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Which is the best Domes Resort for your family?

Specialising in luxury family holidays, Domes Resorts have hit the nail on the head when it comes to adult indulgences perfectly balanced with children’s requirements. From the original outposts in Crete and Corfu through to beach-blessed Portugal and exclusive Athens Riviera, we’ve got the insider intel on which Domes Resort is right for your family (from the perspective of parents who have been!). See somewhere you like the look of? We can now book too (with lots of added extras and amazing rates) via Tiny Travel Agency

Words by Becky Pennison-Bates

 

Domes Resorts at a glance

What is special about Domes Resorts?

For starters, we’ve lost count of the glowing reviews we’ve received from parents who have been – they’re literally in their hundreds! And the countless awards don’t disagree either… The overarching theme? Domes deliver the kind of hassle free holidays you thought impossible with kids – thanks to creative childcare, all inclusive options, tonnes of baby bits and beaches in easy reach. But all (very importantly if you ask us) without compromising on your adult tastes

At Domes, they do things a bit differently, so to explain a couple of unique initiatives you’ll find across some of their hotels:

  • ‘CORE’ open air plazas – buzzing, communal urban spaces fusing streetfood style dining with contemporary art, entertainment & pop up shops. Rest assured, there’s always plenty going on! At both Domes of Corfu and Domes of Elounda
  • Haute Living Selection options – Elite ‘hotel within a hotel’ concept with unique benefits and VVIP access to exclusive spaces, serving all day local delicacies, fruit and salads, and branded wines, spirits and juices

What is the childcare like at Domes Resorts?

Domes’ childcare is all based around the concept of KiEPOS (meaning ‘Greek Garden’), delivering fun yet educational experiences grounded in a Montessori approach

Operating 6 days a week, Domes Kids’ Clubs run both morning and afternoon sessions (each 3 hours long) plus has a ‘Family Time’ slot between 1pm-3pm, where parents are free to use the facilities to play with their children. The Kids’ Clubs cater for 4-12 year olds and are complimentary, available at Domes of Elounda, Domes of Corfu, Domes Zeen Chania, Domes Lake Algarve & Domes Novos Santorini (just not at 91 Athens Riviera)

Some resorts also offer a paid creche from tinier tots, from 4 months to 4 years – namely Elounda, Corfu, Zeen Chania & Lake Algarve (so again, no Athens, and no Santorini this time too)

Bigger kids aren’t forgotten either, with dedicated Teen zones at Elounda, Corfu & Lake Algarve

With a specially designed agenda according to age group, activities range from messy play, botanical crafts and gardening to obstacle courses, Greek theatre mask making and yoga for kids. The priority is always to connect children to their surroundings, each other, and local flavours – and encourage little green fingers

Evening babysitting is available too, at all of the Domes’ destinations, with fully trained staff who can be booked in advance or while staying at the resorts

What are the price differences between resorts?

All of the below are ballpark prices, just to provide some rough peak & off peak guidance. If you’d like a personalised quote (with different guests, dates, board basis or room options) please do send us an enquiry – we’re more than happy to help!

Domes of Elounda:

When? Off peak (beginning of June)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & one infant

Flights? Included, return from London Gatwick

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £3,495

Anything else? Comes with a private outdoor jacuzzi

 

When? Peak (beginning of August)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & two children under 12

Flights? Included, return from London Gatwick

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £9,000

Anything else? Comes with a private outdoor jacuzzi

 

Domes of Corfu:

When? Off peak (beginning of June)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & one infant

Flights? Included, return from London Gatwick

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £2,500

 

When? Peak (beginning of August)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & two children under 12

Flights? Included, return from London Gatwick

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £7,000

 

Domes Zeen Chania:

When? Off peak (beginning of June)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & one infant

Flights? Included, return from London Heathrow

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £3,900

 

When? Peak (beginning of August)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & two children under 12

Flights? Included, return from London Heathrow

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £7,900

Anything else? Comes with access to a shared pool

 

Domes Lake Algarve:

When? Off peak (beginning of June)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & one infant

Flights? Included, return from London Gatwick

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £4,400

 

When? Peak (beginning of August)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & two children under 12

Flights? Included, return from London Gatwick

Board basis? Half Board

Price? From around £10,200

 

Domes Novos Santorini:

When? Off peak (beginning of June)

Duration? 10 nights

Who? Two adults & one infant

Flights? Included, return from London Stansted

Board basis? Bed & Breakfast

Price? From around £5,300

Anything else? Comes with a private pool

 

When? Peak (beginning of August)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & two children under 12

Flights? Included, return from London Stansted

Board basis? Bed & Breakfast

Price? From around £7,600

Anything else? Comes with a private pool

 

91 Athens Riviera:

When? Peak (beginning of August)

Duration? One week

Who? Two adults & two children under 12

Flights? Included, return from London Gatwick

Board basis? Bed & Breakfast

Price? From around £10,400

Anything else? Comes with a private plunge pool

In a nutshell, which Domes Resort is right for me?

While the Domes Resorts share lots of features (including their KiEPOS childcare ethos, abundance of baby bits and Soma Spas), they each promise something a little different when it comes to the finer details

Domes of Elounda: Best for an authentic Greek experience. This one is perfect for you if you like to get out and about and explore the local area (plus as Domes’ flagship, it’s an undeniable crowd pleaser)

Domes of Corfu: Best for total tranquility. This one is for you if you’re looking for the ultimate fly and flop, with no reason to leave the resort – as there’s plenty of activities & entertainment right there

Domes Zeen Chania: Best for the kind of bohemian beachfront living you thought only possible pre-tiny travellers. This one is for you if design-led destinations (& delicious dining) top your wish list

Domes Lake Algarve: Best for reconnecting with nature and stunning scenery. This one will particularly please water babies, with lots of sparkling swimming spots and beautiful beaches

Domes Novos Santorini:Best if Santorini was on your bucketlist pre-baby, but you didn’t quite manage to squeeze in a trip. We can hand-on-heart say Domes is one of the only *genuinely* family friendly hotel options on the island

91 Athens Riviera: Best for combining a beach escape with a city break, successfully delivering your culture fix alongside a serious dose of rest & relaxation. Brand new and with a serious air of exclusivity, it doesn’t get much more stylish than the ultra chic, ultra luxe family glamping pods

Why book a break to a Domes resort via Tiny Travel Agency?

Now we don’t mean to brag, but the list of reasons to book via Tiny Travel Agency is pretty long as we are one of Domes’ preferred partners…

  • Make the most of our complimentary Concierge service – by which we mean we will prebook all of your restaurants, activities, childcare and spa treatments for you
  • Be pampered during a complimentary 30 minute spa experience, per adult
  • Enjoy early check in and late check out (subject to availability)
  • Who doesn’t love a free bottle of wine in their room?
  • Take part in a complimentary cocktail making or wine tasting session (if you stay a minimum of 5 nights)
  • And last (but by no means least) rest easy in the knowledge you’re benefitting from amazing rates

Our Insider Intel

The flagship hotel of the Domes Resort collection, guests at Domes of Elounda can do as much (or little) as they like – thanks to it’s unrivalled location, beautiful private beach, and abundance of family-fun activities. Whether you’re hoping to explore the island or are seeking a more horizontal holiday, Domes of Elounda is an all-round crowd pleaser (with tonnes of awards to boot)

Best bits:

  • Direct access to a private, natural sandy beach
  • Exclusively ‘Suites & Villas’ only – all of which come with either a private pool or outdoor jacuzzi
  • ‘CORE’ open air plaza, Haute Living Selection options, and Soma Spa offering a full treatment menu with ELEMIS goodies
  • Four restaurants and four bars – from gourmet gastronomy showcasing creative fine dining to Greek street food delights, with full board available

Bear in mind:

  • 60 minute transfer from airport
  • Out of season, the main pools can get a little chilly (but private pools can be heated upon request)

Your reviews

‘The creche was amazing, as were the private beach and the food. We also loved the hot tub on the balcony, and the living space so we could have the little one in bed and still have a relaxing adult area in the evening’

@jennysmurph

‘We went to Domes of Elounda last June and loved it so much we’ve just booked to return again! It’s got all the facilities but doesn’t feel too big or impersonal, and is super child friendly but not overrun with kids. It still has a ‘luxe’ adult vibe’

@lill_ash

‘We did Domes of Elounda last year – incredible service, beautiful rooms and the buffet was superb. Childcare was amazing too. The resort feels really spacious, with golf buggies to transport you around!’

@suzdellm

Our Insider Intel

Perfect for those looking for a luxurious fly-and-flop, Domes of Corfu is tucked on the island’s secluded west coast, rich in pristine beaches, lush greenery and see-it-to-believe-it sunsets. With all the same adult indulgences you’ll find at Domes of Elounda, the key difference is getting out and about – though what Corfu lacks in neighbouring villages, it more than makes up for in total tranquility. Our tip? Book a family yacht cruise for magical memory making

Best bits:

  • Just a 25 minute transfer from Corfu Airport
  • Lower price point than other Domes Resorts
  • Kids Splash Pool and playground – as well as a huge Family Pool and private sandy beach
  • All of your adult indulgences including the Soma Spa, Haute Living Selection upgrades, ‘CORE’ plaza, and four restaurants plus three bars (including a beautiful beach club) with full board options

Bear in mind:

  • While shared ‘swim up’ pool rooms are available, unlike Elounda private pools or outdoor jacuzzis aren’t standard with all room types
  • Weather can be a little more hit and miss, especially at the beginning and end of the season

Your reviews

‘We went to Domes of Corfu and thought it was lovely and very child friendly! There were lots of young kids around but it didn’t really feel like it – it still felt calm and luxurious for adults. We went to the Kids Club every day, which was great. Going in May, the weather was a little all over the place, but they ran a free shuttle into the Old Town which made all the difference’

@kayleighbett

‘We did Domes of Corfu last year and loved it so much, we’re going to try another Domes this summer! We stayed in the resort the entire time (very unlike us!) and just totally relaxed. We split out time between the pool and beach and were horizontal all week!’

@hanlouisemcdonald

‘Situated in a beautiful little cove on the beach, surrounded by green mountains, the setting is stunning! The hotel has a very luxurious, chilled vibe. I’d go as far as to say it’s the most relaxed family hotel we’ve ever been to and one I’d 100% recommend. There’s a little park, main pool and baby pool, where the children congregated to make new friend, and the food was absolutely delicious!’

@isabelle_iles

Our Insider Intel

The definition of bohemian beachfront living, Domes Zeen Chania is heaven-sent for design-driven parents. This small but perfectly formed resort is the closest you’ll come to grown up, pre-baby getaways, with an air of exclusivity and tailored family experiences. This intimate spot is probably best suited for tinier travellers as opposed to busier, bigger children, who will be enchanted by the lush, hidden Kids Club (think yurts, tee-pees & a splash pool where free-roaming fun is encouraged)

Best bits:

  • Just a 30 minute transfer from Chania Airport
  • Arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing of all the Domes resorts (giving away it’s adult-only past)
  • The two restaurants have received some of the most positive reviews we’ve heard when it comes to hotel dining
  • Open air Soma spa in the middle of the jungle
  • Walking distance to magical Chania Old Town

Bear in mind:

  • Zeen Chania has less going on by way of activities and entertainment for ages 4+
  • The private beach is pebbly as opposed to sandy
  • Though the food options are five star, there are only 2 on site restaurants offering up to a half board basis

Your reviews

‘From spacious suites to a Montessori inspired kids club, Domes Zeen Chania is redefining what it means to be a family-friendly hotel; evening discos are replaced with movie nights, chip-filled menus with vegan poke bowls and plastic toys with activities designed to foster eco-responsibility from a young age. This baby-friendly bolthole has been carefully crafted with the needs of modern mamas in mind’

@kidswelltraveled

‘This is basically my dream set up: slick design and great vibes, but stealthily totally geared for families. We stayed in a two bedroom villa which had its own plunge pool and there’s an incredibly stylish kids club (all rattan, Ferm Living accessories and Liewood toys). Plus Chania itself was a revelation – try Ginger Concept for lunch’

@fionakerr

‘I have to mention the food which was exceptional and the best I’ve ever experienced in a resort. The menu changes every day and every dish is so beautifully presented it warrants a photo and a place on a tasting menu. The kids menu was more standard – burgers, chicken, pasta etc but of similar quality in terms of ingredients’

@modelmother

Our Insider Intel

A break from the norm, Domes Lake Algarve is the collection’s only outpost outside of Greece, and things look a little different (yet no less luxurious). Leaning into local influences, the decor includes beautiful handcrafted pieces, and there are lots of family experiences and attractions on offer making the most of the scenic surroundings – both in the resort & beyond

Best bits:

  • Just a 30 minute transfer from Faro Airport
  • Portugal reliably stays warmer for longer compared to Greek counterparts (meaning May and October getaways are a lot less risky)
  • Tonnes of options for water babies, with a family swimming spot plus a unique sand-bottomed swimming pool, and a wide golden beach 2 minutes away
  • A short wander away from buzzing Vilamoura Marina
  • Domes’ signature Soma Spa, plus Haute Living Selection option

Bear in mind:

  • Domes Lake Algarve is usually one of the most expensive resorts within the collection
  • There is also no buzzing ‘CORE’ urban plaza, for which Domes is renowned (though the aforementioned marina makes up for it)

Your reviews

‘We have been back to Domes Lake Algarve every year since it opened. We love the lake pool, where the kids can play just on the edge of the sand. The staff are so friendly, they recognise the children now, and they can easily accommodate a family of five!’

@mrshhayward

‘The location is amazing. Walking distance to the marina and the beach, we really liked being able to get out of the hotel for a walk. Plus the sand bottom pool is fab, and the setting itself is beautiful, around a lake’

@kirstysamanthasmith

‘We went to Domes Lake Algarve when our daughter was 13 months and loved it. They were incredibly family friendly, providing a decent travel cot and baby bath plus lots of food options for her at meal times’

@georgiarm44

Our Insider Intel

Not your typical Santorini stay (read: an island that famously *isn’t* family friendly), Domes Novos Santorini cleverly pairs it’s trademark childcare and parent pleasing practicalities with a prime location, sensational sunsets, gastronomic cuisine and a spa to make the Gods swoon. A very good reason to add the island back on to your bucketlist, very generously sized bungalows with heated private pools await. The smallest of all the Domes outposts, think less ‘resort’ and more ’boutique bolthole’

Best bits:

  • Just a 20 minute transfer from Santorini Airport
  • A complimentary shuttle ferries little legs to iconic Oia – or if you’d rather, it’s a 20 minute walk away
  • Did we mention the private pools are heated?
  • The spa is definitely worth writing home about (and the Kids Club & babysitters mean you can actually enjoy it!)

Bear in mind:

  • Unlike most other Domes resorts, there’s no creche from 4 months. Whilst babysitters are available, organised childcare in the form of a Kids Club starts from 4 years
  • The max board basis available is half as opposed to full

Our Insider Intel

Why choose between a beach, city or spa break when you can have all three? The new kid on the Domes block, 91 Athens Riviera proves that it really is possible to have it all. We’re talking luxury tents, private plunge pools, signature Soma Spa, fusion fine-dining and a best of both worlds postcode (whether you have a day of city sights or sand between your toes planned). A pleasingly intimate escape, just 28 super chic cabanas dot the Riviera, steps from the sea – with Athen’s famous ancient hotspots in easy 30 minute reach

Best bits:

  • Just a 30 minute transfer from Athens Airport (and city sights!)
  • Stunning freshwater swimming pool is heated year round (and the private beach is pristine)
  • Family cabanas have their own private plunge pools
  • Gorgeous interiors straight from a glossy magazine (arguably Domes’ chicest spot yet)
  • Small & serene, with an air of exclusivity

Bear in mind:

  • While the Domes’ mindset here is as family friendly as ever, there is less in the way of organised childcare, with only babysitting available
  • There is also only one restaurant – think more luxe ’boutique bolthole’ than ‘sprawling resort stay’

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