Discover Why We Built A Luxury Wellness Glamping Retreat

About Pisgah Domes

Pisgah Domes was created from a simple idea: build a private wellness glamping retreat designed to reset and recharge. What started as a small Airbnb experiment years ago has grown into a full-scale vision for luxury glamping, wellness, and immersive nature experiences in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

John Murphy and his wife, both former professional cyclists, have always lived active, outdoor-focused lives. Long before Pisgah Domes, they were investing in real estate and operating short-term rentals, learning firsthand what guests love—and what falls short. Over time, it became clear that most rentals focused on space and amenities but missed something deeper: the experience of truly feeling restored.

Why Geodesic Domes

After extensive research into A-frames, cabins, Airstreams, yurts, container homes, and modern glass houses, the geodesic dome stood out as the perfect structure for luxury glamping in Pisgah National Forest. Domes offer soaring 14-foot ceilings that create an open, airy feeling that instantly relaxes the mind and body. The curved walls and massive panoramic windows allow natural light to flood the space and bring the forest inside, making guests feel fully immersed in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The round design also creates a sense of flow and calm that you simply don’t get from square walls and sharp corners. Beyond aesthetics, domes are incredibly efficient, allowing warm and cool air to circulate naturally, keeping the interior comfortable year-round. This efficiency is especially important in the mountains, where temperatures can change quickly between day and night.
We also loved the strength and durability of geodesic domes, which are designed to handle wind, snow, and extreme weather better than many traditional structures. But most importantly, domes feel special — they turn a stay into an experience. We wanted our guests to wake up feeling inspired, connected to nature, and surrounded by beauty, and the dome makes that happen in a way no other structure can.

Why Balsam Grove

Pisgah Domes is located in Balsam Grove, North Carolina, a quiet mountain community completely surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. This makes it one of the most unique and protected areas in Western North Carolina, where the landscape will always remain wild, peaceful, and undeveloped. Being surrounded by national forest ensures that the natural beauty you see today will still be here decades from now.

Balsam Grove also offers some of the best access to outdoor adventure in the region. From our property, guests can bike directly into world-class trails like Butter Gap, Daniel’s Ridge, and the Davidson River area without ever getting in a car. We often call this side of Pisgah the “back door” to the forest because it provides quiet, uncrowded access to wilderness that many people never experience.
This location gives our guests the rare opportunity to truly unplug while still being close to Brevard, waterfalls, mountain biking, and hiking. It’s the perfect balance between seclusion and convenience. For us, Balsam Grove isn’t just a place to build — it’s a place to protect, enjoy, and share with people who love nature as much as we do.

Why Wellness

Wellness is at the heart of everything we do at Pisgah Domes. As former professional cyclists, we have spent our lives learning how powerful the body and mind can be when they are properly cared for. We know firsthand how transformative heat therapy, cold exposure, and recovery practices can be for both physical and mental health.
That’s why every dome includes a private sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge — not as luxury add-ons, but as essential parts of the experience. These wellness tools help reduce stress, improve circulation, promote better sleep, and create a deep sense of relaxation that most people don’t get in everyday life. After a hike, a mountain bike ride, or simply a long day of travel, nothing feels better than stepping into a hot sauna or soaking in a steaming hot tub under the stars.

The cold plunge adds another layer of clarity and energy, helping guests reset their nervous system and feel refreshed. Combined with fresh mountain air, quiet surroundings, and beautiful views, these wellness experiences create a retreat that goes far beyond a typical glamping stay. Pisgah Domes is designed to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and leave feeling better than when they arrived.

Built by Real Estate Professionals

Pisgah Domes is built and operated by John Murphy, an active real estate broker and investor in Western North Carolina. That means this is not a hobby project or a weekend rental — it is a professionally designed and managed hospitality experience. With years of experience owning and operating multiple properties in the area, John understands what it takes to create a successful, high-quality short-term rental.
Every decision, from site selection to building design to guest experience, is made with long-term value and guest satisfaction in mind. Being deeply involved in real estate allows us to see the bigger picture — how location, construction, operations, and guest experience all work together. It also allows us to continuously improve and reinvest into the property so that every guest gets the best possible experience.

Because we both host and travel ourselves, we know what great stays look like from both sides. Pisgah Domes reflects that professional care, thoughtful planning, and attention to detail in every part of the experience.

Our Philosophy-

We build for people who love nature, wellness, and meaningful experiences.