Domes Of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Descending towards the sea above Elounda, Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection is a landmark Cretan resort of private pool suites, villas and residences where the extraordinary view across Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga shapes almost every part of the stay.

Spinalonga is an extraordinary presence here. The Venetian fortress rises from the water directly across the bay, appearing between stone buildings, beyond terraces and from viewpoints throughout the resort. Domes of Elounda makes the most of that setting, unfolding down the hillside towards its private beach in a series of gardens, courtyards and pathways that give each level its own relationship with the sea.

The architecture takes its cues from traditional Cretan villages, with local stone, domed forms and warm natural materials bringing character to a resort of considerable scale. There is plenty to experience, yet the terraced layout creates smaller pockets within it, from family areas and private residences to Chora, the adults only enclave with its own pool and particularly striking views towards Spinalonga.

Rooms & Suites

Accommodation is unusually varied, beginning with open plan and one bedroom suites before progressing through family suites to an extensive collection of private residences and villas. Outdoor living is central throughout, with private pools and jacuzzis appearing across much of the collection and terraces making the most of the Cretan light and sea views.

The Spinalonga Island Aqua Retreat and Aqua Suite place the celebrated view firmly at the centre of the experience, while Premium One Bedroom Suites add greater space with either private pools or outdoor jacuzzis. Family Suites provide thoughtful larger layouts, including two bedroom accommodation and options with private pools.

The residences take Domes of Elounda into another league of space and privacy. One, two, three and four bedroom choices include substantial sea view residences and private pools, while the two and three bedroom Luxury Villas provide an even more independent style of stay. Haute Living services accompany selected residences, adding dedicated assistance, private check in and access to exclusive areas and privileges around the resort.

Dining

Dining has enough breadth to become part of the pleasure of staying for a week or longer. Tholos provides the generous starting point, with Mediterranean cooking and wide views across the bay, while Blend Steak & Wine brings together carefully sourced meats and a strong wine list in a more intimate setting.

Makris Fine Dining is the restaurant to save an evening for, with a more ambitious approach to Greek ingredients and contemporary cooking. Down by the water, Vilebrequin La Plage captures the lighter side of resort life, bringing lunch and drinks to a relaxed beach setting where there is very little reason to hurry away.

CORE has a completely different personality, conceived as an open air gathering place where food, drinks, pop ups and events come together. Chora adds Antonino’s for guests within the adults only enclave, with Italian cooking served beside its dedicated pool and Spinalonga providing a memorable backdrop.

Experience

The private beach sits at the bottom of the hillside, reached through the resort’s underground passage and opening onto the calm waters of Mirabello Bay. Pools are spread across the resort for different ages and moods, while snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, tennis, cycling and hiking make it easy to give a day more energy when the beach lounger has had enough attention.

Some of the most rewarding experiences look beyond conventional resort activities. Cooking classes, olive oil and local food experiences, cultural tours and excursions introduce more of Crete’s traditions, while Spinalonga itself provides an irresistible reason to get out onto the water and see the historic island from close quarters.

Families are particularly well catered for, with a kids club, playgrounds and dedicated pools sitting alongside activities designed to make the most of the outdoors. Chora gives adults their own distinct world within the resort, allowing different generations and styles of holiday to sit comfortably alongside one another.

Wellness

Domes Soma Spa is substantial enough to become a destination within the resort, with an indoor seawater pool, hammam, sauna and dedicated relaxation spaces complementing an extensive collection of massages, facials and body therapies. The atmosphere feels especially restorative after a day spent in the Cretan sun.

Yoga, fitness classes and personal training extend the wellness programme beyond the treatment rooms, while the combination of spa, sea and outdoor space makes it easy to give a day an entirely slower rhythm when that is what you fancy.

Where

Domes of Elounda sits on the coast approximately 2.5 kilometres from Elounda village and 12 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos, with Heraklion International Airport around 75 kilometres away and the waters surrounding Spinalonga directly in front of the resort.

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