DESTINATIONS — GREECE & CYPRUS
Kalamata Marina
TRIED & TESTED: Citta dei Nicliani
a scenic mountain drive to Koroni is rewarded by fine views from the fortifications above the town and a harbour lined with restaurants. The west coast of rural Messinia has been somewhat transformed by the opening of Costa Navarino in 2010. The vision of local boy made-good as a shipowner and businessman Captain Vassilis, his long-standing dream was to give back to his homeland in a way which maintained Messinia’s natural beauty and traditions and created work for locals. The result is the vast, upscale, sustainable resort of Navarino Dunes with two hotels, The Westin and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, its own beach, numerous facilities and a strong
emphasis on local customs such as the olive harvest, vineyard visits, cookery lessons and philosophy walks led by scholars. The natural beauty of Messinia
is always close at hand. Close to Costa Navarino is Gialova Lagoon, a large wetland popular with migratory birds, with self-guided walking trails and wildlife-spotting hides. Within the reserve is the much-lauded Voidokilia Beach, its semi-crescent of sand a vision at sunset and worth the bumpy ride. The truth is, there’s always that sense of going off the beaten track in the Peloponnese, but that’s what makes it so irresistible. TW
A heritage property in the Mani province, Citta dei Nicliani is special. Restored and run by the Sepsas family, this 18th- century tower house complex opened in 2011 as a seven- room boutique hotel, retaining original features such as
stone walls and storage wells. Rooms vary in size, two have private terraces and all are beautifully decorated with features such as mar- ble sinks and stonewall engravings. The courtyard overlooks the olive fields and the restaurant serves sublime breakfasts and dinners with a stellar choice of wines. The owners can arrange hiking, wine-tasting and olive harvest visits.
cittadeinicliani.com
TRIED & TESTED: Costa Navarino
Formed of two hotels, the family- friendly The Westin and elegant The Romanos, Costa Navarino is the biggest resort of its kind in Greece, with its own beach, award- winning Anazoe Spa, pools, waterpark, two golf courses, kids’
clubs, activities from diving to biking from Navarino Sea/Outdoors and local experiences such as cookery lessons with local women. High- spec rooms include options with infinity pools and sea-view patios. Food is consistently excellent, from the beachside Eleon and Flame Grill to the informal bars around the square.
costanavarino.com
11 December 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 55
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