Stay Balanced, a glamping business based at Pye Corner in Newport, has been named Glamping Site of the Year 2026 at the Best of Welsh Business Awards.
The award was announced following the ceremony on Sunday, July 26, with the business recognizing its guests for their role in the result. According to Stay Balanced, the award was determined with support from customer votes, making guest participation a notable part of the recognition.
In a social media post, the Stay Balanced team told South Wales Argus: “We still can’t quite believe this one… but on Sunday [July 26] we did it again.
“We were crowned Best of Welsh Business Awards Glamping Site of the Year 2026.
“This award is extra special because you, our amazing guests, voted for us.
“Thank you so much for all your support and for making Stay Balanced what it is.
“We’re honestly a little lost for words.”
Located on the western edge of Newport, Stay Balanced combines glamping accommodations with alpaca walking experiences. The business positions itself as an eco-friendly retreat, offering visitors a rural setting while maintaining access to modern amenities and experiences.
Its alpaca activities are an important part of the guest offering, giving visitors an opportunity to interact with the animals while exploring the surrounding countryside. The combination of accommodations and activities reflects a broader approach used by glamping operators to differentiate their properties through experiences that complement overnight stays.
The award also comes as Wales’ outdoor tourism sector continues to attract visitors looking for alternatives to conventional hotel stays and traditional camping. Rural accommodations have increasingly incorporated nature-based activities and upgraded facilities as operators seek to appeal to guests interested in outdoor recreation without giving up comfort.
For glamping businesses, Stay Balanced’s recognition highlights the potential value of developing an identifiable experience alongside accommodations. Guest activities, environmental positioning and direct engagement with visitors can all contribute to how a property is perceived, while customer participation in awards can provide another avenue for building awareness and loyalty.
The result may also provide additional visibility for Newport and the surrounding rural areas, where tourism businesses are serving visitors seeking countryside and nature-focused experiences within reach of urban centers.
With the July 26 award win, Stay Balanced holds the Best of Welsh Business Awards’ Glamping Site of the Year title for 2026. The recognition gives the business another point of distinction as it continues to offer glamping stays and alpaca experiences near Newport.