Horm Stories #23
Today we want to introduce you to the luxury Navarino Waterfront Resort in Messenia, Greece—a global destination with a truly local approach. This unique region of the Peloponnese, beautiful, authentic, and steeped in history, was relatively unknown until a few years ago. Today, however, it is gaining significant international recognition. The creation of Navarino Waterfront, along with the other five hotels in the Costa Navarino group, was driven by the passionate vision of its founder, shipowner Vassilis Constantakopoulos (1935–2011), who sought to transform his native region into a world-class tourist destination. The project marked the final chapter of his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and earned him an official recognition in 2009 for contributing to the development of Messenia and the Peloponnese, creating around 5,000 jobs in the process.
The Navarino Waterfront complex, designed by Alexandros Tombazis Architects, draws inspiration from 20th-century modernist architecture and the principles of the Japanese Metabolist movement, with a strong focus on sustainability and an eco-conscious design approach. The result is a harmonious blend of modern architecture and sustainable construction techniques, reflected in the use of locally sourced materials and artisanal methods.
The design recreates a traditional Greek coastal village, combining cobblestone pathways, low monolithic structures, and stone elements. This sense of “Ancient Greece” permeates the entire resort, from the furniture selection to construction techniques. Lighting fixtures echo ancient basket-weaving techniques, seating makes extensive use of leather, and natural materials such as wood, rattan, and local stone create an authentic atmosphere, contrasting beautifully with the more modern and technological finishes in the interiors.
The public areas were curated by the renowned London-based MKV Design, adding timeless elegance to each space. The Plaza, for instance, is a modern reinterpretation of traditional Greek squares, surrounded by culinary shops for breakfast and light snacks. Similarly, the interiors of suites and villas celebrate Greek craftsmanship through neutral, serene color palettes and furniture choices consistent with the resort’s philosophy.
Amidst all these design choices, so closely tied to the themes of sustainability, nature, and classical Greek aesthetics, two iconic pieces from the Horm and Casamania collections—Casamania being the brand dedicated to hospitality seating—have found their perfect placement:
- the Numero 3 floor lamp, which, with its warm and enveloping light and the extensive possibilities for lampshade customization, succeeds in creating a magical atmosphere in the intimate lounge areas of the suites
- the Raphia Aluminum chairs, offering a perfect balance between modern functionality and classic style, allowing guests to relax and fully enjoy the outdoor spaces.
Once again, Horm and Casamania furnishings have proven to be the perfect solution for combining timeless aesthetics with the designers’ requirements, finding an ideal placement within the new Costa Navarino resort.
