The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1306768
T ucked away in the forests of Iceland, surrounded by unimaginable views in the serene seclusion of nature is where you'll find this sensationally unique retreat. Named the "5 Million Star Hotel'' for its incredible views of the night sky, Buubble takes glamping to a whole new level. is Icelandic retreat puts guests closer to the stars than they have ever been before with transparent, spherical sleeping structures to immerse guests in the beautiful nature around them. If the timing is right and the weather is clear enough, guests can experience the alluring glow of the Aurora Borealis waltzing above them. e hotel has two farm locations —one is nestled in the Golden Circle area, and the other is on the South Coast. e exact location of each hotel is concealed until the guests have completed their booking process to keep this hidden gem a secret from the outside world. Travelers are given GPS coordinates upon arrival, easily leading them to their obscure experience. Both locations are home to nine bubbles that each fit two people. e bubbles are set far apart from one another, creating a remote, private and quiet getaway. e isolated position of the bubbles gives guests the greatest chance of seeing the Northern Lights since the retreat is far enough away from the city, so light pollution does not interfere with the view. ese cozy, igloo-like bubbles are equipped with a silent ventilation system, heat, power strips, a double bed and lots of warm blankets. ough the interior of the bubbles are simple, the magnificent views encompassing guests make up for any lost decor. ere is a shared home on the property that provides bathrooms, showers and a kitchen area for guests. A trip to the 5 Million Star Hotel is amazing enough in the comfort of your bubble but if you are looking for an adventure and to see more during your stay, the hotel provides luxury SUVs for guided tours of some of the best sights in Iceland. In the winter and summer, there are tours to both the Golden Circle and South Coast where guests are taken to multiple breathtaking spots before ultimately settling in a bubble of their own for the night. e experienced local tour guides from the Buubble team provide information on the history of the area, knowledge of the nature that surrounds them and insight on the local culture. e Golden Circle tour begins with a stop at ingvellir National Park, where the fascinating continental dri valley that the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet can be viewed. is is home to many of Iceland's historical moments and is the birthplace of the country's government. e tour continues to the Geyser hot springs which are active approximately every five minutes and can shoot up to heights of 90-feet, followed by a stop at the iconic Gullfoss Waterfall. Gullfoss, meaning "Golden Falls", lives up to its name with its powerfully- beautiful, double-cascading cataract. e last stop before arriving at the bubbles is the Secret Lagoon which is a natural hot spring and the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Visitors have the opportunity to try authentic Icelandic cuisine at a local restaurant near the Secret Lagoon. Guests then arrive and settle into their bubble to spend the night, and hopefully get a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing above their heads. V U E N J . C O M 152