Blog post

Sleep in a Bubble, Wanze, Belgium

August 20, 2017

Price: Prices from €130 / night for the family bubble

Sleeps: Up to 4

Location: Wanze, Near Liège, Belgium

Sleep in a Bubble is a small Glamping site run by Belgium couple Luc Ruidant and Colette Barbier. Set up on their home property in the pretty farming town of Wanze near Liège in Belgium this is now the third year that the couple have been welcoming guests to sleep under the stars in their bubbles.

We visited the site as a family as part of our Summer adventures in Belgium and Holland at the start of August and found Sleep in a Bubble to not only be unique and memorable but also extremely welcoming. Wanze is a pretty Belgian town in the province of Liège. We drove directly from our ferry crossing which saw us arrive in Dunkirk. The journey took us around 2.5 hours.

The site is comprised of two bubbles. The smaller of the two bubbles, ‘Au pied de l’arbe’ or ‘At the foot of the trees’ is a romantic retreat for couples. This bubble comes with it’s own private terrace looking out towards the valley away from the main property offering seclusion and pretty views.

We stayed in a larger bubble which comfortably sleeps up to 4 people. This bubble has the well suited name of ‘L’etoile du berger’ or ‘The evening star’. The bubble is located close to the main family property but looks out over the valley and fields below. Again there is a private terrace with pretty views. This bubble is ideal for families with school aged children. As we found throughout our stay (and as the owner’s agreed) there are a few impracticalities including a drop from the terrace which means that the bubbles are not particularly well suited for toddlers.

The bubble is divided into three sections. The first is a small porch area with no transparency. This area contains your toilet and also acts as a compression chamber to prevent the rest of the tent from deflating as you enter. Once zipped into this section you are able to open the adjoining compartments and enter the main bubble.

Moving into the second section you enter the first bubble. This is a generous space with a single bed, seating area and wash table. This bubble has a transparent window strip and fully transparent ceiling allowing guests to watch the stars as they lie in bed.

The final section, and second bubble contains a large double bed with a storage chest and a heater. Again the walls are largely transparent allowing full appreciation of the surrounding environment and celestial activities for those tucked up inside.

In terms of facilities each bubble tent has it’s own toilet located in the porch way area. The toilet is similar to the type you might find in a caravan or camper van and was clean and practical. There is no bathroom, but a large wash basin and jug of water is provided for freshening up.

The highlight of our stay was getting snuggled up for the evening then watching the sunset followed by the stars all from the comfort of our own bed. We spent a good hour all sharing the same bed and just chatting about the scene before us as the sky changed colour and the stars appeared. It was the most comfortable star gazing session I’ve ever had and it was so lovely to share as a whole family.

After a good session observing the sky we all slept like logs. We woke to the sound of the neighbouring farm animals…most notably the chirpy rooster! At 8am fresh coffee and warm water for washing was delivered by our hosts. We enjoyed a short walk to the local boulangerie for breakfast where we were spoilt for choice with pastries and fresh bakes.

Sleep in a bubble was certainly a unique experience and something we all really enjoyed. It was a fantastic opportunity to spend some close time as a family enjoying aspects of camping which might otherwise be very difficult with a small child… we certainly couldn’t star gaze with a two year old around a camp fire! The experience is something we’ll all remember for a long time. Best of all the welcome from our hosts was outstanding. We were made to feel very much at home and as though nothing was too much of a problem. Particularly suited to couples and families with older children Sleep in a Bubble is the perfect alternative Glamping experience with an incredibly warm welcome.

14 Comments

  • Ashley Beolens

    August 30, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Interesting place, takes the inflatable tents to a whole new level 🙂 #adventurecalling

  • Sarah Stockley

    August 30, 2017 at 11:15 am

    I love it. I’ve seen these bubbles popping up in the UK – great idea. I see you were also at Med Fest this weekend at Herstmonceux it’s a shame we didn’t bump into each other. Sarah #explorerKids

  • Lauren

    August 30, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    Love the idea of watching the stars from your bed (whilst staying warm and dry)

    #adventurecalling

  • Rabbit Ideas

    August 30, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    Wowo- this looks amazing, I’ve never seen anything like it! I have a question- I saw a fan on the video- does it get hot in there? #adventurecalling

    1. admin

      August 30, 2017 at 7:19 pm

      I imagine it can…although it wasn’t particularly warm when we were there. They also have a heater so maybe they’re just providing for all weather conditions!?

  • Mrs Lighty

    August 31, 2017 at 8:03 am

    These look amazing! We love Belgium (have just come back from Bouillon which isn’t too far away from here I believe?) and I’ve always fancied the idea of glamping…will pin this for when Baby Lighty is older! #ExplorerKids

  • lucy mackcracken

    August 31, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    oh wow, this looks like such fun. I’m not really a fan of tents but this would definitely tempt me. Looks like a great adventure for children too #adventurecalling

  • Urska – Slovenian Girl Abroad

    September 4, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    Spending a night in a bubble looks like a fun and exciting experience. I never heard about it. Thanks for sharing. #AdventureCalling

  • Su {Ethan & Evelyn}

    September 4, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    Wow! This is so nice! & The view is stunning! I’d love to sleeps under the stars too. I am so pinning this! Thank you for the inspirations. #ExplorerKids Linky

  • MrsS

    September 7, 2017 at 9:16 am

    Wow this looks amazing. I haven’t seen these before, but I would definitely love to try ! Wonderful photos too. Thanks for sharing #adventurecalling

  • Travelling With Our Kids

    September 8, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    This looks pretty cool. Love that you can watch the stars from your bed. #adventurecalling

  • Lauren The Helpful Hiker

    September 12, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    Wow, that looks incredible! I love the idea of stargazing from the comfort of your own bed, that really is amazing. What a brilliant way to enjoy glamping as a family. Also love a good boulangerie! Thanks for joining us #AdventureCalling

  • David – Potty Adventures

    September 12, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Wow! I love these. As you say, they may be a bit impractical for my two toddlers at the moment but I’ll definitely be looking his up in a few years. Oh, and the food looks amazing. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling I hope you can again tomorrow.

  • Gretta – Mums do travel

    August 16, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    What a quirky place to stay! This sounds like a great experience, and I bet your kids will remember it for years to come.

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