How Greece’s Costa Navarino became one of Europe’s best golf resorts

Greece is known for many things—philosophy, ancient ruins, endless sunshine, beautiful islands and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Golf isn’t usually a consideration.

That’s changing in large part to one development.

With the completion of its fourth golf course two years ago, Costa Navarino has made a stamp on its intentions to be one of the world’s most expansive, luxurious, and attractive golf destinations. If few have heard of it, that will change very soon.

Situated under four hours by car from Athens, Costa Navarino sits in the southwest corner of Greece in the region of Messinia. The closest city is Kalamata (yes, known for its olives) and the airport there receives flights from the United Kingdom and several other European cities. Although this part of the country isn’t as well known as the islands, waters here are typically pristine and especially picturesque when set against stunning cliffs, hills and beaches that have been spared the onslaught of mass tourism over the years.

Bringing visitors to this corner of Greece was always on the mind of Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, founder of a conglomerate that includes companies involved in shipping, film production, real estate and high-end tourism. Constantakopoulos, born in Messinia, always had plans to develop his home region into a magnet for luxury travellers. Costa Navarino is his chance to make his dreams come true.

Developed and operated by TEMES, a developer and operator of high-end tourism destinations, with the majority owned by the Constantakopoulos family, Costa Navarino occupies 1,300 square kilometers in the Peloponnese peninsula. Although the area has a history steeped over the last 4,500 years, it is relatively unknown to peripatetic golfers. This is earmarked to change.

The four courses each offer a different set of challenges, design and allure. The Dunes (above) was the first course built at Costa Navarino and is located closest to the hotels. Sea and river views adorn the links-inspired course designed by Masters champion, Ryder Cup captain and German legend Bernhard Langer with European Golf Design. The holes venture through olive and fruit groves with undulation that drapes over the indigenous topography. In season, golfers can pick from these trees and sample the literal fruits of the land. At 6,581 yards from the back tees, the par-71 course is no slouch even if the fairways are ample and the greens large.

At 6,140 yards from the back tees, the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Bay course (above) is slightly shorter than the Dunes but no less challenging or fun to play. Most of the tee boxes offer views of the historic Navarino Bay, and two of the holes play along the water. Holes at this course are loosely divided into three distinct landscapes. The seaside holes are framed by a backdrop of the Bay, with the short, par-4 fourth being specifically memorable with the town of Pylos in the background.

Elevated tees characterize the Bay course’s canyon holes, and golfers need to navigate their tee shots through box canyons as the course moves inland. And in the grove grouping, more than 1,000 mature olive trees—some more than half a millennium old—guide you through a mountain landscape that is finely juxtaposed against the seaside and canyon holes.

The Hills (above) and the International Olympic Academy Golf (IOAGC) courses, both designed by two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal, are the two newest courses at Costa Navarino. Set high above the coastline, both courses offer stupendous views of the surrounding hills and bay and somewhat wide fairways and well-protected greens. Olazabal’s bunkering are key features that golfers cannot ignore when playing these two layouts.

There are a few tricky ravines to contend with at the Hills, with the long, par-4 eighth posing the sternest challenge of them all. The par 3s here are no pushovers, and the muscular 15th demands that you take more club if you want to clear the swath of trees between the tee box and the green.

IOAGC is the longest course of the four. At nearly 7,000 yards in length, the par-72 layout is a true test of golf. But Olazabal’s design is friendly to tee shots, although it can be penal when approach shots go astray. The course does allow alternatives to getting on the greens in regulation, and the allowance for golfers to plot their ways to bogey—and preventing lost balls—is a testament to the creativity of the legendary Spaniard.

Given the sprawling size of the property, Costa Navarino has two golf clubhouses for the four courses—each with pro shops, locker facilities and top-notch bars and restaurants. Also unique to many golf destinations is the fact Costa Navarino has four hotels with variations on a theme of luxury.

Families with kids in tow will be delighted at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. A highly acclaimed holiday destination, The Westin here has received accolades like Conde Nast’s Traveler’s “Readers’ Choice Award.” The 445-room property offers a variety of lodging types with suites and connecting rooms being ideal for guests with kids in tow. Its hillside location provides views of the Ionian Sea, and those staying on ground-floor units are just steps away from the beach. Kids will have their days filled with great activities. The Sand Castle, which offers both recreational and educational activities as well as overnight stay options, is aimed at children aged four to seven and eight to 12, with specially devised programs for each age group. At the Cocoon day nursery, toddlers from four months to three years old are creatively engaged under the supervision of qualified staff. Babysitting services are also provided on request. Fun for the entire family is guaranteed at the immersive Aqua Park with three brand-new waterslides.

While the kids are at play, parents can indulge in pampering at the award-winning Anazoe Spa. Signature spa treatments are based on techniques that combine Greek healing rituals and local resources with traditional European spa therapies.The full gamut of spa offerings are on tap here, including unique ones like lymphatic massages, thalassotherapy and cocooning scrubs.

Couples looking for a more intimate setting may prefer The Romanos, Luxury Collection Resort with a number of suites or villas available. A new adults-only pool opened in April. The resort’s Ionian Exclusive Suites and Villas collection will benefit this year from new, personalized experiences, curated to address each guest’s needs. All pool villas benefit from total privacy and direct beachfront access.

Restricted to guests over 12 years of age, the W Costa Navarino is the first W to open in Greece. As with all W properties, the vibe is understated chic, and the resort’s design is inspired by the region’s traditional residences, with natural materials like stone, wood and reed finding their ways into enhancing the uber-cool surroundings. W Costa Navarino has 246 rooms ranging from two and three-bedroom villas with infinity private pools, to beautifully appointed doubles with views of the Bay of Navarino.

The Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino presents something special, and this year marks the hotel’s full season with the opening of five new three-bedroom villas and a five-bedroom Royal Villa. The latter spans 11,700 square feet and accommodates up to 12 guests. The hotel exudes an air of exclusivity, even though it’s just steps from many of Costa Navarino’s many distractions and attractions. An expansive swimming pool abuts the long stretch of sandy beach, letting guests choose between the two while enjoying cocktails from the pool bar situated in between. The hotel has its own spa, with an indoor pool with all-round views of the Navarino Bay.

One of the highlights at the W Costa Navarino must be the Parelia beach club where guests can dip in and out of the long sandy beach while hanging out at the Platia, the hotel’s deli food market. Breakfast served here is segregated into stations serving different kinds of food.

Barbouni is one lunch spot that you shouldn’t miss. Located right by the beach near The Romanos, the Mediterranean menu of freshly caught fish (barbouni is a type of fish popular in Greece), grilled meats and signature Grecian delights.The baked aubergine with tomato tapenade topping is a must-have. If anything, go to Barbouni for the ambiance. The mesmerizing “moving” ceiling design features golden fabric in constant wave motion propelled by the breeze. And with the sea just steps away, there are few spots at Costa Navarino finer than this for lunch or a sunset dinner.

Getting There

The quickest way to get to Costa Navarino is flying into the Kalamata Airport, a 50-minute drive away. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely, picturesque drive from Athens International Airport, which will take about three and a half hours. There are several notable historic sites from Athens to Kalamata, and it is well worth it if you make stops to see them if you take this route.

For more information and bookings, click here.