FIVE-STAR CAMPING

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25 AUGUST 2003
Vanyavilas, India
They don't come much more lavish that Vanyavilas, India's first luxury jungle camp, where the word "tent" encompasses 790sq ft of canvas fit for a maharajah. Against a backdrop of mountains and amid orchards and flowering trees, the camp is on the edge of Ranthambhor National Park, one of the last and likeliest places in the world where you 'll spot the highly elusive wild tiger – during a recent visit, Bill Clinton notched up two in two hours! You might also see leopards, crocodiles, bears,d eer and migratory birds. When you return from your safari drive, you can cool off in the pool, take a relaxing massage and settle down to dinner beside a log fire before sinking into your four-poster under an embroidered canopy. Pampered campers can also sunbathe on a private deck, work out in the gym, take an elephant-back safari or learn all about the wildlife from expert lecturers.

Al Maha, Dubai
It's hard to believe that the desert sanctuary of Al Maha is only an hour away from the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai. Set among rolling dunes and overlooked by the Hajar Mountains, the camp is in one of Arabia 's largest nature reserves and the first eco-tourist project undertaken by the oil-rich Emirates.The sanctuary is home to sand and mountain gazelles, as well as more than 40 species of birds, and it's hoped it will also provide safe refuge for the shy Arabia oryx, which is in danger of being hunted to extinction. Activities in the camp reflect its Arabian heritage, with falconry, camel safaris, horse riding and archery all on offer. The 30 tents, with their handcrafted antiques and rugs, also draw their inspiration from Bedouin designs and lifestyle. There are also a few international "extras". The restaurant serves up Mediterranean as well as Arabic specialities and dune picnics, and each tent boasts an en-suite bathroom, a plunge pool and a private deck with stunning desert panoramas.

Raj Vilas, Jaipur
Modelled on the hunting tents once used by Rajput royalty, the 14 tents at Raj Vilas, with their teak floors and air-conditioning, hand-carved chests and draped canopies, are like little cocoons of luxury. Although situated in their own separate compound, they share all the facilities of the Raj Vilas hotel, one of India 's most prestigious and most awarded hostelries, a fantasy Rajasthan fortress with rosy crenellations, 32 acres of lush gardens, tasselled gazebos and a blue-tiled pool.There 's even a 250-year-old Shiva temple in the grounds amid a lotus-filled pool and a splendid spa with meditation terraces. The biggest bonus of all is Jaipur itself, the glowing pink Rajput city on the doorstep. Founded in 1927, it's crammed with sandstone palaces, forts and mansions and the city 's bazaars are the perfect place to find treasures – an Aladdin's cave of silks, jewellery, enamelwork, antiques and pottery.

REPORT: JILL CRAWSHAW