If getting closer to nature is on your post-pandemic wish list, how about spending the night in the company of wild elephants? Actually, you might want to extend that over more than one night, because the luxury “Jungle Bubbles” at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Northern Thailand is an experience to savor.
Each 236-square-foot bubble has a king-size bed, living space and bathroom, and apart from the latter, it’s all completely transparent. It’s equipped with air-conditioning and the staff drop off dinner in a basket, meaning you can stay immersed in your “Jungle Bubble” and enjoy the main attraction — the presence of 22 elephants.
The magnificent tuskers have all been rescued from Thailand’s cities and are enjoying the rest of their lives in far more tranquil surroundings. While you’re there, you can learn all about the fascinating creatures by taking part in a “Walking With Giants” tour, accompanied by either a vet or a biologist.
“Guests can observe the elephants’ social interaction in their native habitat,” Etienne De Villiers, Anantara’s cluster director of public relations, told Apartment Therapy. “The fun of either a river bath or mud playtime demonstrates just how cheeky these graceful animals can be.”
According to De Villiers, the company’s founder set up the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation after seeing a street-begging elephant in Bangkok.
“Since then we have operated a rescue rental system that gives entire traditional mahout families a sustainable income from an elephant that is already living with them — this ensures that they will not source, through breeding or wild capture, another elephant to continue their traditional way of life,” De Villiers told Apartment Therapy.
To date, more than 60 elephants have been rescued from abuse, plus their 50-strong caretaking families, who also benefit from the foundation. They get English lessons, education for their kids, and 100% of the profits from garment sales from a traditional silkworm business.
“Jungle Bubble” prices start from $585 per night for two people. We’ll be packing our bags now.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
