Domes Zeen Chania
In collaboration with Casa Cook Chania
UPDATE: As Thomas Cook and therefore Casa Cook has ceased its operations, Casa Cook Chania, always owned and operated by Domes Resorts, has been renamed to Domes Zeen Chania
For some reason or another, Greece has been one of those white dots on my Europe map. It is one of the few places that I haven’t been to and I have only met very few of its people. The opening of the new Domes Zeen Chania however, changed that for me.
On the Northwestern coast of the island of Crete, you’ll find a little brutalist paradise - the new Domes Zeen Chania. Known for their boutique hotels in both Rhodos and El Gouna, this new addition fits the brief of modernist architecture, meets youthful boho vibes and now - family friendliness!
I spent 4 days here together with my bestie, Julie, as part of her birthday celebration and really loved staying here in this modern Mediterranean resort! And I loved the staff here. They were amazing.
Behind the architecture and the design of the resort is the Berlin-based interior design studio Lambs & Lions, who worked closely with Greek architects K-studio and stylist Annabell Kutucu. Together they conceived an impressive modernist village of 106 single-storey villas, clad in concrete and timber, all with minimalist mid-century interiors.
The resort nestles on a sloping hillside, leading into the waters of the Cretan coast. The descend has allowed for an architectural programming of interlaced buildings, overlapping terraces and floating planes to make use of the beautiful views of the waves breaking in the distance.
Villas have private pools with courtyard gardens, offering the possibility of a shady retreats for its visitors. Large floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, extend the stone floor interior onto a natural stone terrace, with sun deck chairs and greenery, adding to the feeling of exoticness.
The entire resort is a choreographed interplay of light, shadow and texture. It’s graphic, emphasised by the hard shadows from the sunlight.
From smooth concrete surfaces to more brutalist, raw texture-rich materials, the sensation is nonetheless warm and welcoming. Concrete and local stone has been softened by lush tropical landscapes and the interior features a mix of stone, dark timber and earthy textured linens and rattan, with a tribal appearance of the terrace furnishing of woven cane and straw. The palette of materials very much accentuate the meeting between sharp and inviting, modern and cosy.
The architectural language of the buildings set along the coastline, including the beach club, concept store and pool transition to a bolder; more brutalist aesthetic, are better prepared for the exposure to the sea and salt air. Despite private pools, visitors are encouraged to venture down the to the beach, from where you can enjoy the sound of the waves from one of their deck chairs.
Communal structures including the hotel restaurant, bar, and art house are also located next to the sea. Here you can leave your kids during the day, or like us, join a morning yoga class next to the sea.
The restaurant offers different meal deals, but I can personally vouch for both getting breakfast and dinner packages for your stay. I was so pleasantly surprised by their local produce and varied daily menu. Also, their extremely friendly staff. I am left with a great impression of the Greek people!
