Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino

Ribboning along a lush hillside in the Peloponnese, Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino is an enchanting retreat facing Navarino Bay. From its privileged perch, you’ll be constantly transfixed by the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea ahead.

There’s a sense of harmony between its landscape and architecture. Based on a bioclimatic design, villas blend into the hillside, amidst fragrant olive trees, lavender and thyme. You’ll also notice inspiration from Peloponnesian mandria structures (drystone animal shelters handbuilt by local farmers).

In the spirit of tradition, elegant interiors reveal earthy hues and natural materials, including terrazzo and stone. Superior craftsmanship elevates their spaces, but the cerulean blue sea takes centre stage. Our eye draws to its expanse from all angles, through wall-to-wall windows and from private terraces perfect for lingering. Villas also flow out to private pools, where you can revel in views of the bay in privacy. 

Heading to the hotel’s world-class spa or restaurants, the sight of glistening waters never falters. While capturing the horizon, the dining scene spans Greek, Italian, French and Levantine cuisines. Breakfast is a highlight, when you’re offered a tapas-style platter of local specialities like sweet figs, milk cake and homemade yoghurt parfaits.

Your days here unfold along the Messinian coast. Discover the coastline by yacht or explore the bay by kayak. You can snorkel in crystalline waters or bask in the Greek sunshine at the hotel’s private beach. Golfers can tee off on golf courses nearby while adventure seekers can go rappelling on Sfaktiria Island. To dive into the region’s heritage, you can learn the secrets of traditional recipes in a cooking class or take part in an olive harvest before sampling its bounty.