I stayed in a $290-a-night glamping tent off the coast of Singapore to put the ‘slow living’ lifestyle to the test

This was no ordinary tent.

It fits a queen-sized bed, a cooking station with a microwave and fridge, and has hardwood floors. The space also included essentials for a day at the beach, from a mat to complimentary snacks and a beach bag.

Slow living on the island

With no TV and a spotty internet connection, I was left to my own devices to figure out how to spend the rest of my evening. Thankfully, each room has a doodle book and reflection journal, and I was grateful for the opportunity to engage in some self-reflection.

That night, instead of the latest Netflix series droning in the background, the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore lulled me into a deep sleep.

The next morning, the beach was still empty

I spotted a couple who brought their Maltipoo and a Toy Poodle for a hassle-free getaway.

“Even though we have WiFi here, I don’t feel like working or checking emails,” Peiling Kong, a financial consultant in her 30s, said.

“It’s a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life,” she added.

Kong is not alone in her desire to get away. Interest in luxury glamping experiences has grown after the pandemic, Mike Harlow, the general manager of the luxury travel agency Scott Dunn, told me after I returned from the trip.

“Being in highly stressed environments, usually at work, we’re definitely seeing people want to experience more expansive landscapes, be more in nature, and get away from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist destinations,” he said.

Glamping has gained popularity in Singapore over the past few years, with several companies offering services to set up tents on beaches and public parks. Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which manages zoos in Singapore, even offers zoo-goers the opportunity to try glamping in the wild by a lake in Singapore Zoo or by a penguin enclosure in its bird park — for around $1,300 per tent.

In the US, hotel chains have also been getting in on the action. Earlier this year, Hilton announced a partnership with AutoCamp, that allows members to use Hilton Honors points to book luxury campgrounds. Similarly, World of Hyatt members can spend points at certain Mr and Mrs Smith’s properties — which include several glamping resorts around the world.

The toilet hike lacked luxury

Although the comfy beds and air-conditioned space offered an upscale camping experience, other aspects of the stay didn’t feel as luxurious.

The tents, for example, did not include an en-suite toilet. Guests have to share a communal toilet a three-minute walk away. It’s no hardship, but it is an inconvenience — especially at the resort’s price point.

“It reminds me of my army days,” a guest in his 50s jokingly told me.

Overall, Into the Woods is a great option for those who want to try camping in Singapore without roughing it out outdoors. Just don’t expect the luxury experience you’ll get at a five-star hotel.

Sure, there wasn’t much to do. But that was the point — I left feeling recharged and ready to return to city life.

Business Insider covered the cost of the author’s stay.