Albari: the bubble hotel to sleep under the stars in Galicia
It all started in Dubai , in a tent in the middle of the desert under the immense firmament. It is not difficult to understand that, in such an environment, the imagination goes crazy and flies very, very far. Let him get to work and invent a million projects and ways to try to turn those special moments into a part of everyday life.
In any case, those ideas would probably have remained just that: fantasies. But Paula and Edward , the protagonists of this story, decided to go further: why not create an exclusive and original accommodation that would allow them to contemplate the universe every night, but from the very heart of their native Galicia? And so, friends, was born albarari .
Each bubble is surrounded by a private garden for stargazing or just relaxing
Facing the cliff daisies beach , 10 minutes from A Coruna and with spectacular views of the Tower of Hercules, or **immersed in some beautiful vineyards in the heart of Rías Baixas**: the two bubble room resorts that the Galician couple have created – the first in 2017, the second just a few months ago - they cannot be located in more wonderful enclaves. And best of all: they offer the opportunity to enjoy them in a direct, respectful and sustainable.
“We were looking for different formats until we found this concept of ephemeral accommodation, inflatable bubbles . First we bought some that were on the market, but we saw some flaws. Finally we launched design our own , which we have even patented”, tells us Eduardo, who in addition to dedicating his time to making this incredible dream come true, he is also an economist and professor at the university.
and are these inflatable bubbles a concept of accommodation that allows the direct contact with nature . Of course, without leaving aside all the services that a 5-star hotel can offer. And it is that eye to the data: four-poster double beds, hot/cold air conditioning, designer bathtubs, full bathrooms , charming amenities, private garden, a chill out space in which to relax and access to a 100% bio and organic breakfast or to enjoy in the bubble itself, with the best views, are just some of the proposals.
Albari: the bubble hotel to sleep under the stars in Galicia
Although the best of everything comes, we are not going to fool ourselves, when night falls: sleep outdoors, covered by a transparent dome and under 2 million stars, priceless.
“We have a lot of respect for nature and we are adding more and more solutions eco-innovative and sustainable to the project ”, the couple tells us. This is clear in details such as the fact that in the resorts it is not used not a cubic centimeter of cementation or are in protected and natural places . Even in trying to make guests aware of the responsible consumption of water This concern for the environment is appreciated. In addition, all the plastics used in the breakfast are 100% compostable. What more could you want?
Well, to ask for it, let's ask for the moon! As it turns out, they also deliver it to us in Albarari. In fact, each of its 10 bubbles – the 5 from A Coruña and the 5 from Sanxenxo - They are equipped as if they were small astronomical observatories: they have telescopes and a sky observation guide in each of them.
Like in the countryside and with the comforts of a five-star
The intention? That guests can enjoy the luxury of stargazing in his private bubble, of course. Bubbles, which, by the way, have been named after famous constellations: Orion, Perseus, Andromeda, Australis or Polaris are just some of them.
An idea, this of having direct access to the firmament, which was not only inspired by that night under the sky of the United Arab Emirates, but is also a luxury that both, but especially Paula, enjoy on a daily basis: “Paula is a pilot of Emirates, so after so many nights surrounded by stars while piloting an Airbus across the Indian Ocean, she ended up also becoming interested in astronomy”, they tell us. Obviously, it could not be otherwise.
And to all this, we ask ourselves, Why Albari? Well, the story of the name of this project that already has us absolutely in love also has crumbs, but it is beautiful as it alone.
It turns out that Albarari means in Arabic “nature, lushness” , something with which you are in contact from the first moment you set foot in either of the two resorts. And it is also that "Arabic has a lot to do with us since, due to Paula's work, we have lived in Dubai for a long time," Eduardo clarifies.
But it is that, twisting the loop, it turns out that Paula comes from a family of four generations in the cultivation of albariño, the Adega Buezas , among whose vineyards was conceived the second bubble resort, which was launched in June 2019 . Does the term albariño not remember Albarari? To top it off: it was Paula's great-grandfather, named Álvaro -more nominative coincidences- the precursor not only of this beautiful family project based on the came , but also from Albariño itself in Rías Baixas, back in 1900.
The stars dominate everything in Albari
When we ask Paula and Eduardo about what kind of guests they usually receive, the pattern is clear: couples between 23 and 45 years old They are the ones who are most encouraged to live the experience, although in Albarari there is space for everyone. Even for the little ones! "We dedicate specific dates throughout the calendar so that families with children can also stay in our capsules," they tell us.
It is also increasingly fashionable astronomical tourism , and there are not a few fans who come to these corners full of magic. “We even have pilgrims looking for a bit of tranquility after finishing the Camino de Santiago!” Eduardo tells us.
Of course, whatever the profile of the guest, what is clear is that in these little pieces of Galician paradise they find their plot of privacy in which disconnect from the madding crowd . Because yes, even though we talk about clear bubble caps , each of them has an opaque area, in addition to being carefully placed to maintain privacy . Fences based on vines, retractable awnings, screens or canopies that surround the perimeter of the beds do the rest. A mini universe in which to touch the sky... And what if you touch it!
Next to a vineyard in Albarari Sanxenxo
Between the projects of these two young dreamers, there are many challenges to be achieved: increase the number of bubbles in the Sanxenxo vineyards, promote various activities related to wine tourism in the cellars, and take Albarari wherever there is an immense sky to admire. Who knows? Perhaps even crossing our borders…
Although, for the moment, they remain firm in their commitment to those who visit them in A Coruña and Sanxenxo. And they can say it louder, but not clearer: “We do not promise you the moon, but we bring you closer to the stars” . So do not talk anymore.
Waking up in Albarari