Your Day reviews Costa Navarino
If you’re in the market for a Greek getaway, it’s likely you’ve spent a fair amount of time scrolling through the scattering of ancient holms that rise from the Aegean and Ionian seas. But as tempting as the fine sands and white-washed towns that fringe these tourist traps can be, the mainland bears a number of less-travelled nooks that are more than ready to compete with its neighbouring isles.
Places like Messinia. Sweeping southwest through the Peloponnese, Messinia sits where the rugged landscape of Greece tails off into flatter olive groves and beaches. And at its heart, you’ll find the sustainable destination that is Costa Navarino.
Redefining what it is to be a resort for the modern traveller, Costa Navarino is driven by a desire to protect, preserve and promote the history, culture and environment of Messinia, as per the vision of founder Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos.
Where the holiday resort as a concept stereotypically keeps guests tightly gripped within the bounds of a hotel with enticing (yet often overpriced) all-inclusive deals and restaurant options aplenty, Costa Navarino does everything but trap you. It’s a destination that asks you to explore. To see Messinia. To come face to face with its 4,500 years worth of history. To laze on the legendary Voidokilia beach. Hike up to the Kalamaris Waterfall. Savour local flavours and truly get to know the place.
But is this all too good to be true? Is there really such thing as an authentic resort experience? Your Day checks into Costa Navarino to find out…
Getting there
While Kalamata airport is only 50 minutes away, flight schedules can be a bit fickle out of season. But fear not, for those who are looking to escape out of peak times, Aegean Airlines fly in and out of Athens daily. So we say start your holiday with a couple of days soaking up the ancient history of the capital before driving three and a bit hours to Messinia. It might seem like a bit of a trek, but as you weave through the Peloponnese, you’ll find the views are more than enough to keep you occupied.
Where to stay
Costa Navarino is currently home to four hotels, with a fifth in the works. For families, you’ve got a good old trusty Westin. The stone paths of which wind round into its second offering; The Romanos. This stay feels a little more adult with quiet gardens, sea views and a versatile array of rooms, suites and villas.
Though all hotels at Costa Navarino are technically 5-star, the next two certainly raise the luxury standards of the resort. Located a short shuttle away from the founding hotels, you’ll find the first W to make it to the Greek mainland.
And in true W style, the stay oozes personality, with the swim-up rooms a notable guest favourite. Lastly, the forth and most recent addition to the Costa Navarino portfolio is the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental. Sat over the road from the W, the hotel melts into the landscape, its earth sheltered villas terracing down the side of the hill with sweeping modernist curves.
Food & drink
With over 40 food spots to choose from, the only way to describe Costa Navarino’s approach to gastronomy is diverse. Sprawling through all four hotels and the agora (more on that below), each restaurant steps into a unique cuisine or dining style.
Our favourites? At the W, the beachfront Parelia is perfect for those who love to share. Here you can grab a few plates of nibbly bits (the squid is a must) and pick away while the waves roll in and the poolside DJ grooves in the background. The Barbouni at The Romanos has a similar beach club vibe with a menu of seafood-fuelled lunches.
But of course, no trip to Greece is complete without a visit to a taverna. So, for an evening of traditional Greek grub, head to KOOC Secrets. With Chef Giannis Parikos at the helm of the operation, the rustic menu indulges your palette in local Messinian flavours. You can expect dishes like shrimp tartar, smoked eggplant moussaka, a classic Greek salad elevated with local olive oil, and for your something sweet, the ever-iconic baklava.
Get active
For guests who loathe the lounging that has become part and parcel of your standard two-weeks-in-the-sun resort stay, Costa Navarino promises to keep you on your feet – quite literally. Encouraging you to see more of the local area, the outdoor team are at hand to help you explore Messinia be it by bike, with an idyllic mountain trek, a bit of beach yoga, or for the thrill seekers, as you traverse the mountain faces with a rock climbing ascent.
If it’s sport you’re after however, there’s also the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, paddle pitches and an award-winning four 18 hole golf courses. Ideal if you’re looking to lose your partner for the day!
& Relax
Across Costa Navarino you’ll find a total of three spas. The Anazoe spa in particular sits on the boundary of the Westin and The Romanos, with a menu of treatments inspired by ancient Greece.
“Our therapeutic olive-oil treatments (oleotherapy®) are based on ancient local practices inscribed on clay tablets discovered at the nearby Palace of Nestor.”
Just in case the 4,000 sq. m of the Anazoe spa isn’t quite big enough, treatments can also take place in the open air. Whether it’s by moonlight, between the olive trees or in the lavender laced herbal garden, the Anazoe Outdoor Experiences play off the senses for total tranquillity.
The agora
By definition, an agora is a place to gather. Looking back through Greek history, these meeting places were epicentres of culture where much of the political, social and spiritual life of locals took place. At Costa Navarino, this concept features a unique a hospitality twist.
Fusing shopping, dining and entertainment with a little bit of culture, the Navarino Agora is essentially a curated marketplace.
Beyond the boutiques and and foodie hot spots, the agora upholds tradition, bringing people together with a schedule of events that include listings at the open air cinema, art exhibitions, wine (or olive oil) tastings, live music and themed parties.
Weddings
Tempted to tie the knot in Greece? At Costa Navarino you get to work with a wedding planner who takes all of the guesswork out of your destination do. Whether you’re looking to exchange vows beside the Ionian sea, or prefer something more intimate between the olive trees, you have an array of alfresco options across the W, the Mandarin and The Romanos.
But if it’s a religious ceremony you’ve been dreaming of, you can use the chapel of St Samson within Navarino Dunes or St Eleni at Navarino Agora. Though it’s important to note that these work much better for smaller parties.
Sustainability
Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos not only wanted to share his homeland of Messinia with the world, he wanted to protect it. As such, the design of the development has been guided by sustainable principles since its inception in 2010.
Built to lay low in the landscape, you’ll notice all four hotels stretch outwards rather than upwards, with 5,000 sq. m of planted roofs topping the builds. Natural and re-purposed materials also feature. Wastewater is used for irrigation, energy efficient solutions are integrated where possible, and by 2030, the resort is hoping to be carbon neutral.
Final Verdict
Sure, getting to Costa Navarino takes a little more effort than flying straight into one of the island competitors, but it’s safe to say the destination is more than worth the journey. Whether you’re a history buff, a beachside flopper or are looking to get back to nature with an adventure or two, Messinia caters to all. And Costa Navarino ensures you have everything you need to explore this coastal hub at your fingertips. The only hard bit? Well, which hotel are you going to try first!?
For more on Costa Navarino, explore the resort here
If you’re looking for more travel inspo, click here for Your Day’s recommendations
