Multigenerational holidays are more popular than ever with extended families looking to enjoy time together. But finding something that suits Grandma as much as the teenagers and the toddlers may suddenly sound like an impossible ask.
For a hotel that actually offers something for all ages, add The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort,Costa Navarino to your must-visit list. With an excellent kids’ club, water sports and adventure activities that children will love, plus golf, tennis and an award-winning spa for the adults, this five-star resort on the stunning Peloponnese coast will keep everyone entertained. Delivering the essence of the Greek way of life, one filled with good company, laughter, and plates and glasses that are always more than half full, this might be the perfect place for that multigenerational trip you’ve been wanting to plan. Morag Turner tells us why.
The Vibe
This sprawling, but extremely well designed resort is a holiday heaven for families. Set on a beautiful stretch of coastline, just an hour’s transfer from Kalamata International Airport, this property’s raison d’être is to provide everything you could want from a luxury Mediterranean beach holiday. While youngsters play in the crèche or try out new sports, parents and grandparents have plenty of activities from golf and tennis to a 4000 square metre spa, or seemingly endless places to relax in the sun or shade, be that at a glistening pool or by the sea.
The resort is split across two luxury hotels, the Romanos and the Westin, the latter being slightly more upmarket due to the size and finish of the rooms, but both ticking all the five-star boxes. One seamlessly runs directly into the other, connected by a series of walkways lined with herbs and plants, and golf buggies on hand, with guests able to use the facilities and restaurants throughout. The two meet in a specially created area that is home to the resort’s shops, an open-air cinema, and some of its restaurants, giving the feeling of a local village.
What makes this particularly special is the building footprint takes only 10% of the total area, leaving 90% reserved for that signature Messinian landscape. In addition to preserving the environment, groundbreaking energy initiatives demonstrate Costa Navarino’s green philosophy. All of this adds up to one thing for the luxury traveller: responsible jetsetting for the whole family.
The Food + Drink
The dining here is unmistakably Greek, with a wealth of fresh, organic ingredients forming the foundation of authentic, upscale cooking. With 19 restaurants, you can experience lots of different cuisines without ever leaving the resort, from swim-up dining to simple counter service. From KOOC, the traditional Greek taverna with its rustic charm to the chic fish restaurant Armyra by Papaioannou and Japanese Onuki, all have their own flavours and feel, and are dotted around the hotel’s grounds. For families, kid’s menus, endless buffets and high chairs are available. But don’t let the informal nature mislead you, the food is excellent, including limitless ice cream that kids will be delighted by.
The breakfast buffet is quite the spectacle, and overlooked by a trained hawk to keep the small birds away. For the adults in the multi-gen group, Anax Lounge bar is ideal to watch the sunset, sipping cocktails. And while babysitters and evening activities are all available for children, don’t be surprised that families will lead a Mediterranean holiday lifestyle with late-evening family dining.
During the day, grab a delicious club sandwich at the pool bar or head to the beach to eat at stylish beach club, Barbouni. Think large mezze platters and Greek salads while overlooking the sea. Or simply order to your lounger if you would rather keep it super-casual.
The Rooms
The choice of rooms can be a real deal breaker for parents who want to relax in their own space but still have their little ones close by. Interconnecting rooms are a must for those with young children and the Romanos has plenty of options, as well as the option of a garden, pool or sea view, some with private pools or beach access. Some with two double beds, others with connecting doors or larger groups will love the two and three-bedroom villas, accommodating up to a family of eight. Well stocked mini bars, excellent air conditioning and large, well appointed bathrooms make these classically decorated rooms a comfortable base from which to explore.
The Child’s Play
It would be hard to find a resort with as many activities on offer for children and families. Not only are there several pools to play in across the two hotel areas, there is also a waterpark complete with three slides that thrill-seeking older children will love, and a splash area for little ones with jets and fountains. Or how about trying out the indoor climbing wall and bowling alley? Perfect for when you need some shade in the heat of the day. The FC Bayern Football Camps help mini footballers practise their skills with expert coaches, or the NBA Basketball School and development programme has the option of up to six-day camp packages for young players. Plus there’s a daily one-hour program for adults too if parents want to join in. Tennis is a big thing here with 12 brand new tennis courts, three padel courts and two pickleball courts. Lessons are available or just book at a court. Or if your youngsters fancy playing golf, there are pros on hand to give them lessons on the hotel’s world-class course.
Childcare is excellent at the Romanos. The on-site kids’ club will look after babies aged from four months to three years in the Cocoon crèche, with experienced nannies taking care of feeding and nap times with ease. For toddlers aged 18 months to three years, there is a daily programme of activities that includes storytelling, singing and dancing. Those aged four to 12 can join in the fun at the Sand Castle kids’ club with a host of fun designed to teach them about the local area through games and arts and crafts.
The Extras
Who doesn’t love a resort shop? Well the Romanos have several. So whether you want a new bikini, want to pick up a comic for the kids or need to stock up on suncream, it’s all there. Plus, the pharmacy is incredibly well stocked which can be a godsend for parents in need of unforeseen medicine for little ones. There are a couple of luxury boutiques packed with designer labels, jewellery and watches.
For a truly authentic Greek experience visit a nearby village home and discover traditional Messinian cooking with the help of local women who will share traditional family recipes with you.
The To Do List
It’s an extensive list for sure! Have a round of golf on the Dunes course with the hotel’s pros; join in a yoga class; play tennis; or simply relax by the pool. The Navarino Outdoor Academy can arrange an array of activities including walking, biking or hiking in the stunning local countryside if you’re feel adventurous. Step out of the glorious sunshine for an hour or two to visit the 4,000m² Anazoe Spa. A heavenly wellness sanctuary where you can choose from massages, facials and beauty treatments. There are treatments tailored to meet the needs of mums-to-be and a wonderful water therapy and relaxation area.
While the resort itself is packed with wonderful facilities, no visit would be complete without some time spent at the beach. It has its own restaurant, water sports centre to rent paddle boards and kayaks and plenty of shady loungers to relax under while little ones build sandcastles. Book a massage in one of the cabanas to really unwind. For a day on the water, the concierge can arrange boat trips to see the local coastline on one of the hotel’s luxury cruisers with a captain who can guide you to some of the prettiest sites to swim and snorkel.
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