Odyssey Season Opens in Messinia

Costa Navarino, the premier luxury resort destination in Messinia, Greece, is set to open its doors for the 2026 season on February 27, coinciding with heightened international attention drawn by Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming film The Odyssey. The cinematic production is expected to spotlight historic sites including Voidokilia, Pylos and the Palace of Nestor, locations central to Homeric narratives where Telemachus received royal hospitality.

The resort’s seasonal launch comes at a strategic moment when global audiences will focus on the myths, history and cultural heritage of Messinia. According to the resort’s official press release, Costa Navarino has embraced the region not simply as a backdrop for luxury accommodations, but as a living cultural landscape integral to its identity.

Costa Navarino Launches Odyssey-Inspired Experiences

Building on the cultural momentum, Costa Navarino is introducing an expanded program of immersive experiences inspired by Homer’s epic. The initiative will guide Greek and international visitors through historical sites that become integral parts of the guest experience, according to resort officials. However, specific details of the programming are still being finalized.

The new offerings blend culture, gastronomy and wellness within a framework of authentic hospitality. Programs will encompass the region’s history, philosophical inquiries and family-oriented activities, the resort announced. Additionally, creative workshops in sculpture, weaving, ceramics and jewelry will be introduced, alongside tasting seminars highlighting Messinian cultural heritage.

Culinary Programs Rooted in Ancient Traditions

The resort is reinterpreting ancient Greek dining customs through its gastronomy initiatives. In classical times, symposia brought friends together for conversation over wine, with participants contributing financially or with food in arrangements called symbolai. Costa Navarino’s reimagined Symposio experience will recreate these communal dining rituals across landscapes ranging from shorelines to centuries-old olive groves.

Meanwhile, the Chefs on the Beach program at W Costa Navarino will feature distinguished Greek and international chefs presenting contemporary interpretations of Greek cuisine. The Messinian Roots initiative at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino will showcase guest chefs reinterpreting local culinary traditions.

In contrast, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is strengthening its gastronomic agenda through collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Frédéric Anton and Arnaud Lallement. The property will also offer a curated wine experience with Château Margaux, the resort reports.

Wellness Focus Shifts Toward Longevity

After sixteen years of international recognition for its Anazoe Spa combining Hippocratic principles with modern science, Costa Navarino is pivoting from relaxation-centered wellness toward rejuvenation and longevity programs. New treatments will be featured during the Messinian Wellbeing Festival, which will bring together Greek and international practitioners, according to resort officials.

The wellness calendar will include Seasonal Wellbeing Weeks and multi-day retreats focused on longevity, physical activity and mental renewal. Notably, Taryn Toomey, founder and CEO of The Class—a music-driven somatic workout method—will lead a signature retreat at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, marking the destination’s new direction in contemporary wellness.

Sports and Recreation Programming Expands

The February opening traditionally attracts hundreds of golfers from Central and Northern Europe to Costa Navarino’s four signature golf courses, eager to escape frozen fairways for the mild Messinian climate. This year’s sports offerings extend well beyond golf, with expanded collaboration with the Mouratoglou Tennis Center including junior tennis camps for younger guests.

Football facilities will host new camps, while young basketball players can participate in the NBA Basketball School with appearances by distinguished guest figures. The calendar of major international sporting events includes The Legends Tour from June 13 to 18, the 20th-anniversary edition of the AEGEAN Messinia Pro-Am from June 24 to 28, and the PPC IRONMAN 70.3 Costa Navarino scheduled for October 24 to 26.

Cultural Events and Seasonal Celebrations

Easter at Costa Navarino combines local traditions with cosmopolitan luxury and a comprehensive activities program. With all four hotels open this year, guests can select atmospheres ranging from the family-friendly Westin Resort to the adults-only W Costa Navarino, though early reservations are strongly recommended according to resort advisories.

Subsequently, the May Day Festival offers a spring escape opportunity, followed by the Messinian Summer Feast promising live performances and festive atmosphere. The resort is introducing the first Messinia Jazz Festival curated by Gazarte, featuring Greek and international musicians, as well as a performance by stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr.

Navarino Agora will reopen in April with expanded street-food options including sushi, smash burgers and traditional souvlaki, alongside events and children’s activities. The facility remains open to visitors not staying at Costa Navarino properties. The Westin Resort opens February 27, followed by Mandarin Oriental on March 31, W Costa Navarino on April 2, and The Romanos on April 8, with additional programming details expected to be announced in coming weeks.