Domes White Coast Milos Review: Beautiful Setting, Disappointing Service

Sunset view of a hammock beside the infinity pool at Domes White Coast Milos with a whitewashed chapel in the background.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I truly love.

As part of our recent trip to Greece, we spent several nights at Domes White Coast Milos. Of all the hotels on our itinerary, this was the one we were most excited about. The photos promised stunning architecture, dramatic views, and the kind of elevated service you’d expect from one of the island’s most expensive properties.

It’s for that reason that I feel disheartened to be writing a review that is less than glowing. While there were certainly positives to our stay such as the views, the pools, and the quiet setting, our overall experience fell short of expectations. For the price point, I believe the service, attention to detail, and overall consistency simply weren’t there. In this review, we share our honest impressions, both good and bad, so future guests can make an informed decision.

Arrival & Check-In to Domes White Coast

Domes White Coast was the only hotel on our trip that didn’t reach out in advance to confirm arrival details. We will give them some benefit of the doubt here since we booked through Expedia, though they did have our phone number on file. A quick message would have gone a long way, especially since finding the property was somewhat confusing. Located about ten minutes from Adamas, the hotel sits at the end of a bumpy dirt road with minimal signage. At night, the roadside sign is hard to spot, and the turnoff by the construction fencing is easy to miss.

Elevated view from Domes White Coast Milos showcasing private infinity pools, rocky coastline, and turquoise Aegean waters.

When we arrived, we unloaded our bags ourselves before a staff member eventually came out to help. The wait wasn’t long, but it still felt less welcoming than other hotels we visited on this trip. Inside, the staff greeted us with a tasty welcome drink and invited us to sit on the reception couch. Here, they presented us with a large stack of paperwork to complete, including terms, conditions, and marketing consent forms. They also provided us with a map of restaurant and activity recommendations, though we suggest doing your own research. Local business owners later warned us that in Milos, hotels often charge commission fees to include them on these lists.

Refreshing welcome drinks served at Domes White Coast Milos reception, styled with a wooden table, modern decor, and a bright book accent.
Complimentary welcome gift at Domes White Coast Milos including local breadsticks, olive products, and a personalized note.

Once we finished filling out the documents, a staff member gave us a quick tour and showed us to our room. The process felt a little more formal than expected, but the reception staff were kind throughout. We also appreciated being allowed to check in to our room more than two hours early.

The Property

Domes White Coast sits on a quiet stretch of Milos’s northern coastline, offering dramatic views of Sarakiniko beach and the Aegean. The location feels peaceful and secluded, but with little within walking distance, a car is essential. Fortunately, the property is centrally located, with Adamas, Plaka, Pollonia, and Sarakiniko all just a short drive away.

Panoramic view of the rugged coastline and turquoise waters near Domes White Coast Milos with ongoing hotel expansion construction in the foreground.

The hotel features stark white buildings that frame the natural scenery. The minimalist Cycladic architecture is striking, although at times, the simplicity can feel a bit austere. The property is also currently under construction as part of an expansion project. Although there was no active construction during peak season, the unfinished areas occasionally distracted from the otherwise beautiful setting. We also noticed that each time we drove through the property’s entrance, we smelled an unpleasant sewage-like scent. In responses to other reviews, management attributes this to “natural odors from surrounding terrain,” but it was unpleasant nevertheless.

Facilities and Programming

In addition to private plunge pools, there are two communal pools. Both are beautiful, but service around them was almost nonexistent. We had to walk into reception to request towels and ordering a drink required walking to the bar area inside the hotel restaurant. We also struggled for several minutes with the umbrella (in full view of reception), and nobody came to assist us, other than the couple seated next to us who voiced the same experience. The hotel also has a limited gym, with just a few basic machines and weights.

Sparkling infinity pool at Domes White Coast Milos overlooking a small whitewashed chapel with blue dome set against the rugged island landscape.
Illuminated Domes White Coast Milos exterior at night, showcasing modern Cycladic architecture and private plunge pools glowing against the dark sky.

To make the property more lively, the hotel hosts weekly programming such as “Bubbles & Oysters” (€10–€24 per oyster, champagne from €245) on Wednesdays and Sundays, traditional Greek music on Thursdays, and an invite-only Saturday cocktail gathering for management’s “most preferred” guests. We skipped the oyster night and did not find any music when we returned from our early dinner Thursday night. We also weren’t around for the Saturday event, though we were admittedly curious about what determined who received an invitation.

The Room

We booked a “Superior Suite” with a sea view and private chill-out pool. At just over 300 square feet, the room felt small to be marketed as a suite, though it generally matched our expectations and the photos online. When we arrived, a welcome amenity awaited us: breadsticks, rose-flavored candy, and a bottle of cheap rosé wine. The built-in mini fridge wasn’t working, and in its place we had a temporary unit squeezed under the counter. On the positive side, the bed was comfortable, and the pillow menu offered some flexibility, which we always appreciate.

Private balcony at Domes White Coast Milos with daybeds overlooking the Aegean Sea and distant islands.
Modern bathroom in a Domes White Coast Milos suite featuring a stone sink, robes, and spa-style amenities.

Our private pool was a highlight, though it wasn’t as pristine as expected. Despite claims that staff clean the pools daily, we regularly found dirt at the bottom. The inside of the rooms also have some design quirks worth noting. The shower is separated from the bedroom only by a sheer curtain, which may feel uncomfortably exposed for some travelers. The bath products smelled pleasant, but instead of the Molton Brown and Diptyque amenities pictured in the hotel’s marketing, we found large plastic bottles from a brand called “The Naxos Apothecary.”

Cliffside private pool at Domes White Coast Milos with uninterrupted views of the deep blue Aegean Sea and rugged coastline.

Housekeeping was consistent but unremarkable. The team serviced the room twice a day and left fresh water and mastiha cookies at turndown, which we appreciated. Still, the level of detail fell short of what we’ve come to expect at this price point. Small touches, such as arranging toiletries on the vanity or neatly re-wrapping the hair dryer cord, simply never happened here. More concerning was a long hair left on the shower wall when we arrived that remained there throughout our stay. None of these issues ruined the experience, but they reinforced our impression that the hotel could improve its attention to detail.

Dining & Drinks at Domes White Coast

Domes White Coast has one on-site restaurant, Makris Milos, a sister property to Michelin-starred Makris in Athens. The menu, designed by Chef Patron Petros Dimas, leans toward fine dining and is priced far above most local restaurants. While the restaurant has received positive reviews, we chose to spend our evenings exploring Milos’s traditional tavernas instead. We believe that restaurants such as Avli-Milos and ‘Oh! Hamos!’ provide a more authentic experience and far better value.

Fresh breakfast spread at Domes White Coast Milos featuring croissants, yogurt with granola, fruit, bread, cold cuts, and local jams.
Breakfast menu at Domes White Coast Milos featuring premium selections like lobster benedict, salmon with caviar, ribeye steak sandwich, and protein smoothies.

Breakfast is served at Makris and follows an à la carte format. Guests start with fresh juice, coffee, and a choice of two appetizer platters: the “Local Routine” or the “Continental Breakfast.” Both include pastries, meats, cheeses, yogurt and seasonal fruit, followed by a selection of main courses. Some menu items are included, while others, like caviar add-ons, come with hefty surcharges. Service here was attentive and the views of Sarakiniko and the sea made for a beautiful setting. The appetizer platters were generous and flavorful, but the main courses were inconsistent. One morning’s eggs benedict arrived cold and undercooked, while scrambled eggs the following day were dry and overcooked.

Refreshing Aperol spritz cocktails by the infinity pool at Domes White Coast Milos under the bright afternoon sun.
Two cocktails, an old fashioned and espresso martini, enjoyed at Domes White Coast Milos with a golden sunset backdrop.

The property also has a bar, though there’s no dedicated indoor seating. Instead, guests can enjoy drinks in the lounge area between the restaurant and pool. We found the cocktails to be well-made but very expensive. When I asked for a recommendation, the bartender suggested an off-menu option priced at €50–€60 for a single cocktail. Thankfully, I asked the cost before agreeing. Even when I followed up with a request for something from the menu, he again pushed for premium liquor upsells. While we did enjoy our cocktails, the ordering experience left a bad taste in our mouths.

Incident at the Pool

I want to preface this section by saying that I’ve done my best not to let this incident weigh too heavily on my overall review of Domes White Coast, as it was a very unique situation. That said, I do believe it illustrates some of our broader frustrations with the service and attentiveness during our stay.

One afternoon, while swimming in the hotel pool, I misjudged the edge and swam headfirst into the underwater stairs. When I resurfaced, I had deep scratches across my face and blood running down my nose. While I (obviously) don’t blame the hotel for the accident itself, the staff’s response left us shaken. When Ally rushed to reception in a panic, the staff handed her a small box of bandaids. Eventually the staff also provided us with gauze, iodine, and larger bandages. However, it was Ally who had to request each of these items separately before patching me up beside the pool. 

Sunlight reflecting on the shallow steps of an infinity pool at Domes White Coast Milos with island landscape in the background.
Hotel guest wearing sunglasses with forehead bandages after a poolside accident.

At no point did staff show much urgency or concern, which was unsettling given the potential seriousness of a head injury. In fact, it was not until roughly twenty minutes later that I finally had an interaction with staff that felt appropriate given the situation. On our way back to the room, a staff member stopped me and asked if I was okay. He even sent an ice pack up to the room despite my saying that I thought I’d be fine. His kindness stood out, but unfortunately, it was the exception. Nobody else checked in on us afterward, and to my knowledge, hotel staff never filed any kind of incident report.

Management’s Response to Feedback

On our last night, the front desk called for feedback and pressed for a rating. I explained that I was still processing what had happened, but that I wasn’t fully satisfied with the service at the property, including the way my incident was handled the day prior. Instead of acknowledging my feedback, the staff member quickly shifted to discussing checkout. Minutes later, another staff member called offering us a free round of drinks. However, when we went to collect the voucher, the Senior Guest Relations Supervisor immediately met us with defensiveness. He insisted the staff had acted appropriately and implied that our feelings were invalid.

To her credit, the Front Desk Manager did listen attentively, noting our suggestion that the property create better protocols for incidents like mine. She even proposed a meeting with hotel management the following morning. Yet when we made a point to arrive at the desk early for check-out, management was nowhere to be found. The front desk manager did comp another round of drinks, but we still felt disappointed by the lack of follow-through. Later that evening, we received a message from the Hotel Manager that further disappointed us. She echoed the same defensiveness that we had already experienced, citing staff training and compliance with safety regulations. However, we again felt that her response missed the point entirely. I wasn’t expecting perfect first aid. I simply wanted to feel that the staff genuinely cared.

Value For Money

With nightly rates often exceeding $1,000, Domes White Coast positions itself among the most exclusive properties in Greece. At that price point, we expect service and attention to detail that rival other luxury hotels in a similar range. Unfortunately, Domes White Coast did not consistently deliver on that standard.

Relaxed seating with beanbags and lanterns at Domes White Coast Milos overlooking a whitewashed chapel and hillside views.
Golden sunset reflecting on the infinity pool at Domes White Coast Milos with views of the bar and distant hills.

Yes, the views here are undeniably beautiful and the private plunge pools add a sense of indulgence. However, too many aspects of our stay felt inconsistent with the price tag. Housekeeping was adequate but missed small details that elevate a luxury experience. Service around the property, from the pool to the front desk, often lacked attentiveness. Breakfast was scenic and generous in portions, but the main courses were hit-or-miss. And perhaps most concerning was the hotel’s defensive approach to feedback, which left us feeling dismissed rather than valued.

Stunning sunset over the Aegean Sea as seen from the terrace at Domes White Coast Milos with infinity pool loungers in the foreground.

For a fraction of the cost, we’ve experienced far more polished service at other properties in Greece and beyond. Domes White Coast has the raw potential to be a standout luxury hotel, but in its current form, we struggled to justify the rate.

Final Thoughts on Domes White Coast

Domes White Coast Milos clearly aims to impress with its dramatic setting, minimalist design, and extravagant extras. If your idea of luxury leans toward €60 cocktails, €24 oysters, and €245 bottles of champagne, then this may be the right place for you. For us, though, true luxury is defined by thoughtful service, warm hospitality, and attention to detail. In those areas, the property struggled to meet expectations. While Domes White Coast has undeniable potential, Milos is filled with beautiful places to stay. We believe there are better options on the island for travelers who prioritize service and value.

Comments

Leave a Reply

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