This Secluded Greek Island Resort Has Private Villas and the Island's Largest Indoor Pool — and We Were Among the First to Visit

Domes Novos Santorini is "designed to evoke a sense of relaxation and carefreeness."

GEORGE FAKAROS/Courtesy of Domes Novos Santorini

It had felt like we were on a bachelorette, except none of us knew each other, and no one was getting married. We were simply a group of women who, through various life experiences, ended up on the same trip to Greece. A fierce ensemble bound together by a love of writing, exploration, adventure, luxury, and food — lots of food.

As we stepped off our FlyCycladic charter flight, the thought settled: We had just traveled from Mykonos to Santorini in 30 minutes, a time unimaginable by ferry. With a hop, skip, and jump through the airport, we were quickly whisked away to Domes Novos Santorini, Domes Resorts’ newest property, freshly opened in April 2024.

Upon first glance, you would think we were entering a wellness ranch in Arizona with its terracotta-colored exterior, sleek lines, and clean, minimalist design. The hotel exuded subtle luxury and, more importantly, relaxation.

“Every detail is designed to evoke a sense of relaxation and carefreeness,” said Stella Moumouri, the public relations and communications executive at Domes Resorts. How she spoke of life in Greece as a young woman made me wonder what my life would have been like had I grown up there.

Designed by Kiros Pagkalidis Architects, the earthy-toned haven used local materials like volcanic stone and blonde oak in its construction, while the neutral- and black-accented palette truly embodied the island's geography — I couldn’t get enough of it.

We each checked into our own suite by walking the property's exterior and finding the individualized path directly to the front door of our room. My eye immediately caught the suite’s private pool. It may have been off-season, and the weather was a drizzly 60 degrees, but the water nonetheless looked enticing for a dip.

I was ready to explore Santorini for the second time in my life — the first time as a teen and this second time as an adult.

Below, my review of Domes Resort’s 12th addition to its portfolio and its inaugural property on the beloved island of Santorini.

Domes Novos Santorini

• Each suite and villa comes with its own private pool. 
• At the resort’s restaurant, Vatanee, guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining by Chef Dionysios Anastopoulos.
• The Soma spa has Santorini’s largest indoor heated pool. 
• The property is a 15-minute walk from Oia’s famed coast on the northwestern tip of Santorini. 

The Rooms 

Courtesy of Domes Novos Santorini

The hotel features 50 suites and two villas — just enough to feel like you’re in your own little resort but not crowded enough to be overwhelmed. No matter where you stay, you can catch stunning sunset views from the loungers in your private pool area. Fresh aromas from the olive trees waft into each space, almost as if on purpose.

The rooms, or “bungalows,” as they call them, have a king bed, walk-in shower, sitting area, Marshall speakers, bathroom amenities from The Naxos Apothecary, and 24/7 room service. There’s everything you need and nothing you don’t — a true minimalist’s heaven.

GEORGE FAKAROS/Courtesy of Domes Novos Santorini

“Our goal is to offer an oasis of relaxation with spacious rooms and resort-expected services for a complete experience, away from the crowds,” Duarte Ralha, the hotel manager, told Travel + Leisure.

Courtesy of Domes Novos Santorini

Food and Drink

GEORGE FAKAROS/Courtesy of Domes Novos Santorini

I ate a few times at the only on-site restaurant, Vatanee, which never disappointed. It was an intimate space designed with the same elements as the rooms. Meals there were candlelit, and the peaceful room made slipping in and out of conversation easy.

For breakfast, you can grab-and-go buffet-style. I opted for eggs, potatoes, fruit, and a must-try in Greece: an iced freddo cappuccino. For lunch, I would recommend the tagliolini nero kakavia, a seafood pasta blackened with squid ink.

The night before we left was the most memorable meal, beginning with the starter — a bouquet from the land: sourdough with a Florina pepper spread. Fresh sea urchin and a delicious fava dip of split peas, bonito, and capers followed it. Our main course was octopus with eggplant and eel, something I would rarely order but was delighted to try. The second: cod in seaweed and lettuce. My favorite part of any meal, though, is the dessert: Here, it was an exquisite lemon pie scented with chamomile and verbena and a rich pink chocolate fudge with violet.

Created by Chef Dionysis Anastopoulos, the menu emphasized the philosophy of gathering together — and we did indeed gather and eat together for hours on this trip.

Activities and Amenities 

For amenities, there is a state-of-the-art gym and a deck for yoga and meditation. Activities on the property include painting during the Mark Experience, and while out of the property, you can explore Oia’s streets, sail the Aegean Sea, or discover nearby vineyards.

The Spa

GEORGE FAKAROS/Courtesy of Domes Novos Santorini

The spa was most definitely my favorite amenity. At Soma, you can get volcanic-infused treatments or treatments that use technologies like microcurrent muscle stimulation and light therapy. I received a neck, back, and shoulder massage with Elemis products. It was so good you could easily fall asleep.

GEORGE FAKAROS/Courtesy of Domes Novos Santorini

After treatment, I proceeded to the sauna, steam room, and indoor pool. Alone in the pool with a few other spa-goers, I floated on my back, with my ears in the water. “I am in a heated, indoor pool in Greece, so far away from home. No one can reach me at this moment, and I love it here,” I thought. It’s safe to say I didn’t want to get out and leave the spa.

Family-friendly Offerings

“We welcome families in this famously romantic destination,” Rose Vernikou, senior sales manager, told me of this family-friendly property — a rarity in Santorini, where many hotels are adults-only.

The resort also has a package for kids to stay and play for free. With this package, children under 12 can participate in daily activities and stay without charge with code DOMESKIDS24 upon booking. Some childcare activities include crafts, scavenger hunts, and board games.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Domes Novos Santorini has two rooms that are ADA compliant — both are Senses Sea-View Bungalows.

Location

Located on the island’s northwestern coastline, Domes Novos Santorini is in the perfect location. Just a 15-minute walk from the touristy alleyways of Oia, this hotel is close enough to be in the action but far enough for a peaceful, tranquil rest away from the crowds.

“Many properties cling to the cliffs, but we offer the luxury of space on the flat side of Oia,” Vernikou says.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Domes Novos Santorini offers a complimentary airport transfer that is exclusively available to Haute Living Selection guests, and there is a free shuttle service.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.