Domes Noruz Chania: A Luxury Boutique Hotel In Crete

An architecture/design-lover’s dream. That was the first thought that came to mind when we stepped inside the lobby at Domes Noruz Chania. A boutique luxury hotel perched on the northwest coast of Crete, the adults-only property is sleek, bespoke and stylish. Think: sandy hues, magnificent arches, curved lines and wood detail…

I was first drawn to the Greek hotel because of its name: ‘Noruz’ actually means new day/light in Farsi so I was interested to see how it was reflected in the property. Wow, wow, wow. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed anywhere where natural light is so beautifully combined with striking design elements. I could tell that every inch of the beachfront property was constructed with light in mind.

Knowing the hotel belongs to Marriott’s prestigious Autograph Collection, I went in with really high expectations and can happily report that they were exceeded. Here are my thoughts on some of the highlights…

The Check-In Process At Domes Noruz Chania

Often overlooked at luxury hotels, I think the check-in process really sets the tone for the experience ahead. Hubby and I immediately knew that we were in for a treat as soon as we stepped foot inside the minimalist lobby at Domes Noruz Chania. The staff greeted us, brought us water and sweets and treated us like family. Comfortable luxury at its best: unpretentious and service-oriented. We were given a full tour of the property (it’s so important to know what is avail so you can take full advantage of the amenities) and a full tour of our room.

The Rooms At Domes Noruz Chania

The sister hotel to the legendary Domes of Elounda, Domes Noruz Chania has 83 airy rooms and suites. We stayed in one of the Sublime Lofts overlooking the pool which had its own plunge pool and private hot tub. The design elements inside were equally impressive as the outside — even the sink faucet was beyond the ordinary and hung directly from the ceiling…

But the view…the VIEW. That was the pièce de résistance. I could sit on the terrace and stare at the sea all day…

The Food & Drinks At Domes Noruz Chania

The Beach At Domes Noruz Chania

Although it’s not private, the sandy stretch of sand that hugs the property is the perfect place to relax. Each thatched umbrella is equipped with a lock box for your phone, room key and other small belongings as well as a service button — yesssss, cocktails please! It’s actually quite a romantic spot to wind down at the end of the day…

The Pools At Domes Noruz Chania

The hotel has two, gorgeous outdoor pools and one indoor pool (which is located in the spa — more on that below). Lined with lounge chairs and booths, the poolside vibe is pure luxe…

And yeay for a designated quiet pool that is actually quiet. Staying at an adults-only hotel has its perks! Sorry Little L, but mama needs her R&R…

The Gym And Spa At Domes Noruz Chania

While we didn’t have fitness on the agenda (the photo above was the extent of our calorie burning), I did appreciate that they had the amenities and services available — from yoga and pilates to personal training and TRX. The hotel actually has an onsite fitness expert and the gym is open 24/7! That said, the spa was calling my name… almost literally (it’s called Soma)…

Our stay at Domes Noruz Chania was a special one. It was the first time that my hubby and I had alone time since Little L was born and this was the perfect hotel for our getaway. Private, exclusive, relaxing — all the elements we needed to feel rejuvenated. Put this resort on your bucket list, it will take your breath away…

A huge thanks to Domes Noruz Chania for hosting us. As always, reviews and opinions are my own.