Costa Navarino

The peaceful Costa Navarino Resort near Pylos stretches along a breathtaking sandy beach on the Ionian coast. Inspired by old Messinian mansions, the low-rise villa clusters are built with natural stone and local design elements, blending seamlessly into the landscape rather than dominating it. There are 445 deluxe rooms and suites across the resort, with 123 featuring private infinity pools and the rest offering access to extensive shared pool areas.

Four distinct restaurants serve everything from international cuisine to local Messinian specialties, each with different views across the landscape. You'll also find various pool bars, lounge areas and chill-out spots dotted around the resort, so there's always somewhere to unwind after your round. The large spa and thalassotherapy centre is ideal after a warm-weather 36-hole day, especially if you've walked, with treatments that focus on recovery and relaxation.

Rooms deliver exactly what you'd expect from a five-star resort. Living areas are spacious and sumptuously furnished, with floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen televisions, dual-line phones, in-room movies and refreshment centres. You'll also get 24-hour room service and wireless high-speed internet access, so whether you're checking the forecast for tomorrow's round or ordering a late-night snack, you're covered. The rooms are well designed for golfers, with plenty of space to store clubs and kit, and the air conditioning is effective, which matters when you're coming off the course in July or August.

The resort's location gives you easy access to some of Greece's most significant historical sites. UNESCO World Heritage sites including Olympia, Mystras and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius are all within driving distance, as are Ancient Messini and the Palace of Nestor. It's worth setting aside a day between rounds to explore, particularly if you're staying for a week and want to break up the golf with some culture and history. The concierge can arrange tours and transfers, and the drives are scenic enough to be part of the experience.

Transfer time from Kalamata Airport is around 45 minutes, and the resort can arrange private transfers if you're travelling as a group or prefer not to hire a car. If you are hiring a car, parking is plentiful and the roads between the courses and the main resort areas are well signposted. The best time to visit for golf is spring and autumn when the temperatures are warm but not oppressive and the courses are in peak condition. Summer is busier and hotter, but the sea breeze keeps it bearable and the longer days mean you can comfortably play 36 holes with an early start.

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort

The Romanos offers 321 luxury rooms, all with views of either the Ionian Sea or the resort's beautiful gardens. Rooms range from deluxe options to infinity rooms with individual infinity pools, right up to grand suites that include state-of-the-art home cinema systems. Everything is furnished in a modern, elegant style, with all the amenities you'd expect from a top-class resort.

If you want more space, the villas are worth considering. They range from one to three bedrooms and all include a spacious lounge and dining area, plus a private terrace with an infinity pool and unparalleled sea views. Perfect if you're travelling as a larger group or simply want that extra bit of privacy and space to spread out between rounds. The villas also come with dedicated concierge service, which can be useful for arranging tee times, restaurant bookings and any off-site activities.

The Romanos shares access to the four golf courses with the main Costa Navarino resort, and transfers between the hotel and the courses are straightforward, with regular shuttles and the option to arrange private transport if you're teeing off early or playing a specific course. The resort also has its own spa, multiple dining options and a beach club, so you've got everything you need on site without having to move around too much.