Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Set into a slope above the Elounda coast, Domes of Elounda looks out over calm turquoise water to the Venetian castle on Spinalonga Isle. The resort holds 110 rooms across four categories: suites, private residences, villas and luxury residences, each with a balcony or deck, air conditioning and a mini bar. It is a large property but a layered one. Four restaurants cover distinct ground: Tholos serves Greek and international dishes buffet-style with theme nights, Topos 1910 focuses on Greek seafood a la carte, Blend runs an Italian fusion menu, and Yaosai, adults only, pairs Japanese and Peruvian cooking. Four bars round out the choices. Guests can dive, snorkel, water-ski or take a guided walk along the shore, and the activity desk arranges scenic helicopter flights and sailing trips further afield. A gym, spa, tennis court and kids' club cover the rest of the day. Off site, the coast offers wine tasting, horse riding and boat trips out toward the old salt pans and Spinalonga itself. Check-in runs from 2pm, check-out at 11am. Staff speak English, French, German and Russian, useful given the mix of travellers drawn to this stretch of Lasithi. The setting does the heavy lifting: still water, a fortress island on the horizon, and a hillside built to face both.