SUMMER MIRAGE

A summer celebration on a Cyprus beach, built around the idea of a mirage — a desert that suddenly turns up at the water’s edge.

Guests settle in as they would in a nomad tent: on carpets, floor cushions and poufs, around low tables. The whole day passes this way — conversation, food, music.

The main stage is made of light, bright fabrics. By day they flutter in the wind; in the evening they are lit up, and the stage glows against the dark beach. A second, more intimate stage serves the daytime programme — a white inflatable dome on the lawn under the palms.

The way in leads through lattice wooden arches with an eastern pattern. Mirage objects stand along the beach: mirrored monoliths reflecting sand, sky and guests, and chrome “cacti” that seem to have grown straight out of the sand. Around them are gongs, fire bowls, flying carpets and Aladdin’s lamp for guests to pose with.

At sunset the space changes character: string lights and lanterns come on, ceramic vessels glow in the sand, and the fire show begins.