Spend the night in an Etihad A320 – in Tenby

If you want a weekend break with a difference, there is something waiting for you in Tenby in Pembrokeshire.

Apple Camping has a unique USP – each of its glamping units is, to put it mildly, unique. One is called ‘The UFO Experience’ ….

The company has now added an ex-Etihad A320 aircraft to its roster, image above. To quote:

This aviation marvel has been thoughtfully converted into a self-contained sanctuary that retains its majestic air travel charm while introducing comforts and luxuries for a stay that’s anything but ordinary.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open-plan living space, ingeniously crafted within the original fuselage. Here, two single beds and a convertible sofa bed promise restful slumbers, complemented by the cozy ambiance of a space that’s been both newly carpeted and thoroughly insulated—ensuring warmth and comfort no matter the season. The interior boasts a fully-equipped kitchen, ingeniously integrated amidst authentic aircraft features, including operational cabin doors, Etihad and Air France branded storage, and aisle dolly trolleys, blending culinary convenience with a dash of novelty.

Our Airbus extends its allure to the lavatories, where one has been transformed into a modern shower with hot water, while the other maintains its original purpose, complete with charming details like Arabic signage, a nod to its globetrotting past. The living area, bathed in natural light from 26 windows equipped with original pull-down blinds, invites relaxation with a coffee table and Freeview T.V., all under the soft glow of converted overhead compartment lights.

Step outside to discover a haven designed for alfresco enjoyment and intimate starlit evenings. The aircraft’s front opens onto a deck with expansive double-glazed windows and a glass door, leading to a west-facing outdoor area ideal for savoring the sunset with a drink in hand. For privacy or shade, blackout blinds are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Nearby, the ‘Arabian Nights’ outdoor seating area, sheltered and adorned with a desert mural, offers a secluded spot for dining or unwinding, enveloped in the captivating ambiance of distant lands.

It is priced at £199 per night (£50 surcharge for one night stays) and you can book here.

How to earn Etihad Guest miles from UK credit cards (December 2024)

Etihad Guest does not have a UK credit card.  However, you can earn Etihad Guest miles by converting Membership Rewards points earned from selected UK American Express cards.

Cards earning Membership Rewards points include:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 20,000 Etihad Guest miles. This card is FREE for your first year and also comes with four free airport lounge passes.

• The Platinum Card from American Express (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 50,000 Etihad Guest miles.

• American Express Rewards credit card (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 10,000 Etihad Guest miles. This card is FREE for life.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is increased to 30,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 30,000 Etihad Guest miles. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 80,000 Etihad Guest miles! The spend requirement is changed to £10,000 in six months for this offer. Click here to apply.

Membership Rewards points convert at 1:1 into Etihad Guest miles which is an attractive rate.  The cards above all earn 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on your card, which converts to 1 Etihad Guest mile. The Gold card earns double points (2 per £1) on all flights you charge to it, with any airline.