First Phase of Costa Navarino Open in 2009

A view of Messinia, southwest Peloponissos, where the 1,000 hectare Costa Navarino resort is being built by TEMES.

The first phase of Costa Navarino, one of the largest investments in Greek tourism, is expected to welcome its first visitors in 2009. The 550-million-euro project by Greek Development Company TEMES S.A. (Tourism Enterprises of Messinia) in Messinia, southwest Peloponissos, covers a total area of over 1,000 hectares (10 million square meters).

Navarino Dunes (1,300,000 square meters) that is due to open next year includes two resort hotels operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Romanos Navarino Dunes Resort, The Luxury Collection and Westin Navarino Dunes Resort. Romanos Navarino Dunes Resort has 321 luxury rooms and suites and 142 private pools and Westin Navarino Dunes Resort has 445 luxury rooms and suites with 123 private pools.

Managing Director of TEMES Vassilis Konstandakopoulos explained the company has placed much emphasis on the protection of the environment. He asserted, “4,500 olive trees have been replanted and innovative technology has been used for energy conservation.” The company, according to the managing director, is also pushing for the use of recycled water for irrigation purposes, and a study of the water in Messinia is already under way by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The development company claims 1,500 people would be employed at Costa Navarino and aims for the resort to be open all year round.