Nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula, located at the southern tip of Greece, lies the seductive and secluded Messinia region that preserves its capital city Kalamata—as the Mother oysters on its beaches preserve their pearls. Famous for its stretched out terraces of olive groves that bear the world-renowned Kalamata olive, this under-the-radar paradise beckons world class travellers with its captivating blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. As I landed in the 30℃ heat on my 25th birthday to meet my dad {who’s birthday is the day after mine}, I drove through the rolling hills and sun-drenched landscape of this coveted land. The subtle dry woody aroma of olive trees filled the air, painting a vivid picture of a world steeped in agricultural tradition.

Concealed along its cerulean coast lies the Navarino Dunes, a 320 acre luxury development that homes two multi-awarded 5 star hotels—The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin—both hugging Messinia’s Costa Navarino. This meticulously landscaped area is lavished with Mediterranean flora, along with its resident bees and butterflies that grace the fragrant palette of this ravishingly remote coast. The estate’s elegant architectural design is a tribute to Messinia’s cultural heritage—entirely built with a mesmerising blend of sunlit sandstone that echoes the captivating charm of the region and its earthy honey gold hues.

Traditional elements such as the winding terracotta tile pathways and olive wood accents are integrated into the resort’s composition, seamlessly converging authentic Greek architecture with contemporary luxury. A distinctive feature of each suite is its charming and intimate arch enclaves constructed from beautifully textured limestone, ultimately leading onto its own private pool. This exclusive oasis was more than just a place for me to swim and enjoy the luxury of an unobstructed sea-view, but also a secret sanctuary for me to unwind, reflect and soak up the warmth of the gorgeous Greek sun.

Culinary delights

Beyond the gardens and private pools, down a serpentine wood-slat walkway lies the tucked away beach and its turquoise Ionian waters. This breath-taking refuge of powdery white sand and kaleidoscope pebbles formed an enchanting mosaic beneath my bare feet. After a few hours of floating in the deliciously warm sea, we followed the whispers of the sea-breeze down the shoreline to Barbouni, the resort’s beach-front restaurant. The design of Barbouni is inspired by the region’s maritime heritage, with its distinctive overhead sheets that gracefully billow in the wind, evoking the sense of being on a sailboat. The gentle flutter of these sheets adds a touch of romance to the dining experience, enhancing the feeling of being at one with the sea.

The culinary delights were as captivating as Barbouni’s seascape, with dishes that showcase the freshest local ingredients. Perhaps the catch-of-the-day sea bass or the exquisite tuna tartare for my fish lovers, or an indulgent array of Greek mezze and succulent Kalamata olives for my vegetarians—either way, each bite offers a unique and tantalising taste of the Med. For those seeking global flavours, the hotel’s international dining venues present a symphony of tastes for every palate from around the world. From Barbouni’s barrel-aged feta to the triple-seed lobster risotto at Armyra by Papaioannoui, from the 12-hour simmered Messinian lamb at Kooc Secrets to premium handcrafted sushi and sake at Onuki. The lounges dispersed around the estate are an equally perfect way to end the night—find a night-cap in Nargile’s Lebanese shisha or signature cocktails at the Anax Lounge while listening to live music.

At the heart of this Mediterranean paradise also lies the Agora—its vibrant epicentre—where bustling shops and quaint eateries capture the same spirit as the agoras of the ancient world. With midnight greek yoghurt ice cream and the Souvlakerie’s fluffy pitas stuffed with eggplant and spicy harissa. A common apprehension that the traveller may have when it comes to resorts is the sense of detachment from a country’s culture and its essence, yet what’s so magical about this Costa Navarino estate is its ability to retain the authentic essence of Peloponnese culture whilst brining elevated luxury through a deep and personalised experience.

Precious gems

Alongside Kalamata’s culinary delights, I was particularly struck by a collection of unique and precious experiences that the resort offers unlike anything I’ve encountered elsewhere. Among these gems were the Philosophy Walks, which stood out as a profound way to engage with the rich intellectual heritage of ancient Greece. These guided sessions invite guests to stroll through the estate’s idyllic landscape while contemplating, sharing and discussing timeless philosophical teachings. From Socrates and his belief that ‘the unexamined life is not worth living’ to Plato’s idea of the physical world as a shadow of a higher reality, we explored ideals of beauty, justice, and equality, and discussed Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia and the flourishing of the human spirit, {literally translated as ‘good spirit’ from Greek}. Equally enchanting were the daily yoga sessions conducted between the twisted trunks and rustling leaves of the Kalamata trees. Each practice caters to all skill levels ensuring that everyone from newbies to seasoned yogis can find balance and take what they need without compromising comfort or expertise. This unique integration of nature and wellness allows for a meditative yoga flow that aligns the body, mind, and spirit in perfect trinity.

What made this sun-kissed birthday so special was to share it with my dad who celebrated his 53rd solar return with me under the Greek sun. It felt only right to book him in for a deep tissue aromatherapy for a moment of relief after years of hustle and grind. At the crux of the estate lies the Anazoe Spa, a sprawling 4000 square metre sanctuary that really is the resort’s crowned jewel. Its architectural design is a masterpiece of aesthetic classical elegance and modern sophistication. The interiors are adorned with marble floors and soft ambient lighting that imbue any session with an undeniable sense of luxury and serenity. Anazoe Spa is renowned for its signature Oleotherapy® treatments, which draw on ancient Greek practices that use the healing properties of Kalamata olive oil. These treatments are meticulously crafted to rejuvenate the body and nourish the skin, using locally sourced ingredients to enhance their therapeutic benefits. Whether it’s an invigorating olive oil massage or a restorative body wrap, each therapy is designed to deliver a deeply immersive and revitalising experience.

Celebrating a sun-kissed birthday in Kalamata was an enchanting and unforgettable experience that seamlessly fuses culture with luxury and natural beauty. The resort’s unique offerings, from exclusive beachside views to serene yoga among the primordial Kalamata olive trees, ultimately crafted a perfect space for relaxation and reflection. Sharing these precious moments with my dad made it even more special, creating cherished memories under the shine of our kind Greek sun. The Westin Costa Navarino masterfully combines authentic Peloponnesian culture with elevated luxury, creating a magical and deeply personalised experience that lingers long after the sun has set.