Hotel Almyra in Cyprus: Back to the Future
We often see attempts to transform something old into something new (retaining its beauty), however the result is rarely up to the task. A recent project undertaken in Paphos, Cyprus, is one of the rare exceptions in recent years, (along with the refurbishment of the Sanderson Hotel in London, by Philippe Starck). In this case, it was stylist Joëlle Pléot, (decorator for Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel among others) who accepted the challenge.
A Pearl of Refinement and Elegance
The hotel group Thanos were owners of an old but superbly situated establishment on the south-west coast of Aphrodite's island, a mere fifteen minutes from the airport and close to the archaeological riches of the old town of Paphos. By giving new life to the Hotel Almyra, Joëlle Pléot, assisted by Tristan Auer, has added a true pearl of elegance and refinement on a coast which is thankfully not overrun by tourists. "I wanted to optimise the hotel's location, where night and day one lives at the rhythm of the sea," she explains. "We have stripped the place to uncover the sublime concrete structure of the seventies, and have fitted it with specially ordered furniture, mixed with antiques and originals, renovated by Cypriot artisans."
The effect is subtle and refined, playing on the ambiance and creating the perfect Mediterranean holiday destination. The whitewashed walls provide the backdrop for brown armchairs and other furniture in khaki, sky blue and sometimes orange.
In Perfect Harmony with the Sea
It is good to take the time to enjoy this comfortable space, at one with its location by the sea. The rooms have vast bay windows, which benefit from the wonderful light reflected off the Mediterranean. The spacious Kyma suites have private terraces which open on the garden or onto the roof, with its white canvas banquettes and coffee tables, the epitome of the Mediterranean spirit. Add a magnificent swimming pool, a pretty beach edged with palm trees, and a large, shady terrace: a wonderful place to sample the delights of Cypriot cuisine at tables laid with seagrass mats and fine white china in geometric forms. True to its ancient Greek name, the Almyra tastes of the sea. To be enjoyed without moderation!
The hotel group Thanos were owners of an old but superbly situated establishment on the south-west coast of Aphrodite's island, a mere fifteen minutes from the airport and close to the archaeological riches of the old town of Paphos. By giving new life to the Hotel Almyra, Joëlle Pléot, assisted by Tristan Auer, has added a true pearl of elegance and refinement on a coast which is thankfully not overrun by tourists. "I wanted to optimise the hotel's location, where night and day one lives at the rhythm of the sea," she explains. "We have stripped the place to uncover the sublime concrete structure of the seventies, and have fitted it with specially ordered furniture, mixed with antiques and originals, renovated by Cypriot artisans."
The effect is subtle and refined, playing on the ambiance and creating the perfect Mediterranean holiday destination. The whitewashed walls provide the backdrop for brown armchairs and other furniture in khaki, sky blue and sometimes orange.
In Perfect Harmony with the Sea
It is good to take the time to enjoy this comfortable space, at one with its location by the sea. The rooms have vast bay windows, which benefit from the wonderful light reflected off the Mediterranean. The spacious Kyma suites have private terraces which open on the garden or onto the roof, with its white canvas banquettes and coffee tables, the epitome of the Mediterranean spirit. Add a magnificent swimming pool, a pretty beach edged with palm trees, and a large, shady terrace: a wonderful place to sample the delights of Cypriot cuisine at tables laid with seagrass mats and fine white china in geometric forms. True to its ancient Greek name, the Almyra tastes of the sea. To be enjoyed without moderation!
Octobre 2007
