Overview
It’s hard to go wrong with Domes – the byword for family friendly luxury that doesn’t break the bank – but if you’re looking for your first foray into the group, we’d recommend flocking to their flagship, Domes of Elounda. Allow us a spot of humble bragging on their behalf. Starting with the holy grail for holidays – walkability to meals & mooches. Picturesque Plaka (the gateway to storied former leper colony Spinalonga) is a short 20 minute stroll away. Moving onto room choices. Exclusively a ‘Suites and Villas’ only outpost, all home-from-homes have plenty of space and come equipped with a private pool or al fresco jacuzzi. A brand that is synonymous with child-centric-chic, genius touches include adult-only areas for grown ups to escape to whilst offspring are ensconced in entertainment. Boredom is a word that’s never stepped foot inside this resplendent resort. There’s a chargeable creche from 4 months, complimentary Kids Club from 4, teen activities and an elevated take on evening entertainment. We’re talking puppet performances, under the star cinema nights and bubble shows. Then there’s the surplus of swimming pools, olive-lined private beach and the ‘Core’ open air plaza – a vibrant mini village, replete with art installations, pop-up boutiques, gourmet food trucks and a roster of curated events from live music and fashion shows to picnics on the green. A getaway here is one Greek Odyssey we could definitely get behind
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
4 hour flight from London airports to Heraklion Airport
Transfer
Approximately a 60 minute transfer from Heraklion Airport
Best time to visit
The resort opens from the end of April to the beginning of November. Spring time sees highs of 24 degrees, but it does cool down in the evenings so pack a cardi! Average summertime highs sit around 29 degrees in the school holidays, with August the hottest month. Crowds largely vanish come September, which is our personal favourite month to visit, thanks to the bathwater-warm sea and balmy nights
Favourite room
All spacious sanctuaries, aka hotel rooms, here are exclusively Suites & Villas only. Large families are brilliantly catered to with a choice of 2-4 bedroom villas and residences (with private pools). Kitted out with fully equipped kitchens they combine the freedom of self-catering with the (big) benefits of hotel living
Nearby
Sprawling out around Mirabella Bay on Crete’s northern coast, Domes of Elounda has one of the best beaches in the Med’s bunch. Think, sugary sands and a sparkling, shallow, sea. Without leaving the resort, explore ‘Core’, an open air plaza buzzing with activities spanning from art & culture to wellness & gastronomy. We’re talking about food trucks, al fresco cinema screenings and artisan shopping. Venture into nearby Plaka (a 20 minute stroll away) for traditional tavernas peppered around a central plaza. Don’t miss a boat trip to former leper colony Spinalonga (made famous by Victoria Hislop), for fiction made reality
Price
from £297/night in low season and £632 p/night in high season
Meet the family...
Cat
Parent to Tiny Traveller aged 4
We loved Domes for the multiple restaurants, unique 'Core' plaza which gave even more foodie freedom and amazing staff. The Haute Living Collection rooms are stunning, and my son loved the bubble shows My husband prefers Domes to Ikos. The restaurants are probably a bit better in our opinion and the decor style is nicer at Domes. There's plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained as well
Worth waking the baby for
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The ‘Core’
A mini village in its own right, there’s enough going on in the ‘Core’ to keep all ages & activity appetites enthralled. A vast green space, peruse the art installations, browse the pop-up shops and taste test the food trucks. Curated events include themed nights, musical performances, picnics, fashion shows and interactive exhibitions
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Spinalonga Island
Small in size but rich in history, Spinalonga Island was beautifully written into our cultural consciousness by Victoria Hislop’s ‘The Island’. An ancient fortress and former leper colony, guests are transpired back in time for a lesson in eye-opening history
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Agios Nikolaos
The scenic seaside town of Agios Nikolaos dishes up traditional tavernas, craft-curated boutiques, a weekly farmers’ market and a twinkling inland lagoon
