“What’s in a name?”, so the saying goes, and I’ve often wondered what that really means… But peering out of the window as my plane lands at Kalamata, I glance up to see “Vassilis C Constantakopoulos” emblazoned on the side of the airport building, and I’ll soon discover the name spelled by those 26 letters means an awful lot to the people of this beautiful area situated in Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula.
Constantakopoulos, an ex-sea captain turned shipping billionaire, was the creator of the region’s purpose-built tourist destination, Costa Navarino, and I’m taking the short 45-minute hop there to experience the latest addition to the on-site properties, Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino.
It’s the brand’s first foray into Greece, and it’s gone in big. This is no ordinary project, and as I walk into the foyer of the resort and through into the Three Admirals Lounge, perched atop the hillside, I’m wowed by panoramic views of the impossibly-blue Ionian Sea and the islands beyond. It’s late afternoon when we arrive, but our hosts tempt us with the promise of sundowners against a magical sunset – and I’m definitely in.
A natural fit
The lounge occupies the highest point of the property on the hillside overlooking Navarino Bay, along with the spa to the side, where the 25-metre pool traverses from indoor to outdoor to give another spectacular perspective.
All structures on the resort are designed to give a sense of the resort having grown organically within the site, with the architectural concept drawing inspiration from the local agricultural tradition of “mandria” – dry-stone animal shelters constructed by hand by the region’s farmers. These enclosures, made from locally sourced stone, follow the natural topography of the land incorporating natural features such as trees or large rocks in their design.
Sustainability has also been a huge factor in the creation of Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, and architects Tombazis and Associates have employed a bioclimatic approach to their design, using natural shade and cross-ventilation techniques to eliminate the need for air conditioning wherever possible. Natural recycling was also an aim, with the more than 2,700 olive trees displaced during the construction of the 140-hectare site replanted, along with 500,000 native shrubs.
That feeling of one-ness with nature extends to the accommodation, where 51 suites and 48 villas blend seamlessly with their surroundings, with the earth-sheltered villas built into the hillside in staggered rows. I’m whisked by one of the resort’s fleet of electric buggies to my home for the next three days – a Bay View Pool Villa.
Overlooking the bay to the front and the resort’s 18-hole golf course to the left (one of four signature courses in Costa Navarino designed by the likes of legends Bernhard Langer and Jose Maria Olazabal), it’s a spacious area, modern in feel but with a subtle decor that celebrates 19th-century Greek design and reflects the surrounding historical sites, which provide inspiration for the rooms’ motifs and wood carvings.
The custom-designed furniture is accentuated by fabrics and rugs inspired by traditional Greek dress weaving, part of an overall interior design by companies including London-based Alexander Waterworth, which has also worked on projects for brands including Soho House Group and Rosewood.
But impressive as the interior is, the real hub of this villa is its outside area – an expansive terrace with room for large table and chairs, two sunloungers, a semi-circular chaise longue and – the undoubted star of the show: the private infinity pool with views across the bay. It’s a beautifully and cleverly crafted space, giving guests complete privacy from every angle as they while away the hours in sun or shade, then take a dip in the heated pool to take in those special vistas.
Practice makes perfect
Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino opened officially in mid-August, but as general manager Raul Levis, who has worked for the brand at properties in London, Barcelona and Tokyo, explains, the company didn’t want to rush this landmark project. "We effectively had a soft opening in August," he says. "We decided to operate at half-capacity until the end of the season [late October 2023] with a view to getting the resort fully up to speed for when it reopens at the beginning of April 2024. It gives us a chance to assess the offering across the board and ensure guests enjoy the best possible experience going forward."
If my visit is anything to go by, that tactic has certainly paid dividends. We’re chatting as we dine at Pizza Sapienza by Daniele Cason, situated in the resort’s beach club, where we sample an incredible eight-course pizza tasting menu featuring mini triangles of delight bursting with fresh, eclectic taste combinations including homemade salsiccia spicy sausage, green pea and mint puree; six-formaggio with gorgonzola and Messinian truffle honey; and a "dolce pizza" topped with local cherries, physalis berries, chocolate and greek yoghurt with jam.
It’s part of a comprehensive culinary offering at the resort that’s overseen by executive chef Bertrand Valegeas, a French native married to a Greek, who embraces the produce and recipes of his adopted country while incorporating aspects of global cuisine.
Other on-site dining locations include Oliviera, where highlights for me include a super-fresh Greek salad prepared to order at the table; a play on traditional domaldes with rice-and-artichoke-filled sardines; and succulent slow-cooked Wagyu beef cheeks with aubergine and local mushrooms. Add to the mix the healthy mezze dishes of Middle Eastern venue Tahir, the snack and light-meal options at poolside Ormos Beach Club, and the French/Mediterranean dishes at the golf club’s dedicated restaurant, Brasserie de la Bay, and there’s enough to keep foodies sated during their stay.
Local hero
The Mandarin Oriental is a significant piece of the Costa Navarino jigsaw, another progression in the dream of Captain Constantakopoulos, the Messinian native who wanted to showcase his homeland to the world and create a better future for the people of the region.
I witness this first-hand on a trip to traditional local house purchased and renovated by Constantakopoulos, where Mandarin Oriental guests can learn how to prepare and cook their own traditional feast under the expert tuition of locals Anna and Lula. As I knead and roll the dough for the Greek-style pasta, through our guide interpreter they explain that the region was in decline before Costa Navarino, with young people forced to relocate to Athens and even abroad in order to make a living.
The tourism money generated by the project, they say, has brought much-needed support to the area and has created a raft of career opportunities ranging from hospitality and administration to marketing, plumbing or golf groundskeeper. There’s further endorsement from our driver, Stavros, who proudly reveals he’s been able to put his two daughters through university with the wages his steady job has provided.
Clients looking for a special getaway rightly demand excellence, something they receive in abundance at Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino with its impeccable service standards, high-quality accommodation and facilities. But many are also conscious they need to contribute something to the destinations they visit. Captain Constantakopoulos set the ball rolling when he embarked on his mission to empower his home region, and resorts like Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino are continuing that vision, providing an experience that’s not just good for its clients but also the local community.
How to book it
Prices for a Bay View Junior Suite in May 2024 start at €1,200 per night, mandarinoriental.com
