There are visitors who vacation in a destination. And there are visitors who become part of its history.
Mr. Heinz and Ms. Irmtraud Duwe clearly belong to the second category.
Since 1991, for 35 years, they have been returning to Elounda and our hotel every year, staying for two weeks, a tradition that over the years has evolved into something much more than just a vacation. It has become a way of life, it has become an emotion, it has become a second home.
They have experienced Elounda in a completely different era. When tourism had a different form. When people knew visitors by name, when the streets were quieter and when experiences were built through authentic human moments.
Over the years, they have seen the area change, evolve and transform. From a small tourist community to one of the most recognized destinations in the Mediterranean. They have seen hotels change, generations of employees pass by, new services are born and an entire place evolves before their eyes.
But they also carry stories that go beyond holiday memories.
One of them stands out in particular.
In 1993, during their stay in Crete, Mr. Duwe had to undergo a foot operation. A difficult moment that could have turned into a negative experience. On the contrary, it became one of the most important reasons that strengthened their bond with Greece even more.
The operation was performed at the Venizelio Hospital, at a cost that impressed them enormously compared to the amounts that would have been required at the time for a similar procedure in Germany. The biggest surprise, however, came when they returned to their homeland. The German doctors who examined the result of the operation expressed their admiration for the quality of the work of the Greek doctors and the level of care they had received.
Perhaps it was that moment that confirmed what they already felt: that Greece for them was not just a destination.
They were people. They were relationships. They were family.
During these 35 years, they also created friendships that went beyond the boundaries of a hotel relationship. People from the area, employees, and friends they met in Elounda and remain a part of their lives to this day.
For me personally, the story of Mr. Heinz and Ms. Irmtraud Duwe has even greater value, as I am fortunate to be one of the people who have welcomed them for the last 13 years on their visits to Domes Aulūs Elounda.
Over the years, a relationship has been created that goes beyond the classic relationship between hotel and guest. A real bond has been created, built through moments, conversations and memories.
On the occasion of their 35 years of presence in Elounda, we had the honor of organizing a small but particularly moving recognition ceremony, as a small token of gratitude for their trust and love over the years.
Particularly moving was the presentation of their story by the hotel’s Manager, Mrs. Georgia Kosmadaki, who, through events, memories and moments, took all those present on a journey of 35 years, highlighting how two guests managed to become an integral part of the hotel’s history and family.
The commemorative plaque was awarded by Professor of Cardiology Mr. Panagiotis Spanos and the President of Domes Ms. Marianna Spanou, giving even greater importance to this particular moment.
Mr. Spanos’ presence had a special symbolism. Because during these 35 years, not only the story of Mr. and Mrs. Duwe evolved, but also the story of hospitality itself in Elounda.
From the first steps and initial investments in the region, the foundations of a vision were created that began from a place with a deep love for hospitality and evolved into something much greater. A journey that led to the creation of Ledra Hotels&Villas and then Domes Resorts, a group that has today evolved into one of the most dynamically growing hospitality companies in the Mediterranean, with a presence in Greece and Iberia, multi-award winning resorts and experiences that redefine the modern concept of hospitality.
Under the leadership of Dr. George Spanos, Domes continues its international journey, while maintaining what has existed from the beginning: the power of human connection and the belief that true hospitality is created through relationships.
Maybe that’s why that moment had such great emotional value.
Because essentially two stories that evolved in parallel over time met: the story of a couple who had been returning to the same place for 35 years, and the story of a vision of hospitality that was born in Elounda and traveled much further afield.
The emotion was evident to everyone.
But perhaps the most special moment of the day was when Mr. and Mrs. Duwe offered Mr. Spanos a highly symbolic gift: a collection of photographs of the hotel from 1991 to 2003.
Photos that didn’t just capture a hotel from another era. They captured an entire story. Images full of memories, people, moments and emotions. A journey through time that reminded us all that behind every hotel there are life stories.
Another moment was particularly moving, when he revived a photo almost thirty years later with Service Manager Mr. Manolis Bistolakis, the hotel’s oldest employee, who has been with the team since 1995, with 32 consecutive years of presence.
This moment had a special symbolism, because it proved that the history of a hotel is not only built by the guests who return again and again, but also by the people who dedicate their lives to it.
Because ultimately, true hospitality is not measured in rooms, facilities or services.
It is measured in people.
And some stories are worth honoring.
Like that of Heinz and IrmtraudDuwe.
35 years of faith. 35 years of memories.
GEORGE PETSAGOURAKIS
Operations Manager at Domes Aulūs Elounda, Curio Collection by Hilton
Source: Anatolh.com