By Marvin Medina
By J.B. Bissell
This is not your grandparents’ vacation. It can be anything you want it to be.
Interval members are accustomed to kicking back in condominium-style accommodations. Every property is different, of course, but a typical setup often provides some comfortable combination of a bedroom, living space, and kitchen so that travelers can enjoy a cozy and convenient home-away-from-home vibe while on vacation.
But what if you want an away-from-home experience? A place that’s a little more unique and totally unlike your traditional timeshare units — all without sacrificing the all-important comfort.
Your membership provides access — either through exchange, the Getaway program, or hotel discounts — to a number of properties where the accommodations are decidedly different. And by different, we’re talking everything from glamping “tents” to floating bungalows to Airstream trailers to luxury rainforest villas. Here’s a look at a few of the places where you’ll feel truly away from home.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
River Ranch, Florida
Very few travelers balk at the idea of spending a little more quality time with Mother Nature. But there are plenty of people who aren’t exactly thrilled with the idea of cramped tents, uncomfortable sleeping bags, and a lack of bathroom facilities. At Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, you can have your nature and completely enjoy it, too, thanks to high-class Florida glamping accommodations. The safari-style tents are set on a platform and fully outfitted with one king bed and two twins, air conditioning, two rocking chairs, a microwave and mini refrigerator, and private access to your own bathroom and shower facility. Most importantly, they’re situated amid old oak trees in a quieter section of the property, so you can fully embrace this version of the camping life. A version that includes a resort staff member to help light your campfire before the stars come out at night, as well as deliver a package that includes “Smores’ and Pours (bourbon) — and, really, what’s better than relaxing with some roasted marshmallows and a drink by your campfire when connecting with nature.
BluFin Bungalows & Marina
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Have you ever thought about renting a houseboat for a water-centric trip? It’s a fun idea, but it comes with some serious questions, such as who’s going to captain the boat, where will you dock at night, and what happens if you run out of gas in the middle of the lake? The floating bungalows at BluFin Bungalows & Marina eliminate those types of questions and let you focus instead on soaking up the pleasant water vistas.
They’re comfortable, too. Each floating bungalow features two bedrooms and a full kitchen and bathroom — and a screened-in porch with a table and chairs, where you can reminisce about a fun day at nearby Maui Jack’s Waterpark or marvel about the wild ponies you spotted roaming through the Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge. And while these floating accommodations remain docked at all times, there are plenty of ways to get out and explore Chincoteague Channel from the property, including boat and personal watercraft rentals at the onsite marina.
Chincoteague Bay RV Resort & Cottages
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Location, location, location is an old real estate adage, and it certainly holds true for the available glamping accommodations at Chincoteague Bay RV Resort & Cottages, where the waterfront and waterview glamping tents will have you looking out across Chincoteague Channel the moment you step out to your front porch. Additionally, these luxury tents — two bedrooms, kitchen with a mini refrigerator, full bathroom — aren’t accessible via personal vehicles (golf cart rentals are available), so this section of the property is especially quiet and serene.
If you like the idea of the Chincoteague Channel views, but aren’t quite ready for the glamping experience (or simply need a bigger space), the resort also has waterfront and waterview cottages that can sleep up to six people. Offset just behind the waterfront units, the waterview accommodations feature rooftop decks that are an ideal spot from which to watch the sun set.
Luray RV Resort & Campground
Luray, Virginia
Classic Airstream trailers have had a bit of a renaissance during the last few years, and you can get in on the trend at Luray RV Resort & Campground. In addition to cabin rentals and traditional RV and tent camping, this expansive property is home to a collection of Airstreams that can serve as a fun homebase from which to explore the property.
The glimmering silver exterior is instantly recognizable, but the interior of each unit has been retrofitted to ensure your party of four (maximum) is comfortable for your entire stay. Each trailer is equipped with a coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, and air conditioning, and has a full bathroom. Luray RV Resort & Campground also has a selection of stand-alone cottages and two-bedroom glamping tents — with a kitchenette and private bathroom — that look out to the Shenandoah Valley Mountains.
Sugarloaf Key RV Resort & Cottages
Summerland Key, Florida
Every trip to the Florida Keys coaxes out a bit of your more bohemian state of mind. But if you really want to get in touch with your inner free spirit, consider a stay in one of Sugarloaf Key RV Resort & Cottages’ Airstream trailers. Located among healthy mangroves and other nature areas — and a world away from the hustle and bustle of urban South Florida — it’s hard to imagine a more suitable type of accommodation for this part of the Lower Keys than these iconic silver campers.
Each unit has been modernized and is complete with comfortable bedding, a mini-refrigerator, air conditioning, and a full bathroom. There’s also a furnished patio with a charcoal grill.
For bigger parties, the resort has a selection of bungalows. No matter which type of unit you choose, you’ll definitely want to hang out at the Airstream Bar & Snack Shack, where cocktails and various light bites are the perfect complement to the distinctive Florida Keys atmosphere.
Secret Bay
Dominica
Secret Bay takes the idea of an island escape to an entirely different level. It’s located on the northwestern side of Dominica, on a lush promontory that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. More to the point, the accommodations are all freestanding residential-style villas that range in size from approximately 1,220 to 4,083 total indoor and outdoor square feet and are completely secluded by the lush rainforest.
Each of the villas features a gourmet kitchen and plunge pool. Beyond those common amenities, different unit styles cater to various guest desires. The TiFèy Villas, for example, are multi-level structures with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor rain shower. The Ylang Ylang Villas are notable for their multiple — and expansive — wooden decks that entice visitors to spend quality time outdoors. Not much enticing is needed. Dominica is known as the Nature Island and the entire concept of Secret Bay is to blend the luxury accommodations with the magnificent surrounding rainforest. Let the relaxation begin.
