Welcome to a World of Family Luxury at Domes of Corfu
Imagine a place where luxury meets family-friendly comfort, located on the picturesque island of Corfu, Greece. Our trip to Corfu was one of our first attempts at booking a truly family-friendly luxury resort and we had no idea that it would be the start of our quest to find family-friendly luxury for every holiday. By family-friendly luxury, I mean the style, food and atmosphere we were accustomed to prior to welcoming little ones but with the ability for our children to be at the forefront of the holiday with appropriate and fun activities for everyone. For families seeking an extraordinary vacation, Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection, provides the perfect blend of opulence and child-friendly amenities. I would travel back to this resort 100 times over.
The Allure of Corfu
First, where is Corfu? Prior to moving to Europe, I had mostly heard of the major greek islands but very little about Corfu. Corfu is an absolute jewel in the Ionian Sea, known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and warm Mediterranean climate. This island boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations, including the Venetians, French, and British, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As a fun fact, Prince Philip was born on the island of Corfu at the villa of Mon Repos. The villa had belonged to King George I of Greece and was left to Prince Philip’s parents upon the King’s death in 1913. I didn’t know any of this prior to visiting the island but found it fasinating. You’ll definitely feel the British heritage if you decide to spend time in Corfu.
Getting There
Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection is located in the quiet and breathtaking area of Paralia Glifadas beach approximately 40 minutes from the Corfu airport. My family and I made the quick trip from Frankfurt to Corfu over the July 4th holiday in 2023. If available, I always prefer direct flights as I find it much easier for our children (but it’s never impossible even with layovers – we’ve done it many many times and never regretted our decision to continue traveling with little ones.) Direct flights are available from many major European cities, making it a convenient destination even if travelling from the United States. You could most likely book a direct flight from a major US airport to a major European city and then fly info Corfu. As the resort is located in a very quiet and somewhat remote part of the island, we chose to rent a rental car for our visit and I’m extremely glad we made that decision. Parking at the resort is free and easily accessible. If you are only planning to relax at the resort, you can easily set up a shuttle to take you directly from the airport.
Luxurious Accommodations for Families
Upon arrival, we were greeted with warm smiles and a refreshing welcome drink before being whisked away to our suite. The resort even provided our daughter, not quite two at the time, with an age appropriate montessori puzzle that she seriously still plays with today and her brother will likely play with soon. This kept her busy while we continued the check-in process. After check-in, an attendant gave us a tour of the resort and explained dining options, activities for children and areas of for us relax.
This was a somewhat last minute trip for our family and we traveled during peak season. We were still able to secure one of the Horizon Junior Suites which was perfect for our family of three (fun story – I found out I was pregnant with our son days before with this trip. It put a bit of a damper on all the beachside drinks I was envisioning. Luckily the resort has fantastic mocktails!) The Horizon Junior Suite had enough room for us to close the curtains in the living area to provide our daughter a quiet place to sleep. A baby bed was provided to us but if your kids are a bit older, you can use the sofa bed. The resort provided many of the essentail items for children, including kid-friendly bath products, so we were able to travel light (see my post on my minimalist guide for European travel with babies and toddlers. It is my number one recommendation for travelling with little ones.) The suite was absolutely gorgeous and the resort’s attention to detail was unmatched. There are slightly larger rooms available as well as poolside (i.e. swim up) rooms available if you are looking for even more luxury.
Activities for All Ages
One of the highlights of Domes of Corfu is the diverse range of activities available for guests of all ages. There are three pools available – a splash pool (perfect for tiny ones), a gorgegous main family pool and an adults only pool. There is also direct access to the beach with a fantastic selection of umbrellas with fantastic views and five-star service.
During the day, our daughter absolutely loved going to the Kiepos kids club. They accepted toddlers which is sometimes a difficult find or at least requires the supervision of an adult. This gives parents a couple hours each day to read by the beach or schedule a spa package. The kids club is focused on montessori learning and daily activities are included from gardening to cooking/crafts. There’s a playground on-site that our daughter wanted to go to several times a day. I found this to be one of the biggest perks of the resort.
For older children and teenagers, the resort offers activities like water sports, beach volleyball, and excursions to local attractions. Parents can join in on yoga classes, cooking workshops, and wine tastings. There’s truly something for everyone, ensuring that no one feels left out and allows for a packed day of activities.
Unwinding for Parents and Exquisite Dining
While the kids are entertained at the Kiepos club, parents can take full advantage of the resort’s adult-oriented amenities. Domes of Corfu boasts a world-class spa offering rejuvenating treatments, including massages, facials, and wellness therapies. The resort also features gourmet dining options, allowing parents to savor exquisite meals while enjoying the serene ambiance. One night I selected a lamb dinner at Spianada and I still think about how much I enjoyed it. There are four restaurants and three bars on the property which allow you to enjoy a bit of everything. A memory engrained in my brain is our daughter trying to take pillows from every open chair to make a bed for the local cats (much to my horror but no one else seemed to mind! Kids are seriously welcomed and adored here.) In the morning, a buffet breakfast is served overlooking the beach and you can even add a half-board option that provides a fantastic spread of local and organic dinner options via a buffet-style menu if you are planning to stay on-site most days.
Exploring Local Area Attractions
Corfu is brimming with family-friendly attractions that are worth exploring. The island’s capital, Corfu Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant markets. We spent a lot of time wandering through Old Town Corfu, discovering quaint shops and enjoying delicious meals. We had two absolutely fantastic meals in Old Town – one at Rosmarino (Italian) and Brisk (Creative Greek.) Both are two fo my favorite meals since moving to Europe.
Another must-visit is the Achilleion Palace, a stunning neoclassical mansion with beautiful gardens. For nature enthusiasts, the Corfu Butterfly Valley offers a peaceful escape filled with colorful butterflies and scenic walking paths.
We had many local attractions planned but unfortunately our daughter became quite sick during the trip and we needed to rest at the resort more than planned. Regarding this, the resort quickly booked a local doctor to come visit our daughter and provided peace of mind and recommendations on local pharmacies to pick up our prescription. I can’t be more thankful for their quick reaction after her fever spiked quite high. Because of this, I don’t have tons of personal recommendations regarding local area attractions.
Cherished Memories
Creating lasting memories is at the heart of any family vacation, and Domes of Corfu excels in this regard. The resort offers a range of unique experiences that families can enjoy together and routinely organizes family-friendly events, such as beach bonfires and live music so you can truly relax without leaving the resort. In summary, Domes of Corfu is not just a luxurious resort; it’s a place where families can bond, create cherished memories, and experience the best of Greek hospitality. The combination of stunning natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and thoughtful amenities makes it a standout choice for family vacations. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, explore the island’s rich history, or indulge in gourmet cuisine, Domes of Corfu offers it all. We’re so excited to return but this time we will have two little ones joining the fun.