Crete Luxury
We stayed at Domes of Elounda in Elounda and I absolutely loved this hotel. It sits in a stunning spot with two very different moods on either side. To the left, you can wander along to Plaka, which felt like something straight out of a film set, almost like a scene from Mamma Mia. It is a tiny seaside village with charming local craft shops and a handful of truly authentic Greek tavernas, all with warm, friendly service and those magical views across to Spinalonga. The walk there, with the sea beside you and the island in the distance, was an absolute highlight of the holiday.
To the right, you have Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, which are livelier and more commercial, with a bit more going on for families. One of our favourite evenings was spent around the harbour in Agios Nikolaos, soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying dinner and simply people‑watching as the sun went down and the lights reflected on the water.
Back at the hotel, the pool is very much the focal point and my children loved it. It is the kind of place where you naturally slow down, drifting between the pool, the beach and lazy lunches. The main restaurant offers a different theme each night, so we never tired of the food and always had something new to try. The spa looked gorgeous too, although I was not quite quick enough to sneak in this time.
The water sports were, as usual, a magnet for the boys, who could happily have spent all day in or on the water. I took full advantage of the beachside café and bar, enjoying a drink with that beautiful coastal view while they burned off some energy.
Domes of Elounda is a resort I would happily recommend, especially for couples and families with younger children who want a blend of relaxed luxury, authentic Greek charm and easy access to some of Crete’s most scenic little corners. It is one of those places that lingers in your memory long after you get home.
