live music – all for a great cause.  All money will go to help children who desperately need these therapies.  Nancy’s sister Jayne Nagy has also written a children’s book entitled I’m Who I’m Meant to Be, featuring Ayla wandering through Whispering Springs spreading kindness, empathy, and love to children with all disabilities. If you’d like to learn more, please visit the website at welovejoy.ca.

Some exciting news about the newsletter!

In our last blog, we told you about Susan Minns joining The Divine Destination Collection team as Partnership & Opportunities Creator. Susan has already begun partnering with some amazing Canadian artisans and retailers whose vision aligns with that of the Divine Destination Collection – luxury, adventure, and spirituality. These local companies will be highlighted in the newsletter each month as they offer jewellery, clothing, and other unique items which will be of interest to “Diviners” – and will bring joy. If you don’t receive the newsletter yet, sign up here.

And if that special combination of beautiful Canadian nature and luxurious accommodation appeals to you, make sure you register for Camp Divine.

“Glamping is a great way to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying all the comforts and luxuries The Divine Destination Collection is known for,” says Allison. “But don’t delay! Spots are filling up fast!”