Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino: A Sustainable Luxury Resort Rooted in Greek Tradition

The Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, located above the historic Navarino Bay in Greece’s Peloponnese, has opened as a destination resort that aims to combine the high standards of a global luxury brand with a profound connection to its local environment. Designed by Alexandros N. Tombazis and Associates Architects S.A. in collaboration with K-Studio, the resort draws inspiration from traditional Greek rural typologies.

Inspired by “mandria,” the organic stone enclosures historically used in rural Greece, the resort’s masterplan is decentralized and follows the contours of the landscape. This approach has resulted in the creation of clusters of accommodation, including 48 earth-sheltered private villas with pools, designed to feel both expansive and intimate.

Design Philosophy

The architectural design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between guests, the land, culture, and climate. The decentralized structure offers guests privacy and autonomy, with each villa surrounded by gardens. Interiors seamlessly transition into shaded outdoor living spaces, establishing a layered spatial experience. Thresholds, such as wide overhangs and deep-set openings, are meticulously designed to foster a sense of calm and refuge while maintaining a connection to the broader landscape.

Materials and Aesthetics

The resort’s aesthetic is characterized by restraint and richness, with tactile materials like stone and terrazzo used in understated ways. Interior spaces reflect Mediterranean textures and tones, complemented by curated international design elements that evoke a sense of travel. The layout is intuitive and guest-centric, prioritizing clear orientation, comfortable scale, and meaningful views from all key areas. Circulation routes are predominantly open-air, allowing for a continuous presence of nature throughout the resort.

Sustainability and Operational Foresight

Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout the project. Passive design strategies, including planted roofs, thermal mass, and cross-ventilation, are employed to minimize environmental impact. Materials have been sourced locally whenever feasible. The resort also incorporates water-efficient landscaping, low-impact lighting, and energy zoning.

Operationally, the resort’s layout supports scalable opening, allowing clusters of rooms or villas to be managed seasonally, thus optimizing energy consumption. The emphasis on outdoor circulation reduces the need for cooled interior corridors, while semi-protected spaces like covered terraces and entry courtyards help moderate climate extremes, reducing mechanical loads and enhancing guest comfort.

Architectural Heritage and Innovation

The project deliberately avoids overt historical mimicry, instead “listening” to history and abstracting traditional forms rather than replicating them. This approach has resulted in a unique hybrid typology where the “village” aesthetic is reinterpreted through contemporary materials and construction methods.

Alexandros N. Tombazis & Associates Architects, founded in 1963, has a long history of integrating bioclimatic and sustainable design principles. Their motto, “less is beautiful,” reflects a commitment to creative and responsible judgment. This marks their fourth collaboration with Costa Navarino, following The Romanos, The Westin Resort, and W Costa Navarino.

K-Studio, a design practice established in Athens over 20 years ago, is known for its immersive designs rooted in heritage and context, creating spaces intended to last.

Awards and Recognition

The Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino has already garnered significant accolades, including the Architecture Masterprize (2025), multiple AHEAD Europe Awards (2025), and multiple LIV Awards (2025). It has also received nominations and longlist placements for the EU Mies Awards (2026) and Dezeen Awards (2025), respectively, and was an Archello Public Vote Winner in 2025.

Key facts

This development signifies a new approach to resort design, prioritizing a grounded experience and a low-impact footprint while maintaining international luxury standards. It demonstrates how contemporary architecture can engage with its cultural and environmental context to create meaningful and sustainable destinations.

Source: Amazing Architecture – Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, Greece by Alexandros N. Tombazis and Associates Architects S.A. & K-Studio – https://amazingarchitecture.com/hotel/mandarin-oriental-costa-navarino-greece-by-alexandros-n-tombazis-and-associates-architects-sa-k-studio