Is 2022 the year to set up your own glampsite?

By Hari Seddon Jan 17, 2022

Have you been dreaming of running your own glampsite? Are you ready to create a wonderful space for your guests to discover? Are you now ready to think  about the tents and the logistics of hosting guests? Fear not, we’ve got you covered!

We got in touch with some of our glampsite friends who proudly use our Lotus Belle tents, to ask them about how they started their luxury camping businesses, what advice they would give someone starting out and share their top tips with you.

First things first - Where will you pitch your tents?

Location, location, location. That’s the question on every new glampsite owner's mind. There are a vast variety of different locations that you could choose from from a pitch at the end of your garden, to a field by a lake - The possibilities are endless. (which doesn’t make the process any easier!) If you have a lot of trees on your land this will affect how you care for your tents, thanks to leaf droppage.

Which tent is best for me?

Selecting the best tent to meet your needs may seem a little intimidating when you see all of the options laid out for you, and all the new tent lingo to learn. Air Bud or Mahal? Stargazer or Outback? To make it a stress-free experience, we’ve created a tool on our website to help you figure out the Lotus Belles that meet your space and weather requirements. Head to our ‘Choosing the right tent’ section on our website and answer a few questions. It’s free and you don’t need to give an email.

Services, finances and planning

Have you started to think about the types of services or packages you’d like to offer your guests? The sorts of questions you should be asking yourself at the moment are “How many packages will I offer?”, “How does the pricing breakdown work between the options?”, “Will I be offering any custom packages for special occasions?”. These should start to get the cylinders firing and when you put pen to paper you’ll start to see these offerings forming into specific packages.

A Lotus Belle tent has a fantastic return on investment.Our recommendation for most UK glamping sites is a 5m Lotus Belle, which starts at £1,790 inc.VAT. It's what we primarily sell for glamping businesses, as it can comfortably accommodate small families or friend groups as well as being a luxurious option for a couple. 

If you want to accommodate just couples then take a look at  the 4m Original Deluxe Lotus Belle. At £1,490 inc.VAT, it's the perfect all-rounder.

If you go for a 4m Lotus Belle, charging £90 per night will mean you only need to rent it out for 16.5 days to get back your investment! Yes, you read that right.

If you opt for a 5m Lotus Belle, charging £110 per night will mean you only need to rent it out for 16.2 days to get back your investment! Can we speak any more plainly?!

We know that Lotus Belle Tents keep their prime rentable condition for up to 5 years, normally longer with tender loving care and good weather. That being said, we know sites who have the first tents made in 2012 and they’re still going strong! The tents will need to be cleaned and aired regularly which can be done by you, with a lot of elbow grease, but it’s doable. If you aren’t keen on doing that yourself, (we aren’t either!) UK owners should make a note of The Canvas Cleaning Company, who we personally send tents to.

If you’re on a tight budget for decor,  there are ways to still create your dream luxury tent using pre-loved furniture and decorations. Lotus Belle celebrates sustainability and upcycling, as this is an easy way to help your interiors look more unique and reduce the impact on the planet and your pocket. 

Gillyweed Glamping on the Central Coast in Australia says “Buy second hand to save wherever possible, but make sure your linen is new. Offering multiple packages and set up options similar to your competitors will help people in their side by side comparisons - and will also help you figure out what your USP is.” So work out what you need for the inside of your tent and head to your favourite second-hand stores and thrift shops.

What’s the point in having an awesome glampsite that no-one has heard about?

What you need on social

Firstly you’ll want to set up some social media accounts that mirror your website, ensuring that branding and messaging is consistent across the board to increase brand awareness and build a rapport with your audience. Share information about your location and why you should stay at your glampsite - Is it set in the foothills of a mountain? Does it overlook a lake? Are you nestled in the forest?

What you need on your website

Tell your guests what amenities and facilities are available and what other home comfort you advise them to pack. Are there any popular walking trails or landmarks that are a must-see when they visit? If so, shout about it online!

Attending glamping networking events like The Glamping Show run by @thisisglamping is a great place to meet others in the same industry as you, and get valuable advice from the experts. At this event you’ll hear from leading professionals who will be equipped to answer all sorts of questions. From ways to increase your profitability without compromising your visitor experience, to using land you already have to generate new revenue streams.

We’re rooting for you!

Lotus Belle is here for you for any questions you may have, we're happy to help and we’re all cheering you on!

Do you have more questions?? Drop us a line on info@lotusbelle.co.uk, we’d love to help you start your journey.

Further reading: 

Micro glampsites get a return on investment in one season with Lotus Belle

Tips for starting out as a glampsite

Interview: The Little Hippy Tent Company

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