Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection 

A luxury hideaway inspired by the opulence of ancient Greece

This recently renovated resort combines a unique design with an indulgent spa, magical views and facilities for all ages.

A member of the Autograph Collection, the recently refreshed Domes of Elounda combines Mediterranean architecture with the opulence of ancient Greece. Its setting is fabulously romantic for honeymooners, yet it’s excellent for families too, with a well thought-out design that keeps facilities separate enough to make sure everyone’s happy.  We love CORE, a cool, seasonal urban space and open-air plaza with art galleries, outdoor exhibits, pop-up shops, boutiques, food trucks and entertainment. Head through the underground tunnel to the private stretch of natural beach, where there’s a decked walkway lined with olive trees and a quiet zone for those seeking peace and solitude, or tuck into innovative seafood dishes on a decked promontory leading out to sea. Life is happily easy here – the hardest part is leaving.

Why we love Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

  • It’s located on a picturesque, private beach in Crete’s northeast, with bespoke excursions offering a chance to explore the island’s culture and heritage.

  • It’s great for couples as well as families, with both adult-only and family-friendly pools as well as plenty of activities for kids.

  • The food is exceptional, with everything from succulent steaks to Japanese-Peruvian fusion – we especially love Topos 1910 for its romantic setting on a wooden pier above the sea.

  • There’s an impressive range of accommodation with elegantly designed suites, sprawling residences and lavish villas, and every one comes with its own outdoor pool or Jacuzzi.

5 stars
May - Oct
Crete
4 hours
In fragrant gardens in the small village of Plaka, approx. 20 minutes from Elounda
Approx. 1 hour's transfer from Heraklion airport
Beach, Luxury, Honeymoon, Wellness, Spa, Suitable for children, Kids club, Villas

Rooms

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Diving & Watersports
  • Sustainability
  • Children
  • Good to Know

Dining at Domes is as laid-back or romantic as you like, with four restaurants and four bars offering everything from innovative Greek to Japanese-Peruvian. Stay in Haute Living Selection accommodation and you’ll get a range of extra culinary benefits too – from complimentary dine-around meals on a half-board basis to access to the Breeze All Day Beach Lounge, plus daily afternoon tea in the Haute Living Room.

Tholos
Expect bountiful breakfast buffets and authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes at this elegant restaurant. There’s a focus on fresh, local ingredients plus various themed nights, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains and sea.

Fruero
Named after the fortress on the isle of Spinalonga – viewable from here – this stylish, fine-dining restaurant serves Greek dishes with a creative twist, inspired by the seaside, mountains and beyond.

Topos 1910
Tuck into freshly-caught seafood on a wooden pier above the sea at this atmospheric, al fresco spot, serving delicately presented dishes with sommelier-paired wines.

Blend
Indulge in succulent steaks at this upmarket restaurant, with locally-sourced meat served beneath bamboo ceilings and washed down with an impressive wine list.

CORE
Designed like a cool marketplace, this is the hub of the hotel with deli stalls, food trucks, a coffee shop and waffle bar serving cooked-to-order delicacies from Crete and beyond. Sip on a mixologist-made cocktail and finish it off with an ice cream, or head here for one of the regular foodie events.

Grand Domes Bar
Open throughout the day, this elegant lobby bar serves cocktails, spirits and Cretan wines beneath a glimmering chandelier.

Breezes All Day Beach Lounge
Cool down with a fresh juice or pick up an iced coffee or cocktail at this all-day bar, set on the resort’s private beach.

Yaosai Pool Bar
Sample a signature crafted cocktail at this laid-back bar, set on the edge of the main pool.

Domes Plaza Pool Bar
Serving chilled Champagne, snacks and other drinks by the Domes Plaza Pool, this is open from morning to evening for refreshments right from your day bed.

Topos 1910 is as romantic as they come with tables hovering above the sea, while the deli stands and street food trucks at CORE are great for laid-back dining.

What's included

For Haute Living Selection guests staying 6 nights or fewer and non - Haute Living Selection Guests:
Half Board • Breakfast and dinner at Tholos Restaurant

Haute Living Selection guests staying a minimum of 7 nights receive a complimentary upgrade to Half Board Dine Around
Haute Living Selection Half Board Dine Around • Buffet breakfast in Tholos Restaurant • Buffet dinner at Tholos Restaurant • 1 x 3-course a la carte dinner per stay at Blend Steakhouse per stay (certain items excluded) • 1 x 3-course a la carte dinner per stay at Topos 1910 per stay (certain items excluded) • 1 x 3-course set menu dinner per stay at The CORE per stay

NB: No drinks are included; Haute Living Selection Half Board Dine Around does not include special themed evenings; during high occupancy periods, Tholos buffet restaurant may operate on a pre-booking basis.

Upgrade options

Full Board • Buffet breakfast at Blend Restaurant • 3-course lunch at any a la carte restaurant (prebooking required; drinks and selected dishes excluded) • Buffet dinner at Tholos Restaurant

Haute Suite Living guests booking Full Board will receive Full Board Dine Around which includes: • Buffet breakfast at Blend Restaurant • Buffet dinner at Tholos Restaurant • 3-course à la carte lunch and dinner on a dine-around basis in any of the restaurants (prebooking required; drinks and selected dishes excluded) • Alternatively, a buffet dinner at Tholos or a standing lunch or dinner at The Core (drinks excluded).

NB: No drinks are included; Full Board Dine Around is only available for Haute Suite Living guests and does not include special themed evenings; during high occupancy periods, Tholos buffet restaurant may operate on a pre-booking basis.

With its black mosaic seawater pool and glittering black and gold hamman, the luxurious Soma Spa is a thing of beauty. Echoing the bygone era of ancient Greece, Elemis treatments include a caviar and pearls facial and an aromatherapy salt glow. In-suite treatments are also available, plus hair, nail and make-up sessions. There’s an open-air fitness pavilion with beautiful views for motivation, and personal trainers are on hand for one-on-one workouts. There’s also a range of group classes available, from aqua yoga to beach ball training.

Domes of Elounda hosts a number of events, from barbecue nights with live music and dancing to epicurean pop-ups with famous chefs. Locally curated experiences include olive oil tasting and Cretan pie-making workshop in the traditional village of Kritsa. There are plenty of sports available too, including a flying fox zipline, tennis, beach volleyball, mountain biking or you may prefer to explore one of the running trails.

Domes has its own private beach and four swimming pools. Sailing and a range of watersports are available and guests can join classes in aqua yoga. The resort also offers boat trips to hidden beaches and the UNESCO-listed Spinalonga island.

Domes Resorts are Travelife certified with a number of sustainability initiatives. Eco-conscious efforts include low-energy LED lamps, glass instead of plastic bottles, water reuse for the gardens, a food waste management programme, CO2 monitoring, clean beach initiatives and training staff around eco practices. The Kiepos garden offers children the chance to grow their own greens, herbs and flowers to learn about the environment. The resorts also support communities by employing local people, using local produce and promoting local experiences and products.

Don't miss CORE, an openair agora with pop-up shops, activities and events for families where the kids can meet Greek monsters from mythology and try out the ice cream truck or gourmet street food. The resort is also home to a resident photographer who can capture some family photos*; and there's the chance to try aqua yoga – it's suitable for all ages and a great way to relax while exercising.

Family Suites sleep up to four, and have separate entries to the bedroom and lounge area. The décor takes inspiration from the island, so expect a beautifully bright and airy interior, along with luxuries like bathrobes and slippers for all the family, and state-of-the-art COCOMAT ® mattresses. Choose from either a sea view or a garden view and a heated whirlpool or private pool. There are also two and three-bedroom Luxury Villas available, spread over two floors and offering exclusive VIP extras such as a dedicated Villa Manager and early check-in.

Minimum stay: 5 nights 17 Apr-31 Oct.

During high occupancy periods, Tholos buffet restaurant may operate on a pre-booking basis.

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