Costa Navarino – Playground of the Gods

For over forty years, I have traveled the world playing golf. I’ve visited 79 countries and played many of the world’s top courses, but never have I been anywhere with as much to offer in a single place as Costa Navarino. I know Greece is not the first place you think of for fantastic golf, if you think of it at all, but there is a new kid on the block, set to challenge the best in the world. Costa Navarino has so much to offer: history, beauty, weather, beaches, luxurious hotels, extraordinary dining options, and wonderful golf. If the gods of ancient Greece were roaming the earth today, there is no doubt this is where they would all be hanging out. And I’d be right there with them. I have fallen in love with the place!

Myths, Legends and History

The town of Pylos, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese region of Greece, is four hours south of Athens and a short forty-five minutes from Kalamata Airport. According to Greek mythology, Hermes, the messenger of the gods and the god of trade, thieves, and travelers, was born in a cave near Pylos. Homer’s Odysseus visited Pylos during his long journey home from the Trojan War, seeking guidance from King Nestor. The remains of Nester’s palace, dating back to 1,300 BC, can be seen a few miles from town.

The town provides panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, Navvarino Bay, and the surrounding mountains, which are breathtaking. With its small, picturesque charm, the town is a haven of bars, restaurants, and small shops. It boasts two impressive castles, a beautiful horseshoe beach, a natural lagoon, and a stunning hidden beach rumored to be the best in Greece. There are great hikes, plenty of history, ancient ruins, and a vast selection of local tavernas, and that’s before we even talk about the amazing amenities the resort offers.

The Battle of Navarino 

Looking at the pristine blue waters of the bay, it’s hard to imagine that it was the scene of one of the most significant naval battles in history. The Battle of Navarino Bay occurred on October 20, 1827, during the Greek War of Independence. It was a critical naval engagement fought between the Allied powers of Britain, France, and Russia fleets against the Ottoman Empire. The battle occurred near the Greek town of Pylos in the Peloponnese peninsula.

The Battle of Navarino Bay resulted in a decisive victory for the Allied powers. It significantly weakened the Ottoman naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean and facilitated Greece’s eventual independence from Ottoman rule. The battle is often regarded as one of the last significant engagements fought entirely with sailing ships and as a pivotal moment in the history of Greek independence.

Mandarin Oriental runs the clubhouse at the Bay course. It is known for its impeccable service and sweeping views across the course and bay. 

Nestor’s Cup

Nestor, the king of Pylos, is often associated with hospitality and wisdom. One of the famous legends surrounding Nestor is the story of his cup, which was said to have been passed down through generations as a symbol of hospitality. According to legend, this cup could never be emptied, as it was continuously refilled with fine wine. This tale underscores Nestor’s reputation for generosity and hospitality, the very same kind you’ll find at Costa Navarino.

The Resort is a Wonderland of Dining, Sporting, and Entertainment Options

Once inside the resort’s grounds, you’ll be immersed in a world of luxury, with four top-tier hotels, a plethora of over 30 excellent dining options, exclusive shopping, and a spa that rivals the best. It’s a place Zeus himself would be glad to call home. But the real gem of Costa Navarino lies in its four distinct, player-friendly golf courses. Each course has its own unique character and offers breathtaking views, promising an unforgettable golfing experience.

For Exceptional Golf Courses

None of the courses are long or tight. In fact, the fairways are exceedingly friendly but don’t get the wrong idea that the courses are easy, for they are not. The constant breeze from the ocean ups the ante before you even tee off through seriously undulating terrain framed with olive, citrus, and pines. The greens are large, perfect, and challenging, protected by a battalion of bunkers throughout the courses.

The Dunes Course

Crafted by Bernhard Langer, a former two-time Masters champion, in collaboration with European Golf Design, the course opened in 2010 as the first signature golf course in Greece.

Course Design and Layout

The Dunes Course is renowned for its diverse layout, incorporating links-style and parkland characteristics. The course stretches over 6,018 meters (approximately 6,580 yards) from the back tees, offering a par 71 challenge. Its design integrates thoughtfully into the natural landscape, with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and large greens. The course’s varied terrain includes olive groves, seaside views, and rolling hills, providing a visually stunning backdrop for golfers.

Signature Holes

The second hole, a short par four, is particularly memorable because the Ionian Sea is directly behind the green, offering an early photo op. The 18th hole is a strong par 5 that winds its way uphill to a well-bunkered green nestled in front of the clubhouse.

The spectacular Bay course with the town of Pylos in the distance.

The Bay Course

The Bay Course at Costa Navarino, designed by the esteemed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., complements the golfing experience at this premier resort in Greece. Opened in 2011, a year after The Dunes Course, It offers a distinct yet equally captivating experience characterized by its strategic design and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Course Design and Layout

The Bay Course is an 18-hole, par-71 course that stretches over 5,422 meters (approximately 5,930 yards) from the back tees. What sets this course apart is its variety of terrain and the way it meanders through olive groves, along rugged coastline cliffs, and around seaside dunes. The course is known for its more intimate, compact layout than The Dunes, which makes for a challenging round where precision and strategy are key.

Signature Holes

Several holes on The Bay Course are particularly noteworthy due to their unique challenges and stunning settings.

• The 2nd Hole: A par 3 that is both challenging and visually stunning, this mid-length hole plays directly towards the Ionian Sea. Bunkers protect the green, and the wind off the sea can add an extra layer of difficulty, making club selection crucial.
• The 17th Hole: A short par 4, this hole runs adjacent to the bay and requires a precise tee shot. The narrow fairway has Navarino Bay on one side and olive trees on the other, leading to a well-protected green. The proximity to the water and the possibility of an onshore breeze make it a memorable and strategic hole.

The course offers a mixture of long par 5s that demand power and accuracy and shorter, more technical holes that test a golfer’s precision. The Bay Course is often lauded for demanding different types of shots, making it a favorite among players who enjoy a varied golfing experience.

Scenery and Surroundings

The Bay Course is particularly noted for its panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, Navarino Bay, and the surrounding landscape. Nestled in a natural amphitheater, it provides stunning vistas from many holes. The coastal setting adds beauty and wind, adding another layer of challenge to the game.

Facilities and Amenities

The Bay Course is well-supported by modern facilities, including a stylish clubhouse with full amenities such as a pro shop, locker rooms, and dining options. The clubhouse is designed to blend with the natural environment, offering expansive views of the course and the surrounding bay. Golfers can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on local ingredients, making the dining experience as memorable as the golf itself.

The Olympic course offers a spectacular view of Navarino Bay

The Olympic Course

The Olympic Course at Costa Navarino is a remarkable addition to the resort’s golfing portfolio, designed by the celebrated Spanish golfer José María Olazábal, a two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup hero. This course, perched high on a ridge line approximately 500 feet above Navarino Bay, offers not just a test of golfing skill but an unforgettable visual experience.

Course Design and Layout

The Olympic Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course that spans a range of challenging terrains, from olive-lined fairways to dramatic cliff edges. The course begins inland, where the first few holes weave through rolling hills and olive groves, providing a relatively gentle start. However, this tranquility is deceptive, as the course soon transitions into increasingly challenging holes that demand strategic thinking and precise shot-making.

• The 4th Hole: This long and challenging par 4 stands out early in the round. Playing back into the wind and guarded by a lake, it requires careful club selection and accuracy to navigate successfully. It’s a hole that can easily punish any lapse in concentration, setting the tone for the more demanding parts of the course.
• The 7th Hole Onwards: From the 7th hole onward, the course transforms into a succession of breathtakingly scenic and challenging holes. These holes run along the cliff’s edge, providing stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, The Bay Course, and the landscape below. The wind becomes a significant factor here, adding to the game’s complexity as players contend with the elements.
• The 9th, 11th, 16th, and 17th Holes: These holes are particularly noteworthy for their dramatic settings along the cliffs. The fairways seem to hover above the sea, and the views are nothing short of spectacular, making these holes a highlight not just of the course but of any golfer’s experience. The 11th hole, for instance, offers a particularly thrilling tee shot over a ravine, with the sea serving as a stunning backdrop. Similarly, the 16th and 17th holes run parallel to the cliff’s edge, offering a visual feast that rivals some of the world’s most famous courses, such as Pebble Beach and Old Head.

The challenging Par 3, 11th hole perched on the ridge line overlooking the bay

Scenery and Environment

The elevated course provides uninterrupted views of Navarino Bay, the surrounding countryside, and distant mountains. The setting is so breathtaking that it can be easy to momentarily forget the quality of the golf itself, as you find yourself reaching for your camera as often as your clubs.

Playing Experience

The Olympic Course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, with the ever-present wind playing a crucial role in influencing club selection and shot strategy on nearly every hole. The layout demands the use of every club in the bag, from the driver on wide, downhill par 5s like the 1st hole to precise irons and wedges on cliff-edge par 3s and shorter par 4s. Birdie opportunities are plentiful early in the round, with holes like the short, downhill par 5 first hole offering a good chance to start strong. However, the challenge intensifies as the course progresses, especially with the influence of the breeze and the rugged terrain.

Signature Features

The course’s dramatic cliffside location integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a series of signature holes that are as visually stunning as they are challenging. The Olympic Course at Costa Navarino is more than just a golf course; it’s an adventure that combines the best elements of golf with some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the world. Whether you’re driven by the desire to conquer its challenges or to bask in its beauty, the Olympic Course offers an unforgettable round of golf.

The Navarino Hills Course

The Navarino Hills Course, another masterpiece by José María Olazábal, adds a unique inland dimension to the Costa Navarino golfing experience. Opened relatively recently, this 18-hole, par-71 course offers a distinct contrast to the coastal courses, focusing more on the natural inland beauty of the Peloponnese region.

Course Design and Layout

The course is situated among rolling hills and ancient olive groves, presenting a more tranquil and secluded golfing environment. Its undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers characterize the layout, with elevation changes that challenge even the most experienced golfers. Unlike the cliffside drama of the Olympic Course, Navarino Hills offers a more serene yet equally demanding round, with each hole seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.

• The 7th and 8th Holes: These holes are particularly memorable and showcase the course’s strategic complexity. The 7th hole is a short, downhill dogleg left, requiring precision off the tee to set up the best angle for your approach shot. Immediately following is the 8th hole, a long dogleg right that demands distance and accuracy. The contrast between these two holes exemplifies the course’s ability to quickly test different aspects of a golfer’s game.

Scenery and Surroundings

While the course is inland, it still offers stunning views, particularly from the higher elevations, where you can catch glimpses of the surrounding hills and even the distant bay. The olive groves that line many of the fairways add to the sense of immersion in the Greek countryside, making it a peaceful retreat from the more exposed coastal courses.

Clubhouse and Facilities

The two-story clubhouse at Navarino Hills is a standout feature, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the bay beyond. The clubhouse’s design is modern and welcoming, with large windows allowing guests to enjoy the scenery even indoors. The terrace provides an excellent vantage point to watch golfers finish their round on the 18th green below, creating a social and relaxed atmosphere.

• Pro Shop: The pro shop at Navarino Hills is well-stocked. It is particularly notable for its unusually large selection of golf shoes. The shop also offers a wide range of golf fashions, ensuring players can gear up in style before hitting the course.
• Short-Game Area: Adjacent to the clubhouse, the short-game area is top-notch, featuring separate zones for pitching, chipping, and putting. This area is perfect for honing specific aspects of your game. The grass range is first-class, providing an excellent space for warming up before your round or for serious practice sessions.

Playing Experience

The Navarino Hills Course offers a different rhythm than the coastal courses, emphasizing strategy and precision rather than power. The elevation changes across the course require careful club selection, and the often tricky greens add another layer of challenge. The course’s peaceful setting, away from the coast, allows players to focus more on their game while still enjoying the region’s natural beauty.

Relax in One of Four Luxury Hotels 

Nestled along the pristine coastline of the Ionian Sea, Costa Navarino is a destination where luxury and nature converge, offering an unparalleled escape in Greece. At the heart of this exquisite location lies a quartet of world-class resorts, each distinct yet united in its promise of opulence. From the serene retreat of The Westin Resort to the chic allure of W Costa Navarino, the refined elegance of The Romanos, and the exquisite luxury of the Mandarin Oriental, each resort provides a unique sanctuary for travelers seeking the finest in hospitality. Complemented by four exceptional golf courses, these resorts create a harmonious blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence, making Costa Navarino a haven for discerning guests.

The Serene Westin Resort

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the Ionian Sea, this luxury resort is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Accommodations: The Westin Resort features a range of accommodations, from deluxe rooms with private balconies to expansive suites with private infinity pools. The interiors are designed with a soothing color palette, natural materials, and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and restful stay.

Amenities: The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, including a lagoon-style pool, a heated indoor pool, and a family-friendly pool with a water park. For wellness enthusiasts, the Anazoe Spa offers a wide range of treatments inspired by ancient Greek practices, including oleotherapy® treatments using olive oil. The resort also has several dining options, including beachside restaurants and bars serving Mediterranean and international cuisine.

Activities: Guests at The Westin Resort can enjoy various activities, such as golf, tennis, cycling, and water sports. The resort also has a well-equipped fitness center and offers yoga and Pilates classes. For families, there is a kids’ club and a wealth of family-friendly activities.

The Chic W Costa Navarino

W Costa Navarino is the epitome of contemporary luxury, offering a chic and vibrant atmosphere that appeals to trendsetters and those looking for a more energetic and stylish experience. The W brand is known for its bold design, and this resort is no exception, blending cutting-edge architecture with the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.

Accommodations: The rooms and suites at W Costa Navarino are sleek and modern, with open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private terraces or balconies that provide stunning views of the sea or the surrounding landscape. Some suites come with private plunge pools, perfect for those seeking an extra touch of luxury.

Amenities: The resort features an impressive infinity pool that seems to merge with the horizon, along with several bars and lounges where guests can enjoy signature cocktails and light bites. The W Lounge is the social heart of the resort, offering a chic space to relax, mingle, or enjoy live music. The resort’s dining options are equally stylish, with restaurants serving innovative cuisine that blends local flavors with global influences.

Activities: W Costa Navarino offers a range of activities designed for the modern traveler, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga classes, and curated experiences such as mixology workshops and fashion events. The resort also has direct access to the beach, where guests can enjoy water sports or simply relax on sun loungers.

The Luxurious Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, is the pinnacle of refined elegance at Costa Navarino. This resort offers an unparalleled level of luxury, combining classical Greek architecture with modern comforts. It is a destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life, from exquisite dining to world-class amenities.

Accommodations: The Romanos offers a selection of beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and villas, many of which feature private infinity pools and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea or the lush gardens. The interiors are sophisticated and luxurious, with marble bathrooms, plush bedding, and state-of-the-art technology.

Amenities: Guests at The Romanos can indulge in various upscale amenities, including the Anazoe Spa, where they can enjoy a range of holistic treatments. The resort’s infinity pool is a stunning feature, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Dining at The Romanos is a culinary journey, with several gourmet restaurants serving everything from authentic Greek cuisine to international dishes crafted by renowned chefs.

Activities: The Romanos offers a plethora of activities for discerning travelers, including golf at the adjacent courses, private yacht excursions, and wine tasting at local vineyards. The resort also provides personalized services like private dining experiences and tailored wellness programs.

The Exquisite Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino

The Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino is a recent addition to the resort, offering an exquisite blend of contemporary luxury and traditional Greek hospitality. Known for its impeccable service and attention to detail, the Mandarin Oriental provides a tranquil and exclusive retreat for the most discerning guests.

Accommodations: The rooms, suites, and private villas at the Mandarin Oriental are designed with a sophisticated aesthetic, featuring a harmonious blend of natural materials, elegant furnishings, and cutting-edge technology. Many accommodations offer private terraces or balconies with stunning views, as well as private pools for those seeking ultimate privacy and luxury.

Amenities: The Mandarin Oriental’s signature spa is a highlight, offering a wide range of treatments inspired by both ancient Greek and Asian wellness traditions. The resort also features several fine dining restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience, from modern Greek cuisine to Asian-inspired dishes. The infinity pool and beach club are perfect for relaxation, while the resort’s lush gardens and serene surroundings provide a peaceful backdrop for a luxurious stay.

Activities: Guests at the Mandarin Oriental can enjoy a variety of bespoke experiences, including private cooking classes, guided cultural tours, and personalized wellness programs. The resort also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, allowing guests to explore the region’s natural beauty.

Each of these luxury hotels at Costa Navarino offers a unique experience, catering to different tastes and preferences, but all share a commitment to providing an unforgettable stay in one of Greece’s most beautiful regions.

The Agora

From the ancient agora to the modern village square, a central gathering place has always been at the core of Greek communities. This idea is reflected in the spirit of Navarino Agora. Everyone comes together in the Agora for a carefully selected gastronomical, retail, and cultural experience. It is also a venue where local talent can express and display Messinian heritage and contemporary culture through events, exhibitions, workshops, and concerts.

Navarino Agora captures Costa Navarino’s diverse character with its diverse offerings, including premium Greek and international brands. Its experience-centered approach combines the best that Messinia and Greece offer through an eclectic collection of retail spaces, a variety of dining options and services, and an open-air cinema, all complemented by numerous events.

You Won’t Find a Better Experience Anywhere 

In a world where their natural beauty or cultural richness often defines luxury travel destinations, Costa Navarino stands out as a rare gem that effortlessly combines both. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of world-class golf, the serene landscapes, or the opulence of its four luxurious resorts, this corner of Greece offers a truly unparalleled experience. Having explored nearly 80 countries and played some of the finest golf courses globally, I can confidently say that Costa Navarino is a place where the heart and soul of Greece converge with the pinnacle of modern luxury. It’s not just a destination; it’s a revelation—a place where you don’t just visit but feel profoundly connected as if you’ve finally found where you belong. And like the gods of ancient Greece, once you’ve experienced its magic, you’ll find it hard ever to leave.