Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Domes of Elounda is a family-friendly luxury resort that combines local culture with an exclusive experience. Local Cretan hospitality is on full display, beginning with check-in: guests are invited to relax by the beautiful infinity pool and receive a local welcome drink, setting the tone for the personalized service guests can expect throughout their stay. The hotel is a collection of suites and villas spread throughout beautifully manicured grounds, surrounded by gorgeous views to the Gulf of Elounda. Red domes and simple facades echo Moroccan-inspired architecture, while state-of-the-art design in the form of sleek lines and geometric shapes adds a modern edge.

Elounda has Greece’s densest collection of luxury hotels, and Domes of Elounda falls right into place. Its location at the far end of the bay allows for escape from the busy main streets, and despite being popular with families, the hotel’s overall tranquil atmosphere and immaculate setting attract plenty of couples. The property is most popular with British guests, as well as those from the U.S., Western Europe, and Russia. 

Domes of Elounda is set on a hill off the main road, at the far end of Mirabello Bay. It’s a 15-minute walk to Plaka, a pretty fishing village with good local dining options, and opportunities to take a guided boat out to Spinalonga Island from its modest marina. Elounda and its myriad restaurants and bars is a seven-minute drive away, while the more developed Agios Nikolaos is a 25-minute drive. Heraklion International Airport is just over an hour drive west. 

Given its luxury status, it's perhaps no surprise that the hotel only offers suites and villas. All feature modern, handsome decor with stylish design elements, and all are spacious, with separate living rooms as well as outdoor spaces with private whirlpools or pools. Bathrooms are decked in luxurious marble or granite, many with gold fixtures, and all have rainfall shower/tub combos. Luxury amenities are abundant and include bathrobes and slippers, premium toiletries, Nespresso Dolce Gusto coffeemakers, welcome fruit baskets and wine, well-stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi. All units are air-conditioned. Most rooms have beautiful sea views overlooking either Spinalonga Island or the Gulf of Elounda.

Although Premium One-Bedroom Suites are the lowest category offered, they’re a generous 915 square feet (85 square meters), well-suited for couples or couples with a small child. Family Suites are a similar size and can accommodate up to two children on two sofabeds. Two-Bedroom Family Suites are available for larger families, while Private Residences have two or three separate bedrooms, plus a full kitchen, working fireplace, two full bathrooms, and private garden with a pool. Luxury Residences feature two bedrooms spread over an enormous 2,000 square feet of space (186 square meters), as well as special conveniences including fruit juicers. These also feature private pools complete whirlpool jets, waterfalls, pergola-shaded lounging areas, and separate alfresco areas. Luxury Villas are at the top of the spectrum, and are more like generously sized houses with large private pools and unobstructed sea views. 

Guests of Private Residences, Luxury Residences, and Luxury Villas are part of the Haute Living Package -- a VIP program providing exclusive services including a private beach area, upgraded welcome gifts, free minibars, dedicated villa managers with private check-in, free afternoon tea and cocktail hours, and free access to the Haute Living Lounge (including 24-hour access to drinks and snacks, as well as a VIP gym). 

With six pools, a private beach, four restaurants, and four bars, Domes of Elounda comes with a ton of eating, drinking, and swimming options. The well-maintained grounds are home to five outdoor pools -- including two in the adult-only section, plus an Olympic-sized pool, smaller heated pool, and kids’ pool in the family-friendly Domes Plaza area. The elegant spa -- which provides excellent treatments using Elemis products -- houses the heated indoor pool, as well as a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and relaxation area. There’s a poolside bar to accompany both the adult-only and family-friendly pools, and both offer waiter service while also serving light bites. 

The hotel’s swimmable, soft sandy beach -- while somewhat narrow -- is another popular feature, and has a water-sports kiosk where guests can rent paddle boats and kayaks to explore the bay. A beach bar provides waiter service and also serves snacks, while the traditional Greek beachfront restaurant Topos offers excellent fresh fish dishes on its own romantic private jetty. This area is also used to host wedding ceremonies. 

An excellent Italian a la carte and Asian-themed restaurant provide additional dining options, while the main buffet restaurant -- Tholos -- supplies great quality and variety with different themes every night. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board plans are available, providing good value for money, and Haute Living guests on half-board plans get unlimited access to the themed restaurants. 

Live music is available every evening, and the hotel provides a light program of activities for adults and kids alike, including morning yoga (fee) and themed kids’ shows. Other kid-friendly facilities include a kids’ club, outdoor playground, a games room with X-box and Sony PlayStation 4, and ample amenities such as baby equipment, kid-sized bathrobes and slippers, and special children’s snacks in the minibar and welcome gifts. A tennis court and helipad with gorgeous sea views, outdoor gym, organic garden used for sourcing herbs, and well-stocked mini-market round out the facilities -- plus there’s free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as free private parking.