Bringing some luxe accommodations to the rustic area surrounding Grand Canyon National Park, the brand-new Backland is now taking reservations ahead of its Aug. 16 opening.
This 160-acre glampground near Williams, Arizona, a cute, small town 60 miles south of the national park's South Rim entrance, features five tented suites outfitted with all the essentials and tucked into ponderosa-pine forests. In other words, there's no pitching of tents going on here and you won't be forced to use a pit toilet. Everything is set up for your arrival. Each tent is outfitted with luxury linens (atop a king-size bed), electricity, and a private full bath with a shower and low-flow toilet. Wake up to morning coffee thanks to your own coffee maker or uncork a bottle of wine stored in your personal fridge. A patio with each tent broadens the usable space. Between four and six people can sleep in each tent, perfect for families with small children, couples traveling together, or a girlfriends getaway.
What's intriguing about all of Backland's other indoor spaces is that they shelter you from the blistering-hot Arizona heat without obstructing the views. For example, there's a 16-foot-wide panoramic window and a skylight in each tent, so you can stargaze while staying cozy. And the lobby — which is far from the log-cabin aesthetic you'd expect, looks like a free-standing glass house with walls of windows — opens out onto a private lake and beach. Scandi-style furnishings and light fixtures in creams and beiges intentionally don't detract from the gorgeous nature surrounding it. No matter where you are inside, the view is a focal point, thanks to the many windows.
Speaking of the lake, activities for guests include paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing, with all the gear you need readily available for renting at no cost. Another perk for guests is free yoga classes held daily on the beach, for a deeper immersion in nature. Lounge chairs on the beach make kicking back with a book or taking a blissful nap a breeze. If exploring beyond the property and into surrounding national forested lands appeals to you, Backland also rents e-bikes. A two-hour guided horseback-riding experience can also be arranged and the two miles of trails on the property are ideal for an afternoon hike or morning jog. Throughout the property, guests will also enjoy sustainable features like chicken coops (for eggs), beehives (for honey), and native tree orchards (bearing fruit). Other sustainability initiatives include composting, rainwater harvesting, and using eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Only five percent of the land will be built on, keeping the remaining 95 percent open, wild, and free.
For guests who want a little bit of pampering even as they check off a visit to another national park, one of the tents is reserved for spa services. There will also be a sumptuous restaurant at Backland, serving farm-to-table cuisine. And, like every other structure here, the restaurant flaunts walls of windows so diners can take full advantage of the amazing views.
The glampground opens Aug. 16, 2022, and nightly rates start at $525.
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