Domes Miramare Corfu oozes glamour and exclusivity

Built for the Onassis family in the 1960s, Domes Miramare was a holiday haunt for the ’60s and ’70s jet-set

Domes Miramare Corfu, A Luxury Collection Hotel – Pavilion Suite Waterfront  132–142m2 – From €897 (about AUD$1,473)

Why stay here?

‘Fit for royalty’ might be an overused term in the luxury sphere, but in the case of this beautiful beachfront resort on Corfu’s eastern coastline, the sentiment rings true. Built for the Onassis family in the 1960s – and frequented by former first lady and style icon Jackie O – the resort was a holiday haunt for the ’60s and ’70s jet-set. A significant renovation and a new pavilion have brought this adults-only resort into the modern era, but it continues to cultivate the discreet, glamorous vibe of its origins. Spread across 25 acres, manicured grounds are dotted with centuries-old olive trees, and guests can recline on a private stretch of picturesque beach overlooking the Ionian. And then there’s the resort’s speedboat Miramaretta, which can whisk you up the coastline to explore the cobblestone streets of Corfu’s UNESCO-protected Old Town.

Design

Originally designed by Greek architect Charalambos Sfaellos in the late 1960s, Domes Resorts has worked to ensure the 182-key property retains aspects of its mid-century heritage while accommodating to the expectations of the modern luxury traveller. Kristina Zanic Design Consultants remodelled the existing property in 2018 and a new Pavilion Wing was completed in 2023, adding 69 rooms and suites along with a new spa, outdoor pool, gym, restaurant, and bar.

My suite was contemporary and luxurious with white marble flooring, warming timber elements, and cream-toned furnishings accented with pops of maritime blue. Both the living room and bedroom featured sliding doors that opened to a generous deck with a private pool and a jacuzzi, while the sea was just a few metres away across a narrow strip of grass.

Elsewhere, the eye-catching Blu Bar’s ceiling was tinged in a deep shade of its namesake hue, with ornate lighting fixtures that dangled from above. The lobby was bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and a domed glass roof, creating a fittingly airy arrival atmosphere with views straight out to sea. Richly decorated in cream tones with a white grand piano, its centrepiece 400-year-old olive tree is a marker of the resort’s heritage and Mediterranean setting.

Dining

Three restaurants serve Greek and Mediterranean specialties, while the breakfast buffet is immense, offering a huge variety of food to cater to global tastes. Starting the day with an al fresco breakfast at 1962 By the Sea felt relaxed and peaceful — I enjoyed sipping coffee while watching the still waters of the Ionian, the Greek mainland just viewable in the distance. At Makris Fine Dining Restaurant, Executive Chef Petros Dimas has created a degustation menu of contemporary Greek cuisine that was recognised at the 2022 FNL Best Restaurant Awards.

Spa and wellness

The Greek-bath-inspired Soma Spa has recently opened in the new wing of the resort, offering an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, and four rooms for Corfiot-inspired and modern treatments using products from Elemis, Augustinus Bader, and iS Clinical. Those wanting to work out can do so with sea views in the fully equipped indoor gym, or outdoors with Pilates, yoga, and functional training sessions.

The special touches

I enjoyed the program of daily events that Domes Miramare provides to enrich and enhance the guest experience. On the agenda during my stay was a presentation on the preparation of ellinikos kafes (traditional Greek coffee), and olive oil tastings with the owner of The Governor, a highly acclaimed local producer of high-phenolic, extra virgin olive oil. It was insightful to learn about the benefits of this herbaceous elixir, the history of its production in Corfu, how to pick a good bottle, and how to distinguish the oil’s flavour profiles during a tasting.

Domes Miramare’s Haute Living Selection (HLS) provides VIP services for guests staying in top-tier accommodations. I received a personalised check-in with a welcome drink and had access to the HLS Living Room with an assortment of fresh fruit, baked goods and drinks, and concierge services throughout my stay.

If you want to upgrade

The 220m², waterfront HRH Ivory Villa features a chic living area, a 55m² swimming pool, a separate entrance, a marble bathroom with a private hammam, and direct access to the sea.

domesresorts.com