Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

The scenery was wonderful, and our suite with its own jacuzzi and pool was beautiful and relaxing. Staff were lovely too. The resort is very spread out, though, so we had to call a buggy whenever we wanted to go anywhere, even to reach the kids’ pool near our room. We travel for vacation about every two months and usually stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, so our expectations were high when we arrived at Domes of Elounda after the 1.5-hour drive from the port. Dinner planning took some effort: all the à la carte restaurants were fully booked without reservations, leaving the buffet as the open option. Its selection was limited, and there were hardly any baby-friendly choices, so our 1.5-year-old daughter ate food we’d brought from home. We rode a buggy to near Antonio’s Italian Restaurant, then walked about 10 minutes to some great places just outside the resort, including Giovanni’s, where we found cute local shops. Breakfast was nice but nearly identical each day, so it got repetitive. We couldn’t help comparing it with the buffet at W Kuala Lumpur, where we’ve stayed before for less than half the price and found many more choices. The Kids Club is a great idea for parents wanting some downtime, but our daughter was too young to join. I think children aged 3 and up would really enjoy it. With more variety in dining and easier ways to get around, this could be a truly amazing place to stay.

We spent a wonderful week at Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, with a larger family group of 14 adults and children. It was memorable, and we felt at home and well looked after throughout. The resort is beautiful and well maintained, with breathtaking views, comfortable rooms including a large private pool, and plenty of amenities for adults and children. What stood out most was the staff. Everyone we met was friendly, attentive, and focused on service. Whether it was housekeeping, guest services, or restaurant bookings, people were warm and professional, and seemed sincerely keen to make the stay great. Sara, our concierge from the Haute Living Room, deserves a special thank you. She answered all our questions and handled arrangements smoothly, which made everything easier and more comfortable. We’d love to return soon. Highly recommended for families or anyone looking for a special, relaxing stay in Crete.

Dinner was a highlight for us: the selection was compact but thoughtfully put together, changed every day, and everything was tasty and well seasoned. Breakfast stayed much the same from day to day, though it was fresh and high quality. The half board meals were excellent, and staff across the hotel were warm, attentive, and always smiling. Our room was spotless, with towels and amenities replenished and housekeeping visiting several times daily. The pools and other facilities were kept in great shape too. It’s clearly a family-friendly resort, with an evening buffet for kids and a lovely attitude toward children. The kids club was the main letdown. Parents couldn’t stay with their children except during a short midday period, which didn’t work for our little one, who wasn’t ready to be left alone. Our son had been excited to play there, but the arrangement made that impossible, and the club often seemed empty. A real shame. The setting is beautiful, the beach is great even for small children, and the whole resort feels calm and refined. There was no rush for sunbeds, and guests were relaxed and considerate. Aside from the kids club, we had a wonderful stay at Domes of Elounda. It’s a lovely luxurious but laid-back beach break in Crete for families or couples, and improving the club would make it a complete five-star experience.

Petros was especially kind when one of the children had a flare-up of her chronic condition. Since we couldn’t go out to eat, he arranged for food to be brought to our villa. That sort of help really stood out. There were ten of us, from age 6 to 81, together for a family holiday marking a significant birthday, and everyone found something to enjoy. Some went to the gym or joined football sessions, others chose the beach and water sports, and there were also trips to Spinalonga. We had the dine-around plan, with plentiful, very good food, and enjoyed having the private lounge for snacks. The accommodation was superb, and housekeeping was friendly and came often. Facilities, meals, and service all made a great impression, with the warmest, most genuine and helpful service we’ve experienced in Europe. Two small quibbles: Blend could use another toaster at breakfast, and the wine and water prices with meals felt excessive, like London prices. Still, we had a brilliant stay.