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Rockwell Group has completed phase one and two of the renovation of the Belvedere Hotel in Mykonos. The dynamic new Belvedere Hotel Restaurant and Bar, adjoining pool area and the renown Matsuhisa restaurant and two new hotel suites have opened for the start of the 2008 season at the hotel.
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Inspired by the Aegean Sea surrounding the hills of Mykonos, the Belvedere Hotel Restaurant and Bar is a three level space comprised of materials and forms that echo those native to the sea. Situated on the top level where guests enter is a stunning bar composed of hand carved marble stones on stainless steel standoffs that are lit from behind so as to appear as if they floating.
Curved plaster banquettes create the shape of the upper lounge, which is on the next level down. Behind the banquettes, mimicking their form, are three feet tall wood screens and hand-carved from wood that looks as though it has been weathered by wind and sand to resemble rippling water. Another incredible carving is found again on the lower level where the bar has an intricate wood face which been carved to represent the movement of sea water.
A cavernous aquatic sensation is created in the main dining area where niches with mother-of-pearl inlay are carved out of the white plaster walls while a stone floor glistens with metal insets. Throughout the main restaurant, upper lounge, and pool area lights create a glittering luminosity that permeates the space, resembling the sun seen underwater.
An incredible landscaped setting was designed for the pool area which changes throughout the day. In the daytime, an atmosphere ideal for sunbathing has been created around the pool with retractable sun shades, terrycloth slipcovers on the lounge chairs and the white matchstick screens shading the large teak cabanas.
For the evening, outdoor lights of cut white metal flowers in a variety of sizes and an arbor which provides sparking light across the pool. In the various seating areas around the pool, one can find ice buckets built into the plaster bench seating. The transparent acrylic buckets are lit from below causing them to glow from within during the evening pool service.
Incorporating Nobu’s iconic accents into the interior, furniture, and décor, the designers converted what was once merely a sushi counter into the incredibly redesigned Matsuhisa restaurant. The dining areas include a main interior space, a garden area covered with five bougainvillea vines, and two terraces. Entering through the garden, which includes the new white marble sushi counter, guests will recognize the signature elements of Nobu interiors.
Intricate hand-crafted matchbook screens wrap the interior space and ceiling while painted images of cherry blossom trees appear on panels below the screens. Lighting from cast glass balls illuminates the interior. The two terraces, one of which is fitted as a classic Nobu lounge with low seating, small scorched ash tables, and a marble bar, have beautiful vistas looking down over the town of Mykonos.
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