Absolutely Mama Editor Carly Glendinning takes her family to Domes of Elounda, one of the most luxurious family resorts in Crete, Agios Nikolaos...
Finding a resort that strikes a balance between luxury and child-friendliness can be tricky once you become a parent, but Domes of Elounda has hit the sweet spot. We visited at the end of June with our four-year-old daughter, and were instantly impressed by how considered the resort was for families, without compromising on parent-pleasing style. Set into the hillside overlooking the glittering Aegean sea and Spinalonga island, Domes has a grown-up, design-forward feel, whilst still managing to be incredibly relaxed and welcoming for little ones.
Why you should book a family holiday at Domes of Elounda…
The resort
An ‘Autograph Collection’ resort, Domes of Elounda is quietly luxurious. Situated right on a private beach, the sprawling property feels like a self-contained world (in the best possible way). Spread out across landscaped grounds dotted with olive trees and fragrant herb gardens, it’s a place that invites slow exploration. The architecture is low-rise and natural, blending stone, wood and whitewashed walls in a way that feels distinctly Cretan, in an elevated way. Small electric buggy carts whisk you around (great for tired little legs), and there’s a real sense of space, calm, and privacy wherever you go – whether you’re wandering down to the beach, heading to breakfast, or just strolling back to your room. The atmosphere is laid-back and unhurried, with just the right amount of buzz in the evenings around the central square and restaurants.
The room
We stayed in one of the resort’s private residences, which was incredibly spacious and beautifully designed. It had its own pool (a big hit with my daughter Cleo, who happily paddled away for hours) and a fully kitted-out outdoor kitchen (a huge plus for families who want the option of self-catering). Inside, there was a separate living area with a roomy sofa bed already made up for my daughter, a stylish bathroom (with double sinks, separate shower and bathtub), and thoughtful extras like a pillow menu, and even a tiny robe and slippers for our daughter. It felt like a true home-from-home, but with all the luxury touches that you would expect in a high-end resort.
The kids club
The kids club is one of the most stylish I’ve seen: design-led with beautiful wooden toys, an indoor swing, and a calming, creative atmosphere. Cleo loved it from the moment she stepped inside, and it gave us the rare opportunity to sneak off for a couple of hours to enjoy a massage in the serene spa. The staff were so welcoming and sweet with her, that she even asked to go back the next day. Elsewhere, there’s lots of family-friendly touches. The family pool area at CORE had Liewood sand and water tables for younger children, there’s a shop selling pool toys and essentials you might have forgotten, and a children’s boutique selling toy brands including Djeco, Kaloo, and Little Dutch. Even the beach had playful giant crab floats for the sea, which Cleo loved.
The food
The food at Domes is a real highlight. There’s plenty of choice for families, from gourmet restaurants to relaxed street food trucks. One night, we ate at Vilebrequin, a fine dining spot set right on the dock jetty, with dreamy sea views, fresh seafood, and delicious Cretan sharing dishes. Another night we had a relaxed dinner from the street food area at CORE, which offered a whole plant-based menu (much to my delight!). The breakfast buffet was a daily treat, with Greek pastries, fresh juices, cooked options, and plenty to keep fussy little eaters happy.
The spa
Having even just an hour to fully unwind as a parent on holiday is amazing, and the spa at Domes made that possible. Thanks to the kids club, we were able to book a couples massage while Cleo was happily entertained, which felt like the ultimate luxury. Soma Spa is serene and beautifully designed, all soft lighting, natural textures and a calming scent of essential oils the moment you walk in. Treatments use Elemis® and Codage Paris products, and the therapists were exceptional: warm, knowledgeable and completely in tune with what we needed (in our case, anything that helped unravel tight shoulders from carrying a toddler for four years…). It was one of those rare moments where we both came out feeling properly relaxed (and ready for another round of splash time at the pool!).
Things to do
There’s plenty going on inside the resort, meaning that you don’t need to venture outside to get your culture fix. My daughter loved the evening entertainment, from a local ballet performance, to a joyful bubble show (with a cool ‘70s soundtrack) where she made a new little friend. We also took part in a coffee experience one evening, where we learnt more about the island’s history and traditions. There’s lots more on offer too, from spa treatments and yoga to boat trips – but we found ourselves very content just enjoying the view from our private pool area while Cleo happily splashed about.
Getting there
Domes of Elounda is around an hour’s drive from Heraklion Airport, which is well-served by direct flights from most UK airports during the summer months. Travelling with our Joolz Aer² made the journey so much easier. Super lightweight and easy to steer through the airport, it folds up and down with one hand in seconds and is cabin-approved. This was a game changer for us racing between flights.
from Heraklion Airport we arranged a private transfer, which is perfect if you want to sit back and soak up the views. The drive to Elounda winds along the island’s stunning coastline, giving you a first taste of the scenery that makes this part of Crete so special. Once at the resort, you won’t need to do much driving (if you don’t want to) as everything you need is right there.
The verdict
Domes of Elounda is the kind of resort that makes family travel feel like a treat for everyone. It’s stylish, spacious, and full of thoughtful touches, yet relaxed enough that you never feel like you’re on edge with a small child in tow. Whether you’re tucking into street food by the pool, stealing a rare moment at the spa, or having fun at the evening entertainment, there’s a quiet kind of magic here. A proper holiday, for all of you.
Book now: domesresorts.com
See more family friendly travel reviews here.
