There’s something deliciously decadent about domes, from ornate Roman architecture to oozy chocolate desserts…
And when it comes to holidays, snuggling down under a transparent dome offers you the delights of the enormous sky above, in all its ever-changing glory.
Referred to as the “king of all roofs”, domes have no angles or corners, which means they can enclose a huge amount of space – not to mention let in floods of light – without an obstructive column in sight.
Is it any wonder that scenic dome holidays have become such a popular choice all over the world?
So sit back and relax, as we take you on a tour of ten of the very best domely breaks, located everywhere from the UK’s smallest county to California’s vast Coachella Valley.
In the Stix is first up, a selection of four futuristic geodesic domes set in rural Rutland.
Each four-to-six-person dome comes complete with its own kitchen, bathroom and wood-fired hot tub. Comfort and simple luxury rule the day (there’s a Chesterfield sofa and a proper flushing loo), and the clever design includes a staircase and a mezzanine bedroom floor.
Snuggle up with the blankets and board games provided, as you look out over the refreshing rural beauty of Rutland. You may be in the UK’s smallest county, but there are some pretty big views to be experienced here!
Fancy getting up close and personal with nature? Then Somn’en Bulle, four eco-bubbles secluded in the heart of the southern French forest, is just the thing.
The lush greenery of rural Mergieux is instantly soothing, and with your transparent bubble almost invisible in the surrounding landscape, you’ll feel completely undisturbed as you immerse yourselves in all its joys.
Oh, and if you thought sleeping in Le Grande Outdoors meant having to rough it, think again. You’ll find a double bed inside your heated bubble, complete with two soft quilts – plus a changing area, electricity and your own private bathroom.
Ekopod, set against the scenic backdrop of Cornwall’s ‘Peaceful Valley’, is just the place for some creative inspiration – so don’t forget that notebook!
Three electricity-free, individually-styled ecopods await you in secluded farmland that’s achingly close to Bodmin Moor, teeming with wildlife, wildflowers and pure, fresh air.
Eyl and Nessa each sleep up to four people, while Steren Pod is perfect for two. All the pods are conveniently self-contained, with a woodburning stove and an outdoor terrace – an ideal spot for morning coffee, as you relax amongst nature and listen to the gentle sound of the babbling stream.
Recreate fairytales of old at Hayema Heerd, a unique Dutch hotel made of straw, set on a peaceful farm in the north of the Netherlands – a mere hour and a half from bustling Amsterdam. Here you’ll find a straw castle, a straw hayloft, and a selection of innovative straw igloos.
The straw igloos are simply and beautifully made from bales of straw, with a glass dome in the ceiling that allows you to drift off to sleep among the stars…on surprisingly comfy straw beds!
Ideal for families, the igloos are set close to the on-site playground and trampoline, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities close by.
Natural simplicity, adventure and beautiful outdoor living? If this is your idea of a heavenly holiday, Fforest Farm is your heavenly destination!
You’ll discover five unique glamping options, all perfectly located between the sensational River Teifi Gorge and the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.
The cosy domes you’ll find here offer the chance to get back to nature, without compromising on a scrap of comfort. Each features a solid wood floor with wood-burning stove, a furnished outdoor deck, and a fully equipped, all-weather kitchen with a two-ring gas stove and bucket barbecue. And of course – those panoramic views.
Looking to indulge your creative spirit? Then take it, and five of your favourite people, on a well-deserved break to Palm Springs Dome House, beautifully nestled on a hill in California’s Coachella Valley.
A stunningly expansive and light-filled home with sweeping valley views, the multifaceted geodesic dome dramatically showcases the area’s diverse natural scenery. Think endless starry skies as you drift off to sleep, and a blazing sunrise punctuated with desert windmills by morning.
What’s more, the famed Joshua Tree is just 30 minutes away, while star-studded LA is under two hours’ reach.
Sleep under nature’s star-studded canvas at the Starhouse, a lovingly handbuilt, glass-roofed dome house set in the Black Mountains of Wales.
Located close to the Brecon Beacons National Park and an abundance of country walks, the 4m diameter home is blissfully off-grid, sleeping two people in comfort (with room for two small ‘extras’ if needed).
Equipped with everything you’ll need to relax and reconnect with the one you love, it’s time to forget distracting WiFi and telly. This is your chance to log off from the digital world, and focus on nothing but the beautiful here and now.
It’s time to unleash your inner wanderer at Nomad Xperience, nestled on the exotic edge of Spain’s breathtaking Sierra Nevada National Park.
Featuring stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, you’ll find a riotous selection of accommodation to bed down in, including the Xiglu – an insulated dome for two, beautifully crafted from wood (well, ice wouldn’t last long in the soaring Spanish sunshine!)
The eco-friendly Xiglu features over 35m2 of space, with a private bathroom and kitchen area inside…leaving you free to concentrate on the array of vibrant Mediterranean colour all around, including the azure-blue sky above.
Meanwhile, Sauchope Links Park is a relaxing Fife retreat steeped in Scottish sunshine (yes, it does exist!), ideal for those who want to indulge in all the scenic delights that this gorgeous slice of Scotland has to offer.
The off-grid geodesic domes each sleep two adults and two children, and are fully equipped with squishy bean bags and a soft rug. A double bed and two camping mattresses set you up for a sound night’s sleep (simply bring your own bedding), and you’ll have access to the spacious Camper’s Kitchen and bathroom block on site.
All that’s left to do is light some candles and fire up the warming woodburner to feel ridiculously cosy, as you gaze out over spectacular sea views.
And now it’s Thyme for Bed! A deliciously secluded and cosy monolithic dome home nestled within ten acres of scenic farmland in Indiana, this is a friendly and peaceful home-from-home you’ll just love.
Made from weatherproof concrete, you’ll find three beautifully themed rooms inside. In Your Dreams is the master suite, featuring a Jacuzzi and a downy king-sized bed. The Pheasant Room is authentically rustic, with a wooden canopy queen bed, while the Victoria Room pays homage to a bygone era, adorned in lace and lavender.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the dining area, then hang out in the friendly communal living room – or perhaps take a stroll outside and make friends with the group of local pheasants!
So, which pleasure dome took your fancy the most? Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a unique place to stay, we’ve got plenty of them to choose from on our website – all nicely categorised and easily searchable.
In fact, why not grab a cuppa and choose your next well-deserved holiday right now?
