Sustainably Refreshed: The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

By Giorgos Tsiros

At The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, the pursuit of sustainability is evident at every turn – from the natural surroundings, with their age-old olive trees, to the carefully chosen materials in the rooms and suites. Yet only time can truly determine if a destination is sustainable. It’s embedded in the very meaning of the word: Can the beauty of this place be preserved without increasing its ecological footprint?

This year, guests will see that it can. Recent updates ahead of the 2025 season include refurbished common spaces, a new 24-meter lap pool, an enhanced aqua park, and newly redesigned rooms and suites – the transformation of which stand out as a model of responsible tourism.

More than just a destination, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, – especially popular with families as well as sports and wellbeing enthusiasts – is a place where new stories are written and new memories are made every day. A retreat of understated luxury that mirrors Messinia’s natural beauty, the resort has, for nearly 15 years, welcomed guests in search of something truly special.

Now time calls for renewal – not reinvention, but evolution. This philosophy guided MKV Design in the recent refurbishment of all the resort’s rooms and suites. Under the keen eye of Maria Vafiadis, the studio set out to breathe fresh life into the hotel while preserving its original spirit. The result is a seamless fusion of past and present, where sustainability and authenticity take center stage.

For MKV, true sustainability starts with longevity. “We create designs that belong to their locations and are deeply rooted in the local culture,” explains Vafiadis. At The Westin, the approach was not to start over but to build upon what already existed – preserving the essence while enhancing the experience. Carefully selected pieces were retained and repurposed: The original handwoven raffia headboards were given a new lease on life with the addition of traditionally inspired metal finials. Nightstands became elegant, upholstered benches at the foot of the beds. Dining chairs were reupholstered, while wrought-iron table bases were topped with locally sourced marble. Even small details were repurposed – the decorative iron handles from the original nightstands, for example, were reused on bathroom doors in a subtle nod to the hotel’s past.

With 70% of the new furniture and fittings sourced locally, and the remaining 30% coming from neighboring European countries, the refurbishment remained as connected to its setting as possible. Natural materials, including wood, stone, woven raffia, and wrought iron, celebrate traditional Greek craftsmanship, creating a refined yet inviting feel. The color palette mirrors the surrounding landscape, blending the crisp blues of the Ionian Sea, the deep greens of olive groves, and the warm, earthy hues of Messinia’s vernacular architecture.

Even the minibar cabinets pay homage to local traditions. Inspired by rural mesh-paneled cupboards once used in rural homes to protect fresh food from insects, they blend a rich local heritage with contemporary craftsmanship. Soft furnishings in cotton, wool, and linen incorporate patterns reminiscent of traditional Greek weaving, while vibrant cushions and carpets honor the bright handcrafted textiles once woven by local women. Accessories and artwork, sourced from local artisans, highlight the use of pottery, a craft deeply rooted in the region’s history.

“We wanted to keep the original essence that guests loved,” Vafiadis reflects, “while elevating the offering to new heights.” As a result, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, strides confidently into the future – its heart unchanged, but its spirit refreshed.