Tucked away on the southwest Peloponnese on the Greek mainland with its ancient hills, quaint seafront towns and glistening bay is one of the country’s best kept secrets, Costa Navarino. The resort first opened in 2010 as a tranquil and idyllic new destination in the Mediterranean surrounded by olive trees as far as the eye can see. Based in the Greek region of Messinia, Costa Navarino prides itself on being a sustainable resort, making sure the expansive scenery is unspoilt, local produce is grown to provide fresh ingredients to the restaurants, and hotels are mindful of ensuring their architecture respects the thousands-year-long history of the area. And their latest opening leans into all of that, redefining modern luxury.
From London to Los Angeles, and Barcelona to Bali, W Hotels has been offering global travelers luxurious stays at some of the most iconic destinations since 1998. But their latest opening in Costa Navarino sees them try something completely new for the brand. When it opened during summer 2022, W Costa Navarino became the first W Hotel to open in Greece, far away from the usual major city locations they are situated in. Sitting beautifully on a 13-hectare beachfront site by the Ionian Sea, it brings the elegance and comfort of the W brand’s reputation for modern luxury to one of Greece’s most desirable spots. It blends into its surroundings with its design taking cues from local materials including stone, wood and reeds, spearheaded by Greek architects Tombazis and Associates. But its personality comes through in its clean and unassuming grandeur. As you step into the lobby you are greeted by a breathtaking view of Navarino Bay, with the glistening pools and resort grounds below sparkling brightly with it.
The expansive property offers 246 stylish rooms, imbued with Mediterranean furnishings (there was a particularly gorgeous terracotta vase in our room), neutral tones, and all the comforts you need. Super king sized beds welcome you to the best night’s sleep you’ll have, while the walk-in rain shower relaxes you after a day at the beach. There are also 2 bedroom suites and 3 bedroom villas with private infinity pools, accommodating groups of friends or those wanting extra space during their stay. The resort is aimed strictly at adults (guests have to be 12 years or older), so while families are welcome the resort adopts a more peaceful and refined getaway experience.
What sets W Coasta Navarino apart from other W properties is that it draws from the pace of life from its surroundings. If you visit W Times Square in New York City or W Amsterdam, they very much appeal to the fun, energetic life of those cities. Here, W Costa Navarino focuses on relaxation, wellbeing and mindfulness, matching the slower paced energy of its tranquil environment. The AWAY® Spa offers an extensive list of treatments for guests who want to completely unwind. Full body olive oil massages will relax every muscle in your body, pinch by pinch, while beauty treatments like manicures and pedicures offer a moment to stop and look after yourself.
For those who like to keep active while away, there’s a menu of fitness programmes to enjoy. From yoga and pilates, to boot camp classes on the beach and meditation sessions, you can reinvigorate your mind, body and energy levels within the beautiful surroundings. The gym is open from early until late, while a heated 25m-long lap pool is available for fitness use only.
The WET Deck features a stunning infinity pool with full view of Navarino Bay, inviting guests to enjoy the sunshine with cocktails. It’s the ideal spot to get lost in that book you’ve been meaning to read while lounging on the sunbeds, soundtracked by light poolside beats across the resort. With the 450-metre-long sandy beach just a few steps away, you can retreat to sunbeds on the seafront or take a stroll down the Instagram-ready jetty. The unspoiled setting of Costa Navarino offers breathtaking views wherever you point your camera.
It wouldn’t be an idyllic holiday if there weren’t plenty of food options to indulge in. The Platía is a food market of delights, with four separate venues in a square-like setting to satisfy all tastes. For breakfast you get to try them all, with the Café offering coffees and juices; the Deli Store laden with cold cuts of meats, cheese and regional delicacies; the Bakery tempting you with homemade indulgences; and the Cookery set up as an open-style kitchen with chefs serving up delicious dishes. These are open throughout the day for guests to enjoy snacks, bites to eat and poolside lunches.
Between offers light dinner bites in the evening with a menu concept based on raw food. Paired with cocktails and a programme of DJ sets across the season, it serves as the perfect segue from day to night as the sun sets over the bay. As the sky dims and cicadas echo across the dusky air, W Costa Navarino’s stylish beach club Parelía comes to life. With a menu of Greek Mediterranean cuisine using succulent cuts of meat, freshly-caught seafood and locally sourced vegetables, every dish is as delicious as the last. As you work your way through the cocktails on offer, Parelía becomes the social space on Costa Navarino’s beachfront. World renowned DJs play sets throughout the summer into the early hours, with next year’s music programming promising to up the agenda further.
Of course it wouldn’t be a W property without their iconic W Lounge. W Costa Navarino takes that familiar space and places it overlooking miles of oceanfront. Whether you want to dine, relax with a coffee, or try one of the many locally inspired cocktails on offer, throughout the day and into the evening it’s a go-to social space that can adapt to your schedule.
From its remote beachfront location to its spacious resort setting, W Costa Navarino is a first for the W brand on so many fronts. But with fine cuisine, unbelievable views, stylish design, a relaxed but fun atmosphere, and impeccable service, it sets a new standard for modern luxury.
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