Making the short hop over to Greece’s remote and rugged Peloponnese, IAB Travel profiles The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort that’s part of the exclusive Costa Navarino development.
ESCAPE TO THE ROMANOS, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
If you’re looking to escape to somewhere authentically Greek – where the beaches are golden and sandy, the food rich in locally grown vegetables and olive oil, the people friendly and welcoming – you’d be on the right track with a stay at the The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort at Navarino Dunes on Greece’s unspoilt Peloponnese. The Navarino Dunes, the first area to be developed in Costa Navarino, opened to great acclaim in 2010 and incorporates a range of accommodation options, excellent facilities and a stunning location overlooking the Ionian Sea – it’s no wonder it’s a favourite with Infinity & Beyond Travel clients. Preserving the area’s physical charm while offering an array of services, The Romanos’ architectural design incorporates the region’s traditional construction styles, such as over 5,000sqm of planted roofs in order to help the resort blend into the landscape and optimal use of sunlight through landscaping and natural shading.
YOUR OWN PRIVATE PALACE
One of the highlights of staying at The Romanos resort is the accommodation: there are no high-rise blocks here. Instead, elegant and palatial villas incorporate high ceilings and sleek architecture to provide a feeling of space, with influences from ancient Greece adding interest to the neutral palette of colours. Greek key patterns adorn the walls, views of the Ionian Sea are framed in softly draped curtains and elements of marble take influence from the region’s history, inspired by Messinia. We’d recommend choosing one of the Infinity Rooms to make the most of the views with a private pool overlooking the tranquil turquoise Ionian waters. Couples seeking a romantic getaway will relish the sleek interiors of cream marble and dark wood, a modern slant amid the ancient olive groves that blanket the surrounding countryside.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
IAB Travel particularly loves The Romanos’ culinary offering, which ranges from traditional Greek classics to a relaxed barbecue area where you can grill your own dishes. The resort is designed to resemble an ancient Greek village, with the Agora at its heart – just like in an actual settlement. Here you can browse the restaurants as you would in any town or village, with over 14 to choose from including a burger bar, Italian fine dining and a Lebanese restaurant. Greek mezze is one of the highlights of the country’s traditional cuisine – you’ll find this at Kafenio restaurant, while the Taverna offers a variety of regional specialities and Flame serves up classic grills with a view. For a dinner to remember, stroll down to beach restaurant Barbouni just before sunset and dine on freshly-caught fish as the sun slips below the horizon. Whatever you’re in the mood for, chances are you’ll find it at Navarino Dunes.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The Romanos, Costa Navarino in Greece is located in a spectacular setting. The area is unspoilt and naturally beautifully, with rolling hills spotted with thousands of regimented rows of olive trees, and clear, cerulean waters hiding plenty of treasures to spot under the waves. Hiring a car offers one of the best ways to explore the area, with narrow roads unfurling like ribbons across the peninsular – ideal for exploring with a picnic. Nearby you’ll find two beautiful beaches, including Voidokilia Beach – named as one of the most beautiful in the world – and Finikounda, a swathe of golden sand on a stretch of unspoilt coast. The region’s rich cultural history is woven like a tapestry into the folds of the hills and cliffs of the Peloponnese, and The Romanos is the perfect base for exploring. Within easy reach you’ll find the magnificent ancient city of Messini, its fortifications stretching some 9km – an example of some of the best-preserved in Greece. Just 15 minutes’ drive away is picturesque Pylos village, its whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs the perfect example of Greek architecture, and if you’re looking to explore further afield you’ll find Ancient Olympia less than two hours from the hotel.
AMONG THE OLIVE GROVES
The region of Messinia is rightly famous for its plump, delicious olives, and its glossy, peppery extra virgin olive oil. All of the oil served at the resort comes from the local region, and during your stay you can learn more about the lifeblood of Greece on an olive oil tasting at the hotel. Discover how it’s harvested, why you should never store it in clear plastic bottles and join a local expert in a culinary journey through the subtle flavour variations of different oils; stay in the autumn and you could even participate in the harvest itself. If you’re an avid fan of Greek cooking then consider the resort’s culinary classes too, hosted at the homes of local villagers who are willing to share authentic family recipes – everything from pasta and potato dishes to fresher-than-fresh Greek salads, known as horiatiki.
WE LIKE:
• Two signature golf courses
• Part of the exclusive Navarino Dunes resort
• Dedicated wellness area
• Secluded Peloponnese setting
• Award-winning architecture
To read more about The Romanos, Costa Navarino take a look at the hotel page here
