IN ITS PRIME

Enjoy a Greek golfing odyssey – or a luxurious family break – at Costa Navarino

By CASPAR DAVID

Greece may have a population of just over ten million, but that has certainly not proved a barrier to it making a lasting impression on the world.

Throughout the sands of time, the Greeks have set the benchmark for others to follow, including being recognised as the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games, and Greece is now making global headlines again in a sport that you would not immediately associate them with: golf.

The dream of ship owner and keen environmentalist Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos to create a sustainable tourism development in his home region, Costa Navarino opened in 2010 in Messinia in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese.

Thirteen years later and ‘The Captain’s’ vision has become a stunning reality with Costa Navarino establishing itself as Europe’s newest golf destination.

A short and scenic drive from Kalamata International airport, Costa Navarino was named as the ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’ at the 2022 World Golf Awards. Further accolades look set to follow in 2023 following a period of fresh investment with the opening of new hospitality o erings and unrivalled experiences – paving the way for a new era at the Mediterranean’s prime sustainable destination.

Having taken its status to new heights with last year's opening of two new José María Olazábal-designed layouts at Navarino Hills – the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course and The Hills Course – to complement the two existing signature designs, The Dunes Course and The Bay Course, golfers can now enjoy the choice of four courses within a maximum distance of 13km.

Along with three five-star luxury hotels (plus a fourth to open this summer) and an array of leisure and lifestyle facilities, it is easy to see why Costa Navarino is considered a flagship of modern golf resort development. The first layout to open and measuring 6,018m, the par-71 Bernhard Langer and EGD-designed The Dunes Course o ers spectacular sea and river views and incorporates links-style features in areas closest to the sea, while occasionally venturing into olive and fruit groves.

Surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino, the par-70, 5,422m The Bay Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr and meanders through three distinct settings – seaside, canyon, and grove – to provide striking contrasts.

Launched in partnership with the International Olympic Academy and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the par-72 International Olympic Academy Golf Course routes around the western part of the Navarino Hills property. Measuring 6,366m, more than half its holes play along the ridge overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, providing spectacular sea views. costanavarino.com

Also designed by Olazábal, The Hills Course o ers a scenic golf journey through nature, along the way passing old olive trees, ancient rock walls and stunning ravines that carve deep into the Kinigou Hills. Measuring 6,280m in length, the par-72 course o ers a good balance and variety, while myriad strategic options await, providing a good test for creativity and course management.

Costa Navarino o ers a range of fivestar hospitality o erings: The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort that is ideal for couples seeking a distinctive luxury holiday; The Westin Resort Costa Navarino which is the perfect choice for families; and W Costa Navarino, which opened last summer and has a more vibrant atmosphere suited to groups and the young at heart.

All guests have access to an array of more than 40 dining and entertainment venues, state-of-the-art sports facilities, world-class spa centres and a wealth of experiences to engage with the region’s culture, history and nature, and the customer experience set to be enhanced even further over the coming months.

This summer will see the highly anticipated Greek debut of Mandarin Oriental at Costa Navarino, with the destination’s fourth hotel o ering guests a premium experience with earth-sheltered villas and guesthouses designed for absolute privacy and tranquillity.

In addition, Navarino Agora will showcase a wide choice of shops, open-air stalls, street food, outdoor cinema, and live events when it launches this month, while a new Watersports Hub at Navarino Waterfront will open at the same time, o ering a wide range of watersports, plus state-of-theart equipment and training options.