Greece
Domes of Elounda, Crete
Menu
The birthplace of Zeus, the beginnings of Europe’s first civilization, and an island infused with rich history, tradition and glorious scenery are the backdrop to an opulent Greek boutique hotel steeped in luxury.
The resort offers the finest in accommodation and the finest in dining along with sparkling pools, private beaches and always the warmest of Greek family welcomes.
Gallery
Facilities & Activities
The island boasts seven picture-perfect weather months of the year along with only the occasional splash of rain and a balmy daily average of 26 degrees. The perfect conditions then to take full advantage of the five sparkling pools – two saltwater, two freshwater, a heated family pool and exclusive kid’s pool. Flop onto the sun drenched terrace and soak in the panoramic views of the now famous island of Spinalonga and the bay below. Or wind your way down through the olive groves onto the sheltered, private, blue-flag beach and paddle in soft waters before finding your personal lounger and ordering a cocktail from the attentive in-house beach boys.
For an alternative sea-water refresher head to the sumptuous spa and its sparkling black tiled seawater pool and floor to ceiling windows. Choose from an array of tailored treatments and relax in the beautiful candle lit Moroccan themed hammam. For the more active there is a huge fitness room, tennis courts and a variety of water sports nearby. Or explore the oasis of gardens that surround the hotel. Filled with fragrance and colour, the grassy trails lead through olive groves and there are spectacular views out over the bay to the haunting fortress town.
There is plenty to do in the rich historic surrounding area too and the hotel will advise on and book a number of excursions. Charter the private yacht and explore the Gulf of Marabello, marvel at the vast ancient Minoan Labyrinth Palace of Knossos (considered to be Europe’s oldest city) or discover the historic sunken city of Olous. Explore the lovely boutiques, tavernas and restaurants of the port city of Aghios Nikolaos and take a boat trip over to the island of Spinalonga. Made famous by Victoria Hislop’s novel ‘The Island’, this fascinating ancient fortress once housed a leper colony and is now a destination in its own right.
Get In Touch
Feeling inspired? Start planning your next adventure by contacting us today.
Dining
Once you’ve sampled a refreshing salt-rimmed margarita, or crisp local wines at one of the three bars and enjoyed the live music under the stars then an array of tempting dining choices are found here. Seat yourself on the decked boardwalk leading out to sea and feast on a buffet of authentic award-winning Greek treats served under the stars at Topos. Or go pool side at Anthos, with stunning views. Mesoyios fuses seasonal Greek and Mediterranean delights either as la carte or buffet style or there is an extensive buffet housed at the main restaurant, Tholos.
There are also wine tasting evenings and themed nights encompassing a wide variety of international cuisine. Delectable Latin American, Greek, Asian or Italian fare is accompanied by themed music and live entertainment – so good that even the locals come flocking to join in.
Rooms
There are no ‘standard’ rooms here. There is a huge choice of luxurious suites all offering laid-back glamour with handpicked furniture, vibrant colours, huge windows and private verandas with sweeping vistas of the deep blue Gulf. And topped off with a private jacuzzi or pool – you decide.
Or take a one or two bedroomed private villa with fully equipped kitchen, private gardens, wooden verandas and crystal clear pools along with a dedicated villa manager to indulge your every whim. Or if in need of the ultimate in luxury then there’s the option of the two or three bed luxury residences. These boutique homes host large eco-heated pools, whirlpools, waterfalls and spacious sunlit living areas with stunning views out over the island and bay beyond.
Take a Video Tour
Family
While you indulge in luxury rest assured its childcare heaven here. Every little detail has been carefully considered from the suites decorated with friendly disney characters, to the welcome gifts of colouring packs and crayons, to the mini bath robes and slippers and finished off with the array of entertainment that’s on offer. There’s a playground with a huge sandbox, slides, swings, a climbing net, two designated kiddie pools, a watersports centre and open air theatre to choose from. The beach is safe, the waters are warm and clear and there are plenty of beach toys to be found in amongst the olive trees.
If you’d like more formal child care options then there is also an Ofsted registered Domes creche that takes little ones aged four months to four years and is open daily from 10 -1 and then from 3-6pm. There are soft toys, books and building blocks to be found in the bright and spacious rooms or there is a supervised and shaded outdoor playground area. For the slightly older ones there is a great kids club that takes 5-12 year olds and keeps them entertained with puppet shows, puzzles, discos and the days activities include lunch (a high point being the warm M&M cookies). There’s even a teen room for the bigger kids that is packed full of electronic gaming equipment, table tennis, table football, electric tricycle biking and a graffiti wall. You won’t see them all day. And if you want to head out for the evening there are nannies and babysitters available (24 hours notice).
Children stay in parents rooms for free and cots or extra beds are available. There is a huge variety of different sized family suites to choose from. These offer spacious accommodation complete with interconnecting bedrooms, sofa beds, separate entrances and exits along with exciting welcome kiddie packs. If you’ve chosen one with a jacuzzi or pool then the hotel even provides a safety cover for peace of mind. The premium one bedroom pools suites can take family of four or for a little more privacy and space then the private residences or ultraluxe villas are a good option with large living quarters, kitchens, private gardens and pool.
A children’s menu is available throughout along with a kid’s breakfast buffet. There are high chairs and booster seats and a children’s tea time at 6.30 every day (after this outdoor spaces become quiet zones). The luxury residences have their own kitchens if they’ve had enough excitement and there is a local supermarket nearby that sells all you might need.
And while there is plenty of entertainment at the hotel there are also a range of activities when you feel like exploring. Hire bikes and explore the island, take a boat ride out to sea or head to the well known CretAquarium – the largest marine research and entertainment complex in the Med. Alternatively they’ll love the Aquaplus Water Park. This water activity park is home to beautiful pools and slides, ranging from toddler pools to gravity drops, while you enjoy the fragrant scented flowers, palm trees, french marigolds and bougainvilleas that surround them.
Sustainability
Domes resorts actively support their destinations, with activities including cleaning excursions, recycling, sustainability initiatives, co-operations with NGOs, and more. Guests are also offered the opportunity to actively participate in voluntary experiences during their stay such as the conservation of the natural habitat, learning more about our initiatives, and the challenges of the natural environment at our destinations. Projects encompass:
- Protecting the environment eg use of solar and heat pumps
- Preserving local culture including financially supporting UNESCO World Heritage Site Spinalonga and Caretta turtle nesting ground
- Enhancing local economies by supporting local businesses and using local products
- Social responsibility, including healthcare for employees and a yearly scholarship for studies
Location
Found in the north-eastern tip of the island of Crete and surrounded by olive groves, vibrant bougainvilleas and overlooking the Marabello Bay of Elounda, the hotel is easily accessible being only an hour away from the main airport of Heraklion. It’s an easy drive, taxi’s or hire cars are available at the airport and parking is free at the hotel. Alternatively arrive in style via your own private helicopter or boat – there are specific moorings and a helipad at the resort.