The new 36-hole Navarino Hills golf development at Costa Navarino in Greece has been officially opened.
The world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course and the neighbouring Hills Course, as well as the new Hills Clubhouse, made their debut right at the start of the 2022 golf season. They provide the ideal complement to the destination’s existing signature golf courses, The Dunes Course and The Bay Course, and mean that players of all levels can now enjoy the challenge of four signature golf courses within a 13km radius.
Designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal and overlooking the Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, the new layouts are set in a unique location affording views to the sea, mountains and valleys.
Measuring 6,366m, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course received widespread acclaim when it was played for the first time at the fifth Messinia Pro-Am in November. The Hills Course is slightly shorter at 6,280m, with both courses featuring an average green size of 669m². Other golf facilities include 60-bay driving range and a 15,000m² short game practice area.
Olazábal said: “Costa Navarino ranks among the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Over the past five years, we have worked hard to shape two courses that not only respect the stunning surroundings but that also fit as naturally as possible into the terrain.
“The two courses are distinct in character. Golfers will find the International Olympic Academy Golf Course to be more polished in style and full of spectacular views across the Bay of Navarino while the Hills Course offers more of a rural feel, where we take you out through the gently rolling hills.
“With the two new courses and the two existing ones, Costa Navarino has developed into a spectacular golf destination, and I invite everyone to come and experience it for themselves.”
In line with Costa Navarino’s commitment to sustainable development, a water reservoir with a capacity of 485,000m3 has been built to meet the irrigation needs of both courses. To keep water consumption to a minimum, all fairways, greens, tees and rough areas have been seeded with a combination of hard-wearing grasses suitable to the local climate, while 52,000 indigenous forest plants, shrubs and seasonal local flowers and herbs have also been planted.
Opening alongside the two courses, will be the Hills Clubhouse. Designed by acclaimed architect Lubomír Zeman and built using local stone materials, the 2,500m² clubhouse has been created with the aim of achieving class A+ in energy efficiency and features photovoltaic panels.
Navarino Dunes, the destination’s first resort area, welcomed guests for the new season as of February at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, with The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort opening on March 24.
Guests will benefit this season from a wide range of sports, wellness and leisure activities, alongside a multitude of revamped gastronomy across several restaurants, cafes and bars. They can indulge and rejuvenate with signature oleotherapy® treatments at the award-winning Anazoe Spa and have an opportunity to improve their tennis skills at the first European ‘Mouratoglou Tennis Center’. With mild weather conditions, spring is the best time to experience the great lush nature and many of the local historical and cultural attractions of Messinia with Navarino Outdoors – through biking, hiking and excursions in the countryside.
Alongside the existing properties, the brand-new W Costa Navarino will make its debut this summer, at the destination’s newest resort area, Navarino Waterfront.
For more information, visit www.costanavarino.com/navarino-hills/.