Sharing our dreamy destinations

Crafting the Domes Way of Life

Defining the Domes Resorts & Reserves ethos and philosophy as they spearhead experiential luxury hospitality in Greece.

WHAT MAKES Domes Resorts & Reserves stand out? This group of properties takes a state-of-the-art approach to hospitality, fully on par with the needs and demands of the contemporary traveler, and is considered amongst the fastest growing luxury hospitality groups in Greece, with a number of new projects in its pipeline. In practice, this means top-tier, five-star-plus service inside hotels and resorts that are striking and comfortable and deliver curated spaces, signature experiences, events and activities that stimulate and inspire guests to discover, taste, sample and indulge. Domes Resorts & Reserves keep up to date with industry trends, evaluating and considering them in conjunction with the time-honored tradition of Greek hospitality, to ultimately source what is most meaningful, useful and appealing to travelers. From this approach, we have been led to reimagine deluxe hospitality in coveted destinations across Greece, with each property boasting its own character, informed by local nature and culture. All the while, strategic partnerships with world leaders in luxury travel, including Marriott, The Luxury Collection and Autograph Collection© and Hotel Investment Partners (HIP) evidence adherence to the highest of standards throughout. This year, Domes Resorts & Reserves entered the field of international hotel management, with the management of the emblematic The Lake Spa Resort in Portugal which has been completely transformed into a Domes Resort, under the new name Domes Lake Algarve. Moreover, we launched a brand new signature concept, the “Domes Aulūs” Cool Inclusive at Domes Aulūs Zante and Domes Aulūs Elounda targeting the slow paced, eco-conscious, unpretentious, lifestyle traveler seeking spiritual stimulation. Added to this are Domes’ unique sensibilities and signature, impactful concepts. High gastronomy is a passion for the Group, who take pride in recruiting extremely talented chefs to create awarded menus based on everything that is local, seasonal and fascinating. The signature Soma Spa suites combine potent ingredients by renowned brands and proven techniques for relaxation, rejuvenation and beauty, inside immaculate settings or in the privacy of guestrooms and private gardens. Moreover, guests can choose to treat themselves to the Haute Living Selection options, another signature Domes concept which grants extra amenities, conveniences and privileges throughout the resorts and reserves. Going above and beyond, the Group has invented CORE – a Conjunction Of Refined Experiences – as a happening, multi-functional space that perfectly fits into each property’s style to deliver areas to socialize, shop, be entertained, eat and drink, discover artwork and experience the best of both worlds – urban and rural. Domes Resorts & Reserves currently boasts properties in the islands of Crete, Corfu and Zante, as well as the promising Algarve, Portugal, but it continues to identify opportunities to reposition and elevate more remarkable hotels and resorts, unlocking their full potential.

Domes Resorts & Reserves would like to express its gratitude to its valued guests that had embraced its mission and ethos throughout this amazing journey until now.

THE CORE

The open air agora at Domes of Elounda and Domes of Corfu welcomes guests (top). Experience & Events Manager Elena Chatzibousiou (left).

Our Open-Air Agora

Excitement, entertainment and myriad things to discover for all ages await at CORE, the flagship of the Domes Resorts & Reserves signature concepts.

“AT DOMES RESORTS & Reserves, our idea for a destination resort that is truly worth visiting goes far beyond luxurious accommodation, bespoke service and world-famous natural beauty. We know that our guests are looking for an exceptional escape from the daily grind, and we keep finding new ways to deliver in spades,” explains Domes Resorts & Reserves Experience & Events Manager Elena Chatzibousiou. At Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Core is an invitation to explore; to feel; to experience; to discover. Arrived in 2019, this unique hub for culture, entertainment and organic socializing is a conjunction of handpicked, refined experiences made to be enjoyed with your loved ones – or even new friends. Designed by NaNA, an award-winning international architectural studio involved in a diverse range of projects, this outdoor pop-up land is an exciting space where art, gastronomy, fashion, culture, shopping and more come together under the Greek sky to inspire guests and offer endless opportunity for enjoyment. Pop-up shops meet street food, visual art and outdoor entertainment in a world of curated urban excitement that covers a wide range of preferences. “Setting the mood are the sculptures and paintings of the Greek Monsters exhibition by acclaimed communication design studio, Beetroot, which playfully bring together ancient myth and modern graphic design. Guests stroll among creatures as iconic as Medusa, the Cyclops and mermaids in addition to more works of fascinating art coming upon pop-up shops hosted within glass-fronted cubes which hide objects of desire created by innovative Greek and international fashion and lifestyle brands – including the Anemi, Curiudo, Neema Resortwear and Souvenir stores,” Elena Chatzibousiou tells us. “Moreover at the Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection we’ve named our CORE area ‘Spianada’, a nod to the bustling cultural hub in the heart of Corfu’s Old Town, and we’ve made sure it’s just as fun and intriguing,” the group Experience & Events Manager informs us. Don’t miss the chance to explore the vibrant landscape of Core – you’ll find a surprise around every corner.

Makridis’ Architectural Signature

The masterminds behind Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection and Domes Aulūs Zante, Makridis Associates artfully combined local aesthetics with cutting edge design.

Thodoris Makridis and Eleanna Makridou, archtects of the Makridis Associates.

WHEN IT CAME to the building of Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection, and Domes Aulūs Zante as well, Makridis Associates were called upon to create innovative buildings that were in total harmony with their natural surroundings. We caught up with the firm’s architects and partners, namely Thodoris Makridis and Eleanna Makridou to discuss more about their design approach. Can you describe to us a little about the design philosophy behind Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection? Whenever our office receives a new brief for a project – especially when it comes to hospitality based architecture – the most important goal for our team is to harmonise our design with the location. This is achieved by creating deeper connections with history, architecture and tradition so that the work fully expresses the spirit of the place, albeit through a modern look or lens. As a result, visitors get to experience a unique experience and become one with the place. This is exactly how we took on the Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection, with the same method, drawing experiences and stimuli from the island but also from the myth of Homer that vividly describes the visit of the traveler Odysseus to the magical land of the Phaeacians. The Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection resort harmoniously combines local culture and tradition with a relaxed, Venetian and bohemian style. What are the pieces of the architectural puzzle that you wanted to put together? Arches, arcades, balconies and patios are just some of the elements of the architectural vocabulary that finds its roots in the traditional architecture seen throughout the island of Corfu. Inspired by the local colour palette, all of the spaces are based on ceramic and earthy tones in various tones, since it is unquestionably the couleur local of the island. Characteristic details include the terracotta tiles that line the floors indoors and outdoors, unifying the interior with the exterior. Patterns, textures on surfaces and fabrics, rough materials and handmade furniture combine to create a unique “mosaic” completed by the island’s endemic flora and atmospheric lighting. Was the Glyfada area on the island of Corfu suitable for host-

Domes Aulūs Zante Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection Arches, arcades, balconies and patios are some of the elements of the architectural vocabulary of the Domes of Corfu.

ing Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection in terms of design? What were the elements of the coastal area that you relied on and wanted to highlight? The unquestionably mythical landscape is characterized by a magical naturalness as well as strong contrasts that are however perfectly harmonized with each other, elements that were a source for a creative dialogue between the building and its surrounding environment. in which it is recorded. The shade and texture of the sand led us to natural dyes and materials. The exotic landscape is also seen through the thick vegetation, which grows inside the buildings in the central atriums. How was the balance kept intact with the external environment? The spaces were redesigned so that they open out on to the central atriums that form the core of the main building. Such an architectural gesture which looks outdoors ensures permeability. At the same time, the boundaries of the interior with the exterior become blurred and fluid due to the transitional covered semi-outdoor spaces and the galleries with the large frames. These transitional spaces give rise to a dialogue between man and nature, while at the same time offering him or her a sense of intimacy, due to their human scale. What is the signature element that you believe sums up your signature as Makridis Associates at Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection? The warm color of the Corfiot palette that dominates in all areas, in combination with all the local architectural elements, are undoubtedly the factors that determine the authentic physiognomy of the project. We find it in different qualities throughout the hotel, through the natural paint, terracotta tiles, and the oxidized surfaces of the facades, it creates atmospheric spaces that are familiar and welcoming.

AWARD-WINNING GASTRONOMY

The Culinary Ethos Unique Bar Experiences

“Most of the Domes fine-dining concept is drawn from Greece itself and its seasonal ingredients where traditional recipes are refined and married with a new way of presentation.”

Awarded Executive Chef Petros Dimas

Mediterranean and Corfiot cuisine through the creations of the award-winning chef Petros Dimas at Makris All Day Restaurant.

EMBRACING THE AURA of the handpicked destinations of Crete, Corfu, Zakynthos and Portugal, we invite you at Domes Resorts & Reserves to savor genuine culinary delights and heartfelt authenticity accompanied by stunning sea views. Serving up dishes filled to the brim with diversity, variety and gusto, relish the creativity of our culinary teams, each one inspired, expertly trained and full of passion and expertise, as the recently awarded at the FNL Best Restaurant Awards 2022, Executive Chef of Domes Miramare, Petros Dimas.

IOANNIS MITRAKOS – APALLOU BAR SERVICES

Sharing a common philosophy, Domes Resorts & Reserves have partnered with Apallou Bar Services to provide an utterly memorable one-of-a-kind bar experience.

FIRST ESTABLISHED in 2005 in Thessaloniki with their eponymously named bar, Apallou Bar, Apallou Bar Services consultancy has partnered with Domes Resorts & Reserves in a collaboration to provide guests with a truly one-of-a-kind bar experience throughout all of the Domes Resorts & Reserves. We recently caught up with Ioannis Mitrakos from Apallou Bar Services to talk about the philosophy behind the collaboration and what surprises lay in store for guests. Can you describe the Apallou Bar philosophy that you applied in your collaboration with Domes Resorts & Reserves? The philosophy behind our cooperation is entirely holistic - it began in 2005 in Thessaloniki and up until today is entirely People-centric. It was with this in mind that our collaboration with Domes Resorts & Reserves began. Our philosophy is entirely based on the Bartender – who we continuously train and transfer our knowledge to, who then go on to serve behind the bars of the Domes Resorts & Reserves. Our bartenders are our partners. Our aim is to transfer our experience to them, to equip them with everything they need so that they can satisfy the tastes of each customer. All this has made easy through the support and the common philosophy of our company with Domes Resorts & Reserves. The resorts harmoniously combine local tradition with a relaxed, bohemian luxury hospitality experience. What are the elements you wanted to project through the strategy you implemented? All the cocktail lists for each of the bars at the Domes Resorts & Reserves have been designed to highlight the products of each place and to remind the customer that the “classics” will always be in full demand. We therefore train our people extremely well when it comes to classic cocktails such as such as Negronis, Manhattans, Margaritas etc. But ultimately, our collaboration is based on emphasising the difference between standard service and genuine hospitality. We want a customer-based approach which entails providing a unique experience combining the landscape with the flavours of the cocktail itself. Can you name typical products/ingredients from the islands that inspired you when you were creating the bar and restaurant menus?

We use typical local products such as rosemary, kumquat, citrus fruits, local honey, basil, etc. What cocktail would you suggest our guests try for an unforgettable experience? I would definitely suggest the CRETAN OLD FASHIONED, the ZOMBIE at the Core Bar at Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection and of course the various APERITIVI & SPRITZES at all the Domes Resorts & Reserves. What do you believe will surprise visitors at the Domes Resorts & Reserves’ bars most? The combination of the unique beauty of the Greek landscapes of Crete, Corfu and Zante with that perfectly made classic cocktail, espresso or cold-pressed freshly made fruit juice that they’ve been dreaming of... All the cocktail lists for each of the bars have been designed to highlight the products of each place (Crete -

Corfu).

We invite you to try something new, be it an organic meal with fresh fruit or traditional flavors connecting guests with nature.

KIEPOS

Launching the Green Way of Life

A great green world awaits to be discovered at Domes KiEPOS connecting children and their families with the destination, the people, the local flavor and with each other.

AT KIEPOS KID’S CLUB children can play individually within a well-organized environment of Montessori activities and thoughtfully chosen toys, or they can join a group and experience connection with other children through art, physical activities, exploration, and creative projects. We do our best to prepare, guide, and offer unique sensory experiences where children and families can feel comfortable and safe, get excited and have fun. We draw teens’ inspiration from the human systems theory and offer activities, happenings and experiences that will satisfy this demanding age group. Committed to nurturing eco conscious youngsters, Domes Resorts & Reserves through KiEPOS (Kee-pos<Greek<Garden) will help illustrate big ideas like sustainability, eco-responsibility and healthy eating in a fun way that is easier for young ones to appreciate.

SOMA SPA

A 360 Approach to Wellness

Ioannis Charalambous shares everything you wanted to know about the Soma Spa vision and ethos.

“WELLNESS IS at the heart of the Domes Resorts & Reserves experience. At signature Soma Spas across the Group’s properties, the outstanding knowhow, scientific prowess and technology of world leader in spa beauty Elemis has been recruited to help create tantalizing, incredible relaxation and rejuvenation rituals that are customized to suit guest needs and preferences. We’ve also joined forces with modern apothecary brand CODAGE Paris, to create custom serum cocktails for an haute couture skin experience, and utilize iS Clinical pharmaceutical grade products to address skin concerns at a very high, medical-grade level,” explains Ioannis Charalambous, a Domes Resorts & Reserves Spa Consultant, Elemis Vice President of International Sales and Relia Director of Spa Development. A select team of experienced spa professionals don’t just work with exceptional techniques but come equipped with an arsenal of highly specialized products and high-tech devices to deliver expert beauty and wellness protocols. “I could go on and on about our fantastic facilities which are incredible but, for us, it’s the people that make the difference. In combination, these two can help you reach your ultimate wellness and skin health experience,” says Ioannis. “We are very proud to be offering treatments inspired by the flora of Crete and Corfu, and the medical practices of Hippocrates. Our Signature therapies extend to very carefully curated experiences that can benefit the level of your sleep, or offer targeted detox to restore equilibrium and trigger a more holistic lifestyle.” Everything in this immersive spa concept is tailored to each guest. “All Soma Spas share a common philosophy which revolves around the guest. It is all about how you feel that specific day and time. Nobody is the same and no skin is the same.” If there are two things that stand out from Ioannis’ enthusiastic discussion of Domes’ Soma Spa ethos is the constant attention to detail on the staff’s part, as well as the drive to never stop evolving and taking things to the next level.

In 2022, Soma Spas have launched a series of Signature therapies inspired by locality and years of expertise.