The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino

Character and identity

Set on the wild southwest coast of the Peloponnese, roughly four hours from Athens or an hour from Kalamata, The Romanos anchors the Navarino Dunes resort along 320 acres of Mediterranean shoreline. The 321-room property sprawls low across landscaped lagoons that are dramatically lit after dark, with dark wood and polished marble interiors taking a quieter line than the clientele. Nearly all ground-floor rooms come with private plunge pools or poolside cabanas. The wider resort delivers a modern agora of shops, restaurants and cafés, a vast spa shared with a neighbouring hotel, two golf courses and direct beach access.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What defines a stay here is the couples-focused room product, especially those ground-floor categories with private plunge pools opening onto the lagoons, set within a much larger resort ecosystem. Book a Premium or Deluxe room with plunge pool to get the version of the hotel that justifies the journey, and factor in the four-hour transfer from Athens when planning.