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Soulshine Glamping: Building Peace and Purpose After the Storm.
What Makes Glamping - and Dome Tents - So Special? Glamping (glamorous camping) has transformed how people experience the outdoors, offering comfort, style, and a unique connection to nature. Among the most innovative and eco-friendly shelter options, geodesic dome tents stand out for their striking design, exceptional strength, and versatility, making them ideal for both personal retreats and adventure hospitality ventures.
Soulshine Glamping: A Story of Resilience, Vision, and Heart.
In the mountains of Western North Carolina, Colleen and Grant set out to create a peaceful, romantic escape - an off-grid sanctuary where couples, hikers, and mountain bikers could reconnect with nature and each other. What they didn’t anticipate was just how much resilience their dream would require.
Now home to two beautifully designed geodesic domes, Soulshine Glamping welcomes guests with ridge-top views, cozy comforts, and even hot tubs under the stars. But this story isn’t just about domes - it’s about survival, grit, and the determination to keep building when everything else falls apart.
Image 1. The Sunshine Dome deck offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature—with a private hot tub, cozy hammock, and forest views all around.
Why Domes? “In our area, cabins are everywhere,” Colleen shared. “We chose geodesic domes to stand out - especially on Airbnb, which even had a Dome category when we started. It disappeared shortly after we listed it, but the uniqueness still draws attention.” They were drawn to dome tents for their visual impact, minimalist footprint, and ability to offer something entirely different. A space that invites stillness, romance, and rest from the noise of everyday life.
Image 2. Soulshine’s panoramic window brings the outdoors in - lush forest views, soft natural light, and a cozy space that feels both open and private.
Then Disaster Struck. Midway through construction, Hurricane Helene swept through, triggering a landslide that destroyed their home, their vehicles, and nearly all their belongings.
“We were home when it hit and ended up trapped in our car between two buildings,” Colleen recalls. “It was terrifying. We thought of giving up completely - moving north and walking away.”
But they didn’t. They stayed, salvaged what they could - dented cabinets, a rescued refrigerator - and with sheer will, brought the project to life. “We had nowhere to live at the time, but we finished the domes,” Colleen says.
Thoughtful Design with a Light Footprint. Built with care and respect for the land, the domes sit atop wooden decks nestled among trees. Soulshine Glamping operates on a well and septic system and uses energy-efficient mini-split units for heating and cooling, creating comfort without excess.
Image 3. Evenings at Soulshine are just as magical - Moonshine Dome glows at the end of a peaceful forest path, illuminated by soft lights and surrounded by nature.
From Idea to Reality - and a True Collaboration. The idea for Soulshine Glamping began a few years ago as Colleen and Grant considered new ways to create meaningful, sustainable experiences for guests - and new opportunities for themselves. Our collaboration with them began in September 2023, with planning and dome tent customization. Together, we explored layout options and created 3D visuals to bring their concept to life. By early December 2023, their dome tent kits were delivered and ready for the next chapter of their journey. While setbacks from the storm remained, Colleen stepped up - coordinating logistics, designing interiors, and handling the finishing touches. “Shoutout to me, I guess,” she jokes. “Grant is the official owner, but we did this together.”
What Guests Are Saying. Since opening, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Awesome!” and “Wow!” are common reactions from guests stepping inside the domes for the first time.
Soulshine Glamping is now listed on Airbnb and Hipcamp: Sunshine Dome on Airbnb, Moonshine Dome on Airbnb, and Soulshine Glamping on Hipcamp.
Image 4. Inside the Dome: Soulshine’s interiors blend luxury and comfort with thoughtful details — from cozy linens to a fully equipped ensuite bathroom.
Looking Ahead.Colleen and Grant still hope their domes will open new doors—for guests seeking comfort and reconnection and for themselves as they continue this journey. For now, they’re simply grateful: for the bookings, for the perseverance, and for building something beautiful from disaster.
Image 5. Evening settles in at Soulshine Glamping. Warm lights, forest stillness, and the comfort of your own geodesic dome — a magical retreat at day’s end.
At Glamping Dome Store, we’re proud to have supported them—not just with dome tents, but with design expertise, technical guidance, and an honest partnership built on trust. We offer five popular dome tent sizes to fit a variety of glamping visions: 16.4 ft (5 m), 19.7 ft (6 m), 23 ft (7 m), 26 ft (8 m), 29.5 ft (9 m), and 32 ft (10 m). Whether you’re starting a couple’s retreat or an eco-resort, these sizes provide flexible options. And for unique site needs, we also specialize in custom dome tent kits, fully tailored to your goals and environment.
You can see more about our dome kits and customer stories on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Be sure to follow Soulshine Glamping as well for updates, retreat photos, and a dose of mountain peace: Soulshine Glamping on Instagram | Soulshine Glamping on Facebook.
Soulshine isn’t just a name. It’s a story of light breaking through—of quiet, comfort, and healing, tucked away in the trees. And if you ever find yourself in Marion, North Carolina, United States, make sure to book a stay at Soulshine Glamping. You’ll discover a beautifully crafted dome retreat, peaceful forest views, and the kind of nature-meets-comfort experience that makes glamping truly unforgettable.
