18 minute read
Live the Experience
DOMES OF ELOUNDA, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Truly imaginative in every sense, our curated activities have been tailored to provide experiences that are simply out of this world.
Advertisement
OFFERING stupendous views over the calm turquoise waters of the Mirabello Gulf and beyond to the islet of Spinalonga and its historic Venetian castle made all the more infamous by Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel “The Island”, the landmark beachfront Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection majestically emerges from the hillside upon which it is built. Having redefined the essence of hospitality, and now standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest hotels in the world, this multi-awarded property promises nothing short of an exemplary hospitality experience. Based on the premise that no two guests are the same, we offer a myriad of unforgettable experiences. With a decentralised hospitality philosophy, we focus on providing a summer getaway based on your interests and desires, which is why we have prepared a diverse list of experiences for you to enjoy. From our glorious opulent accommodations, fine dining, exclusive Spa treatments and an endless array of amenities and services, guests are guaranteed a memorable stay. However, we believe that a truly memorable vacation is based on so much more than that, which is why we have designed experiences to reflect the fact that Crete is a destination that really does have it all through bespoke activities that express the island’s tradition and history along with other more pampering, mind expanding experiences.
Take advantage of our outdoor fitness facilities if you expect the very best at training whilst on vacation. For those seeking wellness, rest and relaxation, our on-site Soma Spa using Elemis products promises instant rejuvenation as well as digital detox packages where you’ll be inspired to reconnect with nature, relish the finer things in life and re-centre yourself. Then there are state of the art indoor and outdoor fitness facilities as well as yoga classes for those who expect the very best training facilities whilst on vacation, along with a plethora of sports activities. For guests who are seeking the very best in food and wine, looking fine tune their culinary skills as well as find out more about Crete’s culinary traditions and products, there are a plethora of Food Festivals and Workshops, BBQ nights, Minoan cooking classes, Traditional Pastry Cooking classes as well as Olive oil tasting. Excursions include boat trips as well as other excursions across the island. Other resort experiences include Cinema nights, aqua yoga as well as many activities geared towards children. Finally, CORE, the flagship of Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection’s signature lifestyle, offers bespoke experiences and activities, conceived to elevate the offering of our high-flying retreat ever higher.
DIGITAL DETOX
Have you been finding it hard to take a step back and slow down? Technology might have its benefits, but frequent breaks from it can do wonders for the psyche. Your Greek vacation is an ideal time to treat yourself to a digital detox experience courtesy of Domes Resorts & Reserves. This one- day package is your exclusive pass to pure relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the online realm. Taking part in wonderful activities which include tasting a mood-enhancing breakfast, experiencing the laid-back serenity of a fishing trip and more will ensure you don’t miss your gadgets a single second.
EXPERIENCE CRETAN FOOD AND WINE
World-famous for its flavourful produce and rich culinary traditions, Crete offers a cornucopia of opportunities to explore and savour the flavours, aromas and vintages of this iconic Mediterranean destination.
TAKE A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH THE CRETAN HEARTLAND Experience the Mediterranean diet, right here in its birthplace, with a selection of food tours that take you on a journey through the mountains and villages of Crete. You’ll meet artisan producers and traditional farmers, you’ll learn about the island’s time-honoured culinary traditions, and you’ll sample a selection of field-fresh produce and authentically local foods, including freshly harvested honey and artisanal cheese.
DRINK IN THE ART OF CRETAN VITICULTURE Crete might now be known for its wine… but it should be! Discover the island’s millennia-long viticulture tradition and visit some of the island’s best wineries to sample a selection of wonderful wines made from the island’s indigenous as well we international grape varieties. Alongside the winery tours and wine-tasting, you can also choose to sample other local specialties including olive oil, Cretan cheese and local beer.
COOK LIKE A LOCAL
Join friendly local cooks and bakers and learn how to prepare your favourite Greek and Cretan dishes -from local specialties to well-known staples- using farm-fresh produce and superb local ingredients. The classes take place at fantastically authentic locations, such as farm kitchens and traditional villages, and come in a range of options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. Fun, versatile, and great for the whole family!
EXPLORE THE ISLAND’S TRADITIONAL VILLAGES
Witness the quaint beauty, vibrant traditions and breathtaking nature of Crete’s traditional villages. With plenty of gorgeous destinations in the region around Elounda, you can choose based on your specific interests, including scenery and photo ops, natural attractions, local crafts and culture, and history.
WITNESS THE SPLENDOUR OF ANCIENT KNOSSOS
Visit the palace complex of Knossos to get a glimpse of life here thousands of years ago. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the grounds of the ancient palace and visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, with an experienced multilingual tour guide who will help bring ancient Knossos to life through stories, facts and anecdotes. Knossos is Crete’s foremost must-visit attraction, interesting -and fun!- for grownups and kids alike.
UNEARTH THE SECRETS OF SPINALONGA
Sail to the tiny uninhabited islet of Spinalonga to discover its fascinating history, visit the medi-
eval Venetian fort and wander the streets of the abandoned early 20th century leper colony. Sundrenched and steeped in history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee has stories aplenty to tell, and you’re invited to discover them.
DISCOVER CRETE BY SEA
From adventurous morning excursions to romantic evening sails and everything in between and enchanting trips aboard traditional caiques, a boat tour is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective of the island’s beauty and its many hidden treasures.
CRUISE ALONG THE COAST OF MIRABELLO BAY Enjoy a relaxing, slow-paced experience or lose yourself in gorgeous summertime romance as you cruise along the coast of Mirabello Bay, basking in the glorious sunshine as you visit gorgeous secluded beaches and discover the bay’s rich marine life.
TAKE A MOTOR BOAT OR YACHT TOUR From a touch of adventure to a taste of luxury, you’ll find just the thing in these motorboat and yacht tours. With smaller as well as larger vessels available, you can choose to visit nearby attractions -such as Spinalonga, Kolokytha beach, Mochlos village, or Chryssi Island- or treat yourself to a leisurely luxury cruise further afield with professional staff tending to your every desire.
SAIL ABOARD A TRADITIONAL CAIQUE Set sail for the soul of Crete with a uniquely authentic experience aboard the Meraki, a gorgeous traditional Greek caique. Fully modernised with care to retain every drop of authentic character, the Meraki is a favourite with celebrities and Alisters, and is a guaranteed unforgettable way to experience the crystal clear waters and stunning landscapes of Mirabello Bay.
TAKE A HIKE ON THE WILD SIDE
Experience Crete’s wild natural beauty first-hand with guided hikes of some of the region’s top natural attractions, including Richtis Gorge and its stunning waterfall, part of a protected natured reserve and one of eastern Crete’s best known nature sights, and the strikingly narrow Sarakina Gorge on the island’s south coast.
DIVE INTO MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC
Come find the beach of your dreams! With over 1000 km of coastline, Crete boasts numerous world-class beaches, and many of them are located near Elounda, including Voulisma, Vai, Kolokytha, Almyros, Ammoudi and Agriomandra. Talk to our concierge team for detailed directions or to arrange private transfers -and why not see our Discover Crete by Sea section for more options for reaching the island’s hidden treasures!
VISIT CRETE’S HISTORIC MONASTERIES
Discover eastern Crete’s beautiful monasteries and churches. Based on your specific interests, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to visit key religious sites, admire stunning religious art and artifacts, discover the island’s Venetian and Byzantine heritage, and learn about the region’s religious practices, history and traditions.
OODLES OF FUN FOR LITTLE ADVENTURERS
DISCOVER AN UNDERWATER WONDERLAND Visit the CretAquarium, the Aquarium of Crete – Thalassokosmos in Heraklion, to discover the island’s magical underworld world and learn about the wonderful diversity of Mediterranean fish species and habitats, thanks to the aquarium’s exhibits, installations and cutting edge virtual tours. A fantastically fun -and playfully educational- experience for the whole family!
HAVE A SPLASHING GOOD TIME Enjoy splashing good fun in the sun at Waterparks! Kids of all ages -and their parents!- will love letting loose and enjoying a fantastic range of water games, rides and activities in the glorious Greek sunshine. From exhilarating to relaxing, Waterparks has just the thing for each of you!
GET A TASTE OF THE JUNGLE Spend a day at Amazonas Park, surrounded by a host of exotic -and not so exotic- animals. This private zoo is home to numerous South American species, with a particular emphasis on parrots and monkeys, as well as to Mediterranean and local species, including goats, donkeys, and Barbary macaques from Gibraltar that just love to interact with humans!
BECOME A PALEONTOLOGIST FOR A DAY Whether you have a favourite dinosaur or not, a day at Dinosauria Park is guaranteed fun for the whole family. Kids and grownups alike will learn about dinosaurs through the theme park’s exhibitions, games and activities. The park features numerous life-size dinosaur sculptures and skeletons as well as a collection of bones and fossils in a dedicated museum area.
Our concierge team is at hand to make all necessary arrangements for your unforgettable experience on Crete.
Take a boat trip to Spinalonga island (top). Visit the palace complex of Knossos to get a glimpse of life here thousands of years ago (bottom).
DOMES NORUZ CHANIA, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
ENTER THE WORLD OF EXCITEMENT
A day at Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection is nothing but extraordinary, where every single detail has been conceived to provide bliss.
DOMES NORUZ Chania, Autograph Collection - as its name suggests - represents a haven of rebirth for the mind and senses. Located on one of western Crete's most fascinating locations, this is a property that lends itself ultimately to lavish luxurious leisure within an environment that perfectly fits the surrounding landscape. Imposing yet serene, a sense of openness abounds in every detail, from the 9 metre reception hall dome, the 2 swimming pool areas to its sandy beach. This is a place where everything seems to be extraordinary, where every morning seems like a new beginning, away from the rhythms of everyday life, where after a great night’s sleep, days can begin with a 60’ session of spiritually uplifting yoga accompanied by the sun rising behind a long stretch of sand and the clear waters of the sea. It’s time for breakfast, prepared by our chef at his open kitchen counter, where he will concoct a delicious nutrition packed breakfast using sustainable and locally grown raw foods such as oatmeal, quinoa, seeds, fibers and grains, to perfectly complement that yoga session. After that, the choices are limitless: Spend the rest of the morning on one of our outdoor sun beds, relax at the beachfront swimming pool or enter the over-indulgent world of our Spa to surrender to the experienced hands of our Elemis trained spa therapists where you can sip on infused water with a tasteful blend of local fruits, herbs and spices or a cold glass of Cretan tea, prepared by our mixologist in consultation with an indigenous botanist. Wellness flows from every sip with local flavours from the land of Crete, such as local honey, freshlycut belladonna, lavender, citrus, mint, watermelon and basil. As the sun sets, join us at the Raw Bar for a classic perfectly concocted cocktail. Alternatively, let our bartenders prepare your very own signature drink – just let him know what your favourite flavours are and he will do the rest, then just sit back and sigh at the beauty of the sunset as it spreads across the sky, with a chilled, perfectly balanced cocktail in your hand. Fine dining, captivating surroundings and the soft summer breeze wafting through the air combine to make for the perfect dining experience and the end to a day that has been conceived to provide immunity-boosting, mood-enhancing moments. Feeling pleasantly balanced and rested after a perfect day, another perfect night’s sleep awaits….
EXPERIENCE CRETAN FOOD AND WINE
Renowned for its flavourful produce and rich culinary traditions, Crete offers a cornucopia of opportunities to explore and savour the flavours, aromas and vintages of this iconic Mediterranean destination.
TAKE A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH THE CRETAN HEARTLAND Experience the Mediterranean diet, right here in its birthplace, with a selection of food tours that take you on a journey through the mountains and villages of Crete. You’ll meet artisan producers and traditional farmers, learn about the island’s time-honoured culinary traditions, and sample a selection of field-fresh produce and authentic local dishes, prepared with soul, love and real local know-how, just as they have been for thousands of years.
DRINK IN THE ART OF CRETAN VITICULTURE Crete might now be known for its wine… but it should be! Discover the island’s millennia-long viticulture tradition and visit your choice of some of the island’s best wineries to sample a selection of wonderful wines made from the island’s in-
There is more than one way to travel. Be it by boat, flavors or meditation by the sea, Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection will take you away.
Enjoy sunsets? Dancing? Beer? Beach life? If your answer is "yes" to some of the above, these experiences are for you.
digenous as well we international grape varieties. Alongside the winery tours and wine-tasting, you can also choose to sample other local specialties including olive oil, Cretan cheese and local beer.
COOK LIKE A LOCAL
Join friendly local cooks and bakers and learn how to prepare your favourite Greek and Cretan dishes -from local specialties to well-known staples- using farm-fresh produce and superb local ingredients. The classes take place at fantastically authentic locations, including wineries and farm kitchens, and come in a range of options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. Fun, versatile, and great for the whole family!
TAKE A WALK THROUGH TIME
Guided walking tours are a fantastic way to experience new places -and even rediscover places you’ve visited before! Wandering through the Old City of Chania, you’ll explore picturesque neighbourhoods, visit iconic landmarks, and discover the fascinating stories and secrets hidden in the city’s nooks and crannies, as knowledgeable multilingual tour guides bring the sites to life through historical accounts, interesting facts and fun anecdotes.
EXPLORE THE ISLAND’S TRADITIONAL VILLAGES
Witness the quaint beauty, vibrant traditions and breathtaking nature of Crete’s traditional villages. With dozens of picturesque villages dotting the countryside around Chania, you can choose based on your specific interests, including scenery and photo ops, natural attractions, local crafts and culture, and history.
TRACE THE FRONTLINES OF THE BATTLE OF CRETE
Perfect for modern-history buffs, this tour focuses on the WWII Battle of Crete, codename: Operation Mercury. Learn about the first mainly airborne invasion in military history, trace the course of the Axis invasion and the Allied and civilian resistance, visit or view key sites and locations, browse dedicated exhibitions, and find out how this Mediterranean island helped change the course of history.
DISCOVER CRETE BY SEA
From adventurous morning excursions to romantic evening sails and everything in between, a boat tour is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective of the island’s beauty and its many hidden treasures. With departures from Chania, Kissamos, Sfakia, these boat tours and cruises are a great way to visit some of the island’s best waterside locations -including Akrotiri, Balos, Glika Nera, Loutro, Machairida, Marmara, Menies, Seitan Limania, and Thodorou- as well as other top destinations in the southern Aegean, including Milos, Monemvasia and Santorini. Talk to our concierge team to find out more.
SAIL INTO THE SOUL OF CRETE Enjoy a relaxing, slow-paced experience or lose yourself in gorgeous summertime romance. Sailing boat tours are a beautiful, intimate way to experience Crete and take in the beauty and sights along its coast.
EXPLORE THE ISLAND BY MOTOR BOAT Set off on a day of adventure and exploring! Packing a bit more action, motorboat tours -with smaller or larger vessels- are the perfect way to explore Crete on shorter or longer tours.
TAKE A LUXURY YACHT TOUR Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime with a private tour aboard a luxury yacht. Discreet, professional crew and top-of-the-line service will cater to your every need while you enjoy an incomparable experience of the island.
TAKE A HIKE ON THE WILD SIDE
Go on a guided hike of the world-famous Samaria Gorge and surrounding national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that’s home to unique flora and fauna, or explore one of the area’s lesser known trails that offer breathtaking scenery and views. Crete’s wild natural beauty beckons to be experienced first-hand, with options for casual walkers and experienced hikers alike!
DIVE INTO MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC
Come find the beach of your dreams! With over 1000 km of coastline, Crete boasts numerous world-class beaches, including the famed Elafonisi and Balos, but there’s so much to explore and experience, including: Seitan Limania, Falasarna, Preveli, and Triopetra. Talk to our concierge team for detailed directions or to arrange
private transfers -and why not see our Discover Crete by Sea section for more options for reaching the island’s hidden treasures!
VISIT CRETE’S HISTORIC MONASTERIES
Discover Crete’s beautiful monasteries and churches, tucked away in gorges and remote mountainsides, to view their stunning religious art and artifacts and learn about their unique heritage. Based on your specific interests, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to visit key religious sites, witness the island’s Venetian and Byzantine heritage, and learn about its religious history and traditions.
EXPERIENCE AN UNDERWATER WONDERLAND
Dive into Crete’s glimmering sapphire waters and discover the underwater wonderland that awaits you. Choose from snorkelling -a fun and easy way to explore the sea bed closer to the shore- or scuba diving, with options for experienced, intermediate and novice divers, including lessons with professional instructors. Both options are suitable for children as well as grownups and make for unforgettable family experiences!
Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime with a private tour aboard a luxury yacht. Discreet, professional crew and topof-the-line service will cater to your every need.
DOMES ZEEN CHANIA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, CRETE
BE EPICUREAN
Take your holiday to the next level at Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete, with our bespoke range of epicurean and workshop based experiences.
IT IS SAID THAT the most memorable vacations are built on experiences and here at Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete, we couldn’t agree more. That’s why we have handpicked a series of experiences that we believe are special, authentic and interesting, all treasured activities that highlight the glorious island of Crete, that you can enjoy by yourself or with your family and friends. Based on culinary traditions and the wonderful produce that the island has offered for millennia, we invite you to partake in some of the most authentic, fascinating and memorable things to do in Crete, all curated by our local experts and organised down to the very last detail. Believed to be the oldest recorded dessert in Greece, ‘koumpania’ which are a Greek version of a donut which is round in shape and drizzled with honey are somewhat of a local specialty: The city of Chania is well known for its specific preparation of this dessert which has been prepared and sold from outdoor stands for as long as the locals remember. Here at Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete, this summer we’re going to have an outdoor live cooking station dedicated to this traditional dessert. Using only the freshest ingredients, marvel at our chef as he prepares this delicious dessert and experience the essence of the open-hearted culture of Crete through its local flavors for truly epicurean moments. Moving to wine, Crete’s ancient wine making traditions are well known which is why we invite you to a private wine tasting event with our knowledgeable sommelier. Whether you’re a wine
We invite you to try something new, be it a traditional sweet or a glass of local wine.
Sampling exquisite flavours and spirits as part of the culinary journey at Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete.
aficionado or merely interested in the myth and history of Cretan wines, this private wine storytelling journey unfolds as it chronicles indigenous Cretan varieties, how the Minoans lived, vintage wine tastings along with food pairings with selected tantalizing local tapas, at an inviting openair setting at ENINO, our wine-themed degustation restaurant. Another open aired event, our Artisan olive oil soap workshop is held at our Jungle Spa where you will learn how to make your very own Olive Oil Soap with artisanal skincare products using natural local ingredients such as organic herbs, extra virgin olive oil, dried flowers, beeswax, oil infusions and essential oils. Naturally, you get to take your freshly crafted soap bars home with you and the best part is that you can continue making soaps at home as you will receive detailed instructions from the workshop!
Live the experience of the openhearted culture of Cretans through authentic epicurean moments.
