Tucked away in the ancient woodlands of Småland, Villa Vilan offers a truly unique escape. Run by Stefanie and Nils, this serene bed and breakfast has evolved over the years, now featuring a Hypedome that allows guests to experience nature in a whole new way. Standing at a three-meter-high precipice among ancient trees and mossy rocks, the cupola glamping provides a peaceful retreat where couples can reconnect with nature in total seclusion. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway, Villa Vilan’s dome is an unforgettable choice.
Q: I know you have two holiday homes at Villa Vilan, but you also decided to add a dome. Can you tell me more about your place and the whole concept behind it?
Stefanie and Nils: We’ve been running Villa Vilan as a bed and breakfast for over 22 years now. Over time, we expanded with two holiday homes, but as we wanted to step back from the traditional B&B, we thought about taking a new approach. Initially, we considered a simpler, more rustic setup like a tree tent, but eventually, we realized we wanted something more permanent, comfortable, and luxurious. That’s how we, in autumn 2023, ended up with the idea of adding a Hypedome.
Villa Vilan is all about experiencing the countryside and closeness to nature, and we’re fortunate to have a unique piece of land – about eight hectares of land classified as a landscape conservation area partly interspersed with steep rock formations. Since the land has a special status, there were restrictions concerning the dome’s location. But we found a perfect spot nestled into the rocks. The elevated position of the dome offers a stunning panoramic view, making it the ideal secluded getaway. Our guests are surrounded by nature, enjoying absolute privacy, which is part of the magic we aim to offer – a peaceful escape.
Stefanie and Nils Golay, owners of the Villa Vilan
Q: It sounds very intimate. Who are the typical guests who book the dome?
Stefanie and Nils: So far, we’ve mainly had younger couples – some celebrating anniversaries or birthdays, and even one couple on their honeymoon. We’ve also had guests book the dome as a special gift, like a woman who surprised her parents with a stay for their 60th birthday. The romantic, intimate atmosphere is definitely a key attraction, which is why we’ve decided to keep it exclusive to adults, no groups or children. It’s really meant to be a private, serene experience.
Q: Your dome has some unique customizations, like the mirrored and grey panels reversed for a better view. What have your guests said about the design?
Stefanie and Nils: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We made sure the layout provides a sense of privacy – when you’re in bed, there’s a solid, insulated “wall” behind you, so you feel secure. Guests appreciate that peace of mind while also enjoying the expansive views on the open side. Initially, we were concerned about how bright it might be in the mornings, so we invested in luxurious sleeping masks, but most guests don’t even use them. They love waking up to the natural light and watching the forest come alive around them.
Q: It seems like your guests are really enjoying the experience. How long do they usually stay?
Stefanie and Nils: We offer both one and two-night stays, but most guests choose just one night. The dome is more expensive than our traditional B&B rooms because it’s a special experience, but mostly due to the amenities. Other than the dome and the platform it stands on, we’ve built a covered area right next to the dome, that houses an outdoor kitchen with crockery and essential cooking utensils, a gas cooker and an electric cool box. Close to the dome, there is a fireplace and a privy. Guests have everything they need, even a “regular” bathroom close by, but it’s still different from a longer stay in the B&B. The dome is more about that one-of-a-kind, immersive experience.
Q: That makes sense, especially since it’s something unique. How does the pricing compare to other similar experiences?
Stefanie and Nils: We charge €250 per night, and based on our research, that’s quite reasonable for what we offer. We’re not cheap, but we’re also not the most expensive. Guests who are seeking something special are happy to pay for the dome experience, but when it comes to traditional B&B guests, it can be hard to convince them to make the leap to something so different. The dome appeals to those specifically looking for something extraordinary, rather than just a ”normal” B&B room.
Q: You mentioned the weather earlier. Does it ever present challenges?
Stefanie and Nils: We’re still figuring out the winter setup! We have a 2,000-watt heater with a fan, which should work well in the colder months. Rain has been a bit of a challenge in early summer – it rained during a lot of bookings. But interestingly, our guests haven’t minded. Some even enjoyed watching thunderstorms from the dome! We’ve built a fire pit and a pergola with an infrared heater, so guests still have a great time even if the weather turns.
Q: Being in the dome during the rain gives such a cozy experience. Can you tell me a bit more about the rest of Villa Vilan?
Stefanie and Nils: Absolutely! Our aim at Villa Vilan is to offer down-to-earth hospitality. Stefanie prepares a fantastic breakfast for our guests, using fresh eggs from our farm, own bread, yoghurt, jams etc. Fore the dome guests we also offer an evening meal option, which includes a kit for guests to cook themselves. Our burgers, for example, are made from our own beef, with homemade buns and toppings. Everything is as fresh and local as possible, which really adds to the experience.
Q: That sounds amazing. Would you recommend a dome to other B&B owners looking to diversify their offerings?
Stefanie and Nils: Definitely. A dome is perfect for anyone wanting to offer something special or diversify a small B&B or hotel in a rural area. It’s versatile, too – its design fits well with both modern and older buildings as well as with different landscapes. Compared to building something new, a dome is cost-effective and quick to set up, making it an excellent addition for those wanting to stand out from the crowd.
It was a real pleasure talking with Stefanie and Nils about their passion for Villa Vilan and their decision to create such a unique dome experience. Their love for nature really shines through in the details, and their dome offers a cozy escape with all the modern comforts you need, together with incredible views! If you’re looking for a peaceful, unique experience, Villa Vilan is waiting for you. Why not come and see it for yourself?
Check out more amazing Storie di Hypedome for even more inspiration on unique stays!