Ancient olive groves tumble towards turquoise seas, loggerhead turtles nest on protected beaches, and one five-star hotel that sits within this landscape truly stands out. Welcome to Costa Navarino, a destination that has become one of the world’s leading examples of sustainable luxury.
Located in the Messinia region of Greece’s idyllic Peloponnese, an area famed for its pristine beaches, historical treasures (including Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a total of three UNESCO World Heritage sites), acres of Kalamata olive groves and charming villages, it is one of the finest luxury eco resorts in the world.
Eight percent of the resort’s total budget goes towards sustainability practices, ranging from dramatic large-scale projects such as the biggest olive-tree transplanting programme in Europe (7,000 were replanted during construction) and the construction of three specially designed reservoirs to cover the resorts irrigation needs, to small every day efforts such as monitoring loggerhead sea turtle nests, keeping night time lighting to a minimum, and recycling 92 percent of daily waste.
An idyllic corner of the world
But of course, the first thing that strikes you about Costa Navarino as a visitor is its extraordinary natural beauty.
From the moment we checked in at the raised reception building of The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort, we were left mesmerised by the panoramic views of the bright blue Ionian Sea that greeted us through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the wild herbs, plants and greenery that covered every corner and pathway of the carefully designed hotel (including on the roofs).
A complex that has always been way ahead of its time in terms of sustainability, the construction of Costa Navarino began back in 2006. Founded by a local shipping captain who was born just down the road in a small village, its philosophy has always been driven by a genuine desire to promote the area of Messinia, and protect and preserve its nature and heritage.
Two decades later, it is certainly living up to its promises.
Between 2006 and 2022, Costa Navarino contributed 11 per cent of Messinia’s GDP. In 2025, it also launched its own biodiversity programme, revealing that the area is home to 25 per cent of all birds native to Greece (including many rare species). Around 90 per cent of the resort is also dedicated to natural and planted greenery, with more than 9,900 indigenous trees and more than 1,200,000 endemic shrubs planted throughout the site over the years.
Coastal living
Home to over a mile of sandy beach, plush villas and stylish suites with private pools, The Romanos is a relaxing escape that invites you to truly switch off and forget about your to-do list.
Enjoyed a typically fantastic Greek meal of mezze, stuffed aubergines and, of course, Greek salad at the dreamy beach bar (completed with a striking cascading ceiling that mimics the gentle waves of the ocean) was one of the highlights of our stay, as was testing out the resorts many pools (the tranquil adults’ only one was our favourite), and joining a bicycle riding tour to the nearby Voidokoilia Beach.
Featured in The Odyssey by Homer and located close to the legendary Nestor’s Cave, it was a wonderful spot for a refreshing swim, while the journey there allowed us to travel through quaint storybook Greek villages
A hidden cove of turquoise water and white sand, the latter looked almost too perfect to be real. As with most areas in Messinia, it also has a fascinating history. Featured in The Odyssey by Homer and located close to the legendary Nestor’s Cave (an important symbol in Greek mythology), it was a wonderful spot for a refreshing swim, while the journey there allowed us to travel through quaint storybook Greek villages, and marvel at the Gialova Lagoonprotected area and its 271 species of bird.
Accessible wellness
Serving organic produce grown on the estate, local wine and of course Kalamata olives (the olive oil tasting is another brilliant and unmissable offered activity), it is easy to eat well on a vegetarian diet and nourish your body and soul at Costa Navarino.
Olive oil also inspires many of the treatments offered inside the massive 4,000m2 Anazoe Spa, a gorgeous hideaway inspired by the teachings of Hippocrates, the ‘father’ of western medicine. The Agora that surrounds it is reminiscent of a village centre, filled with bars and restaurants that truly come alive in the evening.
Hiking, tennis, watersports, yoga classes and more activities are also offered for those who always like to stay active.
A place for every generation
The latter half of our stay was spent at one of Costa Navarino’s most recently opened resorts, the very trendy W Costa Navarino.
Bringing a sustainable twist to the famously young, bright and funky brand, we loved the unique ethical touches such as the cocktails made from repurposed ingredients (the leftover coffee espresso martini was a real winner), and the signature ‘W’ sign made from recycled traditional wooden fishing boats.
Marking the first time I have ever stayed in (or even seen) a proper swim-up suite (literally perched on the edge of a long lap pool), the hotel’s lively vibe is maintained throughout every day of the week with guest DJ sets, cocktail menu collaborations with award-winning bars (including World’s 50 Best Bar listed The Bar Infront of The Bar in Athens), and adrenaline-fuelled watersports on the still waters of the Bay of Navarino, found right in front of the hotel.
We had a thrilling experience exploring the bay by boat, and witnessing local landmarks such as the natural stone arch, and sites from the 1827 Battle of Navarino, where Greece’s independence was secured.
Offering a long, lagoon-shaped infinity pool leading out onto a 450-metre private beach, other standout moments from our stay included heading to the beach to admire the spectacular sunset by the light of the nightly bonfires, and indulging in one of the best massages of my life at the onsite AWAY Spa, completed with a detoxifying natural mud body mask. A moment as unforgettable as the rest of the stay.
How to get there
Currently, the easiest way to get to Costa Navarino from the UAE is to fly direct to Athens and then either drive a hire car or book a transfer to the resort. Taking approximately 3.5 hours, some stunning coastal and mountain views are offered along the way.
Alternatively, if you are travelling from the UK or many European capitals, direct seasonal flights to the smaller airport of Kalamata, just a 40-minute drive away from the resort gates, are also available.
For more information, visit: costanavarino.com.
