Kalamata

Kalamata – it sounds like olives, sunshine and history. But the charming coastal town in southern Greece offers more: turquoise sea, luxurious hideaways and first-class golf courses amid spectacular nature. Our readers Carlo and Emmanuel found their perfect mix of fairway, flair and holiday feeling at the W Costa Navarino.

By the time the leaves are falling in Chur at the latest, Carlo and Emmanuel pack their golf bags and fly south – to Greece, to the W Costa Navarino. The two men from Graubünden love golf, sunshine and stylish places where autumn still feels like summer. And that is exactly what makes Greece’s first W Hotel perfect.

The journey couldn’t be easier: Carlo and Emmanuel fly with Edelweiss directly from Zurich to Kalamata, where their golf luggage even travels free of charge. After a flight of just over two hours and a short transfer, the pair arrive at the luxurious W Costa Navarino, set in an impressive Mediterranean landscape of olive groves and golden sandy beaches. And everything golf enthusiasts could wish for: four breathtakingly beautiful courses with spectacular fairways right on the Ionian Sea.

The W Hotel delights with a unique mix of luxury, style and relaxed elegance. As soon as they arrive, Carlo and Emmanuel are welcomed by the team’s warm hospitality — a smile that feels genuine and open.

The resort’s golf courses are a dream for connoisseurs. The first day of golf starts on the spectacular Hills Course at Navarino Hills: challenging fairways, strategic bunkers and dreamy views over the sea. Other top courses such as The Dunes Course, The Bay Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course are highlights that make demanding golfers’ hearts beat faster. The Dunes Course is the country’s first signature golf course: 18 holes with sea views, set among olive groves and dunes.

The leisure programme is no less impressive: Carlo and Emmanuel discover the Navarino Agora, a lively place combining shopping, dining and cultural events. They enjoy fresh fish at Barbounaki by Papaioannou and learn more about top Greek wines at the Wine Masterclass in the Enoteca.

Costa Navarino’s commitment to sustainability is impressive too: 100 % of the energy used comes from renewable sources, plastic waste is avoided and the turtle beaches are protected so that the native loggerhead sea turtles can nest in peace.

An excursion tip: Voidokilia Bay at sunrise. This dreamy horseshoe-shaped bay near Pylos is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. By mountain bike, you ride up to Navarino Castle – olive groves and turquoise water included.

A report by Raphael Hadad