W Costa Navarino, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, has recently opened its doors overlooking the protected and historic Bay of Navarino, and in true W style it is set to introduce a place that fosters creativity, individuality, and freedom of expression…
With architectural design led by renowned Greek architects Tombazis and Associates, W Costa Navarino takes inspiration from the region’s traditional architecture with cobbled paths, monolithic building and stone towers creating the feeling of a Greek coastal village. Using local materials, Costa Navarino’s dedication to sustainable practices is reflected in the hotel’s timeless design, unified within indigenous greenery and planted roofs overlooking the sea.
All guestroom, suite, and villa interiors celebrate the heritage of Greek artisans with a palette of neutral tones which are occasionally met with pops of colour. Infused with the unexpected, thoughtful design elements of W Hotels, the interior design across the resort including the public areas and the culinary square – Platía – was led by London-based and globally focused studio MKV Design. Modern yet refined interpretations of traditional craftsmanship can be seen through the lighting and flooring, referencing the time-honoured Greek basket weavers and leather chairs that offer a contemporary interpretation of regional saddler’s art.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
“Set against the unparalleled beauty of the Mediterranean, we are thrilled to introduce W Hotels to Greece with the opening of W Costa Navarino,” said Benoit Racle, Vice President, Brand Management, W Hotels Worldwide. “From upcycling materials to a bioclimatic design, W Costa Navarino features sophisticated architecture that leans into the broader sustainability efforts of the coastal enclave, presenting international travelers and local tastemakers an opportunity to capture the energy of Mediterranean culture. World-class dining and immersive programming celebrate authentic Mediterranean culture, promising an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience at W Costa Navarino.”
The unique architectural design of the destination beach club Parelía as well as the Platía, were designed by Tombazis and Athens-based K-Studio, with the latter also leading interiors at Parelía. The interior design at the sunset restaurant and bar, Between was created by Interior Design Laboratorium. Inspired by the local area and Greek heritage, the custom-designed W totem was crafted with reclaimed wood collected from old fishing boats, representing the notion of seafaring.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
Setting the tone as a music and artistic hub, the passionate personality of W Hotels comes to life through the artistic and musical edge across the lush grounds. With its original music programming, guests can enjoy a diverse, genre-defying programme including funky house, hot disco, afro-house, tribal and neo-soul. The Escape is set to host international and local DJs and musicians each season such as Alex Nude and Valeron & Band, to complement its roster of resident DJs including Ukrainian Rie Kiriiaka, Greek-Colombian DJ Montana Cruz and Greece’s own Vasilis Georgakopoulos.
True to brand, W Costa Navarino ignites curiosity with contemporary art throughout the hotel, intended to provoke conversation among guests. The artwork curation is led by visual artist and curator Poka-Yio and a team of young artists by the Athens School of Fine Arts LAB12. It is closely linked to notions of inclusiveness and culture, aiming to have a deeper purpose and act as a means to explore and escape, surprise and challenge and ultimately contribute to what W Costa Navarino represents – a different hospitality experience.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
The resort shelters a number of culinary points, ensuring that – whatever the mood and whatever the hour – guests will have something that promises to please the palate. W Lounge, at the heart of the Escape, offers a globally inspired menu alongside a range of palate cleansing spritzers, aperitifs and locally inspired, eco-conscious cocktails. Platía is a playful spin on the traditional Greek food market and is a destination for breakfast, daytime coffees, or a relaxed group dinner in the evening. The space evokes the informal buzz and energy of a marketplace with four separate “grab & go” outlets. The Café celebrates coffee culture with daily ground coffee selection and a roastery serving all specialty varieties, in addition to fresh juices and snacks throughout the day, while the Cookery presents an open-style kitchen for morning breakfast and plays host to visiting chefs and pop-up concepts.
With a menu concept based on raw food, Between will offer cocktails and light dinner bites that celebrate the purity of flavour and aroma found in the natural form of ingredients – including oysters, clams, and premium caviar. Accompanied by live DJ sets and a cocktail menu focused on seasonality and simplicity, the aptly named Between will be the ideal setting for sipping a craft cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
Image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
“W Costa Navarino celebrates a unique blend of energies immersed in a naturally beautiful setting. The new vibrant resort combines traditional elements from the Messinian culture with the unmistakable character and unique vibe for which W Hotels are known,” said Nassos Papazoglou, General Manager, W Costa Navarino. “From the thoughtfully refined and locally inspired design, with a strong focus on art to, diverse and energetic programming, W Costa Navarino is ready to make a mark in the Mediterranean hospitality scene.”
The destination beach club is set to be the social hot spot of W Costa Navarino. Its name Parelía’s combines the Greek word ‘parea’, meaning friends socializing, with ‘paralia’, meaning beach. With DJs playing a mix of genres from Electro House to NuJazz and Fusion and live music throughout the day, Parelía naturally evolves from a casual beach mood for swimming and unwinding, to a high-energy venue for late night fun, dancing and partying by the sea.
The WET Deck features a breath-taking infinity pool with views across the crystalline Ionian Sea and beyond, along with plenty of space to relax in the sun after a swim. The AWAY Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments to balance guests’ energy while FIT gym has a 25-meter outdoor heated swimming pool and the latest gym equipment for guests wanting to maintain their fitness routine at leisure.
Main image credit: Marriott International / W Costa Navarino
