'Keep quality and comfort in mind'
From mountains to luxury glamping:
Welcome to Lodge Holidays
Rink-Jan, can you tell us about the origins of Lodge Holidays and the evolution of your concept?
I’m Rink-Jan, founder of Lodge Holidays. I started in 2012 renting out luxury glamping accommodations. Over the years, the concept has evolved, especially after I fully revamped the branding in 2018. I focused more on creating a memorable experience for guests, and since then, we’ve expanded to 14 locations across Croatia, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. Offering glamping has become a true passion of mine.
Subtitles (Dutch and English) available in the menu!
Why did you choose glamping, and what makes it so special?
My choice to go with glamping comes from my love for nature and the desire to provide people with a luxury camping experience. I’ve always camped in the mountains myself, but I noticed the growing demand for a more comfortable way to camp: comfortable beds, an indoor kitchen, a bathroom, and a large terrace. That’s how I came up with the idea of glamping. All of this allows people to truly enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
What were the biggest challenges in setting up multiple locations?
Logistics was a major challenge. It takes a lot of materials to set up the tents with all the necessary amenities like bathrooms and electricity. Plus, the infrastructure needs to be properly arranged, which requires a lot of time and planning. Since I’m not a technician myself, it was a learning process to get everything working smoothly. Working with local partners was essential for quickly and efficiently solving problems as they arise during the season.
What is your key advice for campground owners looking to start glamping?
My most important advice is not to skimp on the quality of the tents and the structure they are built on. Invest in high-quality products, like good beds and mattresses, and make sure to maintain the accommodations properly. It’s also important to collaborate with local partners, especially for technical issues like electricity and plumbing. This makes it easier to quickly address any problems that might arise during the season.
