The outdoor hospitality industry in Belarus has seen a significant development with the opening of its first official glamping site.
Located near the Vileika reservoir, the site, known as “MYS,” combines elements of traditional camping with upscale comforts, reflecting the growing trend toward nature-based experiences without sacrificing convenience.
Sergei Tretiak, the founder of the project, began developing the site in 2021. After evaluating several locations in the Braslav and Naroch regions, he chose the Vileika area for its suitable terrain and availability of space.
The site sits at the starting point of the Vileika-Minsk water system, a popular area for fishing and nature enthusiasts. Although the initial plan focused on glamping, the project began with a more traditional campsite due to practical considerations.
Infrastructure development at the site was extensive. With no access to electricity, running water, or sewage systems, Tretiak and his team undertook considerable groundwork, including forest rehabilitation, construction of gravel roads, and land preparation.
“You can’t even imagine how much care the forest requires,” he told МойBY, describing the cleanup process, which involved clearing years of waste and conducting annual inspections with forestry specialists.
The campsite was designed with environmental responsibility in mind. Vehicles are not allowed beyond the parking area, and guests transport their belongings on foot using carts. “This was our principled position: no cars on the camping territory,” Tretiak said, citing safety concerns and the desire to minimize ecological impact.
Noise restrictions are also in place, with quiet hours enforced after 10 p.m., encouraging a peaceful atmosphere for all guests.
The MYS site currently offers accommodations in Scandinavian-style cabins, gazebos, tent pitches, and spaces for campervans.
Guests can also rent tents and enjoy amenities like a bathhouse with scenic views. While there are no refrigerators or standard electrical connections, power banks and special lamps are provided to visitors, many of whom stay only for a night or two.
The glamping section of MYS officially launched this season and currently features eight units—six cone-shaped bell tents and two larger canvas-style tent houses. Tretiak plans to expand the site to 15–20 glamping modules.
Unlike the main campsite, the glamping area is designed for tranquility, with no physical barriers between the two zones but a clear distinction in tone and ambiance.
As Belarusian outdoor tourism evolves, MYS represents a shift in consumer expectations. “Indeed, there is such an opinion,” Tretiak acknowledged when asked about local concerns over paying to access areas that were previously free.
“But you can’t please everyone: some are dissatisfied, others are grateful that the forest and banks have finally been cleared of garbage and landscaped.”
The emergence of MYS also reflects broader changes in Eastern European tourism, where glamping is increasingly seen as a viable business model.
Operators across the region may draw insights from the site’s development strategy—starting with essential amenities, addressing environmental challenges, and gradually scaling up to premium offerings as demand grows.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, MYS offers a case study in launching a nature-based lodging business under challenging conditions, while balancing guest comfort, sustainability, and regulatory constraints.