Classing myself as a valid member of sceptics anonymous, where pessimists and realists alike can ponder over a glass half empty, the possibility of contemplating a stay on an island where we can happily live, learn and sleep side by side with karmas fully balanced seems more like a journey into Moominvalley than a chance at an unusual trip away. A few days spent on Lake Veluwe however, and we fellow sceptics may relax and recline passed the point of caring.

If retro means taking a step into the past, a visit to 'De Kluut', a remote, uninhabited island in the middle of Veluwemeer, is in theory, just that. Situated between the Arthurian sounding Gelderland and Flevoland, a journey to this campsite means you will embark upon chivalric quest to rescue yourself from, well, yourself. Wide open spaces, hectares of palms, thickets and flowers; this experience wants to teleport you to the heart of nature. If you’re not a fan of the paranormal you can always sail in; the port contains 55 docking poles. Choose from a ready erected tipi or yurt and release the nomad in you. Wander on over to the communal tent to prepare your food or maybe choose the Kyrgyz Yurt which has a stove and cooking supplies.

A step back in time it may be, but CampSpirit chooses to break you in gently to a time of psychedelia and Pink Floyd, who played at the island's annual festival, 'Lowlands', in 1968. There are optional classes in the tipi lounge aiming to reunite you with the creative within. If this is all too much eating the vegetables from garden is a step in the right direction; they're free from pesticides and you can be sure that their patch is feng-shued.

Campspirit Homepage.

Written by  Sybilla Harvey.

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