ADVERTORIAL • April 2018

Costa Navarino: A Greek resort with wow factor

What do you look for in a holiday? A beach paradise? Gourmet food? Maybe a spot of culture or simply a hospitable spirit? Whatever your getaway checklist, Costa Navarino can oblige. Here’s why you should be jetting to this high-end Grecian resort

Wild at heart

The resort of Costa Navarino – located in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese – offers one of the most beguiling landscapes in the Mediterranean and, thanks to a meticulous environmental policy, it is refreshingly unspoilt, too. With a 1.5km stretch of golden sand, lapped by a sparkling Ionian Sea, it’s tempting not to leave your lounger. And why would you, with a climate promising year-round sunny days and balmy evenings?
Give it a go: Venture beyond the beach and you’ll unearth rolling olive groves and leafy vineyards, where a cooling glass of organic Chardonnay awaits as you soak up all that natural beauty.

Comfort zone

Costa Navarino isn’t just a pretty face. It’s home to two five-star-fabulous hotels – The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort. While they may have different vibes (the Westin is family-orientated and buzzing, the Romanos more serene), they’re both littered with accolades and boast credentials to satisfy even the most discerning guest. With an infinity pool on your own private terrace – heated in the colder months – what's not to love?
Give it a go: If all this luxury is making you hungry, there is a delectable array of resort restaurants. We like beachside Barbouni for a push-the-boat-out night of fresh seafood; or if you’re after something heavier, stop by Flame at the Dunes Clubhouse for an Angus beef burger served on brioche with pumpkin chutney and gorgonzola.

Fun and games

There’s no excuse not to raise your BPM this holiday. Costa Navarino has two 18-hole signature golf courses – and a Golf Academy should you need tuition in teeing off – as well as a Racquet Academy, biking, hiking, an indoor climbing wall, go-karting, gyms… and that’s just on land. Hit the waves and you can expect everything from the standard (snorkelling, water-skiing, sailing) to the more out there (fun tubes, stand up paddleboarding and kitesurfing).
Give it a go: Those with little ones will appreciate the resort’s kids' clubs and youth activities, including archaeology and gardening. Cool off at the Aqua Park with its three slides, waterfalls and pools.

Spa quality

Everyone needs chill-time – even when they’re on holiday – and the resort’s decadent 4,000sqm Anazoe Spa & Thalassotherapy Centre is just the place. Tapping into the health and beauty practices of ancient Greece, while using natural and revitalising ingredients, the spa has over 90 treatments including those restorative water rituals so favoured by the Greek forefathers. If hydrotherapy was good enough for Hippocrates...
Give it a go: With olive trees at every turn, Oleotherapy® is a must. The therapeutic olive oil treatments, which date back thousands of years, will leave skin soft and supple.

Culture time

There’s a rich history to be uncovered in Navarino – 4,500 years to be exact. Explore bygone palaces (King Nestor’s mighty stronghold should be high on your list), classical temples, Byzantine churches and medieval castles. Or sign up for the Messinian Authenticity programme, which enables you to try your hand at traditional Greek cooking and olive-harvesting. Those intrigued by the region’s natural heritage will love the Navarino Natura Hall, where interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience the rich flora and fauna.
Give it a go: Channel your inner Aristotle on a ‘Philosophy walk’. Led by classical scholars against an idyllic backdrop, you’ll discuss modern-day issues through the eyes of the wisest Greek thinkers.

Discover the Peloponnese peninsula

To find out more about Costa Navarino, visit costanavarino.com. To book your holiday, visit ba.com/westin and ba.com/romanos

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