Let me state from the outset that I am a big fan of the MO Group and that whenever I can, I seek to stay in their hotels worldwide. After so many years in this business and have been lucky enough to be hosted in ideal conditions in many of the best hotels around the globe, I have decided that nothing in life is accidental and that the true luxury in holidays is that everything happens organically and whisperingly.
We had heard a lot about the project of the first MO in Greece, in Costa Navarino, for years, ever since Captain Vassilis Kostantakopoulos reserved this unique and beautiful part of the complex for the jewel of the crown, a hotel built into the hillside, almost underground, that becomes one with nature and integrates with the landscape magically.
Since it opened late last year and we didn`t have time to include it in our itinerary, we went at the first chance, a few days before Easter, eager to see if the Greek MO can stand on equal footing with its international brethren.
The journey to Pylos by car is quick and easy, just three hours from Kifissia door to door. There is also the Kalamata airport to serve international customers or those bored of driving, as well as a helipad at the premises of Costa Navarino.
From the moment you pass through the impressive gate, you realise that a lot of work has been done here with absolute attention to detail. From the courteous staff that greets you to the super posh club cars that take you to your villa, and from the impressive lobby with its magnificent views to the eco effort evident everywhere and the zero plastic policy, everything has been set up and directed perfectly so that the guest feels at home, assuming that his home is the epitome of quiet luxury.
From the first time, I travelled the route from reception to our villa, I was impressed by the abundant greenery and the fact that the majority of guests get around on electric bicycles outside each room. This is a great idea that allows you to explore the facilities without getting tired while enjoying the beautiful nature that surrounds you.
The rooms (99 suites, of which 48 are pool villas) are super comfortable, decorated in earth tones and with excellent taste, and the amenities are many steps below those of the average five-star resort. From the classic bath products, which here are from my sought-after and much-loved Ortigia Sicilia and everything one needs for the beach or pool (bag, flip-flops, men`s and women`s hats and sunscreen) to the toilet paper, which, as Panos hilariously commented, is so thick you could almost call it reusable, the most complete shoe care kit you`ve ever seen, a minibar with a collection of treats unimaginable and drinks that would be the envy of the trendiest bar, and generally everything you can imagine either already in your room or you can ask for it. It will be brought to you in DT time.
The heated pool on the terrace helps you take a dip even when it`s a bit chilly, and the comfy sun loungers comfortably accommodate you all day for Dolce Far Niente, which is precisely what a holiday should be about.
Breakfast is served in the main restaurant, with a terrace from which you gaze out over the sea stretching out before you calm down like a lake. The beautiful Pylos that look like a postcard from afar include choices that change daily and are presented to you on a tray, plus some a la carte options, and are curated like the whole FnB section by Michelin-starred and FNL-starred Bertrand Valegeas. Panos Deligiannis will write in detail about the food part. Still, everything we ate was excellent, with my favourite being the Levantine Tahir, where we tried, among others, the most delicious manti ever, as well as a lamb with cherries to die for. I can`t wait to return at the first opportunity for that alone - okay, and the pizza we didn`t get to.
There are so many things to do in MO Costa Navarino that time flies by like turquoise water. Swim on the exquisitely landscaped beach or in the communal pool around which the Ormos Beach Club spreads, and shop in the hotel boutique or online. You can buy linen, pillows, duvets, bathrobes, cosmetics or whatever else you liked during your stay, play tennis, go hiking, horse riding, watersports, go to the gym, do yoga, cooking classes, wine tasting, oil tasting, picnics, go on a boat ride, design your silk scarf, take a ceramics class, have your first cocktail of the day with a view of the sunset in the Three Admirals Lounge, and for the little ones there is a great play area divided into age groups from 3 months to 12 years old.
I`ve left the two activities I like best for last: the spa (doing it) and golf (gawking at it). At MO Costa Navarino, both are at the highest level. The spa has a 25-meter pool, massage cabins with terraces, and outdoor jacuzzi-like average rooms of another hotel. It uses products of the iconic 111Skin brand and has one of the most impressive hammams I have seen, all in brown marble. All treatments done by super-qualified therapists are a natural paradise of wellness and relaxation.
Golf, with its lush green courses stretching all around the hotel and players in their buggies and plaid skirts playing all day long, is an exciting sport but also a pleasant sight for all of us who don`t play but like to watch. And, of course, lessons are also delivered to anyone who wants to try.
It`s easy to see from the context that our stay at MO Costa Navarino delighted me, and the truth is that in my attempt to be as objective as possible, I looked for defaults but was unsuccessful. The turn-down service was more frugal than expected compared to the amenities. The fact that they still didn`t have fans with Dimitris Papaionannou`s design disappointed me a bit, but I got over it quickly. However, the fact that many foreign guests were there for weeks proves I`m not biased. It`s just that the hotel is sensational—so many congratulations from me and a big thank you for the excellent hospitality.
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