Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

In the case of Domes of Elounda, what sounds a bit like a sci-fi novel turns out to be something much less futuristic, though no less fantastical in its own way. The Greek islands are a world apart, Crete as much as any other, and the northern coast is home to the village of Elounda, a place with no shortage of natural beauty.

While its design is grounded in a recognizably earthy aesthetic, the hotel really does feature windowed domes capping each of its 78 suites. Contrast this with the view of the ruined fortress on the abandoned island of Spinalonga, visible from most of the hotel’s private terraces, and you’ll get a hint of the thrilling sense of history that blankets the region. Inside, the white and Aegean-blue color palette is crisp and clean, and the open floor plans lend an airy quality to the already spacious rooms. Hand-carved wooden furniture tempers the cool modernism. Private jacuzzis or plunge pools are standard. For families or larger groups, eight villas offer chic apartment-style luxury, complete with fully equipped kitchens and expansive private yards overlooking the bay.

Topos 1910 adds a haute-cuisine dimension, rather an improvement over typical island-resort fare. And if you enjoy entertaining the idea that Domes of Elounda really is some sort of fantasy world, the Soma Spa is a must-see, with its glittering black and gold ceramic mosaic.

Please note: Domes of Elounda requires a three-night minimum stay and is open annually from mid-April through the end of October.

How to get there:
Crete can be easily reached by plane. Flight time from Athens to Heraklion is approximately 50 minutes. Direct flights to Heraklion can also be found from several major cities, including: Paris (3.5 hours), Berlin (3 hours) and London (4 hours). Ferry service from several islands is also available. Ferries from Santorini Thira to Heraklio port take approximately 2 hours. Elounda is approximately an hour by car from Crete’s Heraklion (HER) airport and Heraklio port.