The Romanos is our answer for families and groups who want everything in one place. It sits on the Dunes Beach at Costa Navarino, a stretch of sand over a kilometre long on the Ionian coast, with golf courses, a tennis centre and dozens of restaurants within the wider resort.
Rooms start at 43 square metres, and many have their own infinity pool looking out to sea or over the golf course. Couples who want more privacy should look at the Ionian Exclusive suites, which come with butler service and a separate check-in. The Anazoe Spa covers 4,000 square metres and there is an indoor pool for the shoulder months.
Outside the gates, Messinia is one of the quieter corners of mainland Greece: Gialova Lagoon for birdwatching and long, empty stretches of coast. It is not a small or intimate hotel, and in high summer it is busy with families, so couples looking for peace should aim for June or September.