Mandarin Oriental to Open at Costa Navarino

The first Mandarin Oriental resort will open its doors in Greece at Navarino Bay, an integrated resort area at Costa Navarino, in the region of Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, amidst a breathtaking 140-hectare natural landscape, overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino.

Insights Greece - Mandarin Oriental to Open at Costa Navarino
Greece’s first Mandarin Oriental to open at Navarino Bay

Set to open in 2023, the beachfront luxury resort will feature 99 guest rooms, including 48 spacious earth-sheltered pool villas, all with outdoor terraces and stunning sea views, along with five restaurants and bars. Crafted by renowned Greek architects, Tombazis & Associates Architects and K-Studio, the unique design is aligned with Costa Navarino’s sustainable principles, featuring planted roofs blending into the natural topography of the land and the use of local materials.

Additionally, this ultra-premium resort is set to feature a 1,500 m2 spa and fitness centre with a stunning 25 m indoor-outdoor pool and sweeping sea views, complemented by state-of-the-art heat experiences and Mandarin Oriental’s signature wellness therapies in specially designed indoor treatment rooms and outdoor pavilions.

The project is owned and developed by TEMES, a leading developer and operator of high-end tourism and real estate destinations in Greece.

“We are delighted to be opening our first property in Greece in Costa Navarino and look forward to sharing this striking combination of unspoiled landscape, olive groves, pristine beaches, and authentic Greek culture in the region with our guests,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “We are pleased to partner with TEMES, the group that has been responsible for the creation of Costa Navarino as a bourgeoning tourism destination.”

Insights Greece - Mandarin Oriental to Open at Costa Navarino
Located in the heart of Messinia

“Mandarin Oriental is renowned for delivering exemplary service and exclusive experiences in some of the most noted properties around the world,” said Achilles V. Constantakopoulos, Chairman of TEMES. “We are proud to have the Group bring their hospitality expertise for the first time to Greece, signifying the further growth of Costa Navarino, which is becoming a top international destination to visit and to live”.

Guests of Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino will also benefit from the destination’s other resort areas, and experience a vast range of outdoor activities, from biking and hiking to rock-climbing, tennis, and water sports, as well as three more signature golf courses. Additionally, a variety of dining venues and leisure activities are available across Navarino Dunes and Navarino Waterfront.

Moreover, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino will be adjacent to Navarino Agora, an open marketplace with retail, artisanal street food, open-air cinema, and authentic local experiences by day and night.

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino 

New W Escape to Open at Costa Navarino this Summer

The new W Escape Costa Navarino resort featuring 246 stylish rooms, suites and villas, as well as private pools, restaurants, a sunset bar and a beach club is set to open on the Navarino Waterfront in Messinia, this summer 2022.

Marriott International, Inc. on Thursday announced it has signed an agreement with TEMES S.A., a leading developer and operator in high-end tourism and real estate, to debut the W Hotels Worldwide brand in Greece with the opening of W Costa Navarino. Expected to open in summer 2022, W Costa Navarino is anticipated to mark the latest addition to the expanding W Escapes portfolio in Europe following locations in Spain, Switzerland and Portugal.

  • Insights Greece - New W Escape to Open at Costa Navarino this Summer
  • Insights Greece - New W Escape to Open at Costa Navarino this Summer


The new W Escape in Greece will be located on the Navarino Waterfront, the newest integrated resort of Costa Navarino. The 13-hectare beachfront destination is designed by renowned Greek architects, Tombazis and Associates Architects. W Costa Navarino’s design is inspired by the region’s traditional residential areas and is set to use local, natural materials such as stone, wood and reed. The distinctive interiors will be led by London-based MKV Design.

The Escape is expected to feature 246 stylish rooms, suites, and villas, many with private
pools staged in the Bay of Navarino with stunning Ionian Sea views.

  • Insights Greece - New W Escape to Open at Costa Navarino this Summer
  • Insights Greece - New W Escape to Open at Costa Navarino this Summer


‘‘We are thrilled to build on our fantastic relationship with TEMES S.A. to open W Costa Navarino, strengthening MarriottInternational’s presence in this Mediterranean paradise,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Joining our portfolio of coveted W Escapes around the world, W Costa Navarino will add a distinct take on modern luxury to Navarino Waterfront. We look forward to welcoming free-spirited travelers to this new luxury playground.”

The new resort will also feature five dining venues including a destination beach club overlooking a long sandy shore, designed by Athens-based K-Studio. The ‘Culinary Square’ is the hotel’s playful take on a deli food market- with individual outlets offering guests all-day dining options. Other planned amenities include a sunset bar and the signature W Living Room. Guests will also be able to enjoy experiences and dining at neighbouring venues in Costa Navarino; including the new Navarino Agora, an open marketplace with retail, street food, open-air cinema and exciting events throughout the day and night.

Tennis courts and a water sports hub are part of the vision for guests to enjoy at W Costa Navarino, along with access to the destination’s four signature golf courses and an array of outdoor programming including biking, hiking, rock-climbing and sailing.

W Escape Costa Navarino 

Athens’ Exciting New Luxury Hotel Openings 

Beautiful hotels are set to open their doors across Greece, including fabulous finds in the country’s capital. Two of the most exciting new places to keep an eye on (as you plan your future travels and start making your reservations in Athens) are located in the city’s former international airport.

According to reports, project developers LAMDA and TEMES S.A. have reached a strategic agreement for the joint development of two hotels and residential complexes on the Athenian Riviera, and the joint investment is estimated to reach € 300 million. This will include a state of the art five-star hotel at the Agios Kosmas marina, as well as a 5-star beachfront hotel along the coastal front. 

Insights Greece - Athens' Exciting New Luxury Hotel Openings 

The huge project will also include branded residences, high-end boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues, as well as a casino, marina, business centre and a coastal park.  

Chairman of TEME’s Board of Directors Achilleas V. Konstantakapoulos, announced their goal is to contribute towards, alongside other important investments in the area, making the Hellinikon and the Athens Riviera one of Europe’s top destinations. 

The design of the hotels will be trusted by globally renowned architecture firms while the operation of the hotels will be carried out by world-leading hotel operators. 

Source and Images: thehellinikon

New Luxury Resort & Hotels Set to Open in Fokida

A new golf resort, which will be able to host international golf tournaments, as well as other high-end hotels are scheduled to open up in the region of Fokida- aiming to attract golfers and those seeking a luxurious, peaceful, and unique stay in Central Greece. 

Reportedly budgeted at 300 million euros and set to create around 1,500 jobs for locals once completed, the main resort will feature a 36-hole golf course, a 5-star hotel, conference and leisure venues, restaurants, bars, as well as a wellness village. Landscaping is planned to include artificial lakes and trees.

Insights Greece - New Luxury Resort & Hotels Set to Open in Fokida

The resort, to be constructed in Desfina, is expected to boost luxury tourism to the wider region, which includes destinations such as Delphi, Itea, Galaxidi, and Arachova. Other real estate development projects have also been approved nearby.  

This includes the Doric Dune settlement, which has already been designed as a part of the Delphi Golf-Resort and is located in the area of Makranikolas, the southernmost part of the prefecture of Fokida at a distance of 22 kilometres from the Central Hotel unit.

The property boasts short-term accommodation spaces, which will operate all year round. It is aimed at visitors who want to experience the uniqueness of the natural landscape of Dorida, which boasts great views of the Corinthian Gulf. 

Insights Greece - New Luxury Resort & Hotels Set to Open in Fokida

The spaces are designed with relaxation and meditation in mind, and are located in a quiet and remote spot, 18 kilometres from the nearest settlement. 

In the first phase of the design, four subterranean “cave” like spaces have been built, (from the proposed 16 in total) with the main inspiration being the Corinthian Gulf.

Two semi-roofed communal pools will allow guests to enjoy a swim all year round, regardless of the weather.  

Each unit is around 60 sqm and can accommodate up to five people. The materials, style, and decor are fresh and raw and the approach has a clear reference to Doric motifs; featuring limestone, colourful clay plaster, and whitish cement mortar- the space has a real earthy and natural look/ feel about it. 

Where is Fokida? 

The prefecture of Fokida is centrally located in Central Greece. It is a green mountainous area, on the Corinthian Gulf with several small beaches. The most famous destination in Fokida is Delphi. 

Images of Doric Dune via Lakruz Atelier

Domes Zeen Chania Named Best Resort in Europe for 2020

Described by international judges as a “standout project with a true sense of place”, Domes Zeen Chania was named Best Resort in Europe for 2020, at the AHEAD Awards for Hospitality, Experience, and Design.

The prestigious awards are entered and judged by leading hotel owners, developers, operators, architects, and designers from around the world; with the winners announced online two days ago.

Under the guidance of head designer Michael Schickinger (Lambs and Lions), interior stylist and designer Annabell Kutucu, and lead architect Konstantinos Karampatakis (k-studio); Domes was a collaborative project culminating in the launch of a luxurious boutique hotel that provides the perfect spot to unwind.

Insights Greece - Domes Zeen Chania Named Best Resort in Europe for 2020

Set against an enchanting backdrop of the deep Mediterranean Sea, sandy stretches of beach, and an ancient Venetian port, Domes Zeen Chania is an ideal place to rest and reinvigorate. Here you can recuperate with yoga or an energizing massage, or take your time exploring the tropical sanctuary.

“Domes Zeen oozes warmth, charm, and personality,” announced AHEAD’s judges, adding “It has an earthy colour palette, natural textures, and neutral materials were used throughout to exude Bohemian luxury and ensure it blended effortlessly within its Cretan setting.”

Throughout the boutique property, there are a series of soulful spaces and sanctuaries that merge minimalist mid-century modernism with sustainable design in one seamless union. The 106 handcrafted rooms feel earthy and organic, like a home away from home, opening up onto your own private terrace.

Boasting large areas for indoor and outdoor living, Domes Zeen retains privacy and seclusion, whilst maximizing the spectacular verdant and sea views.

Domes also brings a duo of gourmet restaurants, a beachfront spa, and classic island experiences to the table, including cookery and ceramics classes, wine tastings, and coastal hikes. Children have just as much to look forward to, with the kids’ club offering everything from painting classes to sleepovers in a tepee.