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Five-star camping


On 24 August 2003
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Though it might not seem the most glamorous of activities, camping is a favourite past-time of many a celebrity.

Tom Cruise takes his kids along, while Russell Crowe prefers a tent under the open skies in the Outback.

But for some high-end campers, roughing it is not exactly on the agenda. Forget grappling with guy ropes and burnt baked beans on a Primus stove; today's five-star canvas comes hand-stitched, with haute cuisine and en-suite facilities.

Camping is chic. And these posh facilities offer the thrill of the outdoors you can never get in a hotel.

Here's HELLO's guide to top tents worldwide.

Longitude 131°, Australia

The uninterrupted views of Australia's top tourist attraction - Uluru, or Ayers Rock, 1,142ft high and stretching for more than two miles - from the luxury Longitude 131°, which is named after its map reference, are mindblowing. With 15 luxury tents, the camp on an isolated sand dune ten miles away, makes it easy to gaze at one of the world's natural wonders from all angles – from the windows of your tent, the bar, the swimming pool… even from your en-suite bathroom. Most holidaymakers fly in to the famous site for just a brief day visit. But the Rock has great religious and ceremonial significance for the local Aboriginal people and the best way to experience its awesome presence is to watch it through the day as the light and shade play over the sandstone massif and its stunning colours shift from hazy purple at dawn to glowing amber at sunset. So why not take your time?

Pansea Ksar Ghilane,Tunisia

If you want to swim in the Sahara, check out Ksar Ghilane on Tunisia's south-eastern border.

To get there you 'll have to take a four-hour drive by jeep with a knowledgeable Bedouin at the wheel. And when you finally arrive, you 'll be as happy as any nomad or camel train would be to reach this little North African oasis of roomy white linen tents scattered among the shady palm groves. Each one is decorated in the style of the ancient desert rulers, but equipped with heating for chilly desert nights and air-conditioning to cope with the fierce daytime sun. The cocktail bar is strewn with kilims and cushions beside a huge pool where the water is always the perfect temperature. From an observation tower you can survey the undulating dunes of your desert kingdom. Or explore them on a day's camel trek during which you 'll experience, if only briefly, the sheer size and absolute solitude of the Sahara.

Wilson Island, Australia

In a separate building there are six shower and dressing areas, one for each tent.

You can take reef walks, snorkel or go bird watching, but just chilling out in your hammock is likely to occupy most of your time.

The Longhouse, with its informal bar, dining area and library, is the social hub. Evenings start with drinks and canapés on the beach before drifting up to candlelight dinner parties that last into the small hours. In truth, there's nothing much to do – but you couldn 't wish for a better place to do it in.

If you really want to play castaway, head for Wilson Island, a tiny coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by azure water and sand the hue and texture of talcum powder. On the island itself,turtles and birds rule, while coral, fish and sea creatures are abundant in its pristine waters. Wilson 's facilities for human visitors have been beautifully designed to co-exist with the fragile natural environment – solar heating and rain provide basic power and water,and the island is closed to tourists in February for the seabirds' nesting season. Holidaymakers (only up to 12 at any one time) are accommodated in beachcomber-style tents made from natural materials – each with king-sized beds.

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If you're a fan of the outdoors, but not necessarily fond of roughing it, a five-star camping experience is for you. Above, Australia's Longitude 131º
Ksar Ghilane on Tunisia's southeastern border is a virtual oasis of white linen tents, each equipped with air conditioning
Shelters on Wilson Island, a tiny coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, boast king-sized beds

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