The Romanos Resort at Costa Navarino
Like most, our 2020 summer vacation plans were cancelled. We had a fun trip lined up to visit the town of Monemvasia and hopefully that adventure will be in the cards for 2021. In the meantime, I’ve been reminiscing about last summer’s Greece getaway to The Romanos Resort at Costa Navarino.
Located in the region of Messinia, the resort has two golf courses, a beach, spa, several restaurants, and my personal favorite – private infinity pools.
Intended as a ten year anniversary celebration, our two night getaway was less about exploring the surrounding region (which has lots to offer) and more about indulging and relaxing.
Even if our time was mostly spent eating, swimming, and sleeping, we did manage to leave the resort for some traditional Greek meals.
The Seaside Town of Gialova
A ten minute drive from the Costa Navarino Resort is the charming coastal village of Gialova. Restaurants and bars line the town’s beachfront street and appear to be quite lively in the evenings.
We stopped for a light lunch of fried zucchini balls and pickled anchovies and soaked up the view.
Ammothines Restaurant and Beach Bar
A short drive from Gialova is Voidokilia Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Unfortunately, upon arriving, we found a mile long line of parked cars. Unable to find a parking spot, we headed to a beach several miles up the road, where we found the lovely Ammothines Restaurant and Beach Bar
After a quick swim, we decided it was time for an afternoon mezze and ordered more pickled anchovies (one can never have too many) and an assortment of dips – tzatziki, spicy feta, eggplant, and beets.
Funky Gourmet Pop-Up at Costa Navarino
The following day, we lounged around awaiting our much anticipated reservation at two star Michelin restaurant, Funky Gourmet. Based in Athens, the restaurant relocated to Costa Navarino as a pop-up for the 2019 summer season.
Funky Gourmet has been on my culinary bucket list ever since watching a YouTube video of executive chefs Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nikos Roussos preparing a Greek salad granita.
The evening did not disappoint! Watching the sunset, we enjoyed a twelve course meal paired with wine, beer, and cocktails.
The Romanos Resort at Costa Navarino and Funky Gourmet dinner made for a wonderful ten year anniversary celebration. As much as we enjoyed our getaway at the time, the 2020 pandemic has made our memories that much sweeter. While travel and celebrations are on hold, I’ll be sitting at home dreaming and planning our next adventure.
