Exploring Costa Navarino: A Glimpse into the Premier Golfing Retreat in Europe
Costa Navarino: A Premier Golfing Destination in Europe
Nestled on the Messinian coast, by the Bay of Navarino on the Peloponnese peninsula, Costa Navarino stands out as one of the best golf destinations in Europe. Founded by Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos and first opened in 2010, this luxurious resort offers world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects.
The resort boasts four 18-hole signature courses: The International Olympic Academy Golf Course, the Hills Course, The Dunes Course, and The Bay Course. Each course offers unique challenges and breathtaking views. The Dunes Course, designed by Bernhard Langer, showcases a seaside, links-style design, while The Bay Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offers panoramic sea views. The Hills Course, although less technical than the Olympic, presents a wider challenge and greens just as tricky. However, the prettiest and favorite during a recent stay was The Bay Course, with its elegant 18 holes and stunning Mediterranean vistas.
The scenic beauty of Costa Navarino is unparalleled, with breathtaking Mediterranean vistas combining sea, hills, and natural vegetation. The resplendent pools, olive tree-lined walkways, and the beach and bay in the distance, as viewed from the author's bay-view room, add to the resort's charm.
Luxury accommodations and comprehensive amenities are another strength of Costa Navarino. The author's luxurious hotel, W, caters for slightly younger crowds, while The Mandarin Oriental offers an even more opulent option. The Westin Resort is more popular with families, many ground-floor units coming with private infinity pools. The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, boasts one of the most stunning open-air lobbies on the property. For those seeking relaxation, the Navarino Agora, a charming little holiday village entirely on site, offers a short walk to the beach.
High-quality facilities, including a golf academy and state-of-the-art practice areas, cater to all skill levels. Sustainability efforts make Costa Navarino an eco-friendly resort, blending nature with sport. The cavernous Anazoe Spa, measuring 4,000m2, offers state-of-the-art facilities and treatments inspired by ancient Greek health and beauty practices.
The restaurants at Costa Navarino use ingredients grown on the property and in the local area, ensuring exceptionally fresh and flavorful staples. Vegetarian options were also excellent across all restaurants. In the evenings, the author enjoyed relaxation at the beautiful beach bar of the hotel.
Costa Navarino's views and elevation changes make it a beautiful routing for golf. The views across the Navarino estate, as seen on The Dunes Course, are particularly beautiful. The excellent year-round weather supports enjoyable play throughout the year, making Costa Navarino a premier golfing destination in Europe.
- For golf enthusiasts seeking a change in lifestyle, Costa Navarino offers an exceptional travel experience with its premier golf courses, such as The Bay Course and The Dunes Course, set among breathtaking Mediterranean scenery.
- After a day of golfing and enjoying the resort's facilities, travelers can savor locally sourced food and drink at Costa Navarino's restaurants, accompanied by the sounds of the Mediterranean waves during the evening at the hotel's beach bar.