I have always been a big fan of Greek Mythology, the gods, goddesses, heroes and rituals – so I was in my element to find out that this small peninsula is rumoured to have associations with Hercules, Helen of Troy, Paris and Nestor.
Location
Messinia is in the southwestern corner of the Peloponnese, on the Greek mainland and is surrounded by unspoilt landscapes, stunning beaches and miles of olive groves.
Costa Navarino was founded by Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, a local who had made money in the shipping industry. He had a vision to create something sustainable and authentically Messinian whilst boosting the local economy of his homeland. Having seen the result with my own eyes, what he has created is simply remarkable.
Giving back
Costa Navarino opened in 2010 with two five-star luxury resorts; the Westin and the Romanos with another two still in development. They appeal to slightly different markets with the Westin being more family orientated. Only local materials were used to create these architecturally stunning buildings which allow them to remain in keeping with their natural surroundings.
As well as the Costa Navarino, Captain Vassilis also established the Navarino Environmental Observatory which is dedicated to research and education on climate change and the environment of the Mediterranean region.
This passion for the environment continues down by the beach, where guests are asked to leave at six so that the region’s loggerhead turtles can continue to nest by night. The beaches are lit up sensitively so that baby turtles can find their way back to the sea.
Today the destination employs around 1,500 staff, the majority of whom are from the local area. They spoke to us frequently during our stay about the work the Captain had managed to achieve but expressed sadness in the fact he only got to see it completed a year before his death in 2011. His life and work is still very much celebrated and the business is still family run.
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