Something about the island of Crete keeps drawing me back repeatedly. This is the seventh or eighth time I've chosen this destination for a vacation, and I fall in love with it anew each time. The short flight from Israel, the perfect weather, the breathtaking landscapes, the warm people, the excellent food – everything here is magical! And this time? I discovered a true gem, a resort with the style and level of adults-only that's suitable for a family vacation, which made this holiday especially amazing. Save this post for the next time you want to go on vacation with the kids because Domes of Elounda should be at the top of your list. You'll soon understand exactly why 🙂

Before I dive into all the important details about the resort, I want to share that this time I was invited to stay at the hotel as a photographer and blogger by WTC, a company that specializes in organizing luxury vacations worldwide. This isn't the first time we've flown with WTC; we're already long-time customers (I first met them during my engagement trip with Daniel), and I've also worked with them in the past for holidays at other luxury hotels. Through the WTC website, you can book a holiday from A to Z, including hotel, flights, transfers, and meals, and go on vacation with peace of mind (always advisable for a family vacation, and even more so during a period of uncertainty with the war). From the moment everything was all-inclusive, we started counting down in excitement! By clicking here, you can get all the details about a vacation at the resort through WTC.
This was our second family vacation as a family of four – me, my husband Daniel, sweet Yasmin who's 3 and a half, and our tiny Ariel who was less than three months old. Yes, we had already managed to fly with Ariel for a vacation less than a month before, and it just whetted our appetite for another family vacation of five days of ultimate pampering at Domes of Elounda.
Let’s Cut to the Chase – Everything You Need to Know About the Resort
The Domes of Elounda Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection luxury hotel group, is a breathtaking 5-star resort of indulgent rooms, designed family villas, and luxurious suites for a romantic getaway. What's special about this resort is that all accommodation units are unique and designed, with each unit having a jacuzzi or private outdoor pool. All WTC vacation packages at the resort include flights to Crete, half-board or full-board accommodation, and shared transfers from the airport to the hotel and back.
Design on Another Level: Where Ancient Greece Meets Modernity
You know when you book a hotel because it looks wow, but when you get there it's a thousand times more beautiful than you thought? Well, exactly like that! The moment we arrived at the resort, I felt like we were entering a postcard. Domes of Elounda underwent an extensive renovation in 2021, and the result? Simply breathtaking! Every corner of the resort is a work of art in itself, combining innovation with authentic Greek charm.
The impressive lobby welcomed us with high ceilings, carefully designed furniture and touches of local art that gave a sense of Mediterranean luxury. And the view… you can't help but talk about the magical view of Spinalonga, Crete's famous leper island, visible right from the hotel lobby.
Although we didn't go to visit the island this time (because we had already visited it in the past as a couple), the hotel offers the option to go on a few hours' cruise to the island during the day. It's a highly recommended experience for those interested in discovering more about the fascinating history of the area and experiencing the natural beauty of the island up close.
The landscape architecture at the resort is on a completely different level. It feels like a small picturesque village. Everywhere you turn, you'll find a perfect blend of the island's amazing nature and the resort's meticulous design. Well-maintained gardens, inviting pools, and terraces offer panoramic views that simply make you stop and marvel.
Something important to know – the hotel is built in a terraced manner on the mountainside, and the mountain is steep so almost all movement here is by riding in the hotel's buggy (and there's really high availability all the time, so it's as convenient as can be).
Our Villa: When Luxury Meets Perfect Privacy
We stayed in a LUXURY VILLA 2 bedroom, and it's as indulgent as it sounds. The villa was a space of luxury and comfort – spacious, tastefully designed down to the last detail, and with a private pool that allowed us to enjoy both quiet family time and a couple of quality time while the little ones rested inside.
The villa consists of two large bedrooms (the master with access to the private pool), 2 bathrooms and toilets, a cozy living room with a fully equipped kitchenette (which, apart from a coffee machine and all the basic things you expect to find in a hotel kitchenette, also has a microwave, stove, and even a dishwasher!). In the pool area, there are indulgent sunbeds, a large dining table, and a view that's nothing short of perfect.
The Food: An Endless Culinary Celebration
Breakfasts are served both in the hotel's main restaurant in the lobby area and in the smaller, more boutique restaurant located by the main pool, and they're an experience in themselves – imagine a buffet loaded with all good things, from fresh loaves of bread and fragrant pastries to fresh fruits, fine cheeses, and traditional Greek dishes. You can order all types of coffee and there's even a machine that squeezes fresh orange juice on the spot. In addition to the buffet, you can also order dishes from the breakfast menu – which is always an indulgence in itself. We sat there every morning for at least an hour, simply because we couldn't stop tasting more and more.
And something else I loved – there's a special adults-only area in the main buffet restaurant. This is perfect for quiet and relaxed meals for those coming in a couple arrangement.
The dinners at the hotel were also amazing. You can choose to eat at the hotel's buffet restaurant (at the highest level there is! My word.), at the amazing Asian restaurant (which is included in the half-board package, and you won't believe the food served at a hotel restaurant), or at the charming street food stalls located in the area called “CORE”, which is a kind of “city center” of the resort, with charming boutique shops, food trucks, and an art exhibition of monsters from Greek mythology.
Kids Club: Paradise for Little Ones
Okay, I have to talk about the kids club for a moment because wow. Just wow. This place operates as a kindergarten for most of the day, and it offers an amazing experience for children. Here are some important details:
- The club is suitable for babies from 4 months old (which is amazing and not at all common!) up to children aged 12
- Operating hours: 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00 (for a fee)
- Cost: 25 euros for a 3-hour session
- Between 13:00-15:00, there's “family time” – parents and children can come together, free of charge
- The club is closed on Sundays
The club is divided into 2 large spaces – one for tiny ones (babies) and the other for toddlers and older children. Beyond these areas, there's a large and beautiful yard. The staff was amazing – patient, creative, and full of good energy.
I must mention that our Jasmine was a bit hesitant to stay alone at first. But on the last day? She suddenly decided she was ready to stay at the club without us and she said it was the part she loved most about the trip! It was so fun to see her happy and excited.
The design of the club? Simply amazing. Montessori is colorful, inviting, and full of magical corners that make children feel like they're in their own magical world.
The Spa: An Island of Tranquility
For me, it's not a vacation without spending time at the spa, and of course, this resort has a spa worth visiting at least once during your stay. A space designed in modern Greek style, with scents of essential oils in the air and soothing music in the background. I had a Swedish massage and came out especially refreshed.
The Beach: A Designed Paradise
The resort's beach? A picture straight out of a postcard. Although the sand isn't really sandy but composed of tiny stones, typical of Crete, it's still a stunning and comfortable place to spend time. The water was clear and blue, and the service on the beach was on another level – comfortable sunbeds, large umbrellas, and attentive waiters.
What's really cool is that there's an option to do water sports and go on cruises right from the hotel's private beach. This adds a lot to the experience and allows for varied activities during the vacation.
In Summary: An Unforgettable Experience
The vacation at Domes of Elounda was much more than just another holiday. It was a total experience of pampering, beauty, and tranquility. The combination of stunning design, perfect service, excellent food, a magical beach, and indulgent facilities created the ultimate family vacation.
If you're looking for a destination for a vacation at the highest level possible, that will leave memories for a lifetime – Domes of Elounda should be high on your list. It was an experience that made us feel like kings and queens, and we're already planning our next visit.
What do you think about the Domes of Elounda resort?
I'd love to hear in the comments 😘
What's really cool is that there's an option to do water sports and go on cruises right from the hotel's private beach. This adds a lot to the experience and allows for varied activities during the vacation.