Fabienne and Bass Swann have opened the Highland Grand Canyon Glamping Retreat on private land the Swann family has owned for more than 50 years on the southwestern outskirts of the Grand Canyon.
The land was originally acquired after Fabienne’s grandfather accepted a position as an engineer for Fred Harvey in the early 1960s. Fabienne lived on the property until she was 18, attending Grand Canyon School and spending her formative years near the South Rim village.
After college, Fabienne returned to the Grand Canyon area with her husband, Bass, with plans to develop outdoor accommodations that combine comfort with access to natural surroundings.
The couple said they were inspired by a glamping experience in Kanab, Utah. “We got a taste of glamping in Kanab, Utah, and we fell in love with it,” Bass said. “That’s when we decided to start our business, Highland Grand Canyon Glamping Retreat. We wanted to create a space where people can escape, recharge, and connect with nature without giving up the comforts of home.”
The Swanns received family support for the project. “We pitched the idea to my family to see if they would be on board with us moving back and starting a business on their property,” Fabienne told Flagstaff Business News.
“They agreed and have been a huge help every step of the process, emotionally, physically, and educationally. They have even helped build decks, tamp down gravel, stain decks, and put up tents. All in all, it’s been fun. This is such an important piece of property. We want to do everything right.”
The retreat is located approximately four miles from the Grand Canyon and features safari-style tents with boutique amenities, including high-end mattresses, wall outlets, USB ports, and decks.
Shared facilities include bathrooms, a barbecue area, coffee and tea stations, Wi-Fi, outdoor games, and a firepit. The property is off-grid, with solar-generated power and hauled water, and includes ADA-compliant accommodations. Rainwater is collected for fire protection.
Visitors have highlighted the combination of accessibility and natural experience. Cory Pevera of Truckee, California, said, “Honestly, it’s so peaceful and amazing to think that you’re so close to convenience but you feel like you’re worlds away in your own escape. One morning, we woke up to an elk that walked through. I loved the tents. They are so cute, and the decorations are adorable and unique to each tent. They have that personal touch.”
Kelsey Carlton of Grass Valley, California, said the stargazing was notable: “We’ve never seen so many stars and even caught a couple shooting stars. The tents were so cozy, and we loved cooking up breakfast and eating on the deck. We can’t wait to go back.”
The retreat operates from May through October. During the off-season, Bass works as a ski instructor and trainer in Lake Tahoe, while Fabienne also works in the ski industry. Family members have emphasized the importance of preserving the land.
“This is such an important piece of property to our family, we wanted to make sure that we did everything correctly so that we are protecting and preserving the land. Very important,” Fabienne said. Her mother, Sue, added, “This whole idea has been wonderful. It’s so nice to have Fabienne and Bass back here, and I know this is going to go well for them.”
The development may offer insights for outdoor hospitality operators seeking to combine eco-conscious practices, off-grid infrastructure, and visitor experience design in glamping and camping operations.