Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Domes of Elounda is an Autograph Collection resort at Elounda on Crete's north-east coast, facing Spinalonga island and its Venetian fortress. Elounda sits on a lagoon between Spinalonga and Mirabello Bay, with sheltered coves and clear water. The resort has 78 suites, 36 residences and four villas, and every suite or villa has its own pool or jacuzzi.

The beach is private, with Vilebrequin La Plage serving seafood on the sand or the pier. There are five pools, Soma Spa, Makris fine dining with the resort's closest view of Spinalonga, the adults-only Chora village and CORE, an open-air space for food, outdoor cinema and events.

Domes Resorts says all its hotels, Domes of Elounda included, host weddings and events, using private pools, beaches, open-air restaurants and gardens. The resort tells us it hosts weddings for 50 to 250 guests but has not published ceremony spaces, so ask the team about the beach, the pier and the restaurant options, which suits your numbers and whether a legal ceremony is possible.

CORE hosts open-air events through the summer, and Makris is the fine-dining choice, so ask whether either can take your dinner or a smaller rehearsal meal. Ask too about the music curfew and the plan if the weather turns.

With 118 suites, residences and villas, a mid-sized group can sleep on site. Ask the team about room blocks and group rates. Adults-only Chora, with stone-built suites and its own pool, suits the couples in your party.

Heraklion airport is about 71 km away. Spinalonga is the outing everyone will want, a fortress island the Venetians built to guard the bay, later a leper colony and the setting for Victoria Hislop's novel The Island. Nearby Agios Nikolaos makes an easy evening out, and the resort runs a summer calendar of Greek food showcases, guest chefs and live music under the stars.