Perched along the Ionian Sea, W Costa Navarino feels at once expansive and intimate. Set within Navarino Bay, its location is defined by the dramatic line of the Sphacteria island sitting just offshore, giving the sense of a natural amphitheatre. The water here is unusually clear, and at certain points shallow enough that it feels possible to walk across to the island. It sets the tone for a stay that blends raw natural beauty with W’s signature flair for detail and design.
Arrival and first impressions
Even before check-in, the service set the tone. A call came through to let us know the room was ready well before the official time, meaning that by late morning we were already settled, showered, and decompressing. The lobby deserves mention — a bright, book-lined space that frames a direct view of the sea from the moment you step inside. It’s a reminder of W’s design ethos, where architecture isn’t just functional but experiential.
Our ground-floor room offered a private terrace opening onto a long, shared pool. Despite being connected to other rooms, it never felt crowded. The balcony, furnished with a table and chairs, quickly became our preferred spot for a quiet glass of wine. Inside, the layout was generous and cleverly zoned, with contemporary furniture and details that made life easier. Small touches — such as the in-room garment steamer — proved surprisingly valuable, showing how practical amenities elevate a stay as much as grand gestures.
Dining at Green Pepper
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Lunch at Green Pepper captured the lighter, fresher side of Greek cuisine. A deconstructed Greek salad arrived first, built on a smooth whipped feta base and layered with grilled vegetables, bright cherry tomatoes, olives and olive oil. It reimagined a classic with depth and balance. A zucchini-based pasta dish was equally refreshing, while dessert was a playful pistachio cheesecake, served in layers and packed with flavour.
Meals here proved that W’s food is not about excess, but about detail and reinterpretation. Local ingredients were central, and each dish seemed designed for the kind of slow, sunny lunches that spill naturally into the afternoon.
Navarino Agora and beyond
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A short walk from the resort leads to Navarino Agora, a lively open-air marketplace with boutiques, dining, and a small harbour where boats moor. Its atmosphere, with shaded lanes and waterfront cafés, recalls Dubai’s Souk Madinat in spirit, though more authentically Greek in setting. It was here we found a bottle of 1827 wine, discovered earlier at lunch, and stocked up for a quiet evening in.
Boat rentals are another highlight of the area. Without requiring a licence, guests can take small boats out onto the calm waters, giving freedom to explore the bay at their own pace. It’s an easy extension of the resort experience, tying relaxation with a sense of discovery.
Sunset moments and evening energy
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As the day slowed, the pier at W Costa Navarino became the natural gathering place. With its view of the horizon and the mountains in the distance, it framed one of the most memorable sunsets of the trip. Just steps away, Parelia — the hotel’s Greek restaurant — provided the soundtrack with a DJ spinning house music into the evening. Breakfasts were also served here, making it a versatile space that shifted from calm mornings to lively nights.
Though we had planned to return later in the evening, the comfort of the room and the day’s activities caught up with us, proving that even in a resort designed for energy, there is space for rest.
A day for leisure
The following morning, breakfast proved to be a standout in its own right. Among the highlights were the tomatoes — intensely sweet, distinctly Greek — and a spread of cakes and pastries, from orange cake to fig tarts. It easily surpassed other Marriott properties we had visited, setting a new standard in both quality and variety.
We alternated between the hotel’s main pool and our private terrace pool, enjoying the balance of social and secluded spaces. Lunch at Parelia featured a raw sea bass carpaccio with green peas and olive oil, spaghetti with burrata and tomato, and a crisp-skinned cod filet. Each dish underscored the resort’s ability to keep flavours light, fresh, and in tune with its coastal setting.
Tennis, golf, and spa
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Costa Navarino is more than a single hotel — it’s a full destination. A short drive took us to the Mouratoglou Tennis Centre at The Westin, where clay courts set the stage for an afternoon of play. For golf enthusiasts, the Bay Course and its clubhouse are close by, further broadening the appeal.
Back at W, the Away Spa offered a couple’s massage that was both restorative and refined, delivered with professionalism in a calming, minimalist space. It was an example of how W blends its contemporary identity with traditional hospitality, ensuring that wellness is part of the rhythm of a stay.
Final thoughts
W Costa Navarino is not a place that reveals itself all at once. It unfolds through details — a lobby with sea views, a shared pool that still feels private, a marketplace that doubles as a cultural hub, and a meal that reimagines something familiar. While our stay was too short, it confirmed the property as one of the most compelling W hotels in Europe. The combination of natural beauty, design precision, and thoughtful service ensures that this is more than a resort — it’s a destination worth returning to.
Quick summary – W Costa Navarino
- 🌊 Style: Contemporary beachfront resort with Ionian Sea views
- 📍 Location: Navarino Bay, Messinia, Peloponnese, Greece
- 🛋️ Design Focus: Modern architecture, coastal elegance, and open-plan living
- 🍽️ Dining: Green Pepper and Parelia, serving modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine
- ⛵ Highlight: Boat rentals around Navarino Bay and sunset views from the pier
- ✨ Ideal For: Design lovers, wellness seekers, and travellers craving refined coastal luxury
marriott.com, @wcostanavarino, @navarinoagora, @costanavarino
