The prestigious Phoenicia Hotel witnessed the launch of the Améthyste outdoor bar and lounge, or as some are calling it, the most laid back atmosphere in town, in an event that promised a perfectly chilled out season ahead.
It all started at noon and went on until midnight where hotel guests, media, and Lebanon’s jet set got the chance to mingle while sipping on a seemingly endless menu of exotic and refreshing cocktails prepared by Grant Collins, who’s creations have taken over the world and won numerous awards. Guests also freely enjoyed the many splendored laid back lounges designed and decorated by the uber talented Inge Moore with the support of the hotel’s Art Director Amine Boulos who worked on all accessories and other decorative items with local Lebanese artisans giving a glamorous oriental aspect to a rich and diverse space with its different atmospheres and in what could simply be called a celebration of the finest things in life.
All this good living was accompanied by the hypnotic tunes of none other than international DJ Jose Padilla, who promoted chill-out music into a rich global culture through his work at Café Del Mar.
The music, cocktails and lounges were just part of the celebration, with an entertainment line-up that was a true collaboration between nature and man, launching this island of relaxation and shelter from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Nature’s contribution was through a flirtatious interchange between the sun and the moon, as guests mingled below to DJ Padilla’s lulling tunes, and an exceptional live VJ show, that screened images of the Phoenicia through its rich heritage. To complete the impressive atmosphere, an international group of artists offered a visual and acrobatic treat to the veritable who’s who present at this celebration of exquisite taste.
The evening was like a breathtaking first chapter with the promise of some fantastic Améthyste moments to come, full of the finest chill-out culture, the trendiest rum and tequila specialty cocktails sweeping Europe, as well as, easy living. It became clear to all that evening that the world was, indeed, Beiruting again.
