Where Stories Begin: The 2025 Season at Costa Navarino

By Paulina Björk Kapsalis

Every visit to Costa Navarino marks the beginning of a new story. Located in Messinia, an unspoiled historical region of the Peloponnese, these stories unfold among sand dunes, green hills, and olive groves on the shores of the Ionian Sea. This February, when Costa Navarino reopens on February 27th, nature thrives, and life in the surrounding villages moves at a charmingly unhurried pace. The destination seamlessly blends into these surroundings.

Yet, there is so much to do. Home to four five-star resorts catering to different types of vacations, more than 40 dining venues, three spas, a plethora of entertainment and sporting facilities, curated cultural experiences, and a rich event program, every visit is different. At the end of each stay, it truly feels like a new story has taken place – with a beginning, an exciting middle, and an ending we’ll be telling each other again and again.

As the opening dates for each of the resorts and Navarino Agora, an open-air marketplace open to all, have just been announced, we take a look at what’s new this season:

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino (opening February 27), especially popular with families as well as sports and wellbeing enthusiasts, is unveiling a refreshed look this year. Highlights include updated interiors in all rooms and suites, with new furniture, fabrics, fittings, and lighting, inspired by Messinia’s natural palette. Guests will also discover refurbished public spaces, a new lap pool, and an enhanced aqua park.

Meanwhile, at the vibrant W Costa Navarino (opening April 9), which welcomes adults and young adults over 12 years old, the 2025 event program looks like it may be the most exciting one yet. Kicking off, as last year, with a bold twist on traditional Greek Easter celebrations, it also features electrifying DJ sets from local and international artists, special “Ride the Wave” watersport sessions, wellness retreats, and the return of “Chefs on Fire” evenings, where renowned chefs prepare unique menus over open fires. Much more is expected to be announced here, just as at the neighboring Navarino Agora (opening April 9), which, besides more than 20 retail stores, also boasts entertainment venues. Among the events to take place here are music and dance performances, fashion events, and film festivals at the Agora’s open-air cinema.

More culinary experiences await guests at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino (opening April 10), where globally acclaimed Michelin-starred guest chefs will lead exclusive “Stirring Stars” events. Greek and international wine houses will also host tastings for wine aficionados. Additionally, the resort will introduce “Masters in Motion” – holistic experiences designed to nurture both body and spirit, led by renowned experts.

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort (opening April 9) is also promising new gastronomy concepts, wellness retreats, and pop-up events with renowned brands. Guests staying in the villas of this resort can enjoy a range of personalized experiences. How does an outdoor movie night with personalized décor and food sound? Or how about a sunset serenade dinner?

The best is yet to come, as the destination has recently partnered with the Michelin-awarded restaurant CTC Urban Gastronomy and Chef Alexandros Tsiotinis to reimagine Greek culinary traditions in 2025. Guests will experience this culinary journey at three dining venues: the Souvlakerie; the Kafenio; and a new restaurant, “Paráfrasi by CTC,” offering a fine comfort food experience with locally sourced ingredients from small-scale producers. Foodies will also be happy to learn that the world-famous “Barbouni” restaurant on the beach is introducing a memorable sunset dining experience, and 1827 Lounge & bar and Anax Lounge are unveiling new concepts as well.

For those who wish to slow down, the destination’s rental villa collection is particularly enticing. These homes away from home are designed to reflect the architecture of nearby villages and ancient historical landmarks. Set among fragrant endemic herbs, they are located either steps from the beach or nestled in olive groves, providing independence and privacy with the option to plug into the services of the resorts on demand. This year, the collection expands to include exclusive properties in the beachfront Sea Dunes neighborhood for the first time.

The story of a “slow vacation” here may begin at your private infinity pool, include treatments at the renowned Anazoe Spa, Away Spa, or The Spa, golfing at the destination’s four signature golf courses (opening February 27), hiking or cycling along the coast, and end with one of many long meals at the exquisite restaurants.

Meanwhile, the most active travelers will be pleased to know that Costa Navarino is bringing back its popular sports camps. Young aspiring athletes who decide to join the multi-sport camp will have plenty to do, being trained in 10 different sports by expert coaches inspired by the Olympics (the birthplace of which is just a short drive from Costa Navarino). Ballers who sign up for the NBA Basketball School get to work on their game, take home an NBA Basketball School certificate, and train with high-profile players, while the popular FC Bayern Football Camps are also set to return, welcoming children to be trained by an official Bayern coach. New for this year is a thrilling tennis camp at the Mouratoglou Tennis Centre, promising loads of physical training combined with technical and tactical improvement. As always, guests can enjoy a vast array of water sports and team sports and participate in a plethora of sporting events, like the prestigious Legends Tour, scheduled to return this summer, attracting athletes from all over the world.

So, how will your story go?

With Kalamata International Airport just a 45-minute drive from Costa Navarino, holidaymakers can effortlessly begin their journey to Messinia. The convenience of multiple direct flights makes accessing this prime Mediterranean destination easier than ever. Discover more about how to get here.