Lewis Nicol
Domes Aulus Elounda – A Truly Memorable Stay
From the moment we arrived, the first impressions were outstanding. The front entrance, lobby, and waiting area are beautifully designed, and the warm welcome from the staff immediately set the tone. After a quick and easy check-in (including a short briefing on pool use and local taxes), we were taken to our room—which was fantastic. Modern, minimalist, and elegant, with a touch of luxury that made it feel really special.
The all-inclusive buffet options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner were consistently superb, with the menu changing daily to keep things fresh and exciting. On top of that, the hotel features three high-quality à la carte restaurants. These are well worth booking through the concierge desk by the bar—but do so early, as reservations fill up quickly.
The staff truly made the experience unforgettable. Every single team member we encountered, across all departments and shifts, was polite, attentive, and friendly. They went out of their way to engage in conversation and enhance our stay. A special shoutout to the two main staff members at the downstairs bar during the end of September 2024—while I regret not catching their names, their professionalism, charm, and genuine energy made a great stay even better.
The only slightly negative note was an interaction with the spa staff. Just a heads-up: avoid using the product testers in front of them—they can be a bit territorial. That said, the spa operates separately from the hotel, so it’s a minor issue. A quiet dab of moisturiser when they’re not looking and you’ll be fine.
The scenery around Elounda and Spinalonga is simply breathtaking. The bay’s shallow waters retain warmth well into September, making it a dream to swim in. The private beach was a standout feature, with an all-inclusive bar serving a rotating menu of fresh fruit bowls, salads, sandwiches, and excellent cocktails.
If you venture beyond the hotel, a leisurely walk along the beautiful beachfront toward Elounda reveals a great selection of top-tier restaurants. I highly recommend Despina Taverna, Magali Cretan Cooking, and Moonspinners for a memorable night out.
I genuinely couldn’t recommend Domes Aulus Elounda enough. It strikes the perfect balance between luxury and laid-back charm, making it ideal for couples, groups, or solo travellers looking to unwind in style. The attention to detail, the quality of service, and the stunning location all come together to create something really special. Whether you're soaking up the sun by the private beach, enjoying world-class food, or simply relaxing in your room with those unforgettable views—this is a place that stays with you long after you leave.
I’ll absolutely be returning, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a truly exceptional getaway in Crete.
Peter Robson
A real mix of good and not so good. Location and views are stunning. Service was very mixed, some staff were lovely, friendly and engaging, while others looked and acted like they just couldn't care and didn't want to be there. Certainly not a 5* experience, overpriced when compared to other 5* hotels. Housekeeping in our room was awful, we had to wear slippers/flip-flops as the floor was so dirty. They didn't clean it well, can't believe they spent more than 2 minutes each time, certainly less than they spent on their phones! That was a theme, so many staff were on their phones alot, even at the expense of serving guests. That said, some staff went over and above, big shout out to Theodore in the restaurant, nothing was too much trouble, thank you. Management is nowhere to be seen, and overall the experience wasn't as we expected, we will not be back. We felt the publicity shots on website promised something different in reality. That all said, the views, the location and the overall quietness meant we had a very relaxing week, despite some of the poor standards of the hotel. Reading many reviews, there is a theme, so don't feel my comments are unique
Joao Miguel Santos
Once again and for the second time in 4 months we had a wonderful heartwarming stay. The welcome reception to us and our two little dogs was great. The reception staff, driver's staff, beach staff, housecleaning staff and staff at Nikei and Restaurant at the top are simply superb, professional and outstandingly polite. Food at both restaurants was great. We love our room at the four hundred level. THANK YOU very much to all.
Jacek Kasperowski
I`m writing the review sitting on my balcony enjoying wonderful view of Spinalonga island. I can’t recommend Domes Aulūs Elounda Resort highly enough. From the moment I arrived, I am blown away by the warmth and hospitality of the staff. Every member of the team is ensuring that my stay is comfortable. Really appreciate it! One of the standout features of this resort (worth mentioning) is the dining experience. The variety and quality of food offered is top-notch. As a Hilton Diamond i was upgraded to Sea view room with shared pool. Room is cozy and well maintained. So making a long story short Domes Aulūs Elounda Resort is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway.
Atlanta X
Our last night here on our honeymoon (non cool living). I know everyone has a different experience but we have truly had the most amazing time. When we arrived at midnight after 13 hours travelling the day after our wedding and exhausted, we had a quick check in to our room where they had sandwiches and drinks for us in case we were hungry- we went down the next morning to have a proper introduction to the hotel. Prior to our arrival, they’d already upgraded us free of charge to a sea view room. We have had the best time from the moment we arrived up until now, staff have been nothing but amazing- every time a drink is empty they’re asking if you want another, reception have been amazing and make it so easy to book a taxi if you want to go anywhere. We asked how much it would be to upgrade for our last 3 nights to a private pool which was taken to the manager, we then had the guests relations manager come out and speak to us who told us they would upgrade us to a private pool room free of charge as there was one spare which has been absolutely beautiful and we never expected. We never once struggled to get a bed at the main pool even though we weren’t going to get a bed until 10/10:30 every day. The breakfast is the same every day but plenty of options, the food has all been lovely in the main buffet - a bit samey every day but if you book the restaurants it breaks it up (do this when you arrive as they get full quickly). We truly don’t have a single complaint. It’s a lovely place to come if you want to relax, forget what the day is and not even know what the time is. Like I said, I know everyone’s experience is different and not every may be happy but even not having cool living we definitely feel we had a 5* experience and it was worth every penny🩷