The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort
Stand-out service and attention to detail are hallmarks of The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort at Costa Navarino in the south-west corner of the Peloponnese peninsula. With private pools in nearly all its ground-floor rooms, the luxury resort is aimed more at couples than its sister hotel, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and is undoubtedly more exclusive. But with access to the same facilities as the Westin – including two impressive kids’ clubs – there’s nothing to stop families from lapping up the luxury The Romanos has to offer.
The grand, airy lobby has the look of a Greek temple, from which you’re instantly reminded you’ve reached the shores of the Mediterranean. The 321 rooms, suites and villas are scattered in low-slung buildings, linked by fragrant walkways and wrapped around a series of seductively lit lagoons. Dark wood and marble bring an understated elegance to all of the room types, though if you’re looking to splurge try the beachfront villas with private pools and butlers, or the two-storey Royal Villa Koroni, with its unobstructed views of the sparkling Mediterranean.
Centre stage in the resort is a stunning infinity pool complete with swim-up bar and restaurant. There’s also a 4,000-square-metre spa, two gyms, four golf courses, twelve tennis courts and a wealth of watersports on offer. Those with kids can take advantage of the aqua park and kids’ clubs at the neighbouring Westin Resort, as well as children’s activities such as ping-pong tournaments and daily family films. You’re also free to head over to the central square between the two hotels, with its shops, restaurants and open-air cinema.
When it comes to food, there are more dining options than you could get through in a fortnight, with highlights ranging from freshly caught seafood at beachside Barbouni to the wonderful Flame steakhouse and the Japanese Onuki
With all this and more, it’s no surprise that most guests at The Romanos never leave the comforts of Costa Navarino. Those who do, however, will find the omega-shaped Voidokilia Beach just a short drive away, as well as the pristine coves and hidden villages of the Mani, the southernmost promontory of mainland Europe.