In 2011, The Romanos and The Westin appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot Lists as new hotels worth watching. Fifteen years later, both hotels continue to feature prominently in the magazine’s rankings year after year. But Costa Navarino has changed considerably.

In the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, announced on October 6, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino ranked eighth among the top 10 resorts in Greece in the US edition, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino ninth, and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort tenth. In the UK edition, Mandarin Oriental placed third among Greek hotels. Three distinct accommodation experiences, they all earned the favor of readers of the same prestigious travel publication.

Continued Recognition

With unobstructed views of Navarino Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino brings the international brand’s hospitality philosophy and exceptional standards of service to Messinia. Its suites and villas, restaurants and bars, Beach Club, spa, and wellness facilities are designed around privacy, calm and a connection to the surrounding region. Distinctive culinary, wellness, and cultural experiences, along with a wide range of activities, showcase the natural beauty and unique character of Messinia. It is no coincidence that this is Costa Navarino’s highest-ranked hotel on both of this year’s lists.

At Navarino Dunes, set among lush Messinian olive groves with views of the Ionian Sea, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort focuses on complete privacy and personalized service. Its approach draws on local traditions, authenticity and the seasons, with contemporary dining and a holistic take on wellness and longevity.

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino has established a strong identity as a family-friendly resort, offering an extensive range of sports and outdoor activities for all ages. From cycling and hiking through the Messinian countryside to stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving, there is something for every generation. Children can also enjoy the water park, take part in sports camps, and develop their skills at the NBA Basketball School and the Juventus Academy Resort Experience.

The list of accolades has continued to grow across different categories. This year, The Westin was named Best International Family Hotel at the Junior Travel Awards. Mandarin Oriental made the global top 10 at the 2025 AHEAD Awards, which recognize excellence in hospitality design and guest experience. The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort was also included in the Condé Nast Traveler Triple Crown, a new distinction recognizing hotels that have consistently maintained exceptional standards and appeared on all three of the publication’s prestigious lists: the Hot List, Gold List, and Readers’ Choice Awards. W Costa Navarino was named Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards. Family vacations, architecture, music, and social life now each have a place within the same destination.

An International Golf Destination

Costa Navarino’s rise in golf is reflected in the awards it has received. In 2022, it was named World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination at the World Golf Awards. In 2025, it won World’s Best Golf Venue. In just three years, it went from promising newcomer to a recognized leader in golf facilities. Much of this success is due to its four 18-hole courses. Stretching along the coast and across the hills, they let golfers play a different course each day without changing hotels. Golf has become a reason to visit Messinia, drawing an international audience that picks vacation spots based on where they can play. For a country with little presence in golf tourism, that’s a significant shift.

Members of Greece’s golf community, many of them regular visitors to Costa Navarino, say there is a clear “before” and “after” in Greek golf, with the opening of the destination and its expansion to four courses marking the turning point.

A Thriving Community

These lasting connections have gradually given Costa Navarino the feel of a community. Alongside hotel guests are people who have purchased homes in its residential neighborhoods and spend extended periods here, sharing the same sports facilities, restaurants, and gathering places. Their daily routines extend well beyond the typical itinerary of a weeklong vacation.

At Navarino Agora, this sense of community is particularly evident. Open to local residents as well, it offers a place for a stroll or dinner, regardless of where visitors are staying. The open-air cinema, concerts, and events bring different groups of people together in the same space. This year’s program ranged from jazz performances and stand-up comedy to encounters with Messinian winemakers – plenty of reasons to return, even for those who live just a few miles away.