Just a 48 Hour Greek Getaway

Sometimes even when you are an expat living in your chosen area of paradise, you need a getaway from the routine.  Even a brief change of scenery makes for a brighter attitude and a shot of energy.

A Greek getaway less than two hours from home

By the first week of November, a change of scenery from that to be had at our Stone House on the Hill in the Mani was definitely overdue:  

We'd (knock-on-wood) gotten rid of the rat who had played havoc on our car's electrical system, we'd confirmed there would be no harvest of our shriveled olive crop, we'd cleared the dozens of dead plants in my Mediterranean garden, which like the olive crop were also casualties of the summer's prolonged heat and drought. And our computer was in the repair shop. 

Good olives top, our olives bottom

It had simply been far too long since these two vagabonds had headed out on any just-for-fun getaways.

A part of the Westin lobby, Costa Navarino

Our destination was our 'go to' getaway resort located a mere 38 miles, yet a world away from our expat home in the Greek Peloponnese. Costa Navarino, a resort with four award-winning golf courses and an equal number of 5-star hotels is located on the Peloponnesian point we see from our home.  It is on that point's west side, less than two-hours' drive from our home. It is ridiculously close, so how could it have been more than two years since we last took advantage of this nearby luxe?

Golf enthusiasts in November at Navarino Hills course

Nowadays the tourist touts and jetsetter publications paint a picture of the resort as being a playground for famous super stars, a hideaway for the rich and famous.  But I can assure you, based on the several visits we've made there in the last decade, that there are far more regular folks, like us, who make up the majority of guests either seeking a quick getaway or a round or two of golf amid the swanky digs.   

A Room with a View

The resort accommodation is a mix of privately owned villas and hotels - The Mandarin Oriental, The W Hotel, Romanos, and our favorite, The Westin Hotel. Admittedly, while room rates can go off the charts in the height of summer (as has become the case throughout Greece), the end of the season rates are more affordable. 

The Westin was the first hotel we stayed at in this Greek-owned resort and habit keeps us choosing it when we return. 

The Westin bedroom and bathroom in the studio we were assigned

Two of the hotels had already closed for the season, as had many of the restaurants but there were plenty of places still open and operating. And with a Greek village just minutes away from the resort and the bustling town of Pylos a few miles away, there were plenty of choices for traditional food and drink.

Autumn in the air

We had managed to tack some errands in Kalamata on to this trip, which meant we didn't arrive at the resort until early on a Tuesday afternoon. Our room was ready and no lines at check-in. Although we didn't spend much time in the room that afternoon with all of the outdoor spaces calling out to explore.

The grounds are sprawling and are beautifully landscaped with local flora and fauna. It didn't take us long to head out for a stroll through the gardens and then ultimately, to the beach. 

Nice to see green again after this year's drought 

The resort, encompassing Navarino Bay and Navarino Dunes, has more than 1.2 million endemic shrubs of different species.  Walking through the grounds is like touring a botanical garden. Ninety percent of the land is covered with pre-existing or planted greenery.

And to keep those areas green without taking away from local water supplies, the resort has an elaborate water management system that includes water reservoirs with a capacity of just under 1.2 million liters of water for use on the development.

Decades old olive trees shad swimmers at this pool, named for them

More than 7,000 olive trees have been moved and replanted by the resort developers. The trees are prolific throughout the grounds, and I can tell you, they are being pampered compared to those outside the resort. 

Olive trees are showcased throughout the resort

We do think of them as part of Greece's national treasure, so they deserve to be well taken care of.

Ages old olive trees stand as sentries at the front entrance

We are having an incredibly beautiful autumn in the Peloponnese this year. During our stay the weather was so temperate, hovering at the low 70F's that it made sunning ourselves (wearing blue jeans and long sleeves) on the beach the perfect way to while away a couple of hours.  Other guests, clad in swimsuits, sunned and bobbed in the ocean. 

Beach bliss in November 

I think the last time we went to the beach in Greece was during our last trip to Costa Navarino. Like that time, we again had such a pleasant, kick-back afternoon! The stretch of beach we were on is a protected area of the resort as it is a breeding ground for the Carreta sea turtles.  We sipped wine in the late afternoon because the beach restaurant and bar close at sunset. . . for the sake of the turtles.

Wine on the beach - no better place to drink it

Lights are turned off so as not to disturb the turtles, who come and lay their eggs in the spring with hatching taking place in summer. The early closure though continues throughout the season to assure safety to the turtles.

Photo taken in the Costa Navarino's Resort  Nature Center

While the developers point to their sustainable practices and a focus on environment, one of my favorite things about this place is their commitment to animal welfare.  They actually have created a shelter for homeless dogs on the property and have a paid staff member coordinating volunteers and the efforts and events to get animals adopted. A visit to the on-property shelter is always a treat.

Navarino Pets - well worth a visit while at the resort

Since our last visit a new lobby display showcases those seeking a fur-ever home.  If you aren't ready to adopt one of the animals introduced on the continuous video display, there is a handy donation box just below it - so you can help at any level.  

Fresh from the fields enroute to Costa Navarino

The Peloponnese 'point' on which Costa Navarino is located is carpeted with grape vineyards, olive and orange groves. Truck gardens and orchards supply roadside stands with veggies and fruits to tempt visitors like us..

At Nestor's palace - recently restored archeological site

It is home to a number of historical sites, including nearby Nestor's Palace and the Venetian built, Methoni castle a bit further away. There's even a winery, open to the public and named after the legendary king of Pylos, Nestor, that can easily be reached from the resort.

Nestor Winery, home of Messinian inspired wines - some of our favorite

After wining and dining, resting and relaxing, we were back on the road again Thursday, heading to Kalamata for a few more errands before heading home. Sometimes even the shortest of getaways are all that is needed to rejuvenate the senses. I am sure we released a ton of endorphins between us during those 48 hours as we sure felt better after our stay!  

Of course, now I am wondering that a 'real trip' - one that encompasses a week or two - might do for these two old vagabonds.  Wouldn't you know? The Scout is already on it!

Costa Navarino sunsets are spectacular

Now back at our Stone House on the Hill, with the computer as rejuvenated as we are, I have plenty of tales to tell you in the coming weeks. Until then, how about you tell us where you've been.   Taken any getaways or longer trips? If so, tell us about them in the comments or shoot us an email. 

We enjoy your travel tales ~