Ionian Interlude

One of Greece’s most exclusive second-home hideaways – the Peloponnese has largely been off-radar for overseas investors until now, that is. Stevie King visits Costa Navarino the first eco-friendly, beach-front development delivering a residential tourism template to emulate.

Bypass the island candy, route round Athens and set yourself on a course that defeated Nero across the dramatic Corinth canal, for it is in the Peloponnese that you will find the mythical heart of Greece. But the region isn’t all about winding the clock back: today, this unspoilt mosaic of soaring mountains, vibrant towns and villages, and rolling green valleys draws you in for other reasons. The further south you get, the fresher the air, the more the cultural highlights and beauty spots draw you in; secluded horseshoe-shaped bays linking the coast line and drawing city escapees and sun-seekers to its shores - and now luxury property developers.

Long time a favourite holiday haunt for wealthy Athenians to unwind, improved connectivity with a growing network of flights into Kalamata International Airport, including BA from the UK, together with an uptick in residential tourism development is successfully attracting a fresh affluent, global investor audience.

Leading the development charge is Temes, a premier developer of luxury, mixed-use resorts in the Mediterranean and their latest flagship masterplan community Costa Navarino. One of the largest real estate projects currently under development in Europe, the project will ultimately comprise five distinct sites, integrating deluxe resorts and high-end private residences. At the heart of the company’s development philosophy; one built on solid financial foundations, is a strong commitment to environmental responsibility along with genuine respect for local traditions and communities.

The land area, of which over 90% is given over to green space, is amenity indulgent with everything from a 4,000-square-metre spa overlooking a one-mile sandy beach, 2 championship golf courses - a Bernhard Langer-designed championship golf course (Greece’s first signature course) and The Bay Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Additional leisure amenities overlooking the Ionian Sea make for a family-friendly environment yet one that is still clearly focused on the finer things in life.

The first resort district Navarino Dunes covering some 130 hectares, has been operational since 2010 the second Navarino Bay, in operation since 2011, with future districts in the planning stages including Navarino Beach adjacent to Navarino Bay, Navarino Hills, and Navarino Blue.

“The focal point of the resort and its philosophy is a genuine desire to promote the local region of Messinia, while protecting and preserving the area’s natural beauty, local culture and heritage,” explains Mr Evgenios Dendrinos, Real Estate Director at TEMES. “The architecture is inspired by the old Messinian mansions of the region while the low-density build means guests and owners are supremely well housed in understated luxury.”

Sustainability has figured highly in the build out too – with an eco-kind resource management in place to minimise energy and water use, reduce emissions and waste production and promote green architecture by integrating local and traditional architecture.

For those tempted at the prospect of home ownership – there’s a diverse selection of investment options to choose from. Properties, sold with freehold title, come with private swimming pools and are built on large plots, while lush landscaping and arresting views to make each home feel like its own isolated slice of Greek bliss.

Villa options range in size from 300 square metres to 1,000 square metres gross indoor areas, in plots from 1,500 square metres to 3,000 square metres. Design accents trade on the vernacular with stone enclosures, courtyards and patios, arranged in such a way as to invite the surrounding landscape to interact with the interior. Traditional textures and construction techniques blend with modern-day features and architectural elements. These include solid wooden beams and antique stone paving set against hammered concrete lintels, anodized aluminium window frames and planted roofs. “The alternation between indoor and outdoor space provides a spatial richness and merges the houses with their context,” adds Evgenios. “It makes moving through the property more akin to a stroll around a local village than a single property.”

Situated in the Sea Dunes neighborhood, just thirty metres from the sea, flagship Sea Dunes residences are extra spacious, sitting on 3,000 square metre plots and boasting six-bedrooms including a sea-view master site with walk-in closets, indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room, gym, staff quarters together with extensive outdoor living space including an infinity pool and direct beach access.

Perched on a hillside overlooking the signature Dunes golf course in the Olive Grove neighbourhood meanwhile, buyers can opt between a stylish three-bedroom, two-storey panorama villa, or a larger five-bedroom golf-front villa from with headline views of the resort, from ground level, while their south orientation provides spectacular sunset vistas. Prices start from €2,100,000 and vary depending on location, size and custom-build specification.

Villa ownership comes with access to all of Costa Navarino’s amenities as well as year-round property management and 24-hour concierge.

As to expansion plans ahead - the future looks to be an exciting one. Adds property consultant, Robert Jacobs: “There’s no doubt that the development has all the hallmarks of being a prestige brand in the luxury tourism sector. I’d go as far to say it’s on course to being the residential destination in the Mediterranean.”

THE NAVARINO LIFESTYLE

A superb complement to the cosseted surrounds of one’s private villa, Costa Navarino is also packed with five-star leisure activities. In addition to the 2 signature golf courses, there are tennis courts and pros to help guests work on their game. The award-winning Anazoe spa (Winner of the World Luxury Spa 2014) has serene treatments, herbal saunas, and an ice-grotto room to fulfill all cravings for pampering. Additionally, you can enjoy the indoor sports arena, water sports centre, family cookery classes, spot birdlife at the Gialova lagoon, learn about the local flora and fauna at the interactive Navarino Natura Hall exhibition centre or watch sea turtles lay their eggs at The Dunes Beach - the list is literally endless.

www.costanavarino.com/navarinoresidences