The spirit of Greek hospitality
The Greeks have a special word for hospitality: Xenia. It means “guest-friendship”. It is an ancient concept of hospitality, the generosity and courtesy shown to those far from home who need a place to rest. Today, it is much deeper than that. It is an unspoken cultural rule showing strangers generosity and courtesy. And it is what transpires at the newly refurbished Domes Lake Algarve.
Boasting family resorts and adult-only five-star hotels in Crete, Corfu and Zante, Domes is among Greece’s fastest-growing luxury hotel groups. The Lake Hotel is their most significant novelty yet; it is the group’s first unit outside Greece.
Open under its new insignia since April this year, the luxurious resort has quietly transformed into a Mediterranean haven of peace and hospitality. It aims to give every client an unforgettable experience, raising the bar with incredible service, newly decorated bedrooms with a strong Mediterranean feel and an array of new gastronomic offers.
The large palatial building counts 192 rooms and suites, most of which have been refurbished in shades of turquoise, blue and beige. VIP guests staying in the Emerald and Sapphire Suites and Family Rooms are given access to the Haute Living Room, a type of members club where affiliates can enjoy drinks and nibbles all day in an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere.
The resort’s location is undoubtedly one of its biggest assets. Close to Vilamoura’s International Marina and within walking distance of the beach, it overlooks a private seawater lake circled by a 1.2km wooden deck, stretching through the manicured gardens towards observation pergolas.
The grounds feature three freshwater swimming pools surrounded by lawns on which sit large sunbeds with thick cushions. One of these is a sandy pool – a unique experience for those wanting to go to the beach without leaving the resort. The poolside bar, Apricus, serves drinks and snacks throughout the day in a bohemian Mediterranean Island vibe.
Guests will be tempted to laze by the pools. However, because experience is key in this resort, there are plenty of daily activities ranging from yoga, Pilates, and meditation to canoeing and SUP on the lake and HIIT training. All of which can conveniently be booked on a mobile phone via a mini-site. Positioned as a family-focused resort, Domes Lake offers myriad activities for kids of all ages in a safe and tranquil kids club called Kiepos (‘garden’ in Greek). For adults seeking health and wellness, the award-winning Soma Spa combines ancient Greek methods and contemporary healing techniques with Elemis and Godage Paris products. Treatments include massages, facials and more, and the adults-only facilities comprise an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and a gym with large windows overlooking the sandy pool.
Gastronomy is an essential part of Greek hospitality, and Domes Lake Algarve makes a point of having options for every palate at every time of day. Its five restaurants and bar combine Greek heritage with Portuguese flavours and the Algarve’s freshest seafood.
At the bottom of the large staircase from the lobby, the resort’s two main restaurants set the mood for the day. Gustatio, where breakfast is served, changes its culinary theme every evening. Portuguese comfort food comes together with a Mediterranean twist in a warm and welcoming décor in earthy shades of taupe.
Opposite, Topos, the Domes signature restaurant, with its fresh white and turquoise Mediterranean vibe, serves neo-Greek and Portuguese seafood. Chef Vítor Moreira takes his guests on a culinary journey from the Algarve shore to some of the most beautiful Islands in the Aegean Sea.
Sitting on a wooden deck, Makris on the Lake is the star of the resort. The new restaurant is an incredible floating fine-dining experience, highlighting Mediterranean cuisine paired with Portuguese gastronomic culture. Chef Petros Dimas creates seasonal menus designed to stimulate all the senses with dishes such as red mullet with saffron and cuttlefish ink, velvety Iberian pork, crab tart with cream, green apple and beluga caviar and tandoori scallops with bergamot.
For lighter meals, the elegant Raw Gastro bar serves original cocktails paired with eclectic raw gastro finger food such as cured cod ceviche with citrus and coriander sprouts, and seabass and scallop tartare marinated in citruses served with peas and wasabi purée.
Last but not least, Sora, their beach restaurant, is just a short walk from the resort. The white structure on wooden stilts overlooking the Rocha Baixinha beach is a welcoming boho-style oasis on hot summer days. Classic dishes such as seafood cataplanas, clams à Bulhão Pato, grilled tiger prawns and oysters are served with chilled Portuguese wine or a signature cocktail at sunset. The best of Greek hospitality, in one of the Algarve’s top locations.
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