Travel Insider - Penny Naoum, Regional Sales Manager UK & Ireland, Domes Resorts
I recently stayed at one of Corfu’s newest resorts, Domes of Corfu, a soon to be Autograph Collection by Marriott. When you arrive at this latest resort it feels like you’ve discovered a secret haven. Located in Glyfada on the west coast of Corfu, this new addition to the Domes Resorts portfolio is set against a backdrop of lush mountains and with a gorgeous sandy beach, this recently refurbished gem is perfect for families.
Here I speak to Penny Naoum who shares more about what’s on offer for guests in 2021 and beyond...
Q. Penny, this is the latest of the Dome Resorts portfolio – can you tell me more about your resort?
Our Domes Resorts portfolio is already well established and includes our sister properties in Chania, Elounda and Corfu. Every resort offers consistency in terms of luxury, service, style and signature personalised experiences but equally we’ve designed them all to have their own identity. Domes of Corfu is our latest addition to the family.
We’ve completely refurbished an existing hotel to bring it up to our Domes standards and what believe we’ve created is elevated luxury combined with a rustic, relaxed and bohemian feel.
Q. Tell me more about what’s on offer for your guests?
The setting for Domes of Corfu is really quite special. We have the awarded best beach of the Island literally on our doorstep and the site is surrounded by lush forest and mountain scenery, so it feels private and exclusive from the moment you arrive. Your own slice of heaven.
Guests can dine in our Agora Restaurant which offers a combination of traditional Greek and international cuisine. We also offer Topos, our beachside seafood restaurant; our a la carte restaurant Frourio which offers an Italian twist; or for more of a gourmet ‘street-food’ style meals you can dine at the Signature multi-awarded CORE concept, named Spianada. In Spianada, we will also be organising weekly events, themed nights or open cinema nights.
We’ve taken time to develop a range of activities for our guests, from Yoga and Fitness classes to Signature and tailormade spa treatments inspired by Corfiot nature and mythology. Our team can also assist guests who want to explore the island in more depth either with a hike, jeep safari or a boat trip to name a few. The UNESCO protected Corfu Town is easy to access and only 20 minutes’ drive, as are a number of other sights and attractions.
Q. We stayed with our children and felt the resort was particularly geared up for families – would you agree?
Absolutely! We take great pride in ensuring that everything is easily accessible and is sensitive to the needs of all our guests, from the very youngest upwards.
There is a separate paddling pool, kids’ menus in all restaurants, a lifeguard on duty daily, we offer an excellent kids club with a Worldwide and Montessori-style programme and the whole resort has a very relaxed and laid-back feel which works well for families. We will also have an activity park with more teenager-friendly activities.
We also recognise that grown-ups need a holiday too and so we have an evening programme, an adults-only pool, babysitting to give parents a much-needed night off and some fantastic bars – from our sophisticated French-inspired Nkaleri Lounge to Xenia and Paralia, our two bars based in the Spianada and by the beach respectively.
Q. You’ve opened this new resort in the middle of the pandemic – why now?
It’s always a challenge to open a new hotel, let alone do it at a time when there is uncertainty around travel, but the truth is that we like a challenge and to keep our promises.
After the huge success of our adults-only Domes Miramare in Corfu, we had constant feedback for a family resort in Corfu under Domes standards. And as soon as we announced Domes of Corfu, the demand for this summer has been fantastic.
Q. What style of accommodation are available for guests?
There are 236 rooms and suites available, and we have taken time to ensure that they offer a wide appeal for our guests.
All of our Tropical accommodations offer a forest or side sea views. All our Sapphire ones offer direct sea views. We have retreats, suites, open plan suites, swim up suites up to a 2-bedroom Sapphire family suite.
All suites offer robes and slipper, luxury toiletries and rain showers and a mini bar as standard, as you would expect in a luxury resort.
Of course, we also have the Sublime suites, part of the Haute Living, where guests have even more elevated inclusions, access to the Haute Living Room and a complimentary upgrade to Half Board Dine Around.
Q. Can you explain the Haute Living concept? Haute Living Selection is a hotel within the hotel concept. It is designed for those that love feeling like VIPs.
You only get it if you select one of the 7 highest room types and as briefly mentioned before you get a few benefits with it.
Besides a bigger room type, you have a few upgraded room amenities, a dedicated HLS Manager and concierge staff, complimentary Half Board Dine Around and access to the all day exclusive Haute Living Room offering hot and cold snacks, fruits, salads, traditional delicacies, tea, coffee, and some branded wines, beers, soft drinks & evening spirits.
These can be used exclusively by these guests on a complimentary basis.
Q. Finally, what’s your Insider tip for those considering a stay….
My personal tip would be to first, rent a car, regal Corfu has so many beautiful locations for you to explore and it will be a shame if you don’t. It is an UNESCO town for a reason.
Next, I’d say maybe do one of our outdoor experiences like horse riding, scuba diving, snorkelling, jeep safari or a mini cruise to Corfu or nearby island of Paxos.
There is also a tennis and golf court in the island, we’d love to book a session for you.
If you prefer to stay in, then, book a spa treatment, as I guarantee it is unique or participate in an olive or wine tasting with local producers.
Last but not least, enjoy that golden sandy beach and emerald clear waters of Domes of Corfu.
We want you to have a full 360 degree experience and make amazing memories to last you a lifetime.
