Where to Stay in Crete
Our family spent Spring Break of 2018 in Crete. We had a fantastic time. Our girls were 5 & 7 at the time. My Mother-in-Law also joined us for this family holiday in Crete. We were specifically looking for an accommodation that would house us under one roof, while enjoying all of the convenient amenities that a resort has to offer. We were not interested in cooking our own breakfast on this trip!
Where We Stayed
After extensive research, we chose to holiday at the Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, a Marriott International property. Located on Crete’s northern coast, the resort offers villas & suites. We opted to book a two bedroom villa, which was perfect for our extended party.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a Valet & Reservation Specialist. A cold champagne cocktail was handed to the adults, while the girls enjoyed a homemade lemonade. We were led to an outdoor seating area, just off the main lobby, while our check in was processed. Our bags had already been whisked away. We enjoyed the cold drinks and a light snack, then were taken, via golf cart, to our villa.
Our villa featured two spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a living room & wet bar/pantry. My favorite part was the outdoor space, a generous patio with a large, private heated pool and multiple sun loungers.
My Husband’s favorite part of our stay was something called “Haute Living”. When you choose to book a villa at Domes of Elounda, you are granted exclusive access to a 24/7 concierge service. We also had access to the Haute Living Lounge which is open around the clock, featuring drinks and nibbles, and games for the whole family. It was a super chic place to cool off.
My Husband and I frequented the gym facilities in the mornings. The resort offers an outdoor space, overlooking the sea, where you are able to run on a treadmill, complete a Crossfit-style workout or strength train, with a Personal Trainer available. We often ate lunch at Blend Steakhouse, located by one of the pools (so the kids could swim, while waiting for their food to arrive). The Grand Domes Bar was our favorite spot in the evening, we would settle in for a cocktail, before heading out to dinner.
Domes of Elounda is home to 4 restaurants, offering the best of Mediterranean & Greek cuisine. There is also a new outdoor space named, “CORE”. Here you will find high-end fashion stores, an open air cinema, concert space & walking paths. In all honesty, we spent most of our time at the resort’s private, sandy beach!
The activities for children are seriously impressive at Domes of Elounda. Families are able to participate in outdoor cinema nights, scavenger hunts & cooking classes. You will play spaces, trekking adventures and circus performances available for your little ones. Our children loved everything that was available to keep them constantly entertained - and so did this Mom & Dad! Bottom line - the customer service at this resort was unmatched and our stay here was exceptional.
*COLLECTIVE TIP* - Consider a vacation during the “shoulder season” for your resort/desired location. There is the possibility that rates may be significantly cheaper, during slower travel times. We stay at the Domes of Elounda during the first week of their season in 2018, for this reason, we paid less than we would have during their peak season.
Other Amazing Accommodations
There are countless options for accommodations on Crete. The Creta Maris Beach Resort offers spacious family rooms, an all inclusive meal option, sandy private beach & endless activities for young and old. The Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa offers bright, comfortable family rooms, 9 restaurants on site, a kids’ club, nightly entertainment & private beach area. If a self catering apartment is more your speed, Akrogiali Beach Hotel Apartments is a smart pick. This modern property sits seafront with a spacious, shared pool and snack bar.