Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Recently stayed here for a special occasion and had an amazing time. There are many pricey hotels in the world but not all of them are worth it like this one was. The service from the staff was always exceptional, they make you feel like you're Julia Roberts. Also the property and surrounding area is beautiful. We did a wine master class with Janusz and olive harvesting with Lia Extra Virgin Olive Oil that took the experience to the next level.

Couched in the hillside of Naverino Bay lies one of the most breathtakingly landscaped hotels in the Mediterranean, the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino. For real, this new hotel sits coupled within a hillside, it's individual rooms peeking out from amongst the foliage making the entire hotel compound itself appear encompassed by a mini forest. Such a natural topography for a hotel, and as well, everything is skewed towards the blue sea views of the property............this is a beautiful sight. The Mandarin boasts a bevy of perks including : accommodations with a terrace and villas with private pools, 5 exceptional restaurants and bars, an exciting beach club, a world class spa and fitness facility, an 18 hole golf course, a wide range of sports, outdoor and cultural activities, and if that isn't enough, it is 'joined at the hip' with Navarino Agora, a marketplace with a cadre of goodies. My Bayview King Suite, an earth sheltering abode, was so appealing with the terrace and stunning views of Navarino Bay. A light filled atmosphere with bespoke furnishings, floor to ceiling glass and a terracotta color palette provide a homey atmosphere but not without an army of high-tech room appliances. The bath was marbleized offering a tub and walk-in closet. The Mandarin is host to an array of restaurant and bar concepts with culinary options that that range from the Oliviera serving a menu of Greek cuisine (the Seabass Carpaccio is magnifico...so is the Goat Cheese Cremeux sweet) to the Tahir eatery which focuses on Levantine cuisine (serves up a mean Grilled Lamb Chop). So, if you want a stay in a hotel which provides lodgings in a luxurious caveman style with top-heavy in amenities..................then try the........ Mandarin Oriental Costa Naverino........In Unison With The Land.

Without a shadow of a doubt the most beautiful hotel in the whole of Messina. he villa with pool we stayed in was simply stunning. The views over the bay gorgeous. Although we hardly have breakfast this was not to be missed. They come with a tray with small dishes for you to choose from, and then have a dish from the regular menu. All super delicious and generous. Everywhere you go there is somebody of the super helpful team to help you. Even though the hotel has just opened it looks already so gorgeous.

We did not spend the night but we visited the hotel on August 15, days of the opening. The place is sumptuous, the view is breathtaking as soon as you enter the hotel and even more while sipping a drink on the terrace. The Greek restaurant is beautiful and very good. They catered to our dietetary requirement with a lot of care and attention. However, several details suggest that they are not yet fully up. It is quite normal for an opening day, but I think the management should attach more importance to the details, as they do at the very well maintained Romanos property. Details of cleaning, painting details, plastic papers still stuck on the sides of the elevator mirrors and not fully removed, etc. should not be seen in a hotel of this class. I am sure I have a sharp eye and not everyone would notice but this is not something that anyone should notice in a Mandarin Oriental. The bar with its breathtaking view struggles when it comes to cocktails. The drinks menu is beautiful but we got very disapointed when we got our drinks. A very simple, not so special yellow drink did not make the job. Another one was beautiful but we did not like it (this is more related to our tastes). I believe some of the cocktails should be much more amazing in a place like this one. Finally, I questioned myself why a lot of staff members were French while Greek people give amazing and authentic service :-) I am originally French and, unfortunately, I believe that French are not usually (not generalising though) offering the kind of authentic service we can find in Greece. All in all a wonderful place, not very suitable for children though, due to the lack of activities other than golf or the beach around, in which it would be pleasant to spend a few days as a couple. Lastly, I personally believe that pricing a a bit over what it should be in the area for this hotel, starting at 2K+€ in the summer seems a bit overpriced to me. Still give it a 5 stars because pricing is not relevant in rating a property while the general atmosphere, the food and the people make it up for the small hiccups that I am sure were because of the opening week.