Review: The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino

Messinia is a ravishingly remote corner of the southwest Peloponnese that’s a four-hour drive from Athens (or one hour from tiny Kalamata airport). It was well under the radar until the advent of Navarino Dunes, a 320-acre Mediterranean-hugging resort that’s part of the ambitious Costa Navarino development—a modern take on a classic agora of shops, restaurants, cafés, and a cavernous spa flanked by two hotels. The family-friendly Westin Resort is livelier and more laid-back, its 445 rooms done in pale wood and exposed stone, with blissful tubs positioned to make the most of pool, golf, or sea views. Frazzled parents unwind at the swim-up bar, while the little ones run amok in the spiffy waterpark, bowling alley, and giant sand castle equipped for sleep-overs. The range of activities at both properties is exhaustive, but the main attractions are the half-mile sandy beach and 18-hole golf course. Food at the various multi-ethnic restaurants (which include Greek, Italian, and even American diner fare) is fine, but breakfasts make a bigger impression—a smorgasbord of local produce, perfect cappuccinos, and eggs any way you’d like. Though occasionally out of their depth, staff are always enthusiastic.