Quality Croatian campsite puts glamour galore into glamping

Awash with amenities aplenty, Arena Kažela is this season, as stay-cation sites' prices soar with the Celsius, welcoming waves of UK holiday-makers, seeking first class camping with more mod cons than a Jam fan's record collection.

This is a camp site, but not as we of a certain vintage recall from childhoods under canvas ... all insect-infested sleeping bags, bent tent pegs, blocked chemical toilets and glacial showers.

No, this is not just camping, this is Marks & Spencer camping, indulgent accommodation that could not be more glamorous were Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron and Halle Berry bunked up together. But I digress!

Among Istria’s most popular destinations, sheltered southern peninsula Medulin is home to most imaginative resort "beautifully designed to allow guests to get closer to nature and experience serenity of sleeping under the stars in total comfort".

Complete with air-conditioning, Egyptian cotton linen, coffee machines, flat screen televisions, quality toiletries and free wi-fi, 164 Home Next, Home Green and Camping Villas are already welcoming many Brits, pitching-up for unforgettable holidays of a lifetime.

Buddy Holly may be long gone, sadly since "the day the music died," but the crickets perform nightly, some among 184 native orthopteran species creating harmonious nocturnal soundtrack to aid visitors' restful slumber after chilling in the heat.

Each lodge offers contemporary living space for up to five, Camping Villas boasting large floor-to-ceiling windows that "let the outside in," white and teal touches reflecting nearby beach and water.

Conservation conscious travellers will feel at home in the resort’s ‘green’ homes, constructed from ecological and recycled materials, combining modern elements and eco-friendly choices.

Next options offer smart design and enviable positions, pebble’s throw from inviting Adriatic, offering perfect place to unwind, complete with stunning sea view, private furnished terrace and parking.

Holiday Extras is market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges and transfers. In 2018 customers who pre-booked their parking with Holiday Extras saved an average £59 each vs the price they'd have paid on the day. Booking an Airport Hotel ensures you can enjoy "more holiday without the hassle". To book Radisson Blu at London Stansted Airport for £119 visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678. Price searched on July 18 2019 for arrival on June 20 2020.

Those lucky enough to call them home can enjoy exclusive use of the resort’s newly opened relaxation pool - to infinity and beyond, basking in country's longest at 80 metres - close to clear and calm surf, while brand-new Breeze Bar ensures guests remain refreshed while relaxed.

Regular watery exercises, including Pilates and aerobics, are available as more strenuous diversions, sporting facilities also including water-skiing and windsurfing schools, jet-skis proving particularly enjoyable adrenaline rush. Smaller kids, meanwhile, can keep busy with dance classes, art experiences and treasure hunts.

At the beating heart of the palatial cabins' complex is recently unveiled swimming complex, boasting over 600m² water surface. Including main area, children’s pool, water slide and landscaped sunbathing area offering loungers and parasols, it lies close to resort restaurants, lounge and beach bars, supermarket and illy Caffe.

Sister site "wigwam glam" Arena One 99 Glamping is an equally impressive rural retreat while associated Belvedere Medulin and Histria Pula Park Plazas provide food and drink par excellence, fine dining also available at west coast Fažana, ferry ride away from Brijuni Islands National Park, whose former Yugoslavia president Tito's connections are cemented by museum whose photo archive is veritable who's who of global leaders and glitzy celebrities from The Queen to "The Mona Lisa of the 20th Century" Gina Lollobrigida.

For those keen to explore, the site is within short distance of blue-flag beaches while nearby Pula boasts wealth of history, housing only remaining Roman amphitheatre to retain four side towers and all architectural orders entirely preserved. Constructed from 27 BC, it recently played host to 21st century rock gods Foo Fighters. Festival-goers will also not want to miss coming musical celebrations Dimension and Outlook.

And don't leave without visiting Levan, among most inviting of Croatia's 1,244 islands, islets and crags, all turquoise shallows and bleached sand, home to arguably coast's coolest - yet hottest! - bar shack, assorted cocktails continuously created to shame Tom Cruise.

Undisputed Rolls Royce of camping, this vehicle for excellence has already automatically hit top gear. And this satisfied guest can candidly lodge no complaints, only extol its many virtues, refreshing and invigorating as best Balkan fruit brandy Rakija.

Rates start from €101 per camping villa per night, based on five sharing Camping Home Next. For more information and to book visit www.arenacampsites.com/en/mobile-homes-istria/arena-kazela-camping-homes site.