Big Bang Nature Stays

Bohemian beach domes

Sauce de Portezuelo, Maldonado

By Karen A Higgs

This is a Guru’Guay Top Pick

Guru’Guay only recommends businesses and service providers in Uruguay that we absolutely love, who love what they do and demonstrate constant quality.

How and why we choose Guru’Guay Top Picks

We’d love to hear about your experience. Please share in the comments below.

On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on a deserted beach, your stylish dome nestles amongst acres of virgin pine forest. And with high-speed internet and unique social spaces, it’s a highly original venue whether your holidaying or planning a unique business retreat.

Ok, so we can call it glamping, but it’s way more than that. 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—facing the ocean, and face the calm of the forest to the north. The elegant air-conditioned lounge 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 Oceano dome.

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

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

Private events Big Bang is fast becoming the business retreat of choice here in Uruguay offering offsite work days for companies, which can also include overnight stays. The multiple spaces make it a great location for team building. Given everything is so sumptuous and original, it’s fabulous for social events, destination weddings, birthdays and celebrations in general.

Excellent internet Not a norm at the beach.

Onsite cuisine Big Bang packages can 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.

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.

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.

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