Where In The World Is DJ: Greece, May 2021
Recently, Greece opened its borders up to visitors and I knew that this would be my shot to visit one of the most spectacular facilities in our Troon International portfolio. Located in Messina, Costa Navarino is an impressive golfing destination with two excellent hotels, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort, and 36-holes of stellar golf with great course conditions, world-class Greek hospitality, and a plethora of Instagram worthy selfie spots. The courses are designed by Bernard Langer in association with European Golf Design (The Dunes) and Robert Trent Jones II (The Bay), and both are intricately woven into the natural landscape overlooking the Ionian Sea.
This was my first trip to Greece since the pandemic and I was very impressed with the efforts and attention to detail that the Greek government has put in place to keep everyone safe. As Greece is made up of thousands of islands, sufficient medical facilities are in short supply, and mainly based in the Athens area. For this reason, the government and the Greek’s have taken Covid very seriously to be sure that an increase in cases could be managed. Face masks are worn, social distancing is practiced and hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. And, The Westin Resort at Costa Navarino even provides rapid testing facilities and PCR facilities on-site, enabling you to easily manage any travel requirements. All of this culminated in an environment, and visit, that made me feel completely safe; so safe that I want to take my family back as soon as possible!
Costa Navarino is already an impressive destination. But, it is about to get even better. During the pandemic, the team has been working hard on adding another 36-holes to the facility which will be designed by Jose Maria Olazabal. These courses are being built on the top of the highest hills in the region, affording golfers some spectacular 360-degree picturesque views throughout their round. It is hopeful that one of the courses will be grown in by the end of this year, with the second to open up in 2022.
Definitely put Costa Navarino on your golfing bucket list. You will not regret it!