Messenia, May 28, 2026 – Continuing the transformative journey first unveiled with the opening of the 2026 season on 31 March, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino presents A Journey of Becoming, a curated programme of immersive experiences dedicated to haute cuisine, wellbeing and the art of contemporary hospitality.

Set against the idyllic backdrop of Navarino Bay, visitors are invited to embark on a series of distinct journeys spanning gastronomy, wine, wellness and cultural encounters, each designed to inspire discovery, transformation and meaningful connection. From celebrated chefs and historic wine houses to restorative wellness residencies and atmospheric evenings of illusion and storytelling, guests will experience Messenia not simply as a destination, but as a place of connection, discovery and reflection.

The Journey of “Genesis”: Returning to the origins of taste

In a region with 4,500 years of history, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino becomes a living canvas, where the richness of the Messenian land inspires internationally acclaimed chefs through their creative vision.

Each dish tells a story of “genesis”: from the revival of forgotten local ingredients and a deep respect for sustainable cultivation, to the refined technique of haute cuisine that honours rather than overshadows nature itself. The chefs participating in this year’s programme reflect this philosophy through their individual culinary approaches.

Culinary programme highlights:

• 29 June – 5 July | Daniele Cason: The award-winning creator of The Pizza Bar on 38th at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo returns to Pizza Sapienza by Daniele Cason. This year, the experience expands to a new poolside setting, where guests will enjoy a specially curated menu showcasing the simplicity, elegance and precision of Italian culinary tradition.

• 29 – 30 July | Sotiris Evaggelou: At Oliviera, the Greek chef of Makedonia Palace presents a menu paying tribute to contemporary Greek gastronomy. His culinary approach masterfully combines authenticity with refined technique, highlighting the depth and richness of Greece’s gastronomic heritage through carefully selected local ingredients.

• 1 – 2 August | Arnaud Lallement: The chef behind the three-Michelin-starred L’Assiette Champenoise arrives at The Private Kitchen. Renowned for his attention to detail and ability to elevate seasonal ingredients, Chef Lallement will present a menu reflecting the harmony and timeless artistry of French haute cuisine.

• 15 – 16 August | Frédéric Anton: The “Genesis” journey culminates with the renowned French chef of the three-Michelin-starred Le Pré Catelan in Paris. Chef Anton presents a menu where technical mastery meets profound respect for tradition, creating dishes defined by balance, sophistication and enduring elegance.

The Journey of “Ambrosia”: Legendary wine houses and the art of fine drinking

This season evolves into a contemporary ritual dedicated to fine wines, premium spirits and the timeless value of conviviality. “Ambrosia” is far more than a series of tastings; it is an immersive journey where each glass reflects a story of heritage, terroir and generations of craftsmanship.

From the rugged biodynamic vineyards of Tinos and the legendary estates of Bordeaux to the historic Champagne houses with centuries of savoir-faire, the resort transforms into a sanctuary where wine expertise and the pleasure of the moment come together seamlessly.

Wine events programme:

• 15 June, T-Oinos: An evening dedicated to the wild, untamed beauty of Tinos at Oliviera. At an altitude of 460 metres in the village of Falatados, T-Oinos cultivates Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano varieties using biodynamic methods, producing wines of remarkable energy that embody the untamed spirit of the Aegean. 

• 26 – 27 June, Champagne Henri Giraud: A two-day celebration dedicated to the house’s 400-year legacy, balancing natural innovation with timeless elegance. Guided by the family’s 13th generation, guests will discover Champagnes from the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, aged in oak barrels from the Argonne forest and crafted according to the “Triple Zero” philosophy, reflecting purity, wellbeing and artistic expression.

• 18 July, Château Haut-Brion: An exclusive evening spotlighting the historic heritage of Pessac-Léognan. The estate’s wines, renowned for their complexity and longevity, will be paired with creations by Executive Chef Bertrand Valegeas at The Private Kitchen, in a gastronomic journey where the legacy of 1855 meets contemporary haute cuisine.

• 25 July, Château Angelus: The resonance of Saint-Émilion’s bells arrives at The Private Kitchen through the rare labels of a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate. Dedicated to precision and elegance, the evening offers an exploration of Bordeaux terroir through wines known for their power, refinement and depth.

• 23 August, Château d’Esclans: “Ambrosia” takes on a more vibrant, sun-drenched spirit with a signature Sunday BBQ by the sea. The estate that redefined Provence rosé through the internationally recognised Whispering Angel invites guests to celebrate Mediterranean joie de vivre alongside the flavours of Tahir.

The “Ambrosia” experience culminates in a contemporary interpretation of mixology, where premium spirits and innovative techniques transform every cocktail into a ritual of indulgence through a series of creative collaborations.

Mixology events highlight:

• 18 – 19 September, Titos Karipidis, Ormos: A season finale infused with beach club energy, where flavours and atmosphere celebrate the essence of the Messenian summer.

Throughout the season, Line Athens, ranked No. 8 in The World’s 50 Best Bars, brings its creative and sustainability-driven philosophy to Three Admirals, presenting pioneering cocktails crafted from innovative in-house ingredients.

The Journey of “Metamorphosis”: Transformative wellbeing experiences

At the heart of the season lies Metamorphosis, The Journey of Wellbeing. A philosophy rooted in the belief that the most meaningful journeys are the ones that lead inward. Surrounded by the tranquil landscapes of Messenia, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino presents a curated series of wellness residencies designed to inspire restoration, movement and personal transformation.

Wellness programme highlights:

• 17 – 29 July | Jimmy Jarnet
  Biohacker and movement expert Jimmy Jarnet introduces personalised sessions focused on longevity, performance optimisation and overall wellbeing through advanced movement methodologies.

• 22 – 29 August | Ismael Mrani
  International wellness expert Ismael Mrani presents an integrative approach to recovery and wellbeing, combining osteopathic techniques, functional movement and restorative therapies tailored to each guest’s individual journey.

Together, these experiences reflect Mandarin Oriental’s holistic approach to luxury hospitality, where wellbeing becomes not simply a practice, but a transformative journey of becoming.

The Journey of “Pothos”: Nights of Wonder with Drummond Money-Coutts

As part of “Pothos”, The Journey of Desire, the season’s exploration of curiosity, emotion and the pursuit of meaningful experiences, internationally renowned mentalist and storyteller Drummond Money-Coutts brings his world of mystery to Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino from 23 July to 16 August 2026.

Hosted at The Library, DMC’s exclusive nightly performances invite guests into an atmosphere where illusion, psychology and cinematic storytelling blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Renowned globally through Netflix’s Death by Magic and National Geographic’s Beyond Magic, DMC creates an atmosphere of suspense, curiosity and discovery.

Alongside one signature performance per night, bespoke private shows will also be available upon request, offering guests an even deeper immersion into the art of illusion.

For reservations for the events, guests may contact the resort by telephone at +30 27230 99888 or via email at mocna-guestexperience@mohg.com.

For further information about the events, please click here.

For further information about the resort and reservations, please click here.