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Throughout the course of history, the Greeks have forged a reputation for setting the benchmark for others to follow. Globally recognised for being the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games, Greece is now making global headlines in a sport that you would not immediately associate them with – golf.
A short and scenic drive from Kalamata International airport, Costa Navarino opened in 2010 in the region of Messinia in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese. The dream of ship owner and keen environmentalist Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos to create a sustainable tourism development in his home region, the last 13 years have seen ‘The Captain’s’ vision become a glorious reality with Costa Navarino establishing itself as Europe’s newest golf destination.
Fresh recognition for a period of lengthy investment came last year with Costa Navarino named the ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’ at the 2022 World Golf Awards, and further accolades look set to follow with the opening of new hospitality offerings 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 the February 2022 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.
Add with three five-star luxury hotels (with a fourth to open this summer) and an array of leisure and lifestyle facilities, and it is easy to see why Costa Navarino is considered a flagship of modern golf resort development.
International Olympic Academy Golf Course 16th hole
The first layout to open, the par-71, 6,018m Bernhard Langer and EGD-designed The Dunes Course offers 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. Golfers can also enjoy the award-winning earth-sheltered Bay Clubhouse, which blends seamlessly into the natural landscape.
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.
Also designed by Olazábal, The Hills Course offers 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 offers a good balance and variety, while myriad strategic options await, providing a good test for creativity and course management.
W Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino offers a range of five-star hospitality offerings: 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 of friends and the young at heart.
All guests have access to a wide range of fine-dining 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 – one of the world’s most admired hotel brands – at Costa Navarino. The destination’s fourth hotel will offer guests a premium experience with earth-sheltered villas and guesthouses designed for absolute privacy and tranquillity.
In addition, Navarino Agora will showcase a vibrant marketplace with a wide choice of shops, open-air stalls, street food, outdoor cinema, and live events when it launches this month (April) while a new Watersports Hub at Navarino Waterfront will open at the same time, offering a wide range of water sports including windsurfing, waterskiing and kayaking, while featuring state-of-the-art equipment and training options.
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For more info, head to costanavarino.com
