Review: Domes Novos Santorini, Autograph Collection

Why book?

For a laid-back stay that's a stone's throw from Oia and yet feels a world away from the crowded cobbled streets. Where all rooms come with private pools, plenty of room for families, as well as those famed Santorini sunsets.

Set the scene

This isn't your typical trad white-washed bolthole. Instead it's a modern, low-set complex in an intoxicating shade of terra-cotta pink. One that changes with the light, and matches the sky perfectly during the island's famed sunset—best admired from the poolside Vatanee restaurant. Inside, the reception is dark and sultry, with a plush lounge and black bar from which you're served homemade lemonade and macarons while you check-in. From there it's a golf cart jaunt or breezy step-free stroll to your room.

The backstory

The design-led hotel group is quickly taking over this blessed part of the world, with 11 properties across Greece and as well as the Algarve in Portugal. Their hotels are a mix of adult only, family-friendly and all-inclusive, all with a laid-back and inherently cool approach. For their Santorini debut, the group worked with Kiros Pagkalidis Architects to transform an arid slice of the Tholos region into a sculptural, wildflower-filled stay that opened in April 2024. The hotel's angular pink walls are peppered with volcanic stone, blonde oak, and fragrant gardens that have already begun to attract butterflies. All of this peace and serenity is within a five-minute drive from the bustling cruise-crowded cliffs of Oia.

The rooms

The serene and uber-sleek interiors are by designer Olivia Siskou, who has previously worked on other Domes addresses. Across the 50 rooms (referred to as retreats or bungalows, depending on size) and two villas, the layout and decor vary. All enjoy a consistent aesthetic, though, in the form of elegant monochromes and neutrals—smart striped pillows and walls with hieroglyphic-style etched shapes. All come with private pools (although not necessarily with privacy), terraces and large marble bathrooms with double vanities. As someone who struggles to sleep in air conditioning, the ceiling fans are a small yet appreciated detail. As are the lush Naxos apothecary products in the bathroom. Terrace views range from either lovely pink floral gardens or out to the blue Aegean. For the best vantage point, plump for room 207 where you can take in sea vistas right from bed.

Food and drink

Local chef Dionysis Anastopoulos heads up the hotel's Vatanee restaurant, a scenic spot overlooking the main pool and beautiful sunset views. Contrary to the classic pool-side set up though, you won't find the typical burger and chips. Instead, the concept is ‘gastromezze,’ where supper comprises three tasting journey choices, with four courses that are made to share. Each option starts with a prized loaf of freshly baked sourdough bread, which arrives at the table perched on a wooden hemisphere with a choice of olive oils. From there, each dish is presented like a work of art—a cuttlefish fishcake on a glass dome, a ceramic sphere that unfolds to reveal beef tenderloin with a top level of caviar. It's a decadent adventure, but one that luckily doesn't drag on and leave you bursting—I easily found room for the delicate lemon pie pudding, served on a textured round stone, and deconstructed with lemon gel. In the mornings, expect the usual breakfast buffet spread with local highlights including the dollopy-thick Greek yogurt, homemade jams, honey, pies, and pastries.

The spa

One of the benefits of being located on the cusp of Oia is not just the peace and quiet but also the space—a notable asset at the hotel's Soma spa. Leaning into its subterranean location, this is a tranquil and earthy burrow featuring a few treatment rooms as well as a sauna, hammam, chromatic showers, and an impressively expansive heated pool with a hot tub section—well worth a visit in itself. Treatments use Elemis products and lean towards wellness and relaxation rather than clinical. Think restorative body balms, aloe vera mists, and volcanic-infused treatments.

The service

Wonderfully warm and eager to please, particularly at the restaurant where they quickly learnt my morning coffee order. No matter how many times my three-year-old son dropped his toys from the table, the calm staff were more than happy to come to his rescue too, much to my embarrassment. The team at reception are also fantastic for making recommendations and reservations for restaurants in Oia.

The neighborhood

Beautiful Oia is located just a couple of minutes' drive up the hill. A complimentary shuttle ferries guests up twice a day, and while it is possible to walk it, it's not recommended as a footpath isn't available the whole time.

For families

Santorini isn't known for being a hotspot for families—the island's best hotels are typically adults-only. And while this bolthole has the look and feel of a grown-up retreat, it also welcomes children via a range of very appealing features. Firstly, it's incredibly stroller-friendly, with no steep stairs or narrow laneways required to reach your room. All rooms have little couches that can easily double as beds for little ones, while the bungalows have room for two kids. Best of all though, there's a discreet Montessori kid's club hidden amongst the series of sculptural buildings, which includes an air-conditioned playroom, an outside paddling pool and the cutest mini bathroom for tinies. Staff are expertly skilled in entertaining and engaging all ages via cooking and craft classes, and were happy to sit with my son and have a tea party with the beautiful plush animals that live there.

Eco efforts

Visible eco efforts include sustainable packaging and products throughout the rooms and communal areas, and guests are encouraged to reduce unnecessary washing where possible by operating on an ‘opt-in’ method for washing towels and sheets at daily turndowns. A chef's garden of vegetables and herbs is currently in the early stages of growth, while much of the restaurant's menu focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. The spa uses products free from parabens and harmful ingredients, and treatments aim to use minimal water and biodegradable or fully recyclable disposable materials. All of these fall under Domes’ broader environmental and sustainability objectives to “be active in every way possible to protect the environment and prevent pollution.”

Accessibility

There are two wheelchair-accessible rooms at the hotel, both of which are of the same room category: Senses Bungalow Sea View with Zen Pool.