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.

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

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

Capacity

Up to 85 standing
Up to 60 seated

The Lotus Dome can be rented independently or in combination with other spaces on the property.

Movement, practice, and performance

The Lotus Dome is especially well suited for embodied practices that benefit from light, height, and a calm, contained environment.

Common uses include:

Yoga and somatic practices
Bodywork and wellness sessions
Movement classes and workshops
Small retreats and series

The circular layout supports group cohesion while allowing each participant room to move and breathe.

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.

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.

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.”

Jessica B., booked a photoshoot for nine people

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.

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.

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 bookings to preserve the quality of the experience and care for the land.

The space can be rented:

On its own
In combination with other Chez Serendip spaces for larger or multi-part events

Bookings are available through Peerspace or by direct inquiry.

If you are considering the Dome for a class, meeting, event, shoot, or gathering, we invite you to reach out with details about your plans.

Inquire about renting the Lotus Dome

We are happy to help you explore whether this space is the right fit.