Labour of Love Three of the key players behind Cyprus’ newest gourmet hotspot discuss their roles in putting a strong F&B programme at the heart of Amara. Words: Richard Frost
C
yprus holds a special place in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who was supposedly born just off its coastline before being brought to shore naked on a giant seashell – an iconic origin story immortalised by
Renaissance painter Botticelli among others. In recent years, however, the so-called Island of Love has become better known among British and Russian holidaymakers in particular for its cheap package holidays, combining sun, sea and sand in the daytime with hedonistic parties after dark in the many clubs of Ayia Napa and Paphos. Now, Cypriot hospitality group Stademos Hotels is looking to attract a very different clientele with the launch of its new ultra-luxe resort Amara. As the third property within the group – founded by Managing Director Demos Demosthenous to develop, own and operate hotels in 1989, with help from his father Stavros – the SB Architects-designed Amara raises the bar considerably. Located on a prime beachfront plot just outside the city of Limassol, all 207 well-appointed rooms offer spectacular views over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The newbuild property’s lavish grand opening ceremony, meanwhile, was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the country’s president Nicos Anastasiades, and featured a live set from America’s Got Talent finalist Glennis Grace. A similar level of ambition is evident in the F&B programme. According to Demos Demosthenous, the plan from the outset was always to “find restaurants
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The Panel (left to right): Nobu Matsuhisa, Giorgio Locatelli, Mark Sopp
