The recently constructed COSTA NAVARINO project has swiftly become a reference point for the hospitality industry world-wide. Extending over 130 hectares of gently sloping hillside, the resort is in a majestic location in the region of Messinia, Greece. Richly endowed by nature, the site overlooks a magnificent sandy beach that stretches for over 1 km. Inspired by old Messinian mansions and traditional rural houses, clusters of low-rise villas have been built using native stone and local design elements, which blend harmoniously into the natural landscape. This is the setting of The Romanos luxury resort and The Westin resort. Their world-class amenities include conference centers, a 4,000m2 spa center, two signature golf courses, a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants, plus a wide range of leisure facilities and limitless opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities. The resorts’ “village center” features entertainment and exclusive shopping venues, and also includes an open air cinema and a traditional Greek amphitheater.

This enormous venture was conceived and realized by TEMES S.A., a luxury resort development company controlled by the Constantakopoulos family, well known and prominent shipping tycoons. A 550 million Euro investment, it is the largest project of its kind in Greece and throughout Europe.

With nearly 800 hotel rooms and suites, more being planned for development, and a staff of 700 employees, expected to reach a total of 1,000 by 2011, communication and coordination of daily tasks and duties is certainly a challenge. This challenge was taken up by Businessfon S.A., a member of LOGITEL’s reseller network, as they were awarded the contract to design and install the resort’s communications system.

Businessfon implemented an all-IP, SIP communications platform based on HP’s ProCurve switches and Colubris wireless access points, deployed ubiquitously in order to provide wireless coverage for the entire venue so guests and hotel staff would have access to internet/data and telephony services.

Understanding that rapid communication among hotel staff greatly enhances the overall customer experience, COSTA NAVARINO management required their contractor to equip hotel staff with 160 wireless telephones. Businessfon turned to LOGITEL, the distributor of POLYCOM in Greece, to inquire about SpectraLink wireless telephones. After extensive tests and demonstrations hosted by LOGITEL’s Professional Services team the choice was made for SpectraLink 8020 handsets.

The handsets allow staff to communicate in real time from anywhere on the property —from reception desks, bell desks, and concierge to catering, housekeeping, and maintenance services. SpectraLink handsets are durable, feature-rich, and cost-effective and help resort employees to streamline communications across the property.