A luxury trip to Costa Navarino
Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann
25 degrees the sun is shining.
The exclusive hideaway is perfectly situated on Southwest Peleponnese.
Costa Navarino-Peleponnes is framed by spectacular scenery.
The resorts founder was Mr. Constantakopoulos, a shipping tycoon who wished to give back to the region where he was born through sustainable tourism. After his death his sons took over the Costa Navarino project – truly a extraordinary development in one of the most attractive parts of Greece.
Its offering magnificent views of the Ionian Sea and incorporating luxurious accommodations with two outstanding golf courses including “The Dunes” one of Bernhard Langer’s most impressive designs.
In my words, it is hard to imagine a better place in Europe for golf than Costa Navarino.
Furthermore it offers an untouched beach, lovely pools, two five star hotels managed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, partner of Marriott. Lets say “The Westin” is for golfers and families while “The Romanos” (a Luxury Collection Resort), offers romantic hideaway villas for couples.
I played “The Dunes” a gem in Costa Navarino’s crown and it was fun to play it.
Designed by Bernhard Langer, this course offers breathtaking views over the nearby sea and the river that snakes it way through the resort. The Dunes Course is coupled with a number of more sympathetic tee positions to ensure every golfer a suitably enjoyable challenge.
Positioned close to the sea, a number of the holes on the Dunes Course have a links like feel to them with the remaining inland holes offering a taste of a more traditional Greek landscape with olive trees and citrus groves flanking the gently undulating fairways.
Furthermore Costa Navarino is one of the most culturally-rich regions of Greece with 4,000 years of history including Olympia, the sanctuary of Zeus and site of the ancient Olympic Games.
Time seems to have stood still in much of the Peloponnese. Cyrstal clear water, beautiful mountains conjure up a picture postcard idyll. Costa Navarino is about elegance and tends to attract a chic, mostly European guests.
It’s an attractive haven for those after a sophisticated, peaceful getaway and the ambiance is suitably chilled out with amazing sunsets.
Anazoe Spa boasts a varied spa menu and the speciality treatments are based on health and beauty practices of ancient Greece. I chose one of the signature massage treatments, the Spirit of Honey.
Wow, I still can feel it.
The nearby town of Pylos is a great place, with its pretty harbour, bright blue tavernas, local boutiques and terrace cafes in the main square where you could easily spend a few days.
Thats what we did.
Adios, Greece.
Reservations and further information:
Anazoe Spa: Anazoe Spa – Costa Navarino
How to get there: Aegean Air :Aegean Air
The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort
T: +30 27230 96000 | F: +30 27230 96500 | E: reservations.navarino@luxurycollection.com
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
T: +30 27230 95000 | F: +30 27230 95500 | E: reservations.navarino@westin.com
Navarino Dunes
Costa Navarino
24001 Messinia, Greece
