Costa Navarino is opening its doors this year just in time for the Clean Monday long weekend which runs from March 1st to the 3rd, welcoming the first golfers of the season as they escape the cold of northern Europe and proving itself yet again the ideal choice for early spring getaways to idyllic Messinia.

This year, another great reason to visit is the fascinating temporary exhibition “Princes of Pylos,” which explores the region’s Mycenaean past through numerous discoveries on display, including those from the unlooted tomb of the Griffin Warrior. The exhibition, which closes on April 27th, is at the Archaeological Museum of Messinia in Kalamata.

The destination features many exciting changes this year. The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, a place that holds beautiful family vacation memories for many, will be the first to open on February 27th, presenting a bright new look, with all its rooms and suites fully renovated.

As Maria Vafeiadis of the award-winning MKV design firm tells us from London, the focus of the renovation was on creatively repurposing selected materials and establishing a strong connection with Messinia’s natural landscape and traditional arts.

“These designs belong to their place and are deeply rooted in local culture,” she explains. “The approach at The Westin was not to start from scratch but to build upon what already existed, preserving its essence and enhancing the overall experience.”

Materials such as wood, stone, woven raffia and wrought iron dominate, while the color palette reflects the vibrant blue of the Ionian Sea, the deep green of the olive groves, and the warm, earthy tones of Messinian architecture. (Along with these elements, there are many subtle design details that observant guests may notice. For example, what do the new mini-bars remind you of?)

Those who enjoy swimming will love doing laps in the new 25-meter pool. The children’s favorite Aqua Park, with its waterslides, has also been refreshed this year.

Another impressive new pool is the one complementing the facilities at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, which will open on April 9th. Named the Eleon, this new pool is set in lush greenery and offers a peaceful, adults-only retreat. The Romanos is preparing more surprises as well for the 2025 season, including new gastronomic experiences, wellness programs, and pop-up events featuring international brands.

New Chefs, New Gastronomic Vision

One of the most significant arrivals at Navarino Dunes this year is chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, whose restaurant CTC in Athens is Michelin-starred. He is bringing with him a philosophy that, as he puts it, “stems from our absolute respect for high-quality ingredients, as we firmly believe that everything starts with the raw material.” At his new restaurant Paráfrasi by CTC, the focus on fine comfort food will offer patrons a unique dining experience.

“Here, traditional recipes will take on new life, as they are ‘paraphrased’ through the chef’s creative lens, using exceptional local products sourced from small producers. The inspired dishes highlight the culinary heritage of Messinia and Greece as a whole,” a Costa Navarino spokesperson stated in the official announcement of the new chef’s appointment.

For Tsiotinis, “the passion for gastronomy has always been expressed through a deep understanding of Greek traditions, and that is precisely what we bring to Paráfrasi by CTC: our interpretation of the authentic essence of Greek cuisine, showcasing its timelessness in a modern, creative way.”

Tsiotinis is bringing his signature touch to two other favorite Dunes Square spots:

• Souvlakerie, which remains true to authentic Greek flavors in both classic and modern versions, and;
• Kafenio, where the Greek village café tradition benefits from a contemporary approach.

Tsiotinis isn’t the only new master chef in town; W Costa Navarino, which reopens on April 9th, has also announced a major new culinary signing: Chef Nikos Billis.

With experience at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Noma, Miramar, De Librije and Botrini’s, Billis steps in as Executive Chef, redefining Greek cuisine with unexpected combinations of flavors and textures, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

His arrival brings significant changes:

• The W Lounge is being transformed into the Ethnic Listening Bar, blending global flavors with vinyl music and live jazz performances.
• Platia Flavors will highlight Greek culinary heritage, fusing elements of the traditional taverna with street food.
• Parelia will offer grilled seafood, premium meats, and meze during the day, transitioning in the evening into a vibrant dining spot with wood-fired dishes, creative cocktails, and DJ sets.
• Green Pepper will focus on healthy eating and creative brunch options.
• Piqantro Iberica, at Navarino Hills, is introducing a Spanish-Mediterranean approach that emphasizes premium meat cuts.

Collaborations and Exclusive Experiences

W Costa Navarino is aiming to offer far more than just accommodation this year. There will be a collaboration with the renowned Athens-based bar The Bar In Front of The Bar, which has been recognized by The World’s 50 Best Bars. It will be presenting avant-garde cocktail recipes infused with Messinian herbs.

Other exciting highlights include:

• Electro Vibes events, featuring Greek and international guest DJs curated by Yannis Gerontakis (YERO) and the Cozmo Athens team.
• Innovative beauty treatments at AWAY Spa in partnership with Rodial.
• An exclusive Easter experience, with meat master Stratos Drakoulis leading an open-fire feast, accompanied by live performances from vocalist Rena Morfi, with Thanasis Vassilopoulos on the clarinet.
• May W(e) Bloom festival, a boho-themed celebration over the May Day weekend, where guests can create flower wreaths and try herbal cocktails.
• The Silent Wellness Groove, a two-day wellness and music retreat in late May.

Throughout the summer,

• Navarino Hills will host electronic music nights.
• Top guest chefs (Loukakis, Pediaditakis, Papoutsakis, Damalas, Osman Sezener, and Maksut Askar) will be cooking in open-air beach kitchens.
• The Ride the Waves program will combine water sports and fitness activities.

Luxury & Recognition for Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

The Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino reopens on April 10th, expanding its ultra-luxury hospitality offering with new private villas, including the Five Bedroom Royal Villa and Three Bedroom Pool Villas, perfect for larger groups and families.

The season kicks off with a major milestone, as MOCN has been awarded a Five-Star Hotel rating by Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) – the only new Greek addition to the FTG list and the first hotel in the Peloponnese to receive this distinction.

Gastronomy, Wine and Wellness Take Center Stage

The season’s first major highlight is Easter, a celebration that will combine tradition, family activities and fine dining. Later in the season, the exclusive “Stirring Stars” events will feature world-famous chefs of Michelin-starred establishments, including Andreas Caminada, Fanny Rey, Julien Royer and Pascal Barbot, hosting intimate gourmet dinners at The Private Kitchen.

At the same time, renowned wine houses, such as Château Canon, Château Rauzan-Ségla, and Opus One Winery, will introduce guests to the world of fine wines.

Wellness retreats will also be a key focus and will feature world-class wellness experts such as Jimmy Jarnet, Laura Dodd and Emily Harriet.

For more information, visit: costanavarino.com