The 5 star Domes brand has made a name for itself in Greece by creating chic, luxurious resorts with great options for families and couples. There are now 11 hotels and the winning formula means the company is expanding elsewhere in Europe, most recently in Portugal.
Domes of Elounda in Crete is the flagship resort, and part of Marriot’s Autograph Collection.
The vibe is boho-chic with a hint of Soho House. The resort feels more like a village than a formal hotel with twisty stone lanes, beautifully kept grounds and a tasteful communal area called Core, rather like a village square.
The vibe is boho-chic with a hint of Soho House. The resort feels more like a village than a formal hotel…
Situated opposite the island of Spinalonga, made famous in the hit novel by Victoria Hislop, the views are glorious. Lepers sent to Spinalonga were not allowed to leave – chances are you won’t WANT to leave Domes.
Domes of Elounda Crete – Rooms and Amenities
There are 158 rooms but none is standard, only suites and villas. It means even the basic accommodation comes with a living area and separate bedroom.
Our suite had two bedrooms and a living room with a sofa bed so the children each had their own space. A jacuzzi on the balcony added to the fun. Rooms have been recently refurbished, with muted stone colours, dark wood and copper-coloured basins in the bathroom.
What is described as the Domes Haute Living Selection is made up of Luxury Residences, Luxury Villas & Core Residences and is the elite tier accommodation.
Book these and get access to a dedicated villa manager, 24/7 concierge services, an exclusive check-in and other extras.
Those staying for a week also have access to an area by the family pool serving snacks and drinks all day, a bit like a smart airport business class lounge.
Large windows and big verandas mean you are never short of an amazing view.
Domes of Elounda in Crete – Dining
There are four main restaurants. The buffet in Tholos is great, and breakfast there is included for everyone (we may have enjoyed the make your own Bloody Mary option!).
Blend serves up steaks by the family pool, and we watched the supermoon rise on our table on the jetty at seafood restaurant Topos 1910.
Makris is adults-only fine dining while the children enjoyed the food trucks in Core. There are four bars, including one on the beach.
Domes of Elounda in Crete- Location
The resort is just outside the pretty harbour town of Elounda, an hour’s drive from Heraklion Airport. Northeastern Crete is beautiful, with incredible beaches like Voulisma with its white sand, and towns such as Agios Nikolas with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.
The ancient ruins of Knossos are easy to reach too. A trip to Spinalonga is a must too.
Domes of Elounda in Crete – Verdict
This resort ticks all the boxes. Great for families, but the Quiet Zones and adult only areas mean you won’t be disturbed if on your own.
The Soma spa is worth a visit and the beach club is very special, a strip of sand next to shallow water where olive trees provide the shade over your sun lounger.
It is the staff who make it though – friendly, thoughtful and just how do they manage to remember everyone’s name?
The details
Domes of Elounda, Elounda, Crete 72053, Greece. Reservations +302310810624 or click here. Currently easyJet holidays offers seven nights Half Board for £2,177 per person including flights from London Gatwick and transfers.
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The 5 star Domes brand has made a name for itself in Greece by creating chic, luxurious resorts with great options for families and couples. There are now 11 hotels and the winning formula means the company is expanding elsewhere in Europe, most recently in Portugal.
Domes of Elounda in Crete is the flagship resort, and part of Marriot’s Autograph Collection.
The vibe is boho-chic with a hint of Soho House. The resort feels more like a village than a formal hotel with twisty stone lanes, beautifully kept grounds and a tasteful communal area called Core, rather like a village square.
Situated opposite the island of Spinalonga, made famous in the hit novel by Victoria Hislop, the views are glorious. Lepers sent to Spinalonga were not allowed to leave – chances are you won’t WANT to leave Domes.
Domes of Elounda Crete – Rooms and Amenities
There are 158 rooms but none is standard, only suites and villas. It means even the basic accommodation comes with a living area and separate bedroom.
Our suite had two bedrooms and a living room with a sofa bed so the children each had their own space. A jacuzzi on the balcony added to the fun. Rooms have been recently refurbished, with muted stone colours, dark wood and copper-coloured basins in the bathroom.
What is described as the Domes Haute Living Selection is made up of Luxury Residences, Luxury Villas & Core Residences and is the elite tier accommodation.
Book these and get access to a dedicated villa manager, 24/7 concierge services, an exclusive check-in and other extras.
Those staying for a week also have access to an area by the family pool serving snacks and drinks all day, a bit like a smart airport business class lounge.
Large windows and big verandas mean you are never short of an amazing view.
Domes of Elounda in Crete – Dining
There are four main restaurants. The buffet in Tholos is great, and breakfast there is included for everyone (we may have enjoyed the make your own Bloody Mary option!).
Blend serves up steaks by the family pool, and we watched the supermoon rise on our table on the jetty at seafood restaurant Topos 1910.
Makris is adults-only fine dining while the children enjoyed the food trucks in Core. There are four bars, including one on the beach.
Domes of Elounda in Crete- Location
The resort is just outside the pretty harbour town of Elounda, an hour’s drive from Heraklion Airport. Northeastern Crete is beautiful, with incredible beaches like Voulisma with its white sand, and towns such as Agios Nikolas with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.
The ancient ruins of Knossos are easy to reach too. A trip to Spinalonga is a must too.
Domes of Elounda in Crete – Verdict
This resort ticks all the boxes. Great for families, but the Quiet Zones and adult only areas mean you won’t be disturbed if on your own.
The Soma spa is worth a visit and the beach club is very special, a strip of sand next to shallow water where olive trees provide the shade over your sun lounger.
It is the staff who make it though – friendly, thoughtful and just how do they manage to remember everyone’s name?
The details
Domes of Elounda, Elounda, Crete 72053, Greece. Reservations +302310810624 or click here.
Currently easyJet holidays offers seven nights Half Board for £2,177 per person including flights from London Gatwick and transfers.
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Cunard has unveiled its 2028-29 programme, featuring 93 voyages across 104 destinations in 49 countries. The collection includes visits to 64 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with longer stays in port, 18 overnight calls and 18 late departures designed to give guests more time ashore. Standout itineraries include Queen Mary 2’s 500th Transatlantic Crossing, Queen Elizabeth’s…
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