Camping Santa Elena in Lloret de Mar is expanding its focus on glamping accommodations as demand grows for higher-comfort outdoor stays. The family-owned campground, which has operated for more than 50 years, is investing in upgraded safari tents and facility improvements for the 2024 season.
The campground’s management says it was among the first in Spain to establish a dedicated “Glamping Area” on a coastal campsite. The site spans more than 10 hectares and emphasizes preserving mature trees and natural green space within Lloret de Mar.
Glamping combines traditional camping with upgraded accommodations and amenities, typically using safari-style tents or similar structures in natural settings. In Spain, campground operators estimate there are about 1,200 campsites, with roughly 150 offering at least some form of glamping accommodation.
Florian Macé de Lépinay, a partner at Nice Camps and manager of Camping Santa Elena Lloret de Mar, said the campground views glamping as more than simply adding premium tents.
“A glamping play area should have a large area with plants and nature is the main feature. This is the case with Camping Santa Elena, and about 50 other sites in Spain.”
The company is reducing its inventory of basic tents and adding higher-end safari tents. According to Llorret Gaceta, the change is driven by shifting customer demand and the campground’s broad visitor mix, which includes young travelers, couples, and families.
“We are reducing the number of basic tents for hair decorating, and we are adding high-quality safari tents.”
Nightly rates currently range from about €90 for basic tents without private bathrooms or kitchens to under €200 for larger safari tents equipped with terraces, kitchens, and bathrooms. The campground identifies April, May, June, September, and October as the strongest periods for glamping stays in Lloret de Mar.
For outdoor hospitality operators, Santa Elena’s approach highlights several broader industry trends: guests increasingly expect hotel-like comfort in natural settings, family-oriented experiences are gaining priority over party tourism, and investment in shared facilities remains important even when premium accommodations are added.
For the 2024 season, the campground is renovating its public restroom facilities with an emphasis on modern design, sustainability, and accessibility. The property also offers amenities including a swimming pool, mini-golf, soccer field, children’s club, restaurant, beach bar, and small market.
Macé de Lépinay said the business plans to continue expanding its glamping area in the future.
“Without a doubt, we will continue to expand our gym area, as nature is the center of Camping Santa Elena and provides an ideal environment for those interested in exercise. We are clearly focusing on families rather than holiday tourism, so we will likely increase our exercise opportunities for families.”