Review: Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection (Marriott Bonvoy)

This is our review of the Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection resort.

Domes Resorts has added two new properties to their portfolio of luxury resort hotels this year, and now boast twelve resorts in Greece and one in Portugal.

They are a firm favourite in the Head for Points office – both Rob and Sinead have stayed with them at full price – and so I was keen to try Domes Novos Santorini. This resort is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and opened in April.

(The other new property this year is 91 Athens Riviera, a luxury ‘glamping’ destination in Athens).

Sinead likes Domes so much that last year she managed to review two resorts in one trip. You can read her review of Domes Aulus Zante, Zakynthos here and of Domes of Corfu here.

Domes provided my stay for free for review purposes. HfP paid for my flights and incidental expenses.

The Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection website is here.

Arrival and first impressions

Being part of Autograph Collection means that this hotel, while complying with the general high standards expected of a Marriott Bonvoy property, has a level of independence in its approach.

Santorini is synonymous with the volcano that shaped the island into its current form, and it is the volcano which has provided the inspiration for much of the design of the resort and sets it apart from other properties.

I flew direct to Santorini from London, arriving at the small airport of Thira where my luggage was through almost as quickly as I was. A roughly 20 minute / €50 (shared) taxi ride up to the north of the island brought me through a dusty landscape to the resort, which is just outside Oia.

The entrance to the resort is directly off the road. There is an instant transition to a much calmer environment the moment you drive through the gates and pull up to the canopied entrance. The footprint of the resort is such that only a narrow section is directly by the main road and all the accommodation and facilities spread back from there.

The resort is formed of a series of mainly one storey buildings of a natural, pinkish hue. With each of the 52 rooms (or bungalows) having its own pool, and planting that belies the fact that this resort didn’t exist at the beginning of last year, the impression is of an oasis.

Reception was cool and calm. No time is spent at the reception desk as you are immediately ushered to a seating area and provided with a refreshing non alcoholic freshly made lemonade/fruit drink while check in formalities are completed.

From here the receptionist walked with me to my bungalow which was at the other side of the resort, explaining the facilities as we went and answering questions. This was very helpful and is how every guest is treated – no reviewer perks here.

Accommodation at Domes Novos Santorini

My room was a Senses Bungalow.

‘Senses’ meant that my room had a sea view, while ‘Echoes’ bungalows are slightly larger but with a resort view.

First impressions of the exterior were impressive:

and

Every room at this resort has a private pool. Pools vary in size but at a minimum are what I would describe as a large plunge pool, with some of them much bigger.

The image above is taken with my back to the sliding doors out on to the terrace. Out of shot to my left was a desk and chair (despite this not being a business hotel), a large screen with Chromecast functionality on the wall and a retro style Marshall radio.

The (dormant) volcanic inspiration continued in the room interiors with the muted colour palette of volcanic greys and brown, and with the textured surface of the rug and bedhead. Thoughtful lighting completed the overall impression of an aesthetically pleasing calm space.

In terms of ‘kit’ the room was well equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, kettle, complimentary water, a small fridge with soft drinks and spirits (chargeable), iron and ironing board, hair dryer, two large bath robes and slippers. Technical aspects were good with high speed wifi, USB points and multiple sockets.

The bathroom area at the rear of the room was spacious, with a double sink, a well lit magnifying mirror and amenities from The Naxos Apothecary:

…. and a separate drench shower:

The resort also has two villas. I didn’t see inside these as they were occupied but I can tell you that the private pools were large enough to swim, that both have sea views and that they can sleep up to six in two bedrooms and a separate living area (the website says five, but the manager told me that six was OK).

The full list of room types is:

• Echoes Retreat – resort view
• Senses Retreat – sea view
• Echoes Bungalow – larger than the Retreat category, resort view
• Senses Bungalow – sea view (my room pictured above)
• Anesis Bungalow – these are bigger still at between 40 and 47 square metres. There are seven of these and they come with extra ‘haute living’ features including a 30 minute spa treatment per person per stay, upgraded bathroom and welcome amenities, champagne on check in, a signature cocktail by the pool each day and, for stays over three nights, a complimentary transfer from the airport.

The two villas also include the ‘haute living’ features.

I was shown an ‘entry level’ Echoes Retreat with a ‘resort’ view …. from which I could actually see the sea (just!). Here’s the view:

The only difference from my bungalow was that the room did not have the additional round table and chair next to the sofa bed, and was generally smaller, but in terms of facilities and styling it was every bit as good.

Dining at Domes Novos Santorini

The Vatanee Restaurant is at the heart of the resort and offers both indoor ….

…. and outdoor poolside dining:

The ambition for the restaurant is to provide food sourced from the immediate locality (including own organic garden growing a variety of produce including aromatic herbs, lemons, white aubergines and peppers for use in the kitchen).

Dinner at Vatanee is a choice of three ‘culinary journeys’ served for two.

Each of the menu options consists of five meze dishes, a main and dessert. As befits an island, two of the menus focus on fish and seafood, with the other one including lamb.

The food was very well presented, very fresh and beautifully garnished although portions are deliberately small. It is pitched as a ‘gastronomic experience’ and I felt it lived up to this claim.

Service is meant to be intentionally slow to allow you to enjoy your own private view of the famed Oia sunset and your shared dining experience, although if I’m honest it was just a touch too leisurely for me.

All menus start with the same sourdough and ‘dips’ (to undersell them). I then had the Al – Myra menu of ‘Salty’ (onion and crab), Seabass (served raw with coriander and pear) – my favourite dish,

Octopus (with aubergine and eel):

Potato (with garlic and caviar) followed by Amberjack (with jerusalem artichoke and peas) for main:

Dessert was ‘lemon pie’ with chamomile and verbena:

Here’s the view. Life could be worse.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included in your stay. The options are a buffet and/or a selection from an a la carte menu.

The buffet is extensive, offering a good selection of cereals, fruit, yoghurts, preserves, breads, pastries and cakes

…. as well as cold cuts, cheeses, and some Greek specialities including pies.

From the a la carte menu there were also eggs in a variety of ways, pancakes and waffles.

Lunch is available in the restaurant between 1pm and 4pm and includes a slightly pared back version of the evening meze options as well as lighter options.

Room service is also available and a ‘snacks’ menu is offered between 12 noon and 5pm.

Kids Club

Domes Novos Santorini welcomes families. There is a club for children just behind Reception with both indoor and outdoor space, including a paddling pool, of course.

There are two sessions a day, between 10am and 1pm and 3pm and 6pm, for up to 14 children. Family time is between 12 noon and 2pm, when parents can join their children in the space.

Spa and leisure facilities

As well as the outdoor infinity pool with access to the bar and sun loungers shown below:

…. there is an atmospheric subterranean pool:

…. with a sauna, steam room and relaxation area:

These form part of the SOMA spa complex which includes treatment rooms offering facials and massages as well as other treatments. The spa is open between 10am and 6pm during which time non guests can also access it.

There is also a gym, which is open 24/7 for hotel guests only.

As well as the weights area shown above there are treadmills, a stepper and exercise bike (and some natural light!).

Sunrise yoga classes are held here:

…. as well as other regular events including wine tasting, painting classes and concerts.

A shuttle service runs to and from the centre of Oia twice a day, leaving at 11.30am returning at 1.30pm, and again at 6.30pm returning at 10.30pm. I took it on my second night and it was, ahem, a vibrant place – you’ll be sharing your sunset with a huge crowd of Instagrammers.

Conclusion

Be prepared to slow down when you step through the doors of Domes Novos Santorini. Everything is designed to help you relax, including the natural textures of the buildings and interiors and the pools of water everywhere you turn. This place feels personal with only 52 rooms, spread out over quite a large area.

The highlights for me were the room itself with its pool and terrace, a real sanctuary, and dinner at Vatanee.

Prices start at €400-€500 per night in September, dropping to as low as €220 in late October before it closes for the season. As a redemption, it caps at 118,000 points per night and is generally around 100,000. This is a little toppy given our 0.5p valuation per Marriott Bonvoy point, although the Marriott ‘five points nights for the price of four’ deal makes a longer stay on points better value.

You can find out more and book on the resort’s website here.

Many thanks to Marina at Domes HQ and to Duarte and team in Santorini for facilitating this review and making me feel so welcome.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (September 2024)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

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Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

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and for small business owners:

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The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)