Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway, shines a global spotlight on Greece’s unspoilt Messinia region as part of the filming took place in the region last year. To celebrate the release, Costa Navarino, the sustainably driven destination in the southwest Peloponnese, has introduced a series of Odyssey-inspired experiences, giving guests the opportunity to explore nearby ancient sites linked to Homer’s epic, as well as visit locations including Voidokilia beach, Nestor’s Cave and Methoni Castle.
The Odyssey-inspired experiences not only tap into the ’set jetter’ trend whereby holidaymakers flock to filming locations all over the world but they also reflect a growing interest in holidays inspired by historical and mythical TV series and films. They include:
‘The Messinian Odyssey Trail’: An interactive, six-stop adventure through myth and history, which takes participants of all ages through some of the area’s most important ancient sites – including the Palace of Nestor, where guests can uncover hidden treasures while solving riddles. Additional locations include the omega-shaped Voidokilia Beach and Nestor’s Cave.
A Philosophy Walk in the ‘Echoes of Odyssey’: Led by a Professor of Ancient Greek Literature, this walk through the Messinian countryside, gives guests the opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue and explore universal themes embodied in the Odyssey and its relevance to modern life. These include timeless ethical dilemmas such heroism, the search for belonging and purpose and the journey of Nostos (homecoming).
Nestor’s Feast: Costa Navarino has introduced a new long table supper inspired by Homer’s Odyssey and the hospitality of ancient Greece. Nestor’s Feast pays homage to one of the epic’s central ideas – philoxenia – the sacred code of hospitality and sharing food that governed how strangers were received. Guests staying at any of the four luxury hotels within Costa Navarino can join in the informal outdoor communal supper, which offers a seven-course menu, cooked over fire and only featuring ingredients that would have been familiar in the time of Homer. With no spice or citrus used, each dish is built on depth and simplicity.
‘Penelope’s Heritage’ Weaving Workshop: Costa Navarino has launched a new weaving workshop to honour the craft of Odysseus’ wife Penelope. Known for weaving by day and secretly unweaving her work each night to fend off suitors until Odysseus’ return, Penelope embodies patience, intelligence, and creative defiance. The workshop introduces guests to traditional local weaving techniques, blending cultural heritage with hands-on creative expression.
Connecting Young Travellers to Homer’s Timeless Tale: Taking place at the Sandcastle Kids’ Club, children 4-12 years old can engage with hands-on activities, decoding heroism and mythological stories through playful interactive exploration. Young guests get a stamp for completing different activities themed around Greek heroes such as Odysseus for creativity, Heracles for bravery and Theseus for intelligence. And new this summer, is the PLAYMOBIL Kids PlayPark at Navarino Agora, inviting children to discover the world of Greek mythology through imaginative play. Inspired by the Odyssey, the collaboration with PLAYMOBIL brings heroes, myths and adventures to life in a creative setting.
‘Odyssean Journey’ Signature Spa Ritual: A restorative treatment blends a mythic narrative with holistic wellness. The signature ritual includes sea-salt exfoliation, clay and rosemary cocooning, scalp treatment and a flowing candle massage using warm lavender and sandalwood to calm the nervous system and ease muscle tension.
Guests can choose for their stay W Costa Navarino at Navarino Bay which is exclusively for adults and young adults over 12 years old. With a distinctive design inspired by the region’s architecture, W Costa Navarino has stylish swim-up rooms, one and two-bedroom suites with their own pools, and beachfront villas with their private pools.
Alternatively, for families with younger children, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino features family suites and connecting rooms, an aqua park with six water slides and a play pool with more than 10 water games, as well as a lap pool for adults. The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort offers to adults and families seeking unparalleled service and authentic experiences, a unique selection of beachfront villas and suites ensuring complete privacy and curated benefits tailored to each guest.
Costa Navarino is located 45 minutes’ drive from Kalamata International Airport.
