On our recent trip to Crete, we stayed at Domes of Elounda, an Autograph Collection Resort by Marriott. It’s a luxury 5-star resort located near the village of Elounda, overlooking Spinalonga Island, and the Mirabello Bay. Unlike its sister resort the Adults-Only Domes Aulūs Elounda (which we have reviewed here) it’s family-friendly, so it’s perfect if you want to experience Greek luxury with the kids. Having said that it’s perfect for adults too, with its own adults-only pool and accommodation section, which we have reviewed here.
We have put together a video review of the hotel here:
Grand Domes Bar
We were greeted immediately that we alighted from our taxi at the hotel, by staff dedicated to welcoming new guests. Our luggage was taken care of whilst we were shown into the main building to check in.
Check-in is a relaxed experience on the balcony of the Grand Domes Bar. We were greeted and brought a complimentary drink while we filled in our paperwork and learned all about what the hotel had to offer. I have to say that all of the staff were wonderfully friendly and accommodating and extended a real Greek welcome to us during our stay. Nothing was too much trouble.
The Grand Domes Bar itself is a lovely relaxed spot with wonderful views during the day.
With lots of comfortable places to sit.
On an evening it turned into an elegant bar with an animated buzz and refined entertainment.
Family Pool Area
There is a large family pool which is made up of a very large pool with three beautiful bridges over it. Around this there is a plentiful supply of very comfortable sunbeds. When we visited in October there were lots available to choose from.
It’s worth a wander over to the pool at night as it makes a fabulous photo:
There are some cool looking beanbag beds too.
In the same area you’ll find the children’s pool and an extra, smaller pool in front of the pool bar.
Beside each set of sunbeds, there is a number on your table and a QR code that you can use to order drinks and food to your seat.
There is also a shop selling snacks, ice creams, kids toys, toiletries and medicine.
Haute Living Lounge
The Haute Living Lounge is a fabulous little oasis next to the family pool. It’s available to you if you are staying in one of the assigned Haute Living accommodation rooms.
As well as lots of photos, I have put a video review together here:
You will be given your own special card to enter the room. Once inside there is a lovely relaxed lounge area with lots of comfortable seating as well as tables and chairs.
All of the food and drink inside is complimentary. The food offering is in the form of snacks so at lunch time there might be pizza, samosas and cheese balls on one side and then on the other you can find biscuits, brownies and miniature doughnuts.
They are not full meals, but if you are on the half-board plan there are plenty of snacks to keep you going until the evening if you don’t plan to head somewhere for lunch.
You can also help yourself to tea and coffee or alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and even better, (for me) there’s a permanent ice bucket full of Prosecco!
In the fridge you will also find soft drinks and juices for the children. White and red wine and fresh fruit is also available.
Talking of children, they had a rather fun, almost pick ‘n’ mix type area with chocolate and marshmallows that the kids could help themselves to (and not just the kids!).
You will also find PCs here to work on as well as complimentary newspapers.
The Haute Living Lounge is open from 8am until 11pm, so as well as perfect for a lunchtime snack, it’s also perfect for pre or post dinner drinks! You can’t take drinks out of the lounge to the pool, but there is an outdoor seating area where you can relax with them.
Haute Living Gym
Inside the Haute Living Lounge you will also find a gym and showers.
CORE
Domes calls their central entertainment area CORE. Here you will find lots of different entertainment areas as well as a spot for street-food trucks. Nearby you will also find a large outdoor amphitheatre that I believe hosts events throughout the year.
We didn’t get to eat from the street food trucks but I did love the look of the area and can imagine how marvellous this will be in the summer, a real social hub!
We also came across this art installation of Greek Monsters. We particularly had a childish giggle at this one!
Teen Club
Domes have a kids’ club and creche. We didn’t travel with children on this occasion so I couldn’t go inside but I did have a wander around the teen club.
I was very impressed by just how much there was in the teen club. Lots of gaming machines as well as table football, pool and this strange looking floor pool thing!
It was a large room with lots going on and perfect for stroppy teenagers!
Soma Spa
The Soma Spa was a revelation! It would be easy to miss it, but it’s really an excellent spa (and I have reviewed many spas!). It has its own swimming pool and a large hot tub.
All around the pool there are comfortable loungers and floor cushions, making it a perfect place to relax.
There are plenty of towels, so no need to bring your own, and the toiletries are by Elemis (which I love!).
They also have experience rooms of a sauna, steam and a room that was a mix of the two.
You can see that this area is very plush with atmospheric lighting. There are also experience showers that you shouldn’t miss.
Once you have steamed and showered to your heart’s content you can spend some time relaxing on these heated beds (they were very hot, but very comfortable!).
There are also lots of treatments available to try too from facials to massages (go on, treat yourself!).
Private Beach
Domes of Elounda has a beautiful private beach with lots more comfortable sunbeds.
There is also an adults only area.
There is a towel stand just before you hit the beach, so no need to take your own. There is also a bar and restaurant so you are fully taken care of!
Neema
If you have forgotten anything or just fancy a bit of a shop there is a lovely beachwear shop with everything you will need.
Restaurants at Domes of Elounda
There are six restaurants for you to try at Domes of Elounda. These include the streetfood at CORE, Vilebrequin La Plage the beach bar and restaurant and Antonino’s, the Italian restaurant.
Thólos
Thólos is Domes of Elounda’s buffet restaurant and is open for breakfast and dinner. It’s a large, light and airy restaurant with tables inside and out.
We didn’t try dinner, but breakfast was amazing with every type of breakfast item your heart could desire. From your traditional Full English:
To continental choices of cold meats and cheeses:
Fresh fruit:
Pastries:
And bread:
Antonino’s Italian Restaurant
We didn’t get to try Antonino’s but it was just a few steps from our room, so we did get to have a little look around and it has an absolutely beautiful setting, overlooking Spinalonga Island.
They have lots of comfortable seating inside and out.
It also looked beautiful on a wet evening!
Blend_Steak & Wine Restaurant
Blend_Steak & Wine restaurant was my favourite, primarily because I love both steak and wine! The restaurant is located next to the Haute Living Lounge, and overlooks the family pool. There are tables both inside and out.
A sommelier visited our table to discuss our wine choices, asking what we liked already and then suggesting new items to try. He was very pleasant and very knowledgeable, even about English wine! We were then brought these beautifully presented amuse-bouches while we waited:
Followed by this beautiful bread platter.
We then ordered a (fabulous) steak each. This was my rib-eye:
And my friend’s picahna:
These were served with tenderstem broccoli:
And potatoes:
Finally, we shared a dessert:
Makris
We also tried Makris, Domes’ fine dining contemporary Greek restaurant. It’s a lovely, atmospheric restaurant beside the adults pool with views out towards the bay.
I took photos of the menu to give you an idea of what is available.
It was our first day and we were tired from the travelling, so we didn’t take all the courses. We did enjoy the fabulous bread and olives:
Before moving onto our main courses of – fillet of beef with potato cream, truffle and asparagus:
And Cretan lamb, with celery root cream and celeriac terrine.
The desserts looked amazing, but neither of us could manage one!
Domes of Elounda is a beautiful resort with lovely (and plentiful) staff who are always on hand to help you out with anything you need. The views from the resort over Mirabello Bay are stunningly beautiful. It’s a fabulous five star, all round lovely resort!
To make life easy, here are all the links to my Domes hotels in Crete reviews:
Domes Aulus Elounda
Sapphire Zen Suite with Bathtub
Cool Living/Greco Levante at Domes of Elounda
Domes of Elounda
Domes of Elounda Full Hotel Review
Spinalonga Island Sea View Aqua Retreat with Jacuzzi
