Luxury with Sustainability at the Core: Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino Achieves GSTC Certification
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino has achieved certification to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC®) Hotel Standard, following an onsite sustainability assessment conducted by UCSL United Certification Systems Limited, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body. The certification reinforces Mandarin Oriental’s leadership in responsible, forward-looking luxury hospitality, while contributing to the country’s transition toward a more sustainable tourism future.
The resort forms part of Costa Navarino, a sustainably driven destination in the Greek region of Messenia in the southwest Peloponnese, known for its unspoiled landscapes, 5-star resorts, luxury private residences, world-class golf, sports and an abundance of year-round activities.. Costa Navarino’s development philosophy is rooted in preserving the region’s remarkable nature and a 4,500-year historical legacy while delivering exceptional experiences. Its destination-wide sustainable development model, long-term environmental and community investments, and scientific partnerships have positioned it as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean. Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino offers an approach to luxury deeply grounded in environmental respect and cultural authenticity. The resort maintains a comprehensive sustainability management system that aligns Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s global ESG framework with Costa Navarino’s local sustainability commitments. Policies, procedures, and practices verified during the UCSL audit demonstrate strong alignment with all pillars of the GSTC Hotel Standard, including environmental conservation, community engagement, cultural preservation, responsible procurement, and transparent reporting.
Designed according to bioclimatic principles, the resort blends seamlessly into the Messenian landscape. Earth-sheltered villas, planted roofs, shaded structures, and natural materials. More than 2,700 mature olive trees and over 500,000 native shrubs across the property reinforce local biodiversity and ensure that the resort actively contributes to safeguarding its natural surroundings.
The resort forms part of Costa Navarino, a sustainably driven destination in the Greek region of Messenia in the southwest Peloponnese, known for its unspoiled landscapes, 5-star resorts, luxury private residences, world-class golf, sports and an abundance of year-round activities.. Costa Navarino’s development philosophy is rooted in preserving the region’s remarkable nature and a 4,500-year historical legacy while delivering exceptional experiences. Its destination-wide sustainable development model, long-term environmental and community investments, and scientific partnerships have positioned it as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean. Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino offers an approach to luxury deeply grounded in environmental respect and cultural authenticity. The resort maintains a comprehensive sustainability management system that aligns Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s global ESG framework with Costa Navarino’s local sustainability commitments. Policies, procedures, and practices verified during the UCSL audit demonstrate strong alignment with all pillars of the GSTC Hotel Standard, including environmental conservation, community engagement, cultural preservation, responsible procurement, and transparent reporting.
Designed according to bioclimatic principles, the resort blends seamlessly into the Messenian landscape. Earth-sheltered villas, planted roofs, shaded structures, and natural materials. More than 2,700 mature olive trees and over 500,000 native shrubs across the property reinforce local biodiversity and ensure that the resort actively contributes to safeguarding its natural surroundings.
The resort is advancing steadily toward Mandarin Oriental’s 2030 environmental goals. Energy-efficient technologies, motion sensors, LED lighting, natural ventilation strategies, and intelligent cooling systems help reduce carbon emissions and support long-term climate objectives. The property has eliminated 99% of single-use plastics in guest-facing areas, implemented recycling systems with separation at source, introduced water purification technologies that replace thousands of plastic bottles annually, and continues to expand renewable energy and waste-reduction initiatives.
Community engagement is equally integral to Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino’s identity. Chefs source ingredients from within a 50-kilometre radius, supporting local farmers and securing fresh, traceable produce. Collaborations with regional artisans honor local craftsmanship, while guests’ support towards the Navarino Pet Community promotes animal welfare. These and other initiatives, verified in the UCSL audit, demonstrate how the resort contributes to the circularity principles and strengthens the regional social fabric. You can learn more about the property’s sustainability strategy here.
As part of Costa Navarino’s broader sustainable development model, the resort contributes to regional tourism growth, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and community initiatives led by the destination. Activities such as beach cleanups, volunteering with the Navarino Pet Community, and cultural events reflect a genuine dedication to both people and place.
Community engagement is equally integral to Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino’s identity. Chefs source ingredients from within a 50-kilometre radius, supporting local farmers and securing fresh, traceable produce. Collaborations with regional artisans honor local craftsmanship, while guests’ support towards the Navarino Pet Community promotes animal welfare. These and other initiatives, verified in the UCSL audit, demonstrate how the resort contributes to the circularity principles and strengthens the regional social fabric. You can learn more about the property’s sustainability strategy here.
As part of Costa Navarino’s broader sustainable development model, the resort contributes to regional tourism growth, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and community initiatives led by the destination. Activities such as beach cleanups, volunteering with the Navarino Pet Community, and cultural events reflect a genuine dedication to both people and place.
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Congratulations to the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino team on achieving GSTC Certification! Your commitment to the planet, the local community, and thoughtful guest experiences sets a powerful benchmark for responsible luxury in Greece and beyond.
With GSTC Certification, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino joins an elite group of hotels worldwide that meet the gold global standard for sustainable tourism.
About Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
Nestled in the hillside of Navarino Bay, on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese, one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino combines contemporary elegance, legendary service, and Greek hospitality. The Resort, enveloped by lush green hills adorned with olive trees, offers 99 elegantly appointed suites and villas, each providing exceptional views and abundant space. With a seamless blend of contemporary decor and locally sourced, handcrafted elements, all accommodations boast a terrace or balcony, while the villas also feature private pools. With seven exceptional restaurants and bars, complemented by a vibrant beach club and a world-class spa and fitness facilities, the property is surrounded by an outstanding 18-hole golf course, and a wide range of sports, outdoor, and cultural activities, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching stay for every guest.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Each outstanding property reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, while proudly distilling the Essence of the Destination, reflected in every hotel’s own fan - carefully crafted by local artisans. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group’s mission is to craft time-enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 45 hotels, 12 residences and 35 exceptional homes in 28 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.
About GSTC Certification
GSTC Certification is the globally acknowledged mark of sustainable tourism, awarded to hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that meet the GSTC Standards – the world’s leading criteria for responsible travel. It confirms that a business has undergone a rigorous and impartial assessment by a certification body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organization established through a strategic coalition including the United Nations Foundation, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN Tourism.
Holding GSTC Certification demonstrates a business’s genuine commitment to sustainability through a process that is credible, transparent, and globally consistent. The term "GSTC Certification" specifically means certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited, ensuring full alignment with the world’s highest standards for sustainable tourism.
About Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
Nestled in the hillside of Navarino Bay, on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese, one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino combines contemporary elegance, legendary service, and Greek hospitality. The Resort, enveloped by lush green hills adorned with olive trees, offers 99 elegantly appointed suites and villas, each providing exceptional views and abundant space. With a seamless blend of contemporary decor and locally sourced, handcrafted elements, all accommodations boast a terrace or balcony, while the villas also feature private pools. With seven exceptional restaurants and bars, complemented by a vibrant beach club and a world-class spa and fitness facilities, the property is surrounded by an outstanding 18-hole golf course, and a wide range of sports, outdoor, and cultural activities, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching stay for every guest.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Each outstanding property reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, while proudly distilling the Essence of the Destination, reflected in every hotel’s own fan - carefully crafted by local artisans. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group’s mission is to craft time-enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 45 hotels, 12 residences and 35 exceptional homes in 28 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.
About GSTC Certification
GSTC Certification is the globally acknowledged mark of sustainable tourism, awarded to hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that meet the GSTC Standards – the world’s leading criteria for responsible travel. It confirms that a business has undergone a rigorous and impartial assessment by a certification body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international non-profit organization established through a strategic coalition including the United Nations Foundation, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and UN Tourism.
Holding GSTC Certification demonstrates a business’s genuine commitment to sustainability through a process that is credible, transparent, and globally consistent. The term "GSTC Certification" specifically means certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited, ensuring full alignment with the world’s highest standards for sustainable tourism.
January 15, 2026