• Home
  • Contact
  • Press & PR
  • Fine Print
  • Advertiser Disclosure
  • VTS Business Services

Angelina Travels

miles of inspiration, with all points in between

  • Trip Reports
  • Strategies
  • Credit Card Offers
    • Credit Card Blog Posts
    • CardMatch
  • Points & Deals

The Marriott Sweet Spot Redemption Resort You’ve Never Heard Of

September 29, 2016 by Angelina Aucello 34 Comments

The beauty of miles and points is being able to experience and stay at some of most aspirational luxury properties around the world that we probably wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. Thanks to points and miles, I am grateful for opportunities to stay at some incredible properties over the last few years, such as an out-water villa at the Park Hyatt Maldives, the Presidential Suite at the Grand Hyatt Istanbul, and even the best all-inclusive resort experiences at the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara properties in Cancun.

I’m sure you notice that the most talked about hotel award redemptions seem to be belong to the Hyatt portfolio, and certainly I agree that Hyatt points are insanely valuable; however, my most recent redemption deserves to be glorified as the next best thing in the miles & points because it was that good.a pool with a table and chairs overlooking the waterMy family and I just returned from an amazing vacation in Crete and had an unparalleled experience at one of Marriott’s top-tier category 9 properties. We spent 5 nights at the incredible Domes of Elounda Autograph Collection resort using a “nights and flights” certificate.

Booking The Award

Using 270,000 Marriott points, we got 120,000 Southwest points (and a companion pass valid for 2 years) and a certificate valid for 5-nights at a category 7 property. The typical nights & flights packages offer 7-night certificates, but there is a lesser-talked about 5-night option that is generally only available to Marriott Vacation Club timeshare owners; however, with the right agent, any Marriott Rewards member can redeem for it.

As I mentioned earlier, the Domes of Elounda is a category 9 resort, so it required an additional 60,000 point “up-charge” in conjunction with the certificate. The up-charge points can be deducted from any Marriott account, so if you’re traveling with family or friends, they can always “pitch in” their share ;).

The grand total for the 5 nights was 330,000 points, which breaks down to 66,000 points per night. Yes, it is more than the 45,000 points required per night for a category 9 property (with Marriott’s 5th night free option, it would work out to 36,000 points per night), but also keep in mind that we also got 120,000 airline miles and a Southwest companion pass, which I consider to be an exceptional redemption.a sunset over a body of waterSo What’s The Hype About This Property?

What’s unique about this property is that everyone gets a villa, and the villas are amazing! Each reservation is good for up to 4 adults, and young children are free – so it was an absolutely perfect redemption for our party of 6!

a table and chairs on a patio overlooking a body of water

Breath-taking view from our balcony.

There’s a large bedroom, a living room (with a couch that can be made up into two single beds), a huge bathroom with a tub that can easily fit a family of 4 (or a bubble bath party for the kids), and a balcony that goes on for days with a private hot tub. The view from the balcony is undisputedly the best I’ve seen. Some villas even come with a private swimming pool.a couch with a table and wine bottlesa bathroom with a tub and toiletIt’s also worth noting that there is no resort fee, no parking fees, and breakfast is included daily regardless of your status with Marriott. The breakfast spread was extremely impressive, and comparable, if not better, than some of the nicest Hyatt properties I’ve stayed at.

The resort grounds were phenomenal and so vast (it’s very hilly, so golf carts are always available to take you to different spots on the resort). There’s a family pool area close to the kids club and a few smaller adults-only relaxation pools. The beach has small stretch of sand and is calm and wave-free. There are a number of restaurants on the resort with great food for standard pricing. There’s also daily events and “theme nights” such as a Greek Beach BBQ, Seafood night, etc. with food, music, and entertainment. The area nearby is also really lovely if you have a rental car.a body of water with a rocky island in the distancea patio with chairs and a fence in front of a buildinga pool with chairs and umbrellasLuxury and Family-Friendly Done Right

First and foremost, this might sound like an oxymoron, but the Domes of Elounda was the most luxurious and family-friendly resort I’ve ever visited. Around 80% of the guests had one or two children under 4. I know it’s hard to wrap your head around luxury when traveling with children, but I later found out that the property was named one of the most family-friendly luxury and lifestyle resorts in Europe. All of the little details tailored to the children amazed me one after another.

a child in a hot tub

He has no idea how good he has it!

From the time we checked in with my 2 toddlers, my kids were immediately each given a “welcome amenity” of their own, which included toys, play dough, stickers, and coloring books. Then, when we opened the door to the room, there were standard bathrobes and slippers waiting for us on the bed. I peaked into the crib and my son’s couch bed and there were… wait for it… bathrobes and slippers in toddler sizes!a group of white bags with black and gold designsEven during turndown service, Mickey Mouse pillow chocolates were left for the kids, and we always had baby bath products restocked when our shower toiletries were refreshed. The awareness and acknowledgement of the younger travelers was incredible.a baby wearing a white robeThere’s also a nice-sized kids pool, an on-site playground, and the beach is calm and perfect for young children to play. There’s a reasonably-priced kids club (and also private babysitting upon request) that’s impressive & separated into two groups: 4 months – 4 year olds, and 4-12 year olds. It was nice to see that there was a kids club option for younger kids, since most resorts tend to start at age 4. We personally did not leave our children in the kids club, but we were allowed to pop in and play here and there, and the staff always seemed caring and attentive.a room with toys and toys from the windowIt’s also worth noting that the onsite photographer is far more reasonably priced than I had expected. During a theme night, we caught ourself in an impromptu family photoshoot and were shocked to see that the 4 shots we picked out only cost us 25 Euro total for the digital files!

15,000 Starpoints or 45,000 Marriott Points Per Night

As I mentioned above, a night at the Domes of Elounda costs 45,000 Marriott points per night (or 36,000 points per night if you stay 5 nights and factor in the 5th night free benefit). With the recent Starwood and Marriott merger, you’re now permitted to link your Starwood and Marriott accounts and transfer points freely between programs. The transfer ratio is 1 to 3 from Starwood to Marriott, meaning that this resort can be booked for only 15,000 Starpoints per night, which is an incredible sweet-spot redemption!

You can also do what I did and redeem for a nights and flights package – redeem for a 5 night, category 7 certificate, and “upgrade” it to category 9 with points, for a total of 330,000 Marriott points or 110,000 Starpoints (and get 120,000 Southwest points and a companion pass)!

If you need a boost in Marriott points, right now the Marriott Rewards credit card offers 87,500 Rewards points (transferable to ~29K Starpoints) after spending $3,000 within 3 months and adding an additional user card. Thanks for your support if you chose to apply by clicking below.

Bottom Line

I’m still on Cloud 9 by how exceptional this resort was, and I’m in disbelief that I’ve never even heard about it previously on any of the blogs (we were also the only Americans there – there were predominantly English, German, and Russian families at the resort). I guess it’s an honor to be the first to be able to share this gem with others!

There’s exceptional value given that there are no hidden fees, rooms can fit up to 6 if traveling with children, and an amazing breakfast is included every single day. In all honesty, I’d choose this place over the Park Hyatt Maldives in a heartbeat!

Have you visited or considered the Domes of Elounda Marriott property before? It’s heaven on earth, and I can’t wait to return!
a black and white text

Chase Sapphire Preferred HIGHEST OFFER EVER! Earn 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards (worth $1,250 towards travel or you can transfer points 1:1 to leading hotel and airline partners) after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. Learn more about and compare this card here.

Related

Filed Under: Trip Reports

About Angelina Aucello

Hi! I'm Angelina, and traveling and deals excite me. Simply put, I'm a points & miles fanatic who takes too many vacations.

Comments

  1. Bob says

    September 29, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Which airline option did you use and which routing, thanks?!

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 29, 2016 at 5:37 pm

      Bob, we actually took an overnight cruise from Athens, which was fun, affordable, and we were able to bypass getting a hotel in Athens. But the closest airport to the resort is Heraklion (HER). Aegean has several flights daily from Athens for around $50-70 – flight time is about an hour

      Reply
      • Angelina Aucello says

        September 29, 2016 at 5:38 pm

        Also worth noting that it’s an hour and 10 minute drive (or 70 euro taxi) from HER to resort. Rental car is highly recommended and affordable.

        Reply
  2. dan says

    September 29, 2016 at 5:36 pm

    wait til 1/1/17 to get the CP; hope it will be around then

    about the 5 nites, could u share which # to call & tips on how to get it instead of the standard 7 nites?

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 29, 2016 at 5:43 pm

      Just called the regular Marriott rewards reservation number. I spelled out exactly which package I wanted and the cost in miles, so I pretty much lead the conversation. But I’m now hearing that it’s becoming a bit difficult to find an agent willing to allow the 5 night option. YMMV but you can always hang up and call again. Being confident and prepared helps :) good luck!

      Reply
  3. Benlampoo says

    September 29, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    Great review. Looking for a place that combines family friendly and luxury. I will definitely look into this. Should I wait until Jan 2017 so I can get the SW companion pass for 2017 and 2018?

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 29, 2016 at 5:40 pm

      You will love it! Yes certainly wait until January – but hopefully the 3 to 1 transfer ratio is still available between Starwood and Marriott by then.

      Reply
  4. Smh says

    September 29, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    Smh…out here encouraging fraud. You are not a marriott vacation owner, so u shouldnt qualify for these.

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      Of course in life you can pick and choose what you’re comfortable with doing.

      Reply
  5. Leon says

    September 29, 2016 at 9:18 pm

    Your post stated that everyone gets a villa but the website showed they have suites and villas. Also, how young is the child for it to be free?

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 12:27 pm

      When I called to book I had the option for a standard villa (suite? I guess) or a family villa. Both were the same award price. I believe under 4 is free for children.

      Reply
  6. Hammer says

    September 29, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    Love the idea of taking the wife and kids to Europe on a beach vacation. Wife says beach and pools are “European style” (in Europe, go figure) so not sure. Did u find this to be the case at this resort?

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      “European style” as in topless? ;) LOL (definitely not the case at the resort, but did spot some on the local beaches).

      Reply
  7. Ryan says

    September 30, 2016 at 1:52 am

    Looks nice but category 9 hotels are not sweet spots. It depends on what the going rate is for the room before it can be referred to as a sweet spot.

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 12:31 pm

      The going rate for the room was $491 before taxes during the time we were there. I find it to be a killer redemption considering the fact that I got 120K southwest points, a companion pass for 2 years, and $2500 in incredible accommodations with extras. Definitely a sweet spot in my eyes.

      Reply
  8. Cooper says

    September 30, 2016 at 2:47 am

    This looks very tempting. How do you get a villa for 4 adults? I only see suites for up to 3 adults for points redemption online. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 12:32 pm

      I called in and the agent said up to 4 adults can be included on the reservation. Children under 4 were free.

      Reply
  9. Raffles says

    September 30, 2016 at 3:38 am

    Thanks Angelina, this is VERY interesting given my 2 kids, easy access from London and my newly minted Marriott points.

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 12:33 pm

      You will LOVE it :)

      Reply
  10. Christian says

    September 30, 2016 at 8:01 am

    We stayed at the Starwood Blue Palace in Elounda two years ago and I just booked a trip back to Greece for 2017 (due to recent great availability using UA miles) and I wanted to try this resort out. The Nights + Points option is what I was looking at but everything I have read is that the 5 night awards are only for Timeshare owners and no longer available to other MR members (I’m a newly minted Plat. due to SPG Plat.)

    Are the 5 nights still available? Or did you have the certificates? 7 nights is too much for us so only the 5 night option would work.

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      Ah the Blue Palace looked awesome! I didn’t even know it was a Starwood property.. would love to check it out next time too, but really loved this resort. I am not sure if 5 night option is still available, we got ours in January of this year. Crossing fingers for you – 5 nights was perfect, but definitely wouldn’t mind staying a bit longer!

      Reply
  11. Charlotte says

    September 30, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    Is there any reason you chose this resort over fellow sister property Domes Noruz Chania (also Category 9)? With “Nights and Flights”, do you have to take all 5 or 7 nights at the same property at once?

    Reply
    • Angelina Aucello says

      September 30, 2016 at 4:04 pm

      That property looked amazing! However it’s an adults-only resort and we were traveling with kids. Also, yes you need to use it entirely at one single property.

      Reply
  12. ToddC says

    September 30, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Great post. I know the SPG and Hyatt hotels quite well. With Marriott’s acquisition of SPG, I need to learn the Marriott properties. I would love to stay at this property in Crete. Thanks!

    Reply
  13. Michael says

    December 27, 2016 at 4:44 am

    Hi, very helpful.. How did you get the Southwest points? Who do you have to call to get that? thanks M

    Reply
  14. Eric says

    January 9, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    Angelina, great post! Where did you book your overnight cruise from Athens? Which airline did you take? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Ramzi says

      June 29, 2017 at 4:08 pm

      Would also like your info on this.

      Reply
  15. Drew says

    April 21, 2017 at 10:06 pm

    ive had this post bookmarked since it came out and finally had the chance to book it! Im excited based on this post to go next month! Thanks for the great write up!

    Reply
  16. Raymond says

    August 16, 2017 at 5:49 pm

    Hi Angelina,

    Beautiful article ! Where can I find the information for the 5 nights package ? Any particular technique or wordings that you used to get that 5 nights package ?

    Thanks,

    Reply
  17. Tigris says

    June 5, 2018 at 12:16 am

    Hi Angelina, I know it’s been a couple of years since the writing of this piece, but I was wondering if I am still able to use Marriott’s 7 night cert. for this property for staying 5-6 nights only (not sure if we’ll be able to stretch it to 7 nights) with additional points added since this is a category 9.

    Reply
    • Drew says

      June 5, 2018 at 3:22 pm

      That you can. You’ll just have to pay the difference in points

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How to Use Points to Plan Multigenerational Trips - Trivoso says:
    March 14, 2019 at 11:15 am

    […] spot” award redemptions that resulted in an utterly exceptional multigenerational trip was at Marriott’s Domes of Elounda resort in Crete. What’s great about this property is that everyone gets a villa, and each […]

    Reply
  2. Comparing 5 Puerto Vallarta Resorts You Can Book Using Points - Angelina Travels says:
    September 28, 2023 at 5:25 pm

    […] would be an additional expense. Truthfully, I tend to save and use my Marriott points for the nights & flights packages or convert them to Starwood points to redeem for airline miles, so this property is not really high […]

    Reply
  3. The Martinhal Chiado in the Heart of Lisbon is the Most Family-Friendly Resort We've Ever Visited - Angelina Travels says:
    September 28, 2023 at 5:26 pm

    […] their way to recognize children as guests too, and prior to visiting the Martinhal, there was only one other resort that I fell in love with that really nailed it with acknowledging little ones. Sometimes the tiniest little details that are catered to children […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Me

ANGELINA AUCELLO
Hi! I'm Angelina, and traveling and deals excite me. Simply put, I'm a points & miles fanatic who takes too many vacations.

Top Credit Card Deals for October

Angelina Travels May Receive A Commission From The Links Below. See our Advertiser Disclosure

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Earn 100,000 Bonus Points & 2X on travel and dining

IHG(R) Rewards Club Premier

IHG(R) Rewards Club Premier

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Earn 50,000 Bonus Points + $300 annual travel credit, 3X on travel & dining, 10X on Lyft

Subscribe

Enter your Email:

What’s Hot

  • Be Careful With Venmo Descriptions and What to Do if Your Venmo Account is Frozen
  • Flight Review: JetBlue Mint LAX to JFK
  • Accor A|Club Free Platinum Status is Back Again
  • 10 Things to Know About Grand Hyatt Kauai
  • Everything You Need to Know About Plane-Spotting at Maho Beach SXM

As Seen On

Angelina Travels on Facebook

Angelina Travels on Facebook
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2025 · Angelina Travels All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Angelina Travels with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

Cleantalk Pixel