The hype
Reviewers are obsessed with the romantic stargazing and beachfront location but mixed on the 'glamping' realities.
Astral Tulum
$100-180/ night
Book this if You want the viral 'sleeping in a bubble' experience on a private beach without the $500+ Tulum price tag.
Why People Love It
- Direct beachfront access just 30 steps from your bed
- Transparent bubble rooms for stargazing from your pillow
- Located inside the National Park, away from the thumping bass of the party zone
Quick Take: It’s a glorified campsite with incredible views, so expect sand in your sheets and limited electricity, not room service and marble floors.
Reviewed by @krissaM: I spent a night in the Aquarius bubble and it was magic. Waking up to the jungle canopy right above my head—with zero bugs—was a dream. The AC kept it perfectly cool despite the humidity. Definitely a bucket list stay for couples.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The transparent bubbles get dirty with tree debris (ruining the view) and amplify rain noise to deafening levels.
- You are an influencer or couple chasing a unique photo op
- You prefer the quiet of the National Park over the party strip
- You are comfortable with 'rustic luxury' (i.e., glamping)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is reliable, keeping the sand at bay.
- Bathroom hygiene: Surprisingly good for glamping; private bathrooms are clean and functional.
- Maintenance: The bubbles show wear — scratches on the plastic and debris from trees can obscure the view.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though humidity can make them feel permanently damp.
- Odors & scents: Fresh ocean breeze, occasionally mixed with the smell of damp earth or plastic.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy rain hitting the plastic bubble (deafening)
- Wind and ocean sounds (no soundproofing)
Before you book
Good to know
- This is inside the National Park; taxis can be expensive and scarce at night.
- Breakfast is included but described as 'scarce' (eggs, juice, coffee) — don't expect a buffet.
- The hotel essentially 'closes' at 6 PM when the front desk staff leaves.
What to pack
- Portable battery pack (in case the provided one runs out)
- Earplugs (for the rain noise)
- Flashlight (paths can be dark at night)
Room Genie
Best picks
- The Bubble Room — for the unique stargazing experience and photos.
- Luxury Tent — if you prioritize better airflow and a slightly more traditional structure over the clear view.
Rooms to avoid
- Any bubble if the forecast calls for heavy rain (it will be loud).
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a bubble with the clearest view of the sky, ideally recently cleaned of any tree debris.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there AC in the bubbles?
Yes, but it fights a losing battle against the sun during the day. It works best at night.
Can I charge my phone?
Yes, via a provided rechargeable power bank, but standard wall plugs are rare or non-existent in the bubbles.
Is the bathroom private?
Yes, each unit has a private bathroom, though it may be a 'pod' style attached to your bubble.
Is there a pool?
No. You have direct access to a private beach, but there is no swimming pool on the property.
How do I get there?
Take the beach road towards Boca Paila; it's at km 1.8, shortly after the ruins and inside the National Park gate.
Is it safe?
Yes, the National Park zone is generally quieter and more controlled than the main hotel zone.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to Playa Paraiso (5 mins) for one of the best public beaches in Mexico.
- ✨
Bring cash — the card machines in this zone are notoriously spotty due to signal issues.
- ✨
Arrive before sunset; finding the entrance in the dark inside the park is tricky.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bubbles are made of plastic, so they can smell a bit like a pool toy when hot.
💡You can't bring single-use plastics (bottles/bags) into the National Park zone easily.
💡The 'upsell' at the on-site restaurant can be aggressive.
💡There is no electricity grid connection; everything runs on solar/generators.
💡You might wake up to hikers walking past your 'private' beach area in the morning.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Astral Tulum is located and what's nearby.