BATHED in golden sunshine and steeped in ancient heritage, Costa Navarino is a sustainably driven, luxury haven set in the heart of Messinia on the sun-drenched southern coast of Greece’s Peloponnesian peninsula. A seamless three-and-a-half-hour direct flight from London lands you in Kalamata, a destination where unspoiled beauty, curated experiences and sophisticated hospitality converge.
This tranquil corner of the Mediterranean remains under the radar, but it is a hidden gem and one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. With a variety of world-class hotels and private residences on offer, Costa Navarino caters to discerning guests seeking serenity and to families in pursuit of lasting memories.
The Dunes Course, Navarino Dunes
I check in to The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort that is an enclave of understated elegance situated within Navarino Dunes. The resort features luxurious rooms, suites and villas in varying categories, each designed with contemporary simplicity and discreet opulence. It’s framed by a mile and a half of golden sands, gently embraced by the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
My one-bedroom beachfront villa sits at the edge of The Dunes beach, dressed in calming tones of beige and soft blue that echo the coastal palette. With its private pool, plush loungers and an al fresco dining terrace, it becomes my sanctuary – a private haven to unwind in after my sun-soaked adventures.
Lobby
Part of a larger, thoughtfully planned coastal development, Costa Navarino offers guests staying at The Romanos access to all facilities at the neighbouring property, The Westin Resort. Nearby Navarino Bay is home to both the stylish W Costa Navarino and the ultra-luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. The result is an interconnected playground of elegance and leisure with a full spectrum of facilities.
Mouratoglou tennis center
Costa Navarino is home to four award-winning golf courses. The destination has recently expanded its portfolio to include padel and pickleball, two of Europe’s fastest-growing sports. The state-of-the-art Mouratoglou Tennis Centre features 12 tennis courts, three padel, two pickleball courts and one squash court.
Led by coaches trained under the Mouratoglou Academy, even novices like me find joy in polishing our rusty skills under expert guidance. For lovers of the sea, the Ionian blue waters beckon for windsurfers, kayakers and a range of exhilarating water sports.
Barbouni
Gastronomy is a true highlight in Costa Navarino with more than 40 exceptional dining venues to choose from. Whether it’s a long, leisurely lunch at Barbouni, a beachside favourite for fresh seafood and relaxed vibes, or a refined dinner at Da Luigi, where the candlelit ambiance pairs perfectly with authentic Italian fare, every meal is a celebration. Acclaimed chef Alexandros Tsiotinis has brought his creative brilliance to three standout restaurants, infusing each with his signature modern Greek flair and culinary storytelling. Paráfrasi by CTC restaurant offering a unique fine comfort food experience, “Souvlakerie” delivering the best souvlaki, crafted with premium-quality ingredients and authentic flavours, presented in both classic and modern interpretations, and “Kafenio” that blends the heritage of the traditional Greek coffeehouse with a contemporary twist, offering a refreshed space for coffee and meze.
Da-Luigi
In front of the historic Bay of Navarino lies Navarino Agora, a stylish open-air marketplace. Designer boutiques showcase both Greek and international fashion, while artisanal shops, restaurants, an outdoor cinema and a rotating calendar of cultural performances bring vibrant energy to the evenings. It’s a space where contemporary lifestyle blends seamlessly with Messinian tradition.
Costa Navarino is far more than just a luxury destination. It is a place where sustainability and sophistication go hand in hand, where the rhythms of the sea set the pace, and where every moment invites you to slow down, reconnect and savour life to the full.
by Amanda Bernstein