Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection

This is a difficult review to write as we had a lovely holidays in Santorini. We feel this hotel has all the right ingredients to be a great luxury resort, but does not fulfil it at the moment. The rooms are lovely and spacious, well equipped and the private pool and sea-view was fabulous. However, the whole establishment feels extremely new - as such we feel that it's still trying to develop. The minimalist design creates a very austere and harsh environment, but this could be because the planted areas, and come to that other areas, need to mature. There are no quiet communal spaces to sit as there are only a very few loungers around the pool next to the restaurant. There is no atmosphere at all. Most guests seem to eat out elsewhere, as we did, as the restaurant was always bare and under supported. The staff as individuals were lovely, smiley, welcoming and helpful but somehow did not deliver. We had a faulty toilet which required four visits on successive days by Maintenance. It was dealt with so well, but even as we left the bathroom wasn't functioning as it should. The complementary bottle of wine provided as a goodwill gesture was highly appreciated, but shouldn't have been necessary. We were told that we would receive a small gift on departure, this never happened. On one occasion we booked the very useful shuttle a day in advance with Reception but our names weren't added to the list when we boarded on the day. Most, if not all, of the issues were dealt with beautifully, but surely these issues should not happen in a five star establishment. To put it simply, the overall "package" did not meet our experience at other Domes resorts. All this being said, we enjoyed our stay, and for us the location just outside Oia was a peaceful retreat from all the crowds and coaches. The 20 minute walk up the main road isn't pleasant but great exercise.

I don't know who is writing the reviews for this resort as it was the most disappointing stay we have ever had in a resort. The food was dreadful and completely inedible or completely cold and clearly reheated but not efficiently. The service was as if no one cared and communication was a huge problem. The breakfast was dreadful and so limited and the dinner menu was just awful. We tried on 2 occasions to be able to eat the food and it was unbelievably bad. What a disaster of a holiday for somewhere that is supposed to be 5 stars. I am awaiting an offer of compensation for the upgrade for the food we were unable to eat.

Superb hotel. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by Ioanna we felt so welcome and knew this hotel was going to be good. Our bungalow had the comfiest bed I’ve slept in for a long time. The staff in the hotel were friendly, kind and thoughtful. Nothing was too much trouble. The breakfast buffet was excellent and the range of food was huge and well presented. Kelly and Georgia thank you for looking after us Vatanee restaurant was a very unique experience. A roof top restaurant with stunning sunset views. Thank you to Xeni, Fortini (wrong spelling) and Paulos. Great service.

Currently at the Domes Novos Santorini. It’s almost midnight and we’re still working with the hotel to figure out the best solution for our room that does not have a functioning lock. We contacted the front desk at 9:00 pm, went to dinner at the hotel restaurant and came back to find that no progress had been made. Apparently, not a concern to hotel management as we have had to initiate any conversation about what to do for the night. Hotel is charging full price, but has many obvious kinks to work out before they’re ready for customers. Very disappointing given our experience with Domes properties on Crete.