W Costa Navarino is in Messinia, the olive tree and vine-filled southwest corner of the Peloponnese, southern Greece’s agricultural and hugely historical peninsula. Kalamata airport is a forty-minute drive – and Athens airport is just over three hours by car.

The hotel sits on the beachfront of the Bay of Navarino, a beautiful natural bay that holds a special place in modern Greek history. It’s one of several sites that makes up Costa Navarino. Navarino Dunes, the most established area of Costa Navarino and home to two five-star hotels (The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino) and extensive sports facilities and Kids Clubs, is a ten-minute drive away, linked by shuttle running hourly between the two sites.

Stylish, angular architecture using roughly hewn local stone gives way to airy and bright interiors, unfussy, contemporary and warm. Pull up to the hotel’s reception, past the W sign made from coloured glass and wood reclaimed from old fishing boats, and the wide blue-on-blue panorama of the Bay of Navarino is the first thing you see. There’s a focus on local artists in the striking art on display and natural materials are used liberally, wood, stone and linens, in step with Costa Navarino’s firm focus on sustainability.

Rooms have all the usual five-star pleasures: complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, dressing gowns and generous bundles of fluffy towels. A big eco-tick goes to the Korres toiletries, a natural skincare brand founded in Greece. Mini bars are admirably well-stocked, WIFI is excellent and the lighting is effective and easy to master.

A light-filled and well-equipped gym with indoor and outdoor training areas looks out over the dedicated lap pool and adjoins the AWAY Spa.

The spa is stunning, high ceilings, contemporary wood panelling and a good choice of treatments. A watersports centre is due to open in 2023.

There’s a focus on excellent meat and fish dishes and local produce and a good choice of locations to eat.

Breakfast is served al fresco at Platia, a casual take on a village square where fabulous fresh fruits, breads and pastries, chefs whipping up hot dishes to order and endless variations on Greek yoghurt are served up in four different ‘rooms’ of food. Parelia is their restaurant by the beach, set around a 500 year old olive tree and you can watch the sunset from Between, the bar by the beach or take a sundowner before eating inside at the W Lounge

A perfect spot for a family holiday with teenagers, and easily combined with a Greek island hop. We enjoyed the hotel’s complimentary transfer to Athens and then flew to Corfu for our second week in a beautiful villa.(Complimentary transfers available for suite accomodation)