These Stargazing Domes in Washington's Cascade Mountains Have 15-foot-wide Skylights and Heated Decks With Private Saunas and Hot Tubs

These igloo-like domes built for stargazing will open in Washington state, not far from the Canadian border, in spring 2023.

Combine dark nights and bright stars with 15-foot-wide skylights in igloo-like domes, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable stargazing experiences. The brand-new Oculis Lodge, a stargazing resort that will be set deep in the Cascade Mountains, is designed to help travelers experience the wonders of nature — from star-studded skies to the remoteness of the mountains — in complete luxury. The first domes on property will be ready to receive guests in spring 2023.

Each dome will have a private six-person Jacuzzi, four-person sauna, and a heated deck for practicing yoga or working out (gear will be provided). A private fire pit, hammock, and telescope will round out the offerings, which are all designed to enhance the stargazing experience.

Those who don’t want to brave the mountain chill will instead cozy up inside and view the stars from the expansive, 15-foot-wide skylight on the roof of the dome. The modern, bright domes will provide up to six guests with 700-square-feet of space, including a bedroom, a four-person sleeping loft, a bathroom with bathtub, a washer and dryer, and a full kitchen. The centerpiece of the dome — the round skylight — will provide nonstop views of the skies above.

The structures are being made using reclaimed and recycled materials and will use 50 percent less energy to heat and cool (than a space of comparable size). Smart home technology will be used throughout the property.

“Domes are possibly the greenest way to build because of their efficient use of materials, structural integrity, and energy efficiency,” according to a press release from Oculis Lodge. “The interiors are appointed with special attention paid to keeping the ethos of sustainability present, without ever making our guests feel like they're giving up their vacation to have it.”

Oculis Lodge is surrounded by seven acres of undeveloped land in the small town of Glacier, Washington. It’s less than 30 minutes by car to Mt. Baker Ski Area, a ski resort known for its glacier covered peaks and heavy snowfall. In the summer, the ski area turns into a hiking and biking paradise with hundreds of miles of trails that lead to waterfalls and rivers. Vancouver is two hours by car and Seattle is 2.5 hours.

Oculis Lodge is owned and operated by the founders of the Igloo Beach Lodge in Costa Rica, a 24-room hotel of igloo-like pods near Espadilla Beach. The Oculis Lodge project is being funded on Indiegogo. Currently, crowdfunders can guarantee a one-night stay for $359, two nights for $610, and three nights for $840. The reservation does not expire, but must be redeemed through the website. According to the Indiegogo page, the first guests will be able to stay in the pods by April 2023.

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