Big Bang Nature Stays

Bohemian beach domes

Sauce de Portezuelo, Maldonado

Beach Accommodations

By Karen A Higgs

This is a Guru’Guay Top Pick

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On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on a deserted beach, your stylish dome nestles amongst acres of virgin pine forest. We’re not a fan of the term ‘glamping’ but if there’s the perfect glamping destination in Uruguay, then this is it.

Big Bang is a fabulous destination for families with children and people looking to reconnect with nature–with luxury touches. Stay in one of twelve custom-made domes, equipped with king size beds, five-star bedding and pillows and hotel-quality bathrooms.

The communal spaces are spectacular. The elegant living room dome, with its three enormous sofas arranged around an immense iron coffee table, will undoubtedly feature in some cool South American design magazine some time soon. It’s an air-conditioned oasis of classical music playing on a sophisticated sound system, books, musical instruments and a privileged view of the Atlantic.

Dine in the open air or in the air-conditioned dining dome. The kitchen is a converted airstream bus with funky black and white diamond flooring—parked parallel to the beach—its windows to the south open onto the ocean, and face the calm of the forest to the north.

But the real beauty of Big Bang is its direct connection to nature and art. Swim in the ocean. Lounge in the hot tub—whimsily baptised ‘mar tina’ or sea tub in Spanish. Fulfil a dream to horse-ride on the beach. Make art in the enticingly well-stocked art dome. Vibe in the yoga dome.

Your hosts Lucía (known as Luli) and Leandro are Uruguayan born and bred. Leandro’s family have owned the property for the last forty years and Big Bang was inspired by their year-long sabbatical around Asia and Oceania. Luli and her right hand woman Mariana speak great English as do many guests with conversation switching easily from Spanish into English.

Why is it called Big Bang?

Because the idea is that this is a retreat where things happen. “An explosion of creativity,” says Leandro. Art and music are central. Contact Big Bang for their annual events program.

What you should know

The domes are fairly closely set together but as they all face towards the beach so I didn’t feel that there was a problem with privacy.

Big Bang’s domes are top-notch (not the norm in Uruguay unfortunately). Sleeping domes have fans and AC. All have heating for winter, are well-insulated and some have cosy woodburning stoves.

Onsite cuisine That greyhound bus houses a kitchen and bar! Most Big Bang packages include fullboard. Vegan and vegetarian option are available and we were delighted by the quantity and quality of vegetables. Four-person domes have a fully-equipped galley kitchenette to prepare simple snacks.

Excellent internet Not a norm at the beach

You are in a forest on the ocean so there are insects however being so close to the ocean mosquitos are rare. We used the insect vaporiser thoughtfully provided and slept perfectly.

What to bring A torch (for getting around the property at night) unless your phone has great battery life. A sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Sun parasols and beach towels are provided.

Convenient location One hour from Montevideo airport, 7 minutes from Punta del Este Airport and 20 minutes from Punta del Este. Short drives to Piriapolis, Altántida, Punta del Este and Casa Pueblo.