- Atenas Playa, Cádiz’s first beach club, perched on the cliffs of La Barrosa and boasting stunning views of Sancti Petri Castle, has become one of the top destinations for the Andalusian summer
- With the historic Torre Bermeja as a backdrop, this must-visit spot in Chiclana invites you to spend the whole day in some corner of its 18,000 m² and enjoy an experience with a variety of atmospheres to suit every taste and everyone: from a meal overlooking the sea or an afternoon of cocktails by the pool to dinner under the stars or its exclusive private space, La Cabane.
- Its famous Sunset Ritual is unforgettable, bidding farewell to the sun each afternoon to the rhythm of the saxophone under the watchful gaze of its muses; and the fun ‘80s Nights’ throughout July and August.
Atenas Playa (Finca Torre Bermeja. Asunción, 6 on La Barrosa beach, Chiclana de la Frontera. Cádiz. Tel. 856 92 51 90), perched on the cliffs of La Barrosa Beach, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sancti Petri Castle, is once again this year the leading summer destination on the Andalusian coast. Cádiz’s first beach club offers a different way to enjoy the sea, where gastronomy, nature, music and relaxation go hand in hand. This paradise on earth is situated on the historic Torre Bermeja estate, a former 16th-century watchtower set within a spectacular 18,000 m2 site with private access to the beach. Atenas Playa makes the most of its location to offer much more than just a day by the sea. Here, every space has its own character and every visit can be a completely different experience.
Luxury and exclusivity on calm waters
From 11 am, the experience invites you to relax at your own pace at the Beach Club: an infinity pool, Balinese beds, comfortable sun loungers, a carefully curated music selection and a cocktail menu make this the perfect setting to while away the hours between dips in the sea. Here, time seems to stand still as the sea merges with the horizon and the light shifts with every passing moment. On Fridays in July and August, the best is yet to come just as the sun sets, because from 10.00 pm onwards, the ‘Noches 80enteras’ take place – an unforgettable remember party.
For daytime dining, this spot offers starters such as its bluefin tuna with goat’s butter on toasted brioche —one of its best sellers—, various salads such as the Conil tomato salad with skipjack tuna, garlic prawn croquettes or the ever-appealing patatas bravas. There are also meat dishes; ‘Neoclassics’ such as their tuna tartare, carabineros carpaccio or XXL oxtail cannelloni; and fried dishes, among which the filigree of baby squid and scrambled eggs stands out. Their two seafood rice dishes are more tempting here than anywhere else: one with cuttlefish, tiger prawns and scallops; and the other with bluefin tuna cheeks and tender garlic shoots. To drink, there are over fifteen classic and signature cocktails, ranging from mojitos to Sex on the Beach, Piña Colada or the Atenas Playa Frozen – made with gin, melon, pineapple, lime and curaçao – as well as mixed drinks, non-alcoholic options, milkshakes and champagne. The minimum age for entry to this area is 14 (when accompanied by an adult).
It is precisely in this area that one of Atenas Playa’s best-kept secrets is hidden… La Cabane is an exclusive space designed for those seeking maximum privacy without sacrificing the Beach Club atmosphere. It is a private viewing area for up to 10 people with sun loungers, pool access, its own service from any of the menus and décor inspired by the Boho Chic style. Booking it costs €400 and includes €300 worth of food and drink, 2 bottles of Croft Twist and all the amenities of this area.
Dining with a sea view
A different option – though one that goes hand in hand with a day by the pool – is to dine at Marea Restaurant, an elegant and light-filled space divided into two distinct areas, each with its own character. On one side is the Salón Azul, a particularly cosy corner where large windows frame the Atlantic and the historic Torre Bermeja as if they were part of the décor. Its distinctive blue tiles, inspired by the maritime world, lend character to a dining room that’s perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal featuring the region’s freshest and most exclusive produce, a special celebration or an intimate evening at any time of year.
It also features a pleasant terrace overlooking the ocean, its own bar and a carefully curated selection of wines to round off the experience. This covered area, with its large folding glass panels and surrounded by greenery, is designed to suit any time of year, offering the feeling of dining al fresco without compromising on comfort. Its enormous wooden pergola, overlooking the sea and situated next to the Beach Club, makes this restaurant the most special spot in the whole of the Bay.
Its culinary offering is inspired by the Atlantic and Andalusian produce, where tradition and creativity coexist naturally. A cuisine designed for sharing, to be savoured at a leisurely pace and to accompany every moment of the day, from an aperitif by the sea to a long after-dinner chat or a dinner overlooking the ocean. Don’t miss their ‘ambrosías’, those appetisers to whet your appetite; a selection of dishes from the sea, land and the grill; and up to four rice dish options to get straight to the point, as well as a varied and tempting selection of desserts.
Total relaxation
For those seeking an even more relaxed atmosphere, the Chill Out is one of the most pleasant and laid-back spots in the resort, where you can enjoy cocktails or a few drinks at sunset as you come up from the beach. Surrounded by greenery and with unobstructed views of the horizon, it is an extraordinary spot where you can unwind to the sound of the waves in the background and an unrivalled play of light. It boasts private access to the beach, a privilege that makes any stroll along the water’s edge part of the experience.
But if there’s one moment that captures the essence of Atenas Playa, it’s when the sun begins to set over the Atlantic. Every afternoon, magic unfolds in the chill-out area with its famous Sunset Ritual, where music takes centre stage, toasts are raised to life, and the sky puts on an unrivalled and once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The sunset ceases to be merely a landscape and becomes a shared experience when Fran Mangas’s saxophone begins to play, setting the rhythm of the summer and having transformed this oasis into one of the must-visit destinations on the Costa de la Luz.
Atenas Playa is open every day during the summer season and has different opening hours depending on the area: Beach Club, from 11.00 to 19.00; Marea Restaurant, from 1.00 pm to 11.30 pm; and Chill Out, from 1.00 pm until 2.30 am, making it one of the best places to enjoy the afternoon and summer evenings by the sea. At the restaurant, the average bill is around €50, whilst the Beach Club’s menu offers a more casual dining experience amongst sun loungers, cocktails and the pool. Access to this area is via the booking of various spaces — from €25 per person in the Lounge area, individual sun loungers from €35, Balinese beds from €90, or the exclusive private area La Cabane, designed for those seeking maximum privacy — all of which include access to the pool, catering service and direct access to the beach. It has private parking and is an idyllic venue for weddings and any other private or corporate event, such as a relaxed team-building session. They have a regular programme of concerts, DJs and parties, which can be found on their social media, @atenasplaya.
Behind this spectacular project is Miguel Grande, one of the three pillars of the century-old Restaurante Los Galayos in Madrid, who has successfully brought a different approach to leisure, gastronomy and summer to the Atlantic coast.
Source: AIRES NEWS Comunicación