Mandarin Oriental | k-studio

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is situated in the historic bay of Navarino, in Messinia, Peloponnese, nestled within the hills and embraced by expansive coastline and rugged mountain terrain, deeply inspired by the rural design language of the region. Taking after the local agricultural tradition of ‘mandria’, a type of dry stone structures common in the region that are crafted by hand, the structure of the hotel follows the contours of the landscape. As a result, the hotel’s design acts as a fluid dialogue between architecture and nature. The landscape design was developed by Alexandros N. Tombazis & Associates Architects S.A and K-Studio, in collaboration with Greenways Hellas and Coopers Hill.

Recognised as a double Forbes five-star hotel and spa, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino comprises of 99 suites, of which 48 are private villas with pools. Each villa feels secluded, surrounded by lush gardens and outfitted with cool toned interiors following a Mediterranean colour palette. Across the property, interiors were designed by K-Studio in collaboration with Afroditi, Alexander Waterworth Interiors, MKV Design and Alexandros N. Tombazis & Associates Architects, S.A. With the design of the hotel deeply embedded into the hills, each room exists in its own right, with sweeping views of the bay of Navarino. Designed with guest experience in mind, every feature is intentional from the spatial planning, to the open-air corridors which surround guests with nature at every step.

Costa Navarino, Greece’s sustainably driven destination, is home to four 5-star hotels, luxury private residences, three spa centres and four signature 18-hole golf courses, as well as a wide range of year-round sports and leisure experiences.

Dimitris Karampatakis, Founding Partner at K-Studio said: “With Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, we set out to create a design that resonates with the character of the place; its light, landscape and cultural heritage. Our intent was not to impose a style, but to distill what makes this part of the world unique and translate that into spaces that feel both contemporary and inherently connected to the Peloponnese. The result is an architecture that supports calm, authentic experiences, where materials, views and movement through space are thoughtfully composed to enhance the guest experience.”

K-Studio has been designing hospitality, residential and cultural spaces for over 20 years, bringing a signature Mediterranean philosophy to their projects. With a focus on heritage, community and a deep 

respect for craftsmanship, K-Studio designs spaces that are rooted in their surroundings and built to last. Upcoming projects include Rosewood Blue Palace in Crete and Athens International Airport, as well as several international projects in the pipeline. 

Photography: HelenCathcart, ClausBrechenmacher&ReinerBaumann