STAY
Music, sports, fashion, food... No matter what your passion is, there's an event with your name on it in Messinia this year.
By Paulina Björk Kapsalis
Oftentimes, vacations are about slowing down. But sometimes, we need our time off to stimulate our minds, inspire us, and get our hearts pumping. Greece’s first W Escape, the vibrant W Costa Navarino, which opened its doors in August 2022, has quickly turned into a meeting place for those looking to combine leisure with entertainment and exclusive lifestyle experiences.
With its warm welcome for adults and young adults over 12 years old exclusively, this beachfront resort seamlessly blends the serene atmosphere and sustainable philosophy of Costa Navarino with the lively, socially-driven nature of the W brand. It boasts contemporary versions of a bakery, a pastry shop, a deli, and a café next to the central lagoon-style pool and the resort’s destination beach club, Parelia. Architecturally, the structures resemble those of a traditional Peloponnesian village, while the interior decor features contemporary art, along with details inspired by the craft of local artisans. A short walk down the waterfront promenade, Navarino Agora offers an abundance of options for high-end shopping and dining.
The resort also presents an exciting annual line-up of events that range from extra special holiday celebrations to sporting events, one-off music happenings, gastronomy festivals, and fashion shows.
The 2024 lineup
Easter & May Day
Greek Orthodox Easter inaugurates this year’s program of events at W Costa Navarino. Guests are invited to experience the rich tapestry of Greek Easter customs which, in keeping with the traditions of this particular resort, will be presented with a fresh, innovative twist. Specifically, on Easter Sunday (May 5), the talented chef of renowned Athenian restaurant Ex Machina, Adam Kontovas, will be in residence, creating Greek specialties cooked over open flames during an exuberant beach party that will feature both a DJ and live act.
The following day (May 6), a belated May Day and the arrival of spring are celebrated with a Boho Party taking place at Navarino Agora. Guests and locals will enjoy live music by the Swinging Cats while creating bespoke flower arrangements and mixing drinks during an exclusive cocktail-making workshop hosted by renowned Athens-based bartender Alexandros Gkikopoulos.
Sound and Wellness Retreat
As spring turns into summer (May 30-June 2), guests are invited to join an exclusive Sound and Wellness retreat. Uniting local and international experts in flow yoga, meditation, and sound and crystal healing, participants will take part in sunrise yoga sessions accompanied by the soothing sounds of the harp, enjoy the stylings of a talented lineup of DJs, and experience the therapeutic sounds of acoustic music and soulful vocals during a revitalizing sunset sound healing session on the beach. The culmination will be a spirited electro-sound party.
A weekend dedicated to fashion
On 8 – 9 June, W Costa Navarino will introduce a fashion-focused weekend. Handpicked clothing items, accessories, artwork, and an outfit rental service will be available, supporting small businesses that prioritize ethical choices and try to make a positive impact on our environment.
Summer Festivals
Taking place for the first time this year, a Watersports Festival (June 21-24) is set to also bring athletes and enthusiastic amateurs to W Costa Navarino this summer. At Navarino Watersports Center, visitors will be able to join rejuvenating SUP yoga sessions, compete in SUP races, and try out wing-foiling and wakeboarding, all while a DJ creates a high-energy party atmosphere. Those so inspired may want to return later in the season (September 10-14), for an exciting opportunity to witness the exhilarating sport of wingfoil racing during the WingFoil Racing World Cup, endorsed by the International Kiteboarding Association.
The party continues during a three-day Mixology Festival (July 5-7), where cocktails take center stage. Alongside performances by various artists, guests will be able to sample signature cocktails crafted by globally renowned mixologists. Bartenders from The Clumsies and The Bar in Front of the Bar, two Athens bars both ranking amongst the World’s 50 Best, will treat guests with up to 40 one-of-a-kind concoctions.
Chefs on Fire
More exciting flavors will be served to guests during special Chefs on Fire evenings, a series of off-the-beaten-path events set to take place on selected dates throughout the summer (July 12-August 8). A lineup of renowned Greek chefs, including Fotis Demek, Pavlos Kiriakis, Nikos Thomas, Alexandros Tsiotinis and Kleomenis Zournatzis, will cook over fires in open-air kitchens or prepare dinners al fresco, sourcing locally foraged ingredients. Using fire as an art form in a variety of innovative ways such as chargrilling, ember roasting, a la plancha cooking, spit roasting, and barbecuing, the events are “a return to local origins – a natural homecoming.”
Sunset Music Sets
In addition, throughout July and August, the summer vibe at Parelia promises to remain as vibrant as ever, with spectacular electro DJs in charge of the sounds from sunset to late at night. The lineup will feature both up-and-coming names from the Greek electronic scene and world-renowned DJs such as Chris Bekker.
Designed to foster guests’ creativity, individuality and freedom of expression, there appears to be an event that’s right everyone this year. Which one has your name on it?
