Lost in Greek Paradise: Costa Navarino Resort 

With a friendly cabin crew and a smooth flight, this was a lovely part of my journey to the W Costa Navarino hotel, located in the Peloponnese area of mainland Greece. From Athens, you can get a connecting flight to Kalamata Airport, which is just a 45-minute drive to Costa Navarino.

Picture this…… A blank canvas of land and a vision from Captain Vassilis in the mid-1980s. Now fast forward to 2021, and after acres of land were acquired, the captain’s vision became a reality. With the opening of Navarino Dunes, which spans 321 acres, there are now two resorts – The Romanos and Westin, along with a shopping area and Anazoe spa, which features a Thalassoi therapy centre. The Dunes also has a golf course, beach, restaurant and residential villas, as well as a variety of activities. Over the next 12 years, another golf course and Navarino Bay area were developed. Within Navarino Bay, two luxury resorts opened: Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino and W Costa Navarino, along with Navarino Hills, which features two 18-hole golf courses and a luxury shopping centre – Navarino Agora. Guests of all the resorts can use the facilities of the other resorts and can get a shuttle bus from one resort area to another.

Using wood and stone from the Peloponnese region, the W Costa Navarino embodies sustainability. This newest addition to Captain Vassilis’s vision was built across 13 hectares on the beachfront, using locally sourced and sustainable materials, and opened in August 2022. New plants have been beautifully integrated into the landscape of the hotel grounds, where you’ll also find olive trees that are hundreds of years old. There are 246 rooms, suites and villas to accommodate all guests and their budgets, allowing them to enjoy the spacious buffet rooms, restaurants, lounge areas and bars. Artwork by Pokayio, a well- known Greek artist, can be seen from the hotel lobby to the communal areas as well as in hotel rooms, suites and villas. The artwork combines traditional and modern styles, with the most fascinating being the W structure outside the front of the hotel, which was made from fishing boats as a tribute to Captain Vassilis.

The W hotel has a wide range of activities ranging from yoga to water sports, which guests can sign up for. They can also participate in activities at the other hotel resorts. Couples can enjoy spa treatments in the Away spa, which has seven treatment rooms, two of which are designed for couples. Enjoy relaxation time in the embrace of each other’s love in total tranquil rooms with soothing sounds. Perfect for calming pre- or post-wedding nerves. The main hotel restaurant has a DJ every night, providing great background music and creating, the perfect atmosphere while you dine. With an outlook to the beach, it’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset in the arms of your loved one. As you walk along the beach or drive between the W hotel and Navarino Dunes, you will pass a charming little village called Gialova, with coastal shops and restaurants for quality time together.

Take a guided bike tour from Navarino Dunes to the beautiful Omega Bay, one of the top ten most beautiful bays in the world, rich with historical stories and wildlife in the lake next to the bay. A stroll up the hill from Omega Bay will lead you to a beautiful monastery with stunning views overlooking the bay and Crocodile Island. Book a private tour of the newest shopping centre next to the W Costa Navarino hotel—The Agora. You’ll be taken to the best shops and learn about the history of The Agora while enjoying a beautiful sunset across the sea, ideal for engagements. You can also explore The Agora at your own pace by walking across the bridge from the hotel. Take your time to wander around the shops and enjoy a bite to eat and drink. There’s a small intimate church, perfect for small weddings or vow renewals. If you love sunsets, consider taking a boat trip from the W hotel to Sfaktiria Caves for a picnic, or go by kayak—another romantic destination. With so many activities and experiences available at the hotel—from yoga to boat trips and water sports—you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you prefer more relaxation time, you can enjoy the pool or the beach. Suites and villas at the W hotel come with private or shared pools, as well as a bespoke experiences.

Costa Navarino is a beautiful Mediterranean wedding destination, offering idyllic locations for bohemian, beach, countryside, and indoor weddings. W Costa Navarino hosts weddings in their Between bar and beach area, perfectly set in a quiet part of the hotel grounds for privacy from other guests, allowing you to relax and enjoy picture-perfect backdrops for your wedding. With seating, a pool, and, of course, the beach, it caters to all your guests’ needs. For a more countryside-style wedding, head to Navarino Hills golf course for backdrops featuring olive trees and expansive green views that open up to the sea and beach in the distance. This is a popular venue for weddings, offering the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor enjoyment for couples and guests alike. For even more wedding options, consider Navarino Agora for a ceremony in St. Eleni Chapel. There are also stunning locations for ceremonies at The Romanos Resort Gardens, Dunes
Beach, Great Hall Ballroom, and Anax Lounge. Couples can have a tailored wedding experience with Costa Navarino’s bespoke packages, ensuring the best and most unforgettable day of their lives.

Consider Costa Navarino for your wedding destination and be part of their sustainable values while supporting local businesses, all while keeping in line with Captain Vassilis’s vision and having the time of your life. It’s also an ideal location for a honeymoon.

How to Book? 

– Airlines has several flights daily from the UK to Athens.

-There are connecting flights from Athens to Kalamata Airport with Aegean-Olympic Air during the Summer season aegeanair.com.

-Costa Navarino is a 45-minute transfer from Kalamata Airport.

-The lead-in price for a WOW Bayfront Suite is €1,112 per night,
including breakfast (based on travel in June).

-The lead-in price for a WOW Beachfront Suite is €1,327 per night,
including breakfast.

– For the ultimate Greek getaway, visit: Costanavarino.com and www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/klxwh-w-costa-navarino/overview