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The Lotus Dome

A light-filled gathering space for movement, music, creativity, conversation, and ceremony.

The Lotus Dome at Chez Serendip is a 36 foot geodesic dome by Pacific Domes, nestled among gardens and redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. With its hand painted mandala floor, soaring ceiling, and forest facing bay window, the Dome offers a rare combination of beauty, flexibility, and presence.

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This is a signature space at Chez Serendip, designed to adapt to many forms of gathering, from embodied practice and creative work to focused conversation, celebration, and reflection.

At a glance

  • 50-person capacity

  • 36-foot geodesic dome by Pacific Domes

  • Approximately 1,018 square feet of open floor space

  • 20-foot ceiling height

  • Hand-painted mandala floor

  • Large bay window with forest views

  • Redwood-covered deck for gathering and flow

  • Lockers for personal belongings

  • Nearby restrooms

  • Surrounded by gardens and outdoor paths

  • Can be rented independently, or with entire property

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Movement, practice, and performance

The Lotus Dome offers an open, light-filled environment ideal for embodied work, rehearsal, and small performances.

Well suited for:

• Yoga and somatic practice
• Dance classes and rehearsals
• Sound baths and musical gatherings
• Choir and vocal practice
• Structured movement training

Events that are ticketed, open to the public, or promoted beyond a private group must be independently managed by the host.

Movement-based events require event liability insurance. Existing policies or single-event coverage are accepted.

All hosts are responsible for participant supervision and safe use of the space.

Aerial-Ready Space

The Lotus Dome is rigged to support aerial movement and is used for focused practice, creation, and small group work. The space offers height, openness, and a calm environment well suited to aerial exploration.

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Aerial features include:

  • One professionally installed pulley system

  • Access to silks, a cube, a moon, and a hanging X-pole

  • Approximately 20 feet of vertical clearance

 

The Dome supports aerial practice, content creation, small workshops, and intimate performances. This short video features local aerialist Jeanette Bent, who offers private instruction and small group workshops at Chez Serendip.

All aerial use is coordinated in advance to ensure appropriate setup and care.

Meetings, conferences, and team gatherings

The Lotus Dome also offers a refreshing alternative to traditional meeting and conference venues. The natural setting, circular layout, and access to outdoor space support focus, creativity, and meaningful conversation.

 

The space works well for:

  • Team offsites and strategy sessions

  • Small conferences and symposiums

  • Creative business meetings

  • Leadership retreats and working sessions

 

Seated layouts can be configured to support presentations, facilitated discussions, or collaborative work. Breaks can flow easily onto the deck or into the gardens, allowing meetings to feel spacious rather than confined.

Creative production and documentation

With its geometry, natural light, and forest backdrop, the Lotus Dome is a sought-after setting for photography and videography.

 

The space works well for:

  • Photo shoots

  • Music videos

  • Dance documentation

  • Creative content and editorial work

A recent example includes a music video filmed in the Dome by Santa Cruz band Floraturas.

Dance, music, and shared experience

The acoustics and shape of the Dome create a unique sound environment that supports resonance and immersion.

 

The space is often used for:

  • Dance parties and DJ sets

  • Choir rehearsals and vocal gatherings

  • Intimate concerts and listening sessions

  • Music rehearsals and creative jams

 

Sound carries naturally in the Dome, creating a shared experience without feeling overwhelming.

Dome Rave

What renters say

“Loved our time at the Dome. The hospitality was wonderful and the space provided was exactly what we needed. Yes, I would book again.”

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Jessica B., booked a photoshoot for nine people

Dome Outside Night

Families, kids, and community gatherings

The Lotus Dome offers a safe, contained environment that works especially well for children and youth activities.

 

Families and groups use the Dome for:

  • Kids’ birthday parties

  • Dance or movement-based play

  • Creative workshops and group activities

 

The open floor plan allows for a wide range of setups while keeping participants comfortably within view.

Film screenings and movie nights

The Lotus Dome can be transformed into a cozy venue for:

  • Feature film screenings

  • Documentary showings

  • Movie nights and community gatherings

 

Its circular shape and enclosed feel create a sense of shared presence that works beautifully for shared viewing experiences.

 

A screen, projector, and sound package are available to support screenings and are coordinated in advance as part of your booking.

Dome Movie Night
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Ceremonial and reflective gatherings

Many guests are drawn to the Lotus Dome for its quiet, chapel-like quality. The combination of natural light, circular geometry, and garden surroundings creates a space that feels appropriate for meaningful moments.

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The Dome is well suited for:

  • Celebrations of life

  • Memorial services

  • Ceremonial gatherings

  • Spiritual or reflective events

 

These uses are approached with care and respect for the tone of the space and the land.

Renting the Lotus Dome

The Lotus Dome is available for a limited number of rentals each month to preserve the quality of the experience and care for the land.

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We offer the Dome as a venue rental space. Events held here are independently organized and operated by the renting party.

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We offer three primary rental pathways.

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Private Event Rental

For individuals or groups hosting a private gathering.

Examples include celebrations of life, birthday gatherings, film nights, community circles, and personal events.

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Private hosts are responsible for:

  • Managing their guest list

  • Supervising attendees

  • Coordinating vendors

  • Following property and sound guidelines

 

For larger gatherings, events serving alcohol, or events involving outside vendors, event liability insurance may be required. Hosts are welcome to use an existing policy or obtain single-event coverage.

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If you are planning a private gathering, begin here:

Facilitator Hosted Events

​For teachers, artists, and organizers hosting classes, workshops, retreats, or public gatherings.

This includes any event that is ticketed, open to the public, or marketed beyond a private guest list.

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Facilitators independently manage:

  • Registration and payment processing

  • Participant waivers

  • Instruction and supervision

  • Event marketing

 

Ticketed or public events require event liability insurance. Movement-based events require insurance regardless of guest count. Facilitators may provide proof of an existing general liability policy or obtain single-event coverage.

Media and Commercial Production

For photography, video shoots, branded content, interviews, music videos, and commercial productions.

Production teams are responsible for:

  • Crew supervision

  • Equipment safety

  • Load-in and load-out coordination

  • Restoring the space to its original condition

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Commercial productions require proof of general liability insurance naming the property as additionally insured. Depending on the scope, additional documentation may be required.

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For production inquiries:

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