This all-suite and villa boutique hotel; Domes of Elounda, Autograph collection, offers everything on the average, sophisticated parent's wish list. There's stylish interiors, stunning views, cool bars, well respected dining and a luxurious spa plus an exceptionally family-friendly approach with a well-run creche and kids club, teen games room, handy baby gear supplies and a choice of baby-sitting or in-room dining with butler service - perfect for romantic evenings, even with tots in tow!
As you'd expect, this level of attention to detail and five-star facilities rarely comes cheap but thankfully there's a range of accommodation options to suite various budgets from spacious suites to luxury villas with private pools.
Whichever type of accommodation is chosen, all feel exceptionally luxurious with Coco-mat mattresses, pillow menus, sophisticated toiletries, luxury bathrooms and private hot tubs or pools as standard. Each suite also benefits from individually designed interiors with a cool, contemporary finish.
The hotel's staff are warm and friendly and frequently seen zipping along in golf buggies transporting guests the short but sometimes steep distance from their suites/villas to the hotel's stretch of sandy beach, bars and restaurants. The British run creche and kids club is well equipped, carefully maintained and well staffed by trained carers who fast become favourites with mini guests, allowing parents guilt-free time to lounge on a cushioned sunbed, read a book, or simply make the most of a little 'me' time. Babysitting is also available and a romantic dinner on the pier at the beach restaurant makes for a very welcome injection of glamour for parents of little ones.
Accommodation Overview - Villa Aptera
There are two, two bedroom 'Ultra Luxe' villas onsite which prove perfect for families of 4 (+ an infant) looking for additional space and privacy. A favourite with some of BFB's celebrity clients, the villas offer luxurious interiors, a private pool (may be fenced on request, subject to confirmation) and impressive sea views located just 10-15 minutes walk from the hotels facilities which includes a selection of restaurants, private beach, kids club, creche, mini market, spa and more. For little legs the journey can be even quicker with help of the 'club car' golf buggy service.
Inside, the villa's accommodation is split over two floors with a spacious twin bedroom with ensuite shower room on the lower ground level and a master suite with ensuite jacuzzi bath on the ground floor. Also on the ground floor is third WC, a spacious lounge with satellite TV, DVD/CD player and Wi-Fi, plus a dining area and fully equipped kitchen complete with dishwasher, microwave, oven, hob, fridge, freezer and Nespresso coffee machine. Huge patio doors from the lounge lead to the villa's private deck and pool area (fence available) which is furnished with cushioned loungers and a dining set from where to soak up the truly breathtaking views of the bay of Elounda and the island of Spinalonga. The master bedroom, also has doors to a pretty terrace overlooking the bay.
BFB can request cots, highchairs, baby monitors, steriliser and pool fencing for its guests at no extra charge. Plus, other exclusive offers as detailed under the 'Prices' tab above.
Guests booking a Luxury Residence at Domes of Elounda via the www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk website will receive access to the following EXCLUSIVE offers and services:
Complimentary Half Board + 1nt Dine Around (5nt+ stays) - Includes Half Board consisting of breakfast & dinner served in mains restaurant and 1 x dinner on a Dine Around basis in any of the restaurants across Domes of Elounda
Spina Beach Club - The Spina Beach Club is a reserved beach area only available to Haute Living guests. It offers an exclusive use bar with DJ sets, an ice cream stand and a variety of added services such as elite treats, complimentary baby-sitting (one x 30’ session / day) and an exclusive menu of snacks, smoothies and cocktails to choose from (items consumed in Spina Beach Club are not offered on a complimentary basis except otherwise stated above).
24/7 access to VIP Haute Living Lounge - Accessible only to Haute Living Selection guests with complimentary drinks (all types) & snacks, plus magazines & tablets. Also includes state of the art exclusive gym facilities, private showers, lockers, luxury amenities, on-the-go massage services, evening signature canapes by the resort’s executive chef Efthimiou Kostas, daily afternoon tea with a selection of sweet and savoury items, eclectic cocktails and spirits, dedicated concierge staff, and express check-in and check-out
BFB guests also receive the following special 'Family Offer' :
One complimentary Kids Snack by the pool bar
Daily Ice Cream Happy Hour by the pool bar
Kids Surprise Box upon arrival
Books and Info for Kids Activities & Colouring
No Tear Bath Amenities
Mini Bathrobes and Sleepers
The Domes of Elounda has a scenic but convenient location a short walk from the cluster of tavernas, shops and bars in the small village of Plaka or a little further to the larger village of Elounda. The town of Aghia Nikoloas and the nearby "Aqua Splash" waterpark are both within a short drive. The mysterious, uninhabited island of Spingalonga, the subject of the recent Victoria Hislop bestseller 'The Island', is just across the bay and boat trips depart regularly from the hotel's pier.
Other sites of interest within an hour's drive include the magnificent ruins of the Minoan city and palace of Knossos, which are breathtakingly well preserved and considered to be the second most important historic site in Greece, after the Parthenon in Athens.
There's a great choice of restaurants both on and off site, but our top tip is The Ferryman in Elounda, which we and other guests found to be of really good standard, in a great location and with excellent service.
Nearest Airport: Heraklion (approx 60mins transfer time) Flight from UK approx 3.5hrs
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Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 12:00
Reservation Deposit: 50%
Balance: 30 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 12:00
Reservation Deposit: 50%
Balance: 30 days prior to arrival
A 250m2 luxury villa with two bedrooms. Sleeps maximum of 4 adults + an infant or 2 adults + 2 children and an infant. |
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Heraklion is a 60 minute drive away. |
There are both wide sandy beaches and pretty small coves within a short drive. Also, boat trips to beaches available from the hotel's pier. |
Domes has its own stretch of sand/shingle beach lined with many padded sun loungers and umbrellas. It is within a 10minute walk but most guests use the golf cart service provided... ideal for little legs! |
The village of Plaka is within a 20 minute walks |
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Villa Aptera has its own 35 square metre heated private pool that may be fenced on request. The hotel reception area has several pools including a main outdoor pool with separate kids section and a heated indoor pool. The pool is heated April, May & October |
Domes has a small but opulent and luxurious spa with several treatment rooms, a relaxation pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and gym |
Little ones are welcome to use the toys and books in the kids club/creche |
There's a complimentary activity-based kids club for children aged 4-12. The club is run by UK-based World-Wide kids company and operates 10am-1pm and 3pm - 6pm daily, except Sunday. |
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Nanny services are available on request. |
Baby gear available on request includes, cots, highchairs, baby monitors and sterilisers. Children's bath robes and slippers are also provided. |
Little ones are welcome to use the toys and books in the kids club/creche. There's also kids films available for viewing in rooms. |
In-room dining is available via the butler service on request |
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There is a new playground area in at the kid club/creche with sand pit, swings, slides, climbing net, baby car etc. |
The hotel has a creche for children aged from 4 months - 4 years. It is run by the professional UK-based Worldwide Kids Company. Sessions run from 10am-1pm and 3pm - 6pm and cost 22 euros per session or 35 for the two. Daily except Sundays. (costs subject to change) |
Domes has a choice of five restaurants, including a fine dining option, beach beachside restaurant and bar, Asian restaurant and elegant buffet restaurant. |
Villa Aptera has its own large decked pool terrace with dining furniture and sunbeds offering spectacular views over Gulf of Elounda and the Island of Spinalonga. The villa also has dedicated sun loungers at the resort's beach. |
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Complimentary wifi is available throughout the resort. |
Tennis courts on site |
There is a new 100m2 gym. Reformer Pilates in the botanical garden area. |
Several cots and highchairs can be pre-booked via the BFB booking form. |
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Twice daily maid service included |
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"We loved it actually - fab villa, really excellent with everything you need and very chic, fabulous view etc, Staff great and hotel a great size - not too big. The only let down was the food - an occupational hazard in Greece! It wasn't bad at all but just not amazing, though breakfast was fine and, at the beach restaurant, we had some great fresh grilled fish. We had a blast!" TV's Tess Daly & Vernon Kay who stayed at Domes with their two daughters in 2012