Xanadu II: A Futuristic Vacation Rental on Hilton Head Island

What Xanadu II is and where to find it

Xanadu II is a distinctive vacation rental on Hilton Head Island designed to look like a spaceship or modernist dome. Built in the 1970s, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits on a private lot and draws visitors who want something visually unusual—a departure from the typical beach cottage or standard resort experience. The rental is located in the central part of Hilton Head, within driving distance of the island's beaches, restaurants, and recreational areas.

The home's most striking feature is its exterior: a white dome structure with curved walls and porthole-style windows that genuinely resemble science fiction architecture. Inside, the layout follows the dome's geometry, creating rounded rooms and an open floor plan. The rental sleeps up to six people and includes a kitchen, living area, and outdoor deck space.

Xanadu II has become a minor landmark on Hilton Head, recognized by locals and featured in travel blogs and social media. People rent it for the novelty, for photography, or simply because they want to stay somewhere that feels different from a conventional house.

Key Takeaways

• Xanadu II is a dome-shaped vacation rental built in the 1970s with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, located in central Hilton Head Island.
• The home's futuristic design—white exterior, curved walls, and porthole windows—makes it visually distinctive and popular for visitors seeking an unusual rental experience.
• The property accommodates up to six guests and includes a full kitchen, living space, and outdoor deck.
• Booking typically happens through vacation rental platforms; availability and pricing vary by season, with summer and peak travel times commanding higher rates.

How to book Xanadu II

Xanadu II is listed on major vacation rental platforms, most commonly Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner). Search for "Xanadu II Hilton Head" on either platform to find current availability and pricing. Each listing includes photos of the interior and exterior, a description of amenities, house rules, and cancellation policies set by the owner.

Before booking, check the specific dates you want to visit—availability changes seasonally. Summer months (June through August) and holiday periods fill quickly and cost more. Spring and fall typically offer more open dates and lower nightly rates. Read the listing details carefully to confirm the number of bedrooms, bathroom count, parking availability, and any pet policies if that matters to your trip.

Once you select your dates, the platform will show you the total cost, including the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and any service fees charged by the rental company. You complete payment through the platform's secure checkout. The owner will then send you check-in instructions, parking details, and access codes or key pickup information.

What to expect inside and outside the home

The interior layout is shaped by the dome structure, so rooms have curved walls and ceilings rather than right angles. The living area is open and central, with the kitchen integrated into the main space. Bedrooms are smaller than in a traditional rectangular house, but the unusual design is part of what makes the rental distinctive. Windows are round or oval, mimicking the porthole aesthetic of the exterior.

Furnishings and decor vary depending on when the owner last updated the interior. Some guests find the retro 1970s elements charming; others prefer more contemporary finishes. Check the photos in the listing carefully to see the current state of furniture, appliances, and overall condition before booking.

Outside, the property includes a deck or patio area where you can sit and view the surrounding landscape. Parking is typically on-site or nearby. The lot is private, so you won't have shared common areas like a resort or condo complex would have. Hilton Head's beaches, shops, and restaurants are a short drive away, but the home itself is set back from the main tourist corridor.

Pricing and seasonal patterns

Nightly rates for Xanadu II fluctuate based on demand and season. Summer and major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) are peak times and cost significantly more than off-season dates. Winter months outside the holiday period, and weekdays in shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October), tend to be less expensive.

Most vacation rental platforms show you the exact nightly rate for your chosen dates, plus cleaning fees (often $100 to $200 per stay) and platform service fees. Some owners offer discounts for longer stays—a week or month-long rental may have a lower per-night cost than a single weekend. Check the listing for any such discounts before booking.

Cancellation policies vary by owner. Some allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before check-in; others charge a percentage of the booking if you cancel. Read the cancellation terms before you confirm your reservation, especially if your travel dates are uncertain.

Why visitors choose Xanadu II

The primary draw is novelty. Xanadu II looks like nothing else on Hilton Head, and that visual distinctiveness appeals to travelers who want a memorable, Instagram-worthy stay. Photographers and architecture enthusiasts are drawn to the home's design. Families with children sometimes book it because the unusual layout and futuristic aesthetic make the vacation feel like an adventure.

The rental also offers privacy and a full kitchen, which appeals to groups or families who want to cook their own meals rather than eat out for every meal. You have the entire home to yourself—no shared hallways, no front desk, no other guests in adjacent rooms. That level of privacy and independence is a key difference from hotels or resort-style accommodations.

For some visitors, staying at Xanadu II is the main event of the trip, not just lodging. They come to experience the space itself, take photos, and enjoy the novelty of a 1970s-era futuristic home that actually exists and is available to rent.

Nearby attractions and activities

Hilton Head Island offers beaches, golf courses, nature preserves, and restaurants within a short drive of Xanadu II. Calibogue Sound and Daufuskie Island are accessible by boat tours. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is nearby for hiking and wildlife viewing. Coligny Beach Park is one of the island's most popular public beaches and is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.

The island has dozens of restaurants ranging from casual seafood shacks to upscale dining. Shopping and entertainment are concentrated in areas like Coligny Plaza and the Hilton Head Plaza. If you're interested in history, Fort Sumter and other Civil War sites are on nearby islands, and the Beaufort area (about 30 minutes away) has historic architecture and museums.

Because Xanadu II is a self-contained rental with a kitchen, you can balance dining out with cooking in. The home's novelty means many guests spend time simply enjoying the space and taking photographs rather than leaving for activities every day.

Practical information for your stay

Check-in and check-out times are set by the owner and will be included in your booking confirmation. Typically, check-in is in the afternoon (3 or 4 p.m.) and check-out is in the morning (10 or 11 a.m.), but confirm the exact times with your rental listing. Parking is on-site or nearby; the listing will specify where to park and whether there are any restrictions.

Utilities (water, electricity, heating, air conditioning) are included in your rental fee. WiFi is usually provided, though speed and reliability depend on the owner's setup. Bring your own toiletries unless the listing states that basic items are supplied. Linens and towels are typically included, but verify this in the listing details.

Hilton Head is a pet-friendly destination, but Xanadu II's pet policy depends on the owner. Some allow dogs or cats; others do not. Check the listing before booking if you're traveling with a pet. The island has several dog parks and pet-friendly beaches during certain seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Xanadu II actually shaped like a spaceship?

Yes—the exterior is a white dome with curved walls and round windows that resemble a spacecraft or futuristic pod. The interior layout follows the dome's geometry, so rooms have curved walls and ceilings rather than traditional right angles. It's a genuine 1970s architectural design, not a gimmick added later.

How many people can stay at Xanadu II?

The home sleeps up to six people across three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The exact sleeping arrangement (bed sizes, sofa beds, etc.) varies and should be confirmed in the rental listing before booking.

What is the closest beach to Xanadu II?

Coligny Beach Park is one of the nearest public beaches, about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Other beaches and beach access points are scattered around the island, all within 20 to 30 minutes of the rental.

Can I cook meals in Xanadu II?

Yes, the home includes a full kitchen with appliances, cookware, and dishes. You can prepare your own meals, which is convenient for families or groups staying multiple nights.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies are set by the owner and vary. Check your specific listing for the exact terms—some allow free cancellation up to 14 days before check-in, while others charge a percentage of the booking fee if you cancel. Read the policy before you confirm your reservation.