Glamping, a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping,” isn’t for everyone. But thankfully, Karen Clarke, CampLuxe’s conceptualizer, said, “Those who understand, understand! »
It’s a concept she pinned to her vision board for more than three years, but was forced to take a break following the novel coronavirus pandemic which threw a wrench in not just her plans, but on those of billions of people in the world. Those who know Clarke, however – his attention to detail and obsession with quality – are hardly surprised that, while the borders remained closed, Clarke and his daughter Khloé refined plans for the first official glamping experience on The Rock.
“I know the entertainment calendar very well, so I knew early June would be perfect,” Clarke explained. So, from June 10-12, 2022, luxury campers (affectionately dubbed luxury campers by the Clarkes) ditched city life for a weekend at Frenchman’s Cove Resort, filled with luxury details. No one left disappointed. Indeed, expectations were exceeded.
Frenchman’s Cove Resorts general manager Angella Bolton-Trowers (left) and her mother, retired banker and event planner, Sylener Williams, hugged the trees at the Friday night beach party (Photos: Naphtali Junior)
Friday, 3:44 p.m.
The first group of Luxe campers arrives. After stretching their weary legs (the journey from Kingston is expensive) checking in between sips of sangria, the anxious guests began to assess where they would set up camp. Corrigendum: Glamp!
4:01 p.m.
Golf carts, loaded with fans, luggage and camera gear – a staple for the many content creators in attendance – left the reception area for the glamp site.
5:15 p.m.
Luxury campers converge on CampLuxe for a late buffet-style lunch offered by Bobby’s Café, Grill & Bar.
Luggage in tow, CampLuxe Ambassador Kaci Fennell Shirley and her husband Zachary Shirley hopped on a resort cart to check out their accommodations.
20:00
Temperatures drop as soon as the sun goes down. Now was the time to don kaftans and flock to the West Lawn for the international street food dinner. Taste buds have been on a world tour with a multicultural menu from Pink Apron, Bobby’s Café, Grill & Bar and The Plantry. Chef Bobby Walker has kept things muy caliente with Mexican offerings like elote and quesadillas. Its Jamaican menu of male water, roasted conch and jerk pork and chicken also received rave reviews. Those looking for “cold” dishes indulged in wings (Korean barbecue and guava jerk), mashed burgers with bacon jam and caramelized onions, and chicken satay with a spicy peanut sauce from the chef Charissa Skyers of Pink Apron Jamaica. The Plantry’s manager, Danielle Terrelonge, was on hand to help diners sift through a range of bite-sized delights like beetroot tartare, sweet potato tempura roll and roasted chayote à la coriander.
11:01 p.m.
There’s something magical about a bonfire – it draws people in, encourages conversation and creates a bond. This is all the more true as the energy of the gourmet dinner and the stage show merges perfectly with the Beach Soirée. Luxury campers enjoy the starry night as they rock to the music of Sparkles Disco and sip cocktails from the bar stocked with premium liquor.
Abigail Fisher (left), a member of the CampLuxe team, was in charge of the concierge, who assisted Ambassador Kaci Fennell Shirley during the check-in process.
CampLuxe Ambassador Kaci Fennell Shirley secured the keys to her tent.
Bartley’s All In Wood hand carved door number plaques were the perfect touch.
Nocturnal atmosphere at CampLuxe
A Mastercard gift box — filled with candles, a Bluetooth speaker, insulated tumblers and branded waffle-knit bathrobes — was among the freebies in the luxury tents.
The Elegant Affair event-style interior
YouTuber and comedian Rohan “Quite Perry” Perry and CampLuxe co-creator Karen Clarke hit the sound of Sparkles Disco.
The Häagen-Dazs stand facing the beach satisfied the sweet cravings of luxury campers.
Although a latecomer to fashion, dancehall artist Ce’Cile quickly got into the groove.
DJ Bobby Wong of Sparkles Disco kept the vibe going.
CampLuxe creators Karen (left) and Khloé Clarke officially welcomed guests to the weekend experience.
Blogger Kristia Franklyn (right) had her pick of tempura rolls when she stopped by the Plantry food stand. She was assisted by Danielle Terrelonge, director of The Plantry
Guests at the International Street Food Village were treated to the sweet melody of lead vocalists Traci Trae and Cassanova, backed by drummer Junior “Bird” Kelly” of D’Kru.
Bad gyal Ce’Cile performed hits like Hot Like We and Anything (Cook Fi Yuh)
Dancehall artist Ce’Cile (center) joined YouTuber Rohan “Quite Perry” Perry and CampLuxe creator Karen Clarke for a performance of her song Hot Like We in response to a request from the gathering.
Media personality Yendi Phillipps reveled in the moment.
The beach party was filled with Gram-worthy moments like this captured by Odyssey With Yendi, host Yendi Phillipps, Chad Luchey (right) and Rohan “Quite Perry” Perry
From left to right: content creator Kevaun Merchant; digital media influencer Tanaania Tracey; YouTuber Chad Luchey; Kaci Fennell Shirley, CampLuxe Ambassador; and YouTuber and comedian Rohan Perry shared company on the beach party.
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