In recent weeks, AvantGlamp has opened a brand-new glamping resort nestled in woodland right next to Birmingham’s NEC. The project combines high-end hospitality with a natural setting, while making the most of its strategic location just a short walk from one of the UK’s leading exhibition and conference centres.
The resort has been designed with the aim of preserving the woodland character of the site. Initial work focused on essential infrastructure and the first accommodation units, carefully planned to retain the tree cover and the forest atmosphere. The concept is to offer guests an immersive experience in nature without compromising on comfort and quality.
Accommodation options
At this first stage, guests can choose from three types of accommodation:
- Woodland Bungalows, tucked away among the trees and designed for up to four people, each with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and a secluded outdoor area.
- Overwater Suites, raised pods set above the water, complete with a terrace and relaxation space.
- The Presidential Suite, the most exclusive option, sleeping up to eight guests and featuring a water-facing terrace, hot tub, and private, secluded position.
All units have been arranged to ensure peace, privacy, and a close connection to nature, while remaining practical and well-equipped. In the coming months, the resort will continue its development, adding more units and introducing new accommodation types. The aim is to offer an increasingly diverse range of solutions to suit solo travellers, couples, families, and groups alike.
A prime location
One of AvantGlamp’s strongest assets is its location: it sits just a three-minute walk from Birmingham International railway station and the NEC campus. This opens up a wide potential market, appealing both to leisure guests – thanks to nearby attractions such as Resorts World – and to business travellers, who may see it as a refreshing alternative to conventional hotels when attending trade fairs and events.
The opening of AvantGlamp comes at a time when glamping is continuing to grow in popularity, particularly in the UK, where demand for outdoor experiences is fuelled by the desire to combine nature with modern comforts. Positioning itself midway between a leisure destination and a business travel option gives AvantGlamp a distinctive edge, but also presents a challenge: finding the right balance between different guest profiles and ensuring a consistent experience across the board.
The AvantGlamp case provides an interesting example of how outdoor hospitality can diversify, making the most of location while responding to changing traveller expectations. Still in its early stages, the project’s real potential to establish itself as an innovative model in the UK outdoor hospitality market will become clearer in the months ahead.
Photo by AvantGlamp
The SETT, from November 2 to 4, 2021 is an unmissable opportunity for operators in the sector