In a year when Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film The Odyssey is expected to draw international attention to Voidokilia, Pylos and the Palace of Nestor – the places where, according to Homeric narrative, Odysseus’ son Telemachus is shown royal hospitality – Costa Navarino will assert its own presence with renewed clarity and purpose, preparing to welcome its first guests of the season on February 27.

The global visibility of a cinematic production of this scale represents a prime opportunity to spotlight the myths, history and traditions of Messinia, a region that Costa Navarino has regarded since its inception not merely as a location for the exceptional accommodations it offers, but as a living cultural landscape and, indeed, the very core of its identity.

Homeric heroes, true hospitality and the cultural heritage of Messinia are the inspiration for an expanded program of experiences, inviting Greek and international visitors alike to follow in Homer’s footsteps. While details are still being finalized, the initiative will be, according to the resort’s official press release, “an immersive journey inspired by the Odyssey, taking place across historical sites that will become an integral part of the experience.”

Culture, gastronomy and well-being will coexist with authentic hospitality through programs that reveal the region’s history, encompass philosophical inquiries and offer activities that are designed for the whole family. The connection to Messinia will be further enriched by new creative workshops in sculpture, weaving, ceramics and jewelry, as well as by tasting seminars that highlight the cultural heritage of the region.

References to the past will be found in the realm of gastronomy, too. In ancient Greece, the symposium, gatherings of friends for the purpose of conversation over wine, was common practice, with participants contributing either financially or with food (the so-called symbolai). Telemachus’ visit to Pylos begins with a communal meal, though not a symposium in the strictest sense; when he arrives at Voidokilia, Nestor and his people are sacrificing bulls in honor of Poseidon, prior to roasting and consuming the meat in a ceremonial feast.

With the reintroduction of Symposio, Costa Navarino is reimagining the ritual of shared dining, set within landscapes of exceptional beauty, from the shoreline to centuries-old olive groves. The experience will be further enriched by a new round of Chefs on the Beach at W Costa Navarino, a program featuring distinguished Greek and international chefs presenting new concepts of Greek cuisine, as well as by the new Messinian Roots initiative at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, where guest chefs reinterpret local culinary traditions.

In addition, the resort reports, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is strengthening its gastronomic agenda through collaborations with chefs of Michelin-starred establishments, such as Frédéric Anton and Arnaud Lallement, as well as through a curated wine experience with Château Margaux.

From Well-Being to Longevity

From its very first season in operation, Costa Navarino began earning international recognition for its approach to well-being, which combines the principles of Hippocrates with modern science within state-of-the-art facilities at the Anazoe Spa. Sixteen years on, the destination is preparing to open a new chapter in wellness, shifting its focus from relaxation toward rejuvenation and longevity. New treatments and programs – including the Messinian Wellbeing Festival featuring Greek and international practitioners, the Seasonal Wellbeing Weeks and multi-day retreats centered on longevity, physical activity and mental renewal – will encourage a more sustainable life rhythm.

Among the notable names already announced is Taryn Toomey. Founder and CEO of The Class, a music-driven, somatic workout method that blends physical movement with emotional release, Toomey will appear at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino for a signature retreat, marking in the clearest terms the destination’s new direction in contemporary well-being.

A World of Sports

As with every February, the opening of Costa Navarino and its four signature golf courses serves as a call to hundreds of golfers from Central and Northern Europe, eager to leave their frozen fairways behind in order to enjoy their favorite sport in the mild Messinian climate.

Putting golf aside for a moment, this year’s other sports opportunities are rich and wide-ranging. Costa Navarino is expanding its collaboration with the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, offering, among other initiatives, junior tennis camps for younger guests. The football facilities are hosting new football camps, and there will be memorable moments for young basketball players taking part in the NBA Basketball School, with appearances by distinguished guest figures.

The calendar of major international sporting events includes the return of the The Legends Tour for a third consecutive year, from June 13 to 18; the 20th-anniversary edition of the AEGEAN Messinia Pro-Am, from June 24 to 28; and the highly anticipated PPC IRONMAN 70.3 Costa Navarino, taking place October 24 to 26.

Occasions to Celebrate

Easter at Costa Navarino is always distinctive, combining local traditions with the destination’s cosmopolitan spirit, understated luxury and a full lineup of activities. With all four hotels open this year (early reservations are strongly recommended), guests can choose the atmosphere that suits them best, from the family-friendly The Westin Resort Costa Navarino to the bold, adults-only W Costa Navarino.

A few weeks later, as the Messinian landscape comes fully into bloom, the May Day Festival offers a perfect excuse for a spring escape. Summer follows with the Messinian Summer Feast, promising high-energy live performances and a festive atmosphere.

Since the launch of the Costa Navarino Soundtrack platform last year, music has taken center stage at the resort, with live electronic music events and appearances by international pop artists. This year’s program is proud to introduce the first Messinia Jazz Festival, curated by Gazarte, featuring Greek and international musicians, as well as a surprise night with one of the world’s most acclaimed (and daring) stand-up comedians, Jimmy Carr. More is yet to come as well.

P.S. A new chapter is also beginning at Navarino Agora, which reopens in April with tempting street-food options that range from sushi and smash burgers to traditional souvlaki, alongside a full calendar of events and creative activities for children. The Agora is also open to visitors who are not staying at one of Costa Navarino’s hotels.