In the heart of the Texan desert, where the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park meets the quirky charm of Terlingua, lies Space Cowboys – our featured glamping site in today’s Hypedome Stories episode. Founded by Slava Chupryna, this retreat has quickly become a must-visit destination for those seeking an out-of-this-world experience.
Q: It sounds like Terlingua really left an impression on you during your travels. What led you to choose this unique place to start Space Cowboys?
Slava: After I closed my business in San Francisco during COVID, I spent three years travelling in my van, visiting 38 national parks. Terlingua was one of the last places I visited, and it just captured my imagination. The town has this magical mix of Burning Man vibes, real cowboys, and quirky locals. The freedom to build creatively, without restrictive building codes, really drew me in. I didn’t initially plan to start a glamping site, but the idea grew as I fell in love with the area and its potential.
Q: That freedom must have been a big advantage. Your domes are particularly striking, set against the hills. What inspired you to build them there?
Slava: Most people build on flat land here because it’s easier, but I wanted to do something different. By placing the glamping domes on the hills, they look like little space stations nestled into the landscape, which fits our space theme perfectly. The location also adds to their visibility; we’re right off the highway, surrounded by mountains, so we get a lot of attention from passing drivers. People often stop to take pictures or ask about them – every day, someone is curious about these domes.
Q: It sounds like you’ve become quite the attraction! How has Space Cowboys evolved since you first started?
Slava: It’s been quite the journey. We started with just one Hypedome, and now we have seven. The growth has been steady, and Hypedome has been a big part of that. We began with a single dome to test the waters, but as the business took off, we kept coming back for more. Now we have a mix of Hypedome S and M models in different finishes – opal domes, mirror domes, and even the limited black edition. The variety really adds to the uniqueness of our site and keeps our guests coming back for more.
Q: How has business been since you expanded, especially considering the unique location?
Slava: Business has been really good. We’re seeing strong occupancy rates, especially during peak season from October to March when we hit 70-80% occupancy. Even during the off-season, like this past August, we were fully booked for a few days thanks to a meteor shower. Guests love the unique experience we offer, and we’ve already had people return for their third or fourth stay. Compared to the traditional casitas around here, our domes offer something truly different, and that’s what draws people in.
Q: Speaking of those casitas, how do your domes compare?
Slava: The casitas are beautiful and cost five to six times more to build, but many people still prefer our domes. Even though our Hypedomes don’t have private showers or toilets, people are drawn to the experience. It’s not just a place to stay – it’s an adventure. We’re doing something different, and guests appreciate that uniqueness, even if it means giving up some of the usual amenities.
Q: I’ve heard you’re planning to expand with more domes.
Slava: Yes, we’re hoping to add three more domes this year, including the Hypedome L large geodesic dome. We’ve really streamlined the building process, so we can have a new dome up and running in less than two weeks. The Hypedome L will give us more space, which is great for accommodating families. I’m also thinking about connecting a smaller dome to a larger one with a tunnel, creating a kind of family suite with separate areas for kids and parents.
Q: Your domes aren’t just practical - they’re designed with comfort in mind. Can you tell me more about the interiors?
Slava: Absolutely. We’ve customized the interiors to maximize comfort and space. Each dome has a mini-split AC unit to handle the intense heat. We also use additional insulation to keep the domes’ internal temperature at a comfortable level even in the extreme heat here – over 45°C in the summer. We built angled furniture that fits perfectly against the dome’s walls, with a fridge below and a table on top. Each dome has a queen-size bed. It’s all about making the most of the space while keeping guests comfortable.
Q: It sounds like a lot of thought went into the design, especially considering the extreme temperatures. How have the domes withstood the harsh conditions?
Slava: The polycarbonate material of the Hypedomes has been incredibly durable. Despite the intense Texas sun (and you really need to know that it’s the hottest it can be in the entire United States) the panels haven’t warped or yellowed, which is impressive. The quality of these materials is top-notch and has been a perfect fit for our needs.
Q: Durability is essential, and the modular design of Hypedomes plays a big role in that.
Slava: The modular design is a real game-changer for us. For instance, we once had a guest accidentally damage a panel with strong chemicals. Thanks to the modular setup, we didn’t need to take apart the entire dome – just the affected panel. It only took about 30 minutes to replace it. This design makes maintenance easy and keeps downtime to a minimum, which is crucial for smooth operations.
Q: We’ve been working together for a while now. We highly appreciate that you return to us with every new idea.
Slava: Working with you has been a great experience. Your team is incredibly supportive and flexible, especially with payment plans that allowed us to grow at our own pace. I really appreciate how open you are to feedback – constantly looking to improve and innovate. The process has been so smooth that I’m always happy to come back.
Q: Thank you! One last question. Being so close to the Mexican border must offer some unique opportunities for your guests. How does that add to the Space Cowboys experience?
Slava: Definitely! Our proximity to the Mexican border is a real perk. Guests can easily drive over, enjoy lunch or coffee in Mexico, and return without much hassle. This adds an extra layer of adventure to their stay, making the Space Cowboys experience even more unique and memorable.
Space Cowboys Terlingua isn’t just a glamping site; it’s a beacon of what’s possible when you follow your instincts and embrace creativity. Whether you’re drawn by the space-themed domes, stunning views, or proximity to Big Bend and Mexico, book a stay at Space Cowboys to experience something truly extraordinary. And for those with a dream, let this be an inspiration to create your own unique space.
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