A geodesic dome at Domaine de Petite-Île, southern Reunion Island
Unusual stay · Petite-Île · south

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.

Petite-Île, southlocationFrom €120 / nightrate7/10 (308 reviews)booking ratingUnder renovationstatus

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.

At a glance

The stay essentials

Location
174 rue de l'Anse, Petite-Île
Rate
From €120 / night
Type
Geodesic dome
Restaurant
Vanille (Creole, on site)
Booking rating
7/10 (308 reviews)
Wi-Fi
Included
Accessibility
Accessible facilities
GPS coordinates
-21.337326, 55.549029
The experience

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.

A white geodesic dome with a wooden door and small terrace, surrounded by a tropical garden at Domaine de Petite-Île
A geodesic dome in the garden
Inside a dome: a double bed with a purple bedspread, white panelled walls and a grey stretched-fabric ceiling
Inside a dome
How to get there

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.

Saint-DenisSaint-PaulSaint-PierreSaint-BenoîtDomaine de Petite-Île, domesWild south · Petite-Île
La Réunion · -21.337, 55.549
GPS coordinates
-21.337326, 55.549029
174 rue de l'Anse, Petite-Île
Open in Google Maps
On site

Services and facilities at the property

A green geodesic dome on a wooden deck with a pergola and a nordic hot tub at Domaine de Petite-Île
A dome and hot tub on the deck
A covered restaurant terrace with a large stretched canopy, wooden tables and a palm tree facing the ocean
The restaurant terrace facing the ocean
  • 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)
Rates

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.

Contact & 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.

Combine it with

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.

Two helicopters above the Mafate cirque in Reunion Island, an aerial view of the peaks and the sea of cloudsAlso worth doing
Aerial view

Reunion 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.

From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter prices
Stay nearby

Alternative accommodation nearby

To compare other unusual or more conventional options, here are partner places to stay within 25 km.

Capelinehotel1 km

Capeline

Petite-Île
★ 8.9/10 (38 reviews)
From
102 € /night
See
Dôme au Domaine de Petite-ÎleNuit insolite2 km

Dôme au Domaine de Petite-Île

Petite-Île
★ 8.5/10 (0 reviews)
From
120 € /night
See
Hotel Le Soleil Couchanthotel2 km

Hotel Le Soleil Couchant

Saint-Pierre
★ 8.1/10 (7 reviews)
From
84 € /night
See
Frequently asked questions

FAQ: everything to know before booking

Is the property open?
According to the latest information available, the property is being renovated following a change of ownership, and a reopening with a brand-new concept has been announced. Check availability on Booking.com or directly with the property before booking.
How much does a night cost?
From €120 a night, according to Booking. Rates may change after reopening, so check the latest prices.
How do you get to the property?
From Saint-Joseph, head towards Mont Vert les Bas. At the Cafrine roundabout, follow Mont Vert as far as the town hall annexe, then Petite-Île. The property is on the left, 5km further on.
What is a geodesic dome?
A geodesic dome is a structure made of triangles assembled into a sphere. It offers excellent insulation and high ceilings, which makes for a unique night's sleep.
Is the Vanille restaurant still on site?
The Vanille restaurant historically served Creole cooking with regional produce. With the change of ownership, check the current status with the property.
What activities are nearby?
Grande-Anse beach is 5 minutes away, the Manapany pool 10 minutes, the Langevin waterfall 30 minutes and Piton de la Fournaise 1 hour. The wild south is one of the island's richest areas for natural sights.
Page updated on 20 September 2026. GPS coordinates, contact details and rates verified as of this date. Confirm availability with the venue before travelling.
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