I arrived at Costa Navarino Resort in the last days of this sunny October, generously characterized with 25 degrees temperature and oh, that special light of foggy, humid atmosphere, which filters everything in a retro aura, seemingly to another continent and another time. Lucky us, because we could enjoy the end of season in a cozy and peaceful atmosphere.
Forever green, the luxury resort area is huge and I really needed & used the little map given at arrival, at check-in, to find the way to restaurants and of course, to hidden Anazoe Spa.
Costa Navarino is located in Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, in one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote this region, while protecting and preserving not only its natural beauty but also a remarkable cultural heritage spanning 4,500 years.
Costa Navarino is also home to two 5-star deluxe hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino, Anazoe Spa, a 4,000m2 of wellness & thalassotherapy center, two signature golf courses, over 20 fine dining venues, a wide range of sports, outdoor and cultural activities.
An amazing room with private pool and large antique pots with oleanders was waiting for me, also a nice welcome note near a big plateau full of mixed fruits, very appetizing and also very aesthetic.
Returning to the Spa, the name – Anazoe – derives from the Greek word for rejuvenation and encapsulates the underlying aim of the Spa, which is a total revitalization of body and spirit in accordance with the ancient Greek maxim “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. Therapeutic olive-oil treatments (oleotherapy®), based on ancient local practices inscribed on clay tablets discovered at the nearby Palace of Nestor, are unique in the world. Spa treatments are performed to the accompaniment of soothing music based on ancient Greek modes and scales, because ancient Greeks believed music to be divine, capable of healing both body and soul.
The Spa décor is a mix of ancient Greek elements, shown in the design of ambiance objects and a touch of simply, colorful modernity, as seen especially in the relaxation rooms, were guests are invited for a tea and moments of relaxation before the treatments and after. The entrance is majestic and breathtaking, with a square wellbeing spot exactly in the middle, surrounded by heavy, white, 7 meters high curtains, facing an old fishermen boat, in brown lacquered wood. My favorite Anazoe spot, for sure.
I experienced a relaxation signature-massage, which started by a short conversation with the therapist, asking me to answer at 5 questions, apparently no connection between them, which finally showed my emotional and physically mood, and the conclusion was an aerial type approach of the treatment for me. The procedure started and ended with warmed and wet towels on my feet, and the massage was done with olive oil mixed with rosemary essence. It was really good and I felt amazingly relaxed, especially my back, suffering from several days spent on the road.
The evening continued as magical as this massage, with a cozy dinner at Da Luigi restaurant, where, in a creative space of Italian cuisine, after the delicious Greek starts & salads, I ate the best pizza ever, with truffles and truffle oil. Amazing, now, when I am writing this article, I remember so good the taste, the flavor, the savor, distinct consistency, and everything. And I am not a pizza fan, not at all, I never choose pizza from a menu, just don’t like pizza. But, this Da Luigi truffle composition mixed with very thin and elastic dough was a totally different story, starting with a politely first bite and turning into a love story. Congratulations to the Chef!
Another great experience during the stay at Costa Navarino was the oil olive tasting, a quite complex operation, that involves the olfactory and tasteful papules, some thin sliced apples and little dark navy blue glasses.
My favorite moment was in the morning, when firstly discovered the beach and I will no more describe this in words but just take a look to the image below, to get the state of mind and spirit:
Photo credits: Costa Navarino, personal archive Ruxandra Chiurtu