Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
Overview
Mandarin Oriental's Greek debut rests above Navarino Bay, with suites and villas woven into the olive groves overlooking the Ionian Sea. Known for its serene spa and inventive dining, it blends the brand's Asian inspired philosophy with a Mediterranean setting. Guests step into the wider Costa Navarino experience, with world class golf, cultural heritage and unspoilt coastline at their doorstep.
Highlights
- Private beachfront with cabanas and watersports
- A serene spa with a 25m indoor-outdoor pool, hydrotherapy and holistic treatments.
- Cultural experiences from olive oil tastings to philosophy hikes
- Thoughtful touches including sunglasses polished at sunset, cool towels offered after beach walks
- Access to 4 championship golf courses
Reflections
- Large resort atmosphere may feel less intimate
- Some activities and restaurants require advance booking
- Operates seasonally, typically spring to autumn
- Evenings are generally quiet, so nightlife seekers may be underwhelmed
- The beach, while calm and inviting, is smaller than nearby stretches of coast
Location
Overlooking Navarino Bay on the Peloponnese's southwest coast, with calm beachfront access and the wider Costa Navarino at your doorstep
The Journey from the UK
Direct flights from London and regional UK airports to Kalamata take around 3hrs 45 minutes. The resort is a 45 minute drive from Kalamata Airport or 3hrs 30 minutes from Athens
Suites/Villas
Every suite and villa at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino feels like a private cocoon, blending understated luxury with touches a local artistry.
Options range from intimate one bedroom suites are ideal for couples to multi bedroom villas that cater to families and groups, each combining understated luxury with a strong sense of place. The smallest details feel thoughtful, from mini bars stocked with thyme-infused chocolate and regional delicacies to olive wood games inspired by local heritage.
Food and Restaurants
With seven restaurants and bars, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino turns dining into defining part of the stay.
Oliviera sets the tone, where Messinian produce inspires contemporary Greek plates served al fresco beneath the stars. The Ormos Beach Club offers a more laid back elegance, pairing light Mediterranean plates and cocktails with the sound of the sea.
For those drawn to brighter flavours Tahir brings Levantine freshness and spice, with seafood, particularly the prawns among the most memorable dishes.
The culinary highlight however, is Pizza Sapienza by Daniele Cason, the Mediterranean's first pizza omakase. Here the Michelin acclaimed chef, once executive chef of Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, transforms pizza into a theatrical multi course ritual, intimate surprising and unforgettable, and easily among the best you'll find anywhere in the world.
Facilities and Activities
- Spa sanctuary featuring a 25m indoor-outdoor pool, hydrotherapy circuit and seven treatment rooms for restorative rituals
- State of the art fitness centre with yoga, pilates and guided meditation
- Championship golf, cycling trails, olive oil tastings and cultural excursions across the Peloponnese
- Watersports on Navarino Bay including sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing
- Indoor leisure with five-a-side football, bowling and billiards