Domes Resorts were named World Travel Awards ‘World’s Leading Luxury Resort Group 2022‘. To discover how award winning translates into unforgettable family holidays, take a closer look at the five Domes Resorts we think you’ll love best.
Holidays aren’t just about staying somewhere different, they’re an adventure shared with your children; moments of laughter; core memories and incredible experiences. Domes Resorts understands this sense of family and expresses that understanding in every resort, from the loveliest Greek islands to Portugal’s mesmerising Algarve.
Why families feel cherished at Domes Resorts
All Domes Resorts feature Montessori-inspired and Ofsted registered kids clubs. So not only do the youngest guests have their own space to play, they’ll be learning too, as well as making new friends, of course.
Kids can also help plant and grow their own herbs and greens during their stay. KiEPOS (Greek for garden) is a safe, green space where expert guides gently teach children about sustainability, allow them to get hands on with the earth and discover, first hand, the sheer magic of gardening.
But naturally, spending time together is what you want to do most on holiday, and Domes Resorts understand that too. So between their carefully curated family activities, wide choice of water sports and remarkable destinations, every moment is given the potential to become a wonderful memory.
Although, if you do want a little grown up time to yourself, all resorts offer adults-only zones, featuring either an adults-only swimming pool or beach zone or even a dedicated restaurant for guests aged 16 and over. You’ll also find more than enough memorable experiences to fill your child-free time, from soothing spas and olive oil tasting to wine tasting and walking tours.
So where would you like to go? For Domes, the destination helps define your holiday so you won’t be surprised to find resorts on some of the loveliest Greek islands, as well as the golden Algarve coast. Beautiful beaches are a given, as are spectacular sea views. Historic towns and cities are never too far away either, although tranquil countryside and magnificent mountains come into play at several resorts too. So where to?
Domes of Elounda: one of Crete’s modern-day legends
Imagine waking to views of legendary Spinalonga Island. Strolling down to a tranquil, private beach on the lovely northeast coast of Crete. Watching your kids splash around in your own pool. Wandering round the agora dipping into food trucks and deli-stalls. Or simply deciding to do nothing much at all except enjoy the atmosphere of the original Domes Resort.
Domes of Elounda is where it all began and where unforgettable family holidays still begin to this day.
Quietly luxurious and effortlessly beautiful, it’s a modern-day icon in the land of ancient myths and legends, where you can look forward to cool restaurants, gorgeous swimming pools, sandy beaches, as well as spectacular views.
However, for all its endless elegance, Domes of Elounda couldn’t be more perfect for families. It features mainly residences and villas, so it’s a great choice for multi-generational holidays. And as well as an Olympic size swimming pool, there’s also a dedicated children’s pool; plus older kids have a teenagers’ club to look forward to with video games, pool tables and even virtual reality zones.
If you want to spread your wings round Crete a little, you couldn’t be in a better spot to go horse riding on historic bridle paths and get to know some of Crete’s charming, traditional villages. Alternatively, go even further and you can introduce kids to the legends of the Minotaur at Knossos – one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Crete. And if you can’t resist the stunning, surrounding seas, take a voyage on a Greek ‘kaiki’ boat to discover more of Crete’s paradise beaches.
Domes Zeen Chania: where contemporary luxury fuses with Greek tradition
Named for ‘Ef Zeen’, the ancient Greek ‘art of living well’, Domes Zeen Chania blends the heritage of Crete with a barefoot luxury all of its own.
Close to Chania’s historic Old Town, yet tranquilly set on a private beach, this is another beautiful resort that’s also wonderful for family holidays.
Lush, secluded gardens surround guest bungalows which reflect the architectural style of traditional village houses. And even if kids don’t fully appreciate that design sensibility, they will love the Kids’ Club complete with large tepee for story-time and sleepovers, as well as its own swimming pool and new playground.
As one of a very few resorts in Greece with a fully Montessori-immersed creche and kids club, Domes Zeen Chania provides the ideal environment for children to play and learn from an early age; it’s even a perfect resort for new born babies. Plus, there are also educators available who’re qualified to care for kids with special needs or different abilities and can be present during your child’s session, simply let the kids’ club team know in advance.
A bohemian atmosphere invites you to relax completely, wind down and shape the day your own way. That could be building sandcastles on the beach, exploring the vivid city of Chania or even hiking the world famous Samaria Gorge: a marvellous experience to share with older children or teens.
Although if you simply want to be together in the resort itself; from its exceptional pool to two authentic Cretan restaurants, and the extraordinary Jungle Spa, there’s always a good reason to spend as much family time as possible at Domes Zeen Chania.
Domes of Corfu: a remarkable family resort set on Corfu’s loveliest beach
Domes Resorts are passionate about giving space and time to families, and Domes of Corfu reflects that ethos flawlessly.
Not only is this extraordinary resort set on gorgeous Glyfada Beach, it sits against a sheltering backdrop of forest-clad hills. The result is gloriously natural surroundings where you can spend hours by the sea, splash around in pools or simply admire a stunning sunset over the Ionian.
A resort within a resort, close to historic Corfu Town
However, there’s more than loveliness to like about Domes of Corfu. The resort’s open-air Agora is heaven for families with everything from food trucks and shops to events and entertainment. Children of all ages will be thrilled by Starlit Cinema Nights by the pools.
The resort has also recently opened a new playground as well as introducing yoga classes for children. Plus, there’s more than enough space and activities to keep teenagers enthralled. And of course, there’s a Montessori-style Kids’ Club too, where creativity is balanced with fun for younger guests.
Although you may be tempted to spend more time than usual at home base, as family rooms and suites here feature private terraces, shared pools and heart-melting views that are hard to leave.
In saying that, the resort is also close to Corfu Town and its UNESCO World Heritage Old town, so you will definitely want to explore a little. And as well as guided tours of the historic city, Domes of Corfu also offers family yacht cruises to the island’s hidden beaches, many only accessible by boat.
Domes Aulus Zante: the beachy and luxurious resort redefining all-inclusive family holidays
Zakynthos Island is famous for spectacular beaches, some are easily the most photographed in Europe, and one is home to Domes Aulus Zante, the 5-star resort redefining all-inclusive holidays for cool-hunting families.
Another of Domes Resorts set between lush forest and the transparent Ionian Sea, this one also sits within a Natura protected sea turtle sanctuary. So at the right time of year, Caretta Turtles nest on the beach and seeing these rare and gentle creatures in the wild makes the best type of core memories for kids.
Learning about the local marine life and the culture and history of Zakynthos are just a few of the reasons children love the Kids’ Club here. That’s along with heaps of outdoor activities and creative play too, of course.
Enjoy a little time off parenting to be yourself
Making sure parents take advantage of their free time, is something else the resort excels at. So if you want to see famous Navagio ‘shipwreck’ Beach up close, dive in Zakynthos National Marine Park or tour the legendary Blue Caves, those experiences and so many more are easy to arrange.
Restaurants which take you on a culinary journey are all part of unique Domes Aulus Zante ‘Cool Inclusive’ holidays too. So feel free to share plates in the traditional Meze tavern, explore the Mediterranean at the Italian Trattoria, kick-back in ΠΙΤΑ Canteen or enjoy the theatre of live cooking over open fires at The Griglia.
Families can also choose to indulge in ‘Cool Living’ by selecting a higher room category’. Not only does this offer a wide range of VIP benefits, it gives you access to an exclusive lounge where unlimited drinks and snacks are served throughout the day.
And if you’re inspired by Domes Aulus Zante’s magnificent location, you’ll love the opportunities to take part in eco-experiences which bring you closer to nature and give you an even greater understanding of this remarkable part of Greece.
Domes Lake Algarve: a dream resort on the gorgeous southern coast of Portugal
Recently renovated Domes Lake Algarve is just a short walk from glamorous Vilamoura Marina, and Praia da Falésia – one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve – is only six minutes away. Yet, because the resort sits on a private lake, families also enjoy a sense of absolute serenity and exclusivity here too: an almost perfect combination.
The kids’ club is particularly exciting at this resort, as not only does it have a fun Australian playground it also includes a mini multi-sports court, a maze, and a range of non-motorised water sports on the lake. Plus, the resort Golf Pro introduces young players to the game with weekly mini-golf session for all kids.
Families will particularly like the fact that there are no fewer than four swimming pools at Domes Lake Algarve, two of which are for children and heated during low season. Although the pool with a unique, sand-covered bottom definitely has a lot of appeal for older kids. And parents shouldn’t feel left out, because there’s also an adults-only pool.
An incredible location for outdoorsy families and golfers
Of course, the Algarve is known for outdoor adventures and Domes Lake Algarve couldn’t be better placed to allow you to play, all day, every day. Incredible Ria Formosa Natural Park is even within easy reach for hiking, biking, eco-tours and horse riding. Local dolphin cruises practically guarantee sightings, which are thrilling for kids. And the dramatic Algarve coastline’s caves and hidden beaches can also be explored by kayak, an unforgettable experience with teenagers.
As this is also the coast for golf, players will be delighted to know that Domes Lake Algarve is less than 10 minutes from no fewer than six championship courses, and provides a complimentary shuttle service for golfing guests. Although if rock climbing is more your style, guided climbs on iconic Rocha da Pena await you here too. And when you simply want to gaze at the glory of golden beaches, soaring cliffs and sea stacks, the resort can even arrange hot-air balloon tours for families.
And lastly, this is another of Domes Resorts with an exclusive VIP offering for families. So when you book Haute Living rooms or suites, you automatically have access to the reserved Haute Living Lounge and all the benefits that come with that select membership.