hotel1 km
Domaine de Petite-Île: sleeping in a geodesic dome facing the wild south
An unusual geodesic-dome stay in the hills of Petite-Île, close to Grande-Anse, with ocean views and the Vanille Creole restaurant on site. Please note: the property is currently being renovated following a change of ownership, and a reopening with a new concept has been announced.
Domaine de Petite-Île, in the hills above the town of the same name in southern Reunion Island, offers an unusual night in a geodesic dome with a panoramic view over the ocean and the wild south. Close to Grande-Anse beach, the Manapany pool and the Langevin waterfall, it is one of the south's best-known unusual stays, with an average rating of 7/10 from 308 Booking reviews.
Important: according to the latest information available, the property is currently being renovated following a change of ownership, and a reopening with a brand-new concept has been announced. Before booking, contact the property or check availability on Booking.com to confirm its current status.
This page sums up what was known before the renovation: rates (from €120 a night), getting there from Saint-Joseph via Mont Vert, facilities (the Vanille Creole restaurant, Wi-Fi, accessible facilities, a barbecue) and nearby activities (Grande-Anse, Manapany, Langevin), plus ideas for exploring the wild south.
The stay essentials
A night in a dome facing the wild south
Arriving at the property. Domaine de Petite-Île sits in the hills above the town, 5km up from Grande-Anse beach. Paths lead through a tropical garden, with open views over the ocean, to the domes.
The geodesic dome. With its unusual shape, reminiscent of the experimental architecture of the 1960s and 70s, the dome combines excellent insulation with high ceilings. Inside there is a bed, a bathroom and a lounge area. Several domes are spread out across the property for privacy.
The Vanille restaurant. The property's restaurant serves Creole cooking with regional produce. Dinner is served in the evening, and sometimes breakfast, by reservation. A real plus if you don't want to drive back down to Petite-Île or Saint-Joseph for dinner.
The location. The wild south is one of the most unspoilt parts of the island. Grande-Anse beach (one of the island's finest), the Manapany pool (seaside swimming) and the Langevin waterfall (Saint-Joseph) are all 15-30 minutes away by car.


How to get to the property
From the north, head towards Saint-Joseph. At the Cafrine roundabout, follow signs for Mont Vert les Bas, then Mont Vert as far as the town hall annexe, and turn right towards Petite-Île. The property is on the left about 5km further on.
Allow about 20 minutes by car from Saint-Pierre, 10 minutes from Saint-Joseph, 1 hour 15 minutes from Saint-Denis. The road is paved all the way and fine for any standard car.
Services and facilities at the property


- Geodesic domes set within a tropical garden
- A bed, bathroom and lounge area in each dome
- The Vanille Creole restaurant with regional produce
- Breakfast by reservation
- Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility
- A shared barbecue
- On-site parking
- Shared water point and toilets
- Swimming nearby (Grande-Anse, 5 minutes away)
How much does a night cost?
From €120 a night, according to Booking. That is for a fully equipped dome. Meals at the Vanille restaurant are extra and must be booked in advance.
Rates may change after reopening. Check current rates on Booking.com or directly with the property before booking.
Booking the property
Address: 174 rue de l'Anse, 97429 Petite-Île
Status to be confirmed: the property is being renovated after a change of ownership, and a new concept has been announced. Check availability on Booking.com before planning a visit.
Things to do nearby
The wild south has some of the island's most famous beaches and waterfalls, and Piton de la Fournaise is 1 hour away by car.
Guided hike to Piton de la Fournaise
A guided outing to the Dolomieu crater, 1 hour by car from the property.
Canyoning at the Langevin river
Jumps, abseils and natural slides at Saint-Joseph, 30 minutes from the property.
Piton de la Fournaise lava tunnel
Caving through the volcano's lava flows in southern Reunion Island.
Also worth doingReunion Island seen from the sky
From the dome you see the island at ground level. A helicopter shows you the bigger picture: peaks, cirques, lava flows and lagoon in just a few minutes.
There are 8 routes departing from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul, lasting 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Other unusual stays in Reunion Island
C Cibeaulaos, Bubbles at Cilaos
Transparent bubble tents in a lychee orchard, from €130 a night.
Glamping at Gadiamb City, Saint-Pierre
17 upmarket glamping tents with a private hot tub, from €150 a night.
Lodge Roche Tamarin, La Possession
Premium bungalows in the hills of the west, from €180 a night.
Alternative accommodation nearby
To compare other unusual or more conventional options, here are partner places to stay within 25 km.
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