Costa Navarino

The Prime Destination in the Mediterranean

Once upon a time, King Nestor was an ancient Greek fabled for his wisdom and his mighty palace on the peninsula of Peloponnese. Undeniably, the region of Messenia is a place full of mythical history. Although the palace of Nestor lies on a hill in ruins overlooking Homer’s “wine-dark” Ionian Sea, modern historians discuss about the 21^st century palace of Messene, world-renowned and award winning Costa Navarino. Conceived and built from Vassilis Constantakopoulos, a billionaire-shipping magnate known as “Captain Vassilis”, Costa Navarino was his long-standing dream, and his vision had always been focused on preserving and promoting the land of his birth by revitalizing one of Greece’s most depressed regions with international luxury ecotourism. Hi main aim was to create a bold and forward-looking development of high-end sustainable accommodations and facilities, allowing guests from around the globe to explore the natural beauty, history and traditions of Messenia. What Captain Vassilis and his son, Achilles, who now runs Costa Navarino, have done is extraordinary. Two luxury five star resorts, the Romanos and the Westin, are pretty striking in a sparse, marbled way, full of smart design and fine workmanship. The ambition is rather impressive. Grande gardens full of greenery with olive trees for Artemis, the goddess of nature, to relax by, a fully-equipped sports center for “Olympian” athletes, two royal villas for cosmopolitan opulence, immense meeting halls, one award-winning spa, fourteen restaurants and bistros, two golf courses, and archipelagos of swimming pools to sunbathe under the Aegean sun. No one could ever doubt that the Costa Navarino is one of the most astonishing seaside resorts in Europe.

A Luxury Accommodation Experience

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort

Located in pristine scenery of olive groves, indigenous trees and flora, by the coastline of The Dunes Beach, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort is the perfect gateway to explore new authentic possibilities and add to your personal journey. The Romanos Resort philosophy presents the distinct Messenian architecture in perfect harmony with the environment, protecting and preserving the natural beauty and heritage of an area with 4.500 years of history. During its construction, 6,500 olive trees, 2,000 citrus and other trees have been preserved, through an extensive replanting program on the site. Upon completion, more than 24,000 citrus, olive and other trees have been transplanted and approximately 6,000 new indigenous trees and 200,000 endemic shrubs were planted. The Romanos Resort has received exceptional recognition for its exquisite architecture such as “Best Suite, Interior Design of the Year” for Royal Villa Koroni in European Hotel Design Awards 2010, as well as accolades from well-known media and award institutions, including the Condé Nast Traveller, Travel+Leisure, The Sunday Times, CNN Travel website and National Geographic Traveler magazine.

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The 321 incomparable rooms, suites and villas enjoy contemporary furnishes in white, cream and blue colors of absolute lush cotton and linen, accompanied by dark wooden materials and modern art paintings. All accommodations afford the unobstructed inviting views of the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, resort view or a wonderful backdrop of the golf landscape, full of olive groves and local flora. Guests have the opportunity to savor authentic culinary tastes from local produces and recipes, as well as locally produced wine from the Navarino Vineyards. The Romanos Resort also takes initiative on the up-scaled and innovative dining, introducing the unique Omega concept; dishes are based on the Omega Diet and the proper balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to boost the body’s defenses against disease and contribute in maintaining healthy weight. The options though are numerous and range from the distinctive tastes of local cuisine to international, Lebanese or Pan Asian notable culinary experiences. Anax lounge, with its captivating sunset views, is idyllic to enjoy a Luxury Collection Cocktail prior your dining time, while Eleon restaurant and its private barbeque pits invite guests to flavor freshly caught fish their preferred way. The Romanos Resort is the perfect location to explore authentic traditions and be part of a culture different from the ordinary.

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

Overlooking the Ionian Sea coastline of the Dunes Beach, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino features 445 rooms and suites, 131 of which are provided with private infinity pools, inspired by old Messenian mansions, spring from nature and create an ambiance of genuine hospitality. Most of the rooms enjoy unobstructed views of the Ionian Sea, while almost all ground-floor units have individual infinity pools and a mix of garden, golf and resort swimming pool views.

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All of the rooms offer access to an extensive common pool area, and reflect Westin’s soothing aesthetic. Choose from Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms and Suites, ranging from 40m² to 625 m², all beautifully appointed, many with their own infinity pool and spectacular sea and sunset views. The Westin Resort Costa Navarino also provides a smoke-free environment in a purely sustainable destination while, at the same time, promises a restful sleep with the ultimate comfort of the Heavenly Bed®. Voted as the “Best Family Destination” in the Mediterranean amongst Europe’s Starwood Hotels & Resorts, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is the ideal destination for family getaways, presenting a plethora of children activities; a wonderful aqua park with water slides, a playground and a recreational center including an indoor sports arena for basketball and volleyball, ten–pin bowling, video arcades, cinema and ping pong. In addition, two specially designed hubs for children, Cocoon and SandCastle, are the most innovative and supporting facility for family holidays at the resort. Cocoon is addressed to our little toddlers and up to the age of 3, while Sand Castle offers an extensive range of educational and recreation activities for kids between 4 and 12 years of age.

A World-Class Golf Experience

The Dunes Course & the Bay Course

© Costa Navarino

As fashion is timeless, so are sports. Blessed from perfect climate conditions and lots of sunshine, Messenia is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts. Costa Navarino features the first signature golf courses in Greece, creating a new golf destination for players to enjoy in every season. Indeed, the region of Messenia is a place full of mythical history. The Costa Navarino Resort, managed by world-renowned Troon Golf, is part of a truly extraordinary development in one of the most attractive and undeveloped parts of Greece, offering magnificent views of the Ionian Sea and incorporating luxurious accommodations with two outstanding golf courses including one of Bernhard Langer’s most impressive designs to date and a fantastic Robert Trent Jones course as well. This background of the famous Costa Navarino Resort is ready to embrace with utmost care the modern day golf and relaxation requirements with the respect to the country’s history that it deserves. Costa Navarino is Greece’s premier golf destination featuring two 18-hole signature courses, dramatically different in terrain and characteristics, both however situated on seafront properties, boasting wonderful views in all directions. Crafted across natural terrain and offering spectacular views to the endless blue of the sea and the mountain, the two exquisite Costa Navarino golf courses serve as an outstanding example on how to design a resort course with variety and challenge in order to dare event the most experienced players not to get distracted by the overwhelming beauty of the landscape.

The Dunes Course is the gem in Costa Navarino’s crown and will thrill all who play it. Designed by former US Masters Champion and winning Ryder Cup Captain, Bernhard Langer, in association with European Golf Design, the Dunes Course is set in a diverse landscape with amazing sea and river views. Much of the contouring mirrors the rugged outlines of the distant mountains. Close to the sea, there is a links-like feel; further inland, it reflects a more typically Greek landscape of olive and citrus groves, and there are large undulating greens, wide fairways and steep-faced pot bunkers. Even if you’re slightly off your game you can’t fail to enjoy a walk around this corner of Greece! Greece’s first signature-designed golf course, par 71 course measuring almost 6,200 meters from the back tees ad a little more than 5,000 meters from the front tees, features a full-size driving range and a short-game practice area, an impressive clubhouse including Flame restaurant, a designated members’ lounge and an exclusive pro shop. The Dunes Course has recently featured among the “Top 100 Golf Courses in Europe” according to Golf World magazine and among “Europe’s Top 50 Golf Courses” according to Golf Monthly magazine.

Just a few minutes from Navarino Dunes, the Bay Course offers an alternative set of challenges and choices in a quite different setting. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jnr, the Bay Course measures a more modest 6,299 yards from the tips and as such is a more relaxing course. Providing a challenging yet fair test to golfers of all levels, The Bay Course meanders through rolling hills and lush olive groves, offering sublime sea views to the wonderful Messenian coastline. The imaginative layout calls for a more strategic approach than the Dunes and, also, offers amazing panoramic views of the sea and nearby mountains. In fact, several holes play directly along the coastline and two directly overlook the historic bay of Navarino. The Seaside, Canyon and Grove holes provide striking contrasts that create a dramatic and memorable round. Both courses have a golf academy featuring a state-of-the-art teaching center. The US publication Robb Report has included The Bay Course among the “Best of the Best: Golf Courses” and Golf Inc. Magazine has chosen it as a Finalist for the “Golf Development of the Year” Also, the German magazine Golf Journal has selected Costa Navarino’s golf courses as “Newcomer of the Year.”

As with all courses managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest luxury-brand golf management, development and marketing company, the conditioning if the courses at Costa Navarino is exemplary with manicured fairways and well maintained rough, not to mention silky smooth putting surfaces, constant throughout. But it is not just the quality of the courses that is impressive here. Troon Golf provide a truly top drawer country club experience with personal meet and greets upon arrival and a number of amenities and services that ensure a VIP golfing experience from start to finish. In terms of location, quality and the total package, playing golf at Costa Navarino, whether it’s on the Navarino Dunes or Navarino Bay course, takes some beating. Thankfully, the quality of the golf is also reflected throughout the rest of the resort, making Costa Navarino a truly memorable place to enjoy some time away on a golf holiday. Costa Navarino is one of the finest resorts in Europe comprising of a number of distinct sites featuring 5-star deluxe hotels, luxury residences under development, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centers, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of year-round activities for adults and children, all of which are unique in the Mediterranean. Unquestionably, Costa Navarino offers to all guests a unique, world-class Greek golfing experience deserving of its historical seafront setting.

A Relaxing Spa Experience

Anazoe Spa

© Costa Navarino

The name “Anazoe” is derived from the Greek word for rejuvenation and encapsulates the underlying aim of the spa, total revitalization of body and spirit in accordance with the ancient Greek maxim “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. The 4,000m² Anazoe Spa at Navarino Dunes offers a serene sanctuary, with an exceptional menu of specialty treatments based on ancient health and beauty practices, utilizing the area’s exclusive natural ingredients and unique products. Anazoe Spa has developed signature treatments based on the teachings of Hippocrates, the ‘father’ of western medicine. Staff selects the most appropriate and beneficial treatments tailored to meet the guests’ personal expectations and needs-right down to the sounds; a visit to Anazoe Spa also ensures an accompaniment of music based on ancient Greek melodies. The dominant element at Anazoe Spa is the Olive Tree. The therapeutic olive-oil treatments (oleotherapy®) are based on ancient local practices inscribed on clay tablets discovered at the nearby Palace of Nestor. Further offerings at Anazoe Spa include thalassotherapy, kinisiotherapy and floating pools, indoor and outdoor treatment areas as well as an extensive range of light therapies and heat treatments, including ice-grotto rooms, mist showers and herbal saunas. Signature treatments embrace the Messinian Salt & Honey Scrub, the Healing Massage Remedy by Hippocrates and the Traditional Olive Nourishing Facial. Anazoe Spa also offers treatments specially designed for children. Costa Navarino is blessed with an abundance of beneficial herbs that are carefully selected and gathered for the Anazoe Spa products.

Tapping into the secrets of ancient wisdom, the active ingredients of these precious gifts of organic origin are slowly extracted by boiling. This natural process of extraction effectively preserves the antioxidants, vitamins and pure vital essence of each plant. At the herbal garden with local herbs, guests can view, smell and choose the herb that would fit best for their treatment. The knowledge and experience from ancient Greek medicine, provides the basis for the signature treatments at Costa Navarino. To the ancient Greeks, medicine was a gift from the gods. It was Hippocrates who finally freed medicine from the shackles of magic, superstition, and the supernatural. Greek Medicine is the traditional, indigenous holistic healing system of Western civilization, and the original source and inspiration for many other natural, holistic and alternative medical systems including homeopathy, naturopathy and chiropractic. The ancient Greeks believed music to be divine, capable of healing both body and soul. The soothing sounds guests will hear at the Anazoe Spa are the work of Petros Tampouris, who also composed music for the centenary celebrations of the modern Olympic games. These melodies, featuring the sounds of ancient Greek stringed instruments such as the lyre, the kithara and the phorminx, will take guests on a meditative journey to realms of peace and serenity.

An Unforgettable Authentic Experience

Messenian Authenticity Programme

© Costa Navarino

As part of Costa Navarino’s philosophy to promote the region of Messenia and share the stories of its rich heritage, Costa Navarino encourages guests to discover, explor and experience the beauty, history and culture of Messenia by engaging in authentic cultural experiences that enable them to become part of an age-long heritage spanning the millennia.  Activities that offer authentic cultural experiences include cookery lessons in local homes, learning new culinary skills inspired by the region’s cuisine, wine-making and tasting tours, traditional olive harvesting and local dance and singing events. This unique holiday experience will ensure that visitors at Costa Navarino come closer to the heart of Messenia and return home enriched with the knowledge on the region’s traditions. An insight into baking and pitta making is given by the local experts, the members of a nearby Women’s Association and is part of the local culinary experience at Costa Navarino. Visitors help the women prepare the breads and baked goods that they can then enjoy over breakfast the next morning. They are also invited to join home-cooking in a house in the nearby picturesque town of Pylos. Along with the local women, they can prepare traditional recipes and share a meal, discovering traditional techniques, ingredients and family recipes that have been passed down through generations, to take home and share. Another custom that has been passed down from one generation to the other involves singing, while sitting around a table preparing the meal. Guests learn the traditional songs that Messinians sing when celebrating important events such as a marriage. The local women of a Cultural Association in traditional dress sing regional folk songs a cappella, while preparing delicious local treats which are then offered to them. Literature and poetry readings together with events about the Messinian architecture, food, wine and history, also take place.

Art being a fundamental aspect of the Costa Navarino experience, is also visible throughout Navarino Dunes: original works from the 17th to 19th centuries, along with the creations of contemporary Greek and international artists, form an integral part of all the facilities at Costa Navarino which can be explored during an art collection tour taking place once a week. A crash course of mosaic making, offers guests the opportunity to learn about the history of mosaic, the locations where samples of the mosaic techniques can be seen in the region, while creating replicas of the motifs used in this art form themselves. Children and parents can attend a show of traditional Greek shadow theatre, as well as enjoy fairytales from Messinia and around the world. As the evening approaches, guests can watch performances of local melodies by solo virtuoso musicians, including string instruments such as the oud, lute and tzouras. During the vineyards and wine/olive-tasting tour, which runs from August until October, participants enjoy a route that takes in the sights of Costa Navarino’s vineyards in Mouzaki, actively joining the pressing of grapes, followed by lunch cooked on an open fire. In the afternoon, everyone enjoys wine tasting followed by an informative discussion about local varieties and wines.Costa Navarino introduced the age-old tradition of olive harvesting to its guests since the first year. An experience that can only be learned first-hand and which has been part of the daily lives for the people of Messinia for centuries. During the olive harvesting, visitors learn about the steps of the harvesting process, the local olive varieties and the olive tree planting projects in the region. Best of all, visitors are invited to take part in the olive harvest –where the traditional method of olive pressing, using your hands is used. Finally, guests can take a trip to the nearby mill to learn how the oil is pressed and bottled, and enjoy a tasting session. Olive harvesting takes place annually between October and December. Discover the activities of the Messenian Authenticity Program!

A Sophisticated Gastronomic Experience

Restaurants & Bistros

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Those who wish to enhance their culinary experience, they will discover various venues at Navarino Dunes.  Nargile a restaurant where Lebanese influences blend with subtle aromas, Inbi, the Japanese lounge bar and restaurant that brings the tastes and flavours of the East to create a new gastronomic journey. With a dedication to authenticity and local produce, guests visiting the Enoteca at Navarino Dunes, will be able to get acquainted with the Greek wine world. Kayak Boutique store situated in the Agora, will introduce visitors to the authentic taste of the well-known Greek ice creams that stand out for their unique flavor combinations, made of high-quality ingredients. Omega dishes, based on the Omega diet, are prominent across all restaurants. In the Taverna at Navarino Dunes, you will find traditional homemade dishes, based on old local recipes that aim to preserve and promote the Messenian Gastronomy. Furthermore, Armyra restaurant showcases the best fish and seafood that the Greek seas have to offer. Well-known favourite Greek dishes are prominent in other culinary venues as well, whereas menus for children are extended throughout the dining locations, providing dishes made from the region’s finest natural ingredients. Da Luigi, the Italian restaurant in the Agora, has added traditional flavors to the menu, with products selected especially from Italy’s regional cuisine. Also, Flame restaurant, located at The Dunes Clubhouse offers expertly cooked steak dishes from finest quality locally sourced meat, complemented by the freshest ingredients, together with herbs and vegetables from the restaurant’s gardens. Those who wish to enjoy the mile-long beach at Navarino Dunes will have the chance to taste special dishes and refreshments at Barbouni.

An Interactive Natural Experience

Navarino Natura Hall

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Stockholm University, the Academy of Athens, the Hellenic Ornithological Society (Greek partner of BirdLife International), the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), Organization Earth and Navarino Foundation, operate the Navarino Natura Hall exhibition centre in Costa Navarino. Navarino Natura Hall provides a unique insight into the rich and diverse environment of Messinia, with interactive features that allow visitors “experience” Messinian flora and fauna, along with inspirational content that highlights Costa Navarino’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The centre enables visitors, university students, local schoolchildren and the public to familiarize themselves with environmental protection issues. It is also committed to encouraging participation in the global effort to tackle climate change, while presenting the results of the research programs being carried out at Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO). The center additionally runs special programs for children, combining games with learning.

A Future Experience

Navarino Bay, Navarino Beach, Navarino Hills and Navarino Blue

© Costa Navarino

The dream of Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos will further expand with Navarino Bay, Navarino Beach, Navarino Hills and Navarino Blue. The 140-hectare Navarino Bay site is expected to welcome visitors in the near future. Stretching along a magnificent 2 km seafront that affords breathtaking views of the Bay of Navarino, particularly at sunset, it is a place of outstanding natural beauty and enormous historical importance. Widely celebrated in myth and history, the Bay of Navarino is famous for the many naval engagements that have taken place there, among them the Battle of Navarino in which the allied armada of Britain, France and Russia defeated the Ottoman fleet on 20 October 1827, marking a decisive turning point in the Greek Revolution that led to Greece’s independence nearly 200 years ago. In a balanced synthesis of architecture and landscape the buildings will merge harmoniously into the site’s natural terrain. Navarino Bay is already home to the 18-hole seaside Bay Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and managed by Troon Golf. It will also be the site of an upscale 5-star hotel, along with sports and leisure facilities. Enjoying unobstructed vistas of the historic Bay of Navarino and Sfaktiria island, Navarino Beach will be a vibrant site (15,8 hectares – 39 acres) on a spectacular seaside location. Featuring a 5 star hotel, it will provide direct access to the signature golf courses, as well as to sports and leisure facilities on offer. It is located close to the quaint seaside village Gialova, where visitors can find small restaurants, fish taverns, entertainment venues and a variety of shops, lining its picturesque seafront. Right next to the village is Gialova lagoon, one of the most important wetlands and key stopover site in the flyway of migratory birds, making it one of the most noteworthy bird watching destinations in Greece.What’s more, Navarino Hills, will be a true eco deluxe site, affording breathtaking views of the town of Pylos, Navarino Dunes, Navarino Bay and Sfaktiria Island. Nestled on a hillside, surrounded by an abundance of unique flora and fauna, Navarino Hills. At Kynigos, visitors will encounter the age-old traditions and hospitality of small Greek villages, as the village is well-preserved, maintaining its authentic character. This will be a distinct site in Costa Navarino, as it will be the only hillside location. Two 18-hole signature golf courses are already underway, whereas the site will also feature boutique hotels and unparalleled high-end facilities. With a 1 km meandering sandy beach facing azure, crystal clear waters, Navarino Blue (covering an area of 210 hectares – 518 acres) is located in the Gulf of Messinia, just a 10-minute drive from Kalamata International Airport. The site is located close to the region’s capital Kalamata, which is dominated by the ruins of a 13th century Frankish castle, overlooking today the old quarter of the seaside city. Navarino Blue will become a destination that takes full advantage of its amazing setting –encompassing Karias river that meanders through the site- offering 5-star deluxe hotels, alongside a golf course, spa center, conference facilities, as well as extraordinary sports and leisure activities.

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