The global phenom that is glamorous camping, aka “glamping”, has inspired a whole new generation of wildly creative lodging options, the latest iteration being bubble-shaped tents and other spherical structures that let the outdoors in through transparent portals and domes. (Sometimes, the entire structure is transparent.) For a nature-filled getaway with unparalleled views – and plenty of Instagram appeal – a bubble hotel just might be the adventure you’ve been looking for. [Photo: Mayumi Iwasaki]
By Erin Lindholm
Bubbles Down Under — From its scenic vantage point on the grounds of a working farm about 125 miles (200 km) from Sydney, Bubble Tent Australia offers guests expansive views of Capertee Valley, the world’s second-largest canyon. They throw in a few extra amenities, too, which range from playing cards and telescopes to an outdoor deck, fireplace and cooking equipment — there’s even an outdoor spa tub for two. So far removed from civilisation, no doubt the night-time sky will be exceptional. [Photo: Mayumi Iwasaki]
Wake Up To A Vineyard View — Featuring 10 bubble rooms and suites, all of which have a private bathroom, Campera Hotel Burbuja sits amid vineyards in Mexico’s burgeoning Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Baja California, just a couple of hours south of the US border. Designed in France, each bubble unit features its own air con and heating controls, as well as four-poster beds (with curtains for added privacy) and expansive, transparent domes allowing for optimal star viewing from the comforts of your spacious, if minimalist, abode. [Photo: © BIEN Media • Luis Meza]
Go Off The Grid In Iceland — As part of its package offerings, Iceland’s Buubble Tours include an overnight stay at one of two bubble hotel sites, one of which is located near the Golden Circle and the other closer to the South Coast. Open year-round, the bubbles are kept nice and toasty during the winter months, when the aurora borealis is most likely to dance overhead; conversely, guests are supplied with eye masks during the peak summer months, when the midnight sun never fully sets.
Blissful Spa Oasis In Martinique — With such amenities as a dedicated wellness and spa space, gourmet picnic baskets and made-to-order meals at the host’s table, Domaine des Bulles bubble hotel on the Caribbean island of Martinique is next-level glamping. Taking design cues from the natural surroundings, each of the four bubble rooms are inspired by an element, such as water or air. Fully transparent bubbles may appeal to your inner voyeur, while other options afford more privacy.
Glamping In The Arabian Desert — Located deep within the Wadi Rum Desert, a protected wilderness area in southern Jordan that’s known for its dramatic scenery and sand of a dusty red hue, an overnight or two at the Full of Stars bubble hotel makes the already otherworldly landscape seem even more Martian. Each bubble room has ensuite bathroom facilities and all bookings include full board; meals are enjoyed in a communal bedouin-style dining tent elsewhere on the property of Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp.
Rustic Retreat In Provence — Located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille in the south of France, Attrap’Rêves is a family-run affair. Each of the five bubble rooms are set within their own private, wooded glade and feature individual restroom facilities as well. The bubbles, which are made from recycled materials, are either fully transparent or partially opaque with clear domes, and every reservation includes a complimentary jacuzzi session and a breakfast-in-bed basket. Prepared dinner boxes and massage treatments are among the add-ons that can also be booked.
Leisure By The Lake At Finn Lough — A large estate on the shores of Lough Erne in Northern Ireland’s County Fermanagh, Finn Lough is a recreational playground, with plenty of opportunities for water sports and land-based activities, too. While accommodations range from catered suites to Nordic-style chalets, it’s the property’s seven bubble domes that are the real showstopper. The rooms are outfitted with custom wood furniture and all feature ensuite bathrooms. They’re luxe enough that, for a moment, you might forget you’re in a bubble — that is, until you look up.
Deluxe Bubbles In Mauritius — Whether you opt for a bubble abode that’s surrounded by lush greenery on the Bois Chéri tea plantation or one located on the exotic island paradise that is L’Île aux Cerfs, you really can’t go wrong with a stay at either location of the Bubble Lodge on Mauritius, the temperate island nation in the Indian Ocean. Featuring an enclosed living room area with sofa bed, in addition to ample bedroom space, the rooms can comfortably accommodate families, too.
Design Darling In Northern Spain — Tucked away in a remote corner of Spain’s Navarre province, Aire de Bardenas takes some determination to get to — the closest airport is about an hour away, and the closest international airport is Bilbao, which is a 2.5 hour drive by car. But design lovers and Instagram road warriors alike will appreciate the playful, industrial-chic aesthetic of this off-the-beaten-path hotel, which counts a number of bubble rooms among its offerings. Property perks include a swimming pool and complimentary breakfast.
Treehouse Living in British Columbia — Set amid coastal rainforests on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, Free Spirit Spheres features a trio of spherical tree houses with such rhapsodic names as “Melody”, “Eryn” and “Luna.” Surrounded by spruce, fir and cedar trees, the colourful structures have interiors that evoke a retro camper or cabin vibe, and are spacious enough to sleep two or three guests. While such amenities as heating, lighting and even audio speakers are built into the spheres, the washrooms are located in a central bathhouse nearby. [Photo: Kerry Maguire]
Pop-Up Bubbles in Thurgau — Open seasonally between March and October, Himmelbett das Thurgauer Bubble Hotel installs dome abodes in gardens, orchards and vineyards across Switzerland’s Thurgau canton, an idyllic winery region bordered by Germany, the Rhine River and Lake Constance. Overnights at all six locations include breakfast and a pair of rental bikes — all the better for exploring the surrounding countryside. The two top-tier offerings also include a welcome drink and a four-course floral-themed dinner with wine.
The Airbnb Option — Bubble accommodations can be found among Airbnb’s unique home listings, which also include tree houses, all sorts of dome houses, even caves, yurts and teepees. (To explore specific types of unique homes, refine your search through the “more filters” tab.) Bubble options specifically include a stargazing capsule in Sedona, Arizona; a luxury dome with hot tub in Wales; and a rooftop bubble tent in Chongqing, China. Two of the most charming listings are a pair of bubble abodes named Shaula and Spica, which are located in the mountains surrounding San Francisco, Colombia.
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