Glamping offers a stay close to nature with hotel comfort. Domes go up quickly, so a resort can start fast; still, most of what makes a good resort is decided before the first dome is in place. These six topics are the ones we discuss most often with the resorts we build.

1. The land: views, sun and access

The best view on your land decides where each dome's panoramic window will face. When planning, look at:

  • Views and privacy: each dome should have its own view and not look onto its neighbour.
  • Sun direction: it affects how warm the dome gets in summer and how much heating it needs in winter.
  • Slope: sloping land needs a separate platform for each dome, which affects cost and layout.
  • Access: a vehicle track for materials and crews, and safe paths for guests.

2. Permits and zoning

The permits a glamping resort needs depend on the land's zoning, the province and the size of the resort. Before you invest, talk to the municipality and the relevant authorities, and work with an architect or consultant if needed. Leaving this step for later can mean redrawing the whole layout.

3. How many domes, and what size?

Your capacity target drives the choice of model. For example:

Model Diameter Area Guests
A5 5 m 20 m² 2–4
A6 6 m 29 m² 4–6
A8 8 m 50 m² 10
A10 10 m 80 m² 8–10

Smaller domes suit a resort for couples; larger models suit families and groups. A large dome such as the A20 can serve as a restaurant, event or shared space. Starting with two sizes rather than one lets you welcome different kinds of guests.

4. Ground, platforms and utilities

Each dome stands on a timber deck or a concrete platform. Plan the electricity, water and waste water connections together with the platforms. If your domes will have bathrooms, the utility lines must be part of the site plan.

5. Fit-out and comfort

Beds, bathrooms, climate control and lighting shape the guest experience. For a resort open all year, heating and insulation are essential; a fireplace adds both warmth and atmosphere in winter. Extras such as a pool or hot tub can set your resort apart, and Alf Havuz can plan them in the same project.

6. Timing: plan back from the opening date

Decide which season you want to open in and plan backwards from there. Our process has six steps:

  1. Request: we listen to your plans for the land, capacity and budget.
  2. Site visit and plan: we survey the land and draw the layout.
  3. Quote: a transparent quote based on models, quantity and fit-out.
  4. Contract: we secure the schedule and scope with a contract.
  5. Production: your domes are built and shipped within 18 days.
  6. Installation: our team installs on site and hands over your resort.

Permits and groundwork usually take longer than production, so starting the first two steps early is the easiest way to protect your opening date.

Send us the location of your land and the capacity you have in mind, and we can talk through a first layout together.