Winner:JOINT GOLD Best Family Hotel (International)
Who:The Westin Resort Costa Navarino - Messinia, Greece
What:One of four luxury hotels at Costa Navarino in the south-west Peloponnese.
Why:
Costa Navarino, a sustainably driven destination in Messinia, Greece, combines four 5-star resorts, signature golf courses, spas, and year-round leisure for every member of the family. At its heart is a commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty and heritage while showcasing the very best of Messinian culture.
The ultimate family retreat, the resort was refurbished in 2025 to bring it up to date with sleek accommodation, refreshed public spaces, and a new lap pool, blending Messinia’s beautiful natural surroundings with contemporary style. Our judges felt the children’s activities here were strong with an Aqua Park, complete with pools, water games, and new waterslides and an indoor bowling alley, climbing wall, and the interactive Navarino Natura Hall to keep kids entertained and occupied.
With over 40 family-friendly restaurants serving everything from local specialties to fine dining, Costa Navarino has meals to suit the most daring and fussy eaters. Our judges were incredibly impressed with the options available here and felt this would make a brilliant family getaway for children of all ages.
“This hotel on the Greek coast is simply breathtaking - wide open spaces, sparkling pools, pristine beaches, and nature that invites both exploration and relaxation. The accommodation is spacious, elegant, and thoughtfully designed for family comfort, while kids’ clubs, teen zones, sports, and wellness options ensure every member of the family feels catered to. It perfectly balances five-star luxury with meaningful experiences, making it a destination families actively seek out.”
"We're teaching our now 9 year old about the local history its importance to us, and I love that this is built into the kids activity programmes without us having to roam too far with our toddler. It's clear how sustainability and cultural authenticity is at the heart of the resort's ethos."
"Costa Navarino is the ultimate activity destination for families looking for fun. You want to do it? They've probably got it - bowling alley, climbing wall, AquaPark, NBA Basketball academy, golf....I really love the focus on family activities from cooking classes to astronomy and learning about turtle conservation. Such a special way to make memories."
What makes its Special...
The incredible array of activities for families here is truly impressive and children are so well catered for.
For families feeling active there is stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, diving, rock climbing, cycling, hiking and golf on a choice of four international courses. While the Mouratoglou Tennis Centre features 17 state-of-the-art courts offering tennis, padel and pickleball.
Children aged 4 months to 12 years can enjoy creativee activities at the SandCastle kids’ hub, while babies and infants up to 3 years, can be booked into the sweetly decorated Cocoon creche which is supervised by qualified baby nurses and trained staff.
During the summer holidays, Costa Navarino offers an extensive range of sports camps including an NBA Basketball School, a football camp,, tennis camps for all ages, and a multi-sports camp, which features 10 different sports including tennis, padel, archery, football, indoor climbing, basketball, swimming, water polo, bowling, golf long game and golf short game, under the guidance of expert coaches.
Families can also learn more about the local Messinian culture with Costa Navarino’s Messinian Authenticity programme. Activities include a cooking class with local women, stargazing astronomy nights and more. They can also participate in a “King for a Day” Tour at the Palace of Nestor, or explore the surrounding nature including a visit to the famous Voidokilia Beach.
Sustainability lies at the heart of Costa Navarino and families can learn more about the loggerhead sea turtle protected species which nests on the beach every summer or get involved in Costa Navarino’s pet adoption programme.
Ideal for
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is perfect for families seeking a holiday where everyone can play, learn, and relax together. Spacious rooms, expert kids’ clubs, and sports camps keep toddlers to teens entertained, while parents enjoy water sports, cycling, hiking, beaches, and cultural experiences with the Messinian Authenticity programme. Every moment is designed for family connection, fun, and lasting memories.
Costa Navarino celebrates Messinia’s heritage and nature, offering families immersive experiences in culture, sport, and play while respecting the environment.
Junior Fact File
Daily rates at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino start from 325 Euros per night in a Deluxe Room with breakfast.
Families typically fly into Kalamata Airport (KLX), just a 45–60 minute drive from the resort. Alternatively, fly into Athens (ATH) and enjoy a scenic 3–3.5 hour drive through the Peloponnese. Private transfers or taxis make arrival effortless, so guests can start relaxing as soon as they reach Messinia.
