Discover A New World Of Luxury At Domes Of Elounda

You might think it’s a difficult task to try and find a holiday to excite and inspire two very different age groups with personalities that are poles apart from one another. I could be about to change your opinion.

So where does a thirty-year-old bloke – who likes the finer things in life – take his eighty-year-old father [who’s set in his way] on holiday?

‘How does Crete sound?’, said the PR person organising the trip.

And who’d have thought that the Greek island has so much to offer.  No, not to the banging clubs in the party town of Malia – although you will need to drive past it to reach Domes of Elounda, which is where the luxury boutique resort that we stayed for four nights.

After a pleasant 4 hour flight, we were greeted by our driver who whisked us away to the hotel. All the locals drive around in blacked-out S-class Mercedes-Benz. Dead smart. Even the public taxis are super posh!

An hour East of the Heraklion airport, Domes of Elounda is situated in the Bay of Elounda, where the most of the 5* hotels are located in the region.

We arrived at the resort after sunset and so we couldn’t appreciate the breathtaking views of the bay until morning.

The hotel’s concierge team welcomed us like we were family. Top-notch customer services from the entire team throughout the whole holiday, I must add. They couldn’t have done more to ensure a relaxing experience.

Only in daylight can you fully appreciate the breathtaking views and scenery.

We awoke to the glimmering blue of the Aegean Sea with the sun shining on Spinalonga – a former Cretian fishing town which became a Leprosy colony in the fifties. It was here that Victoria Hislop got her inspiration for her celebrated book ‘The Island.’ Well worth a read, apparently.

Set into the hillside, the suites with Jacuzzis or private pools have spectacular domes in their roofs – hence the name of the resort – painted in candy pinks, baby blues, terracotta reds and whites. This is typical Cretan design and where architecture is complimented by the landscape.

Paths and stone walkways and steps, lined with fragrant colours, link the amenities and residences throughout, making the resort look extremely pretty.

The chic and stylish interiors go toe to toe with the spectacular natural beauty that surrounds it.

Combining smooth-edged architecture with an exotic touches, such as fretwork screens, silver basins and mirrored furniture; the neighbouring vistas of the sea (and the best views of Spinalonga on Crete) all contribute to the exceptional atmosphere.

It’s a vast complex and there more plans to add and improve as guests’ desires evolve.

At first, I was slightly concerned with the steep steps what with my Dad’s bad-back. Thankfully, buggies are a part of the service so that guests can sit back and enjoy. The concierge team are just a phone call away and can taxi you on buggies anywhere within the private gated community.

The resort was recently added to The Autograph Collection of hotels. It features a collection of 78 lavish suites and 40 villas and has recently completed a multi million pound expansion that now includes 28 Domes Luxury Residences, outfitted with every imaginable amenity and generous facilities to suit all ages.

There are four restaurants with great cuisine on offer every night. The service is impeccable and food was divine – the culinary skills are worthy of a Michelin Star.

There are also four pools and a beach club – with all the water sport activities you’d usually find at a five star resort with its own beach.  And there’s a kid’s club too.

You can relax your eyes and revitalize your mind within its spa that offers beauty and wellness to tired souls.

Domes of Elounda is a rich combination of the best of Mediterranean style in an elegant, sophisticated setting. Not at all what I anticipated when the PR person recommended Crete – totally surpassing my expectations, in fact.

A fashionable retreat a luxurious feel, the resort offers lavish comfort amidst spell-binding views of the bay.

It has a long-time A-list secret beloved by those seeking a restful reprieve amidst incredible natural beauty.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Rihanna and Lady Gaga are all regulars to this former fishing village of Elounda nearby, which offers unsurpassed views and buckets of charm.

The weather was glorious – sunshine daily and a very warm temperature of 25 degrees for the time of year (May).

There’s no need to leave the resort – unless you want to see some sights, of course – because the hotel has absolutely everything that you need, if not more.

We flew to Heraklion with EasyJet. The airline has a twice weekly service from Manchester and Gatwick.

Prices for the ‘Haute Living Selection’ at Domes of Elounda start at £829 for a 5 day stay in an UltraLuxe Villa.

Fly with easyjet to Crete with prices starting from £34.49 one way.

 

www.domesofelounda.com