In 2021, during the pandemic, the Casal family made the bold decision to leave their urban life behind and relocate to Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, embracing a simpler, debt-free lifestyle in a tiny home nestled amidst nature.

The family’s story offers insights into the growing trend of downsizing and connecting more deeply with nature, an increasingly relevant consideration for professionals in the outdoor hospitality and glamping industries.

Allan Casal and his wife, Irena Adam, were looking to escape the city grind and offer their children an opportunity to experience life outside the hustle of urban centers.

The couple received a piece of land from Irena’s father in Kuala Pilah, and they decided to make the move. “The transition was worth it,” Allan shared to The Rakyat Post, reflecting on how the decision allowed them to spend more time with their children and to lead a more balanced life.

The family downsized significantly, cutting living expenses by avoiding unnecessary purchases and making do with the more limited options available in the countryside.

After settling into their tiny 300-square-foot home, La Hilir, the couple’s passion for nature and outdoor living led them to pivot into the glamping business. In 2022, they converted their space into La Hilir Luxe Camp, offering an exclusive glamping experience.

The couple’s love for camping and their appreciation of boutique accommodations drove them to create a luxury glamping site that emphasized simplicity, exclusivity, and personal attention.

“We wanted to provide an experience where guests could just enjoy nature and relax,” Allan explained in a past interview with Yahoo Malaysia.

La Hilir Luxe Camp operates on a model that accommodates only one set of guests at a time, offering a luxurious and private glamping experience.

With features like stylish boho chic tents, an outdoor cinema, a fire pit, home-cooked meals, and even an outdoor bathtub with views of nature, the camp appeals to guests seeking an escape from city life.

The couple’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the premium amenities they provide, including air conditioning in the tents—a rare luxury in the glamping world.

For business owners in the glamping industry, the Casals’ story shows the importance of offering personal touches and creating a unique experience that sets a property apart, which is underscored in MC Hospitality Highlights‘ May 2024 report.

La Hilir Luxe Camp has attracted returning guests who share the Casals’ values of living simply and reconnecting with nature, making it a model example for those looking to enter or expand in the luxury glamping sector.