2021, CYPRUS – Renowned international architects Baranowitz + Kronenberg (B+K) are delighted to unveil the studio’s interior design for the much anticipated Antasia Beach Club, a new restaurant located on the shore of the idyllic Sodap beach in Paphos, which opened its doors in August 2021.
Project Name: Antasia Beach Club
Studio Name: BARANOWITZ KRONENBERG
Born out of two basic premises; nature’s beauty and the simple pleasures, Antasia Beach Club overlooks the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, catching every breath it takes from every sunrise to sunset. A landmark building with a unique architectural style designed by emerging Cyprian studio Psomas Studios of Architecture, the new restaurant is a celebration of the sea and the rich history of Paphos – one of the cultural and natural treasures of the world’s heritage.
Known for their anthropologist approach to design, B+K have set out to create a space beautifully infused in its landscape to serve as a backdrop and spectator to one of nature’s masterpieces. The avant-garde interior design is a groundbreaking first for Paphos, crowned by a roof-top terrace accessed through an impressive staircase that reaches for the sky to reveal views of the magnificent Paphos Castle.
Blending into the dunes of the only sandy beach of the Kato Paphos seafront, Antasia Beach Club gradually reveals itself as guests descend from the top terrace to the beach level below. While completely tucked under its terrace and revealing itself only after completing the descent, Antasia Beach Club is completely embedded within the beach below, marking a fresh and smart intervention that strikes the perfect balance between man-made and nature.
Inside, the spatial and seating arrangement has been carefully considered to amplify the pristine sea as a stage for guests to come watch, be touched and bewitched. Stepping down from East to West, B+K have created an amphitheater of sorts with a bespoke section for all guests to share a piece of the stage. This ascending flow of human energies from the sea into the restaurant and up the esplanade bar resonates beautifully with the essence of time and place, tying both harmoniously together.
A sea of white scales has been introduced throughout the space resonating with the underwater life beneath. A playful interpretation of the natural geometry of the scales of fishes, B+K played with size and structure combined with opaque and reflective finishes to add a touch of richness to this inspiring backdrop. Bleached scrap wood tables add a flair of simplicity for a tranquil space to admire the surrounding nature with floor to ceiling windows offering far reaching and undisrupted views of the Mediterranean. A white terrazzo floor echoes the sea foam hitting the shore while creating a beautiful contrast with the exposed concrete ceiling. The stainless steel bar topped in a terrazzo speckled in blues and greens works in harmony with the grey hues of the Alabaster communal table while brass pendant lights further add an intimate feel to the space.
Open from morning till late, Antasia Beach Club serves drinks, beachside snacks, leisurely lunches and convivial dinners showcasing the very best of Asian and Mediterranean flavours, using locally sourced ingredients.
Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg, Co-Founders of Baranowitz + Kronenberg said: “When designing Antasia, we immediately knew where we wanted to take this. We chose two basic premises for this project: nature and the simple pleasures. Nature’s beauty does not require any artificial additives, and simple pleasures are amplified by the sheer presence of the sea. We wanted to create a space infused in its surroundings, paying tribute to the sea and its deep cultural ties to this incredible coastal city.”
BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG
Baranowitz + Kronenberg Architecture is the interior design and architecture studio of Irene Kronenberg and Alon Baranowitz based in Amsterdam and Tel Aviv. For the past twenty years the studio has become renowned for creating hotels, restaurants and public and commercial spaces that attract modern nomads and locals alike. B+K Architecture has proven able to turn historical landmarks and rough, sometimes inaccessible spaces into instant design classics that are open and welcoming, drawing on the stories of the past. With their unique contextual awareness, they are not only keeping local history relevant but are also serving the needs of global cities of the 21st century.
Irene Kronenberg and Alon Baranowitz have developed a narrative driven mode of developing their designs which gives context and meaning to what would otherwise be a collection of easily forgettable facts, things and places. They are storytellers. Drawing implicitly on the sensuous connection between life, selves, history, memory, craftsmanship and experience, the choices B+K Architecture make in every act of design embody this connection in a fresh way.
Among their projects are The Sir Joan Hotel and W Hotel in Ibiza, The Sir Albert and W Hotel and Spa in Amsterdam, Sir Victor Hotel in Barcelona, the Mad Fox club and the Duchess Restaurant in Amsterdam, and award winning restaurants Topolopompo, Jaffa-Tel Aviv and Pastel Brasserie in The Museum of Modern Art Tel Aviv.
ANTASIA
Thanos Hotels and Resorts is Cyprus’ leading luxury hotel resort group. With three muchloved and entirely distinctive hotels – the iconic Anassa, sleek Almyra and classic Annabelle, the company is still family owned, and family run. A fourth hotel has now been added to the Thanos portfolio and is currently under renovation, set to be relaunched in 2022 as Antasia.
Founded 40 years ago by the late Alecos Michaelides, his son Thanos Michaelides is now at the helm of Thanos Hotels as CEO, supported by his siblings Natasha and Anna. Thanos Hotels is proud of its outstanding heritage and keen to build on its exceptional track record as one of the leading groups in the Mediterranean. From management to staff and through to guests, Thanos runs on an ‘extended family concept’ which has seen it go from strength to strength, sweeping the board when it comes to winning awards and maintaining incredible repeat guest figures at all its properties.
