Eleni Antoniou visits a beach bar with a difference
Beach bars are a fun and practical idea. Designed to offer beach goers an alternative choice when it comes to refreshments, eating and above all relaxing, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos all boast some impressive bars and caf?s lined along the coastline. But whereas most are undeniably a convenience, catering for thousands during the day, there is a particular one that has focused on offering that much more. Cote D’Azur is one of those beach bars best described as pure luxury by the sea, with an utterly stunning d?cor and excellent service. You can enjoy a bottle of Crystal in an environment specifically designed for those who will enjoy experiencing Cannes in Limassol.
Situated on the main beachfront in Limassol, Cote D’Azur is relatively new to the beach bar mania, but nevertheless has managed to distance itself in that it offers the over 20s a relaxing and very bling experience from the moment you step in.
“We wanted to be able to offer people who have had enough of busy clubs and bars an alternative choice,” says the owner, George Paplomatas.
“But it wasn’t just about giving them a spot to chill and relax. We wanted to focus on lavishness from our drinks to our cakes, plates and glasses.”
Indeed, once you’ve sat down, it doesn’t take a rich, experienced person to realise that even the service is different to what we’re normally used to here in Cyprus. All waiters and waitresses are dressed as sailors, giving the whole ambience of the bar the illusion that you are heading out on a journey.
But it isn’t just the themed costumes; walking into the bar, you will notice that unlike other beach bars, there is no sand. The bar is positioned on a higher altitude than the water, which splashes up against the wall, allowing you really to feel as though you are set on a yacht. The scent of the sea, the light breeze, the shell-covered table lamps and the all-white d?cor just give that oomph, making it a truly remarkable experience.
Sitting down for a talk with George and his lovely wife, Sue, it’s difficult to imagine that before the bar was created, the 300 m² area was nothing but an empty field with a small 60s building. “A few metres right of the bar is one of the oldest and best fish taverns in Limassol and this was the preparation room where the toilets, showers and part of the kitchen area was,” says George.
It has been renovated and is now Cote D’Azur’s preparation area.
Perhaps there is nothing particularly exciting about this fact, but how about a well situated at the basement? “I think it was used as a source of clean water back in those days,” he says. “But we found it very strange that despite being a few metres away from the sea, it actually contains fresh water!” Although it is not of any use now and has been sealed, it’s a rare finding.
Cote D’Azur operates during the day too, offering coffees, fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, Movenpick ice cream (one of the best ice creams in the world) and various scrumptious cakes. “The chefs and the whole staff are specifically trained to offer not only delicious plates of snacks and others but also to mind the decoration too,” George explains.
Having spent a small fortune on glasses, plates and other utensils, the couple wanted to be sure people with certain tastes and preferences would be completely satisfied. Having lived the experience, I’m pretty sure they will.
Cote D’Azur: Cafeteria open from Monday to Sundays from 11am to 9pm. Bar from Monday to Sundays until 3am but make a reservation to be sure. Oh, and dress smartly! Tel: 7000 5008
