Amathus Issue 2

ISSUE

2

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MESSAGE | from the Executive Chairman

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N

DOO

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LUXURY, PARADISE O

U

T

DOO

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There is something very special about the Amathus Hotel. It is that rare combination of prime location, seamless connection with the sea, and an unparalleled history. The value of these features is reflected in long-standing repeaters whose loyalty is priceless.

Over the past year we have implemented carefully considered changes and upgrades that preserve the nature of the Amathus Hotel while respecting the needs of our clientele. We have upgraded the guest rooms without altering W e have im p l emente d

the essence of luxury and comfort. The restaurants have been enhanced

care f u l ly c o nsi d ere d

with extended outdoor areas and revised menus. Our dine-around scheme

changes an d u p gra d es that re f l ect the wishes o f o ur c l iente l e .

offers you privileges in five speciality restaurants at both the Amathus and the neighbouring Four Seasons Hotel.

The brand new family facilities create a completely separate world for children. In the gardens, new canopied deck units offer you further privacy.

At the Amathus Spa our focus is on treatments and treatment programmes that exceed the specifications required by our status as one of ‘The Leading Spas of the World’. Whether you can spare only an hour or are planning a full day of rejuvenation, you can look forward to an extraordinary and personalised spa journey.

I trust you will enjoy these developments and I wish you a wonderful stay.

Christos Mouskis EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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contents I S S U E

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S U M M E R

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I N DOO R L U X U R Y, O U T DOO R PA R A D I S E

Message from the Executive Chairman

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P I LL A R S OF H O S P I TA L I T Y

Message from the General Manager

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L I M A S S OL DIARY

A FA M I LY PA R A D I S E

Highlights of Limassol’s cultural scene

Indoor and outdoor fun for children of all ages

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M A N AG E M E N T TEAM

DINEAROUND: Dining privileges for Amathus guests

Who’s who at the Amathus Beach Hotel

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H E A DL I N E S

I N DOO R L U X U R Y, O U T DOO R PA R A D I S E

What’s new at the Amathus

The essence of Amathus hospitality

48 CUTS ABOVE PRIME

Amathus Grill Room’s philosophy and features

MAGAZINE PUBLISHER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tasos Polydorou EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eleni Polydorou eleni@polydoroudesign.com SENIOR DESIGNER Maria Nicolaou ADVERTISING SALES Katerina Kyprianou katerina@polydoroudesign.com CONTRIBUTORS Alexia Evripidou Yiota Mallas Paula Manoli Dina Mylordou Matthew Stowell PHOTOGRAPHY

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DEC - AudioVisual Photography Christos Papantoniou Louca Studios PRINT PRODUCTION

Laser Graphics Ltd

CITY OF SUN, SEA AND SMILES

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What makes Limassol TripAdvisor’s No. 1 European Destination on the Rise?

P E R F E C T I O N BY THE SEA Vying for best seafood restaurant in the Mediterranean

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A F E E L FO R FA S H I O N Spring/Summer 2015 collections at the Amathus Hotel boutique

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C I R C L E OF W E LL N E S S

Discover the Round Room at the Amathus Spa

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AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL

W E A LT H OF C R E AT I V I T Y

Innovative online platform connects artists, suppliers and art lovers

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CYPRUS CITIZENSHIP

75 Amathounta Avenue 4532 Limassol, Cyprus P O Box 50513, 3606 Limassol, Cyprus T: +357 2503 0320 F: +357 2583 2540 E: amathusl@amathushotel.com www.amathuslimassol.com

Published on behalf of the AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL LIMASSOl by: T&E Polydorou Design Ltd P.O.BOX 40353, 6303 Larnaca, Cyprus www.polydoroudesign.com

Investors’ passport programme

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G U E S T I N FO C U S George Achilleos: world champion skeet shooter

The title and all material are protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Although the greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at the time of going to press, neither the Publisher nor The Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol can accept responsibility for omissions or errors.

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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A s we a l l w o r k t o gether within the F o ur S eas o ns f ami ly l o y a l guests

IMPERIALE JEWELLERY ATELIER 104 Amathountos Avenue, Seasons Plaza B-C, Ayios Tychonas (opposite Four Seasons Hotel) 4532 Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: 25 313302, Fax: 25 314734, Mobile: 99 652263, e-mail: jewelleryatelier@cytanet.com.cy

MESSAGE | from the General Manager

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ars

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Hospitality Welcome to another issue of our magazine which gives me the opportunity to update you on the main upgrades at the Amathus.

During your stay you will experience the professionalism and friendliness of our management and staff who bring the existing and new facilities to life. With that in mind, I am delighted to welcome our new members and also point out some new developments among our people, our “software”.

You might remember some of our new members from previous roles held in the past: Marinos Shaxiates has taken on the task of Sales & Marketing Manager for both the Four Seasons and Amathus Hotels.

Leading the gastronomy brigade is Savvas Savva, our new Executive Chef, while Lakis Christodoulou is back in the capacity of Bars Manager. For any assistance, please call on our new Guest Relations Executive, Anastasia Chatzitheodoridou, and our Reception Supervisor, Nicos Papasavvas. Guests who have visited the former Paphos Amathus will be pleasantly surprised to be welcomed once again by Nicos, this time at the Amathus in Limassol. Alissa Tasoudis, our award-winning sommelier will enrich your dining experience, while the ever-smiling Stelios Pillouris has been redirected to the position of Duty Manager / Assistant Bar Manager.

Recognising the importance of nurturing a team spirit, we have created committees for Health & Safety – a priority on a par with any other key business objective – and Staff Welfare, which focuses on improving all aspects and conditions of living. “Opportunities For Improvement” is another new committee for the benefit of our guests and employees.

Monthly staff excursions and regular activities are organised, including soccer games, paintballing, bowling and backgammon competitions.

On a professional level, staff training is an ongoing process designed to offer you, our guests, premium hospitality.

Our promise is to surprise you with new and innovative facilities and services every time you return to our hotel. Enjoy your stay!

Andreas Georgiou GENERAL MANAGER

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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H E A DL I N E S | W HAT ’ S NE W AT THE AMATHU S

NE WS

F R O M T H E A M A T H U S beach H O T E L

A mathus G ui d e : M a p & A p p The new Amathus Guide is packed with good news! What it offers is two distinct yet very useful components. On the one hand it comprises branded Amathus maps, soon to be available at reception and handed to you upon arrival. The maps clearly identify the different parts of the ‘greater Limassol’ area – with detailed information about various places of interest – as well as a map of Cyprus for a full overview of the island.

On the other hand, the Guide provides a guest services app that can be downloaded on your mobile device. Available for Android and soon also as an Apple app, it includes a full menu of special shopping offers in Limassol, information about places of interest, a business guide, Amathus Hotel guest services and online reservations system. Explore and enjoy!

Travellers’ Choice

TripAdviso r, the leading online travel forum, is valued and consulted by anyone seeking unbiased, independent, first-hand feedback from actual travellers; and its Travellers’ Choice awards are undisputed.

So it is with great pride that the Amathus hotel in Limassol received not only TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travellers’ Choice award, but also ranked no. 1 among the Top 25 hotels in Cyprus .

Visit the site and you will see a chain of wonderful comments, summarised in fe w words, like “perfect” or “wow and wow again”.

Many thanks to all guests who took the time to share their experiences on TripAdv isor and contributed to this fantastic result.

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H E A DL I N E S | W HAT ’ S NE W AT THE AMATHU S

NE WS

A FROM THE A M AT H U S BEACH HOTEL

A T YO U R S E R V I C E Regular visitors at the Amathus are bound to have noticed a new face at the Guest Relations Desk: Anastasia Chatzitheodoridou.

With several years of previous experience in 5-star hotels, Anastasia is an expert in dealing with special requests, whether it’s organising a fireplace on the beach or helicopter transportation. Whatever you need, feel free to turn to her. You’ll find that with sparkling eyes and a genuine smile, Anastasia is always ready for everything and anything that will make your stay more comfortable or enjoyable.

Triple Success At the 2015 International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival, which was held

in January, Amathus Pasta Chef And reas Yordanov was in top form – and he has three medals to prove it. In the category of Asian & Far East cuisine, an ind ividual effort, Andreas earned the silver medal.

Competing within a team in the Black Box category, he clinched a second silver. Finally, in the Country Cup awards, and as captain of his team, his 3-course menu achieved bronze.

Congratulations to And reas!

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H E A DL I N E S | W HAT ’ S NE W AT THE AMATHU S

NE WS FROM THE A M AT H U S BEACH HOTEL

F o rma l & Functi o na l

T

he Amathus Ballroom – the combined space of the

New carpeting and interior décor combine contemporary

Demetra and Ares function rooms – is the hotel’s

style with the freshness of a brand new venue. A state-of-the-art

largest indoor venue, with an area of 618m2.

sound and lighting system was installed.

But space alone is not all there is to the Ballroom. If its walls

The result is as formal as it is functional. Even ‘without make-up’

could speak, they would have quite a story to tell, about dazzling

the new interior radiates corporate sophistication. Textiles, textures

gala dinners and multinational conferences, about gatherings

and colours were carefully chosen to be elegant yet versatile

of socialites, executives and dignitaries from around the world.

by nature, never clashing with any themed, customised or

To maintain the Ballroom’s reputation as a prime venue in

branded decoration.

Cyprus, while at the same time anticipating the needs of today’s

With the superior banqueting and business centre support

events organisers, the Amathus has recently redesigned and

services available at the Amathus, the new Ballroom is perfect

decorated this meeting space, inch by inch.

for any full-scale social or corporate function – just make sure

Starting from the top, the ceiling was raised 25cm, which

to book it well in advance to avoid disappointment.

makes the room feel bigger, brighter and more impressive.

H o sting H o te l M anagers With about 450 members to date, the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) brings together professional hotel managers of superior establishments who share a common vision: to maintain and improve the standards of comfort and service they offer their guests.

EHMA’s annual convention is held in a different European city every year. For the first time in the Association’s 43-year history, Limassol will host this gathering on 17-19 March 2016. The 250-300 participants will be accommodated at the Amathus and Four Seasons hotels, and the agenda will focus on debating and discussing the ‘Drivers & Trends of Luxury Hospitality’.

The last five annual conventions were held in Geneva, Monaco, Milano, Vienna and St Petersburg. As the President of the Organising Committee of the 2016 EHMA General Assembly, Amathus Hotel’s General Manager, Andreas Georgiou, is determined to demonstrate how Limassol can rival these destinations by easily blending business and leisure. EHMA members’ first-hand experience and its spinoffs are bound to boost the image of Cyprus and Limassol throughout Europe.

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Healthy WORK ETHIC

Restaurant Cashier Serghios Serghiou never intended to work in a hotel. In fact, during his law studies in Greece, he came to work at the Amathus ‘for a while’. That was 33 year s ago…

Over the years he has done the rounds, working in all the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Wherever he is on duty, he can accurately estimate the number of guests that will dine in the restaurant, with a minute margin of – occasional – error.

During the hotel’s last annual staff celebration in January, Serghios received a service award acknowledging three decades at the Amathus.

But he also received special and unprecedented recognition: in 33 years he has neve r taken a single day of sick leave…

Special thanks to Serghios for his dedication to the Amathus.

H E A DL I N E S | W HAT ’ S NE W AT THE AMATHU S

NE WS FROM THE A M AT H U S BEACH HOTEL

Baby Amathus

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t is not every hotel that has a baby named after it – but the Amathus has been honoured in this very special way, and there’s an interesting story behind it…

Two generations of the Mortimer family are among the Amathus Hotel’s longstanding regular guests. The family tradition of Amathus holidays started when Leslie and Sheila Mortimer first discovered the hotel some 30 years ago. At the time, their daughter Maureen was just six years old. Sheila fondly recalls how much Maureen enjoyed her holidays, and how special and welcome she was made to feel: “The staff at the Amathus used to go the extra mile for Maureen when she was little. They would teach her some Greek and let her help behind reception. They knew that she was a fussy eater and were always willing to prepare simpler foods for her.” No wonder the parents say they wouldn’t go anywhere else in the world…

Years later Maureen married Paul Rapley, and in a wonderful symmetry the couple repeated history. With their daughter Hollie-Summer, now nine years old, they enjoy regular August holidays at the Amathus, just as Maureen did as a child.

Some of the staff members – Maria at Reception and George who is in charge of the beach towels – actually watched Maureen grow up, and are delighted to have her back with her own family. Grandmother Sheila says: “The Amathus staff really spoiled Maureen rotten – and it’s lovely to see that they now do the same for her children all these years later.”

In the autumn of 2014, when Maureen and Paul’s second daughter was born, the proud parents wanted to choose a name that was linked to special memories – such as those of their Amathus holidays. Little Ophia-Amathus is now a daily reminder of sunny Cyprus, and a VIP at the hotel.

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ELEPHANT LIMITED EDITION

IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL

a festival held on two consecutive weekends.

JUN

EV EN TS ’15

MAY

L I M A S S OL | D IAR Y

During the day and eve-

ning programme, visitors can visit the local rose

workshops, watch the rose

Limassol and its surrounding region offer a wealth of activities and annual events for a truly unique holiday experience. Whether you enjoy premier theatre and musical productions, world-class sporting events or traditional, local festivals, you will find it all and more within our jampacked cultural diary.

oil distillation process, and

enjoy exhibitions, seminars and folk entertainment.

There is also an open-air

market with various stalls, including traditional food and drink. A rose bush

planting will take place,

whilst the hop-on-hop-off

May 09-10

Agros Village, Troodos www.mytroodos.com

The Anthestiria Flower

May 20

Festival is a celebration of the season of spring and its colourful and fragrant flowers that dates back to ancient times. Durthere are flower markets, shows, exhibitions and a final parade of beautiful flower floats. The full programme can be accessed on the municipality’s website.

‘ Fata l Passi o n ’ This theatre performance in Russian is based on British playwright Terence Rattigan’s ‘A Bequest to the Nation’.

The biographical story tells of Admiral Nelson’s all-consuming love for his mistress Emma Hamilton, which was ‘contrary to reason, to the rules of the high society, and the opinion of friends and associates’. Directed by

Tel: 2587 9898 www.yermasoyia.org

Leonid Kulagin of ‘People’s

May 10-11 / 16-17

Russian actors Ekaterina

R o se Festiva l The Troodos mountain village of Agros celebrates its fragrant roses with

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will also operate.

G ermas o geia F l o wer Festiva l ( A nthestiria )

ing the two-day festival

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train around the village

Artist of Russia’ and starring Volkova, Denis Matrosov and Aleksey Nesterenko.

19:00 Rialto Theatre Tel: 7777 7745 2534 3902 www.rialto.com.cy

June 01

Festiva l o f the F l o o d ( Kata k ly sm o s ) Held 50 days after Easter, Kataklysmos is a waterbased festival that has its roots in the biblical flood of Noah’s Ark and pagan waterfront festivals that were held in honour of the goddess Aphrodite in ancient times. The festival is celebrated in Limassol with boat trips, games, a programme of music and dance, and a traditional ‘panayiri’ fair with stalls selling various items. The full programme is available on the municipality’s website.

Molos Seafront www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy

N OW AT L I M A S S O L M A R I NA

TEL: +357 2535 4040

W W W. G R A F F D I A M O N D S . C O M

L I M A S S OL | D IAR Y

EV EN TS ’15 IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL

June 02-30 I nternati o na l C o ntem p o rar y Dance Festiva l The annual festival of dance attracts troupes from all over

newspaper ‘Vestnik Kipra’, under the auspices of the President of Cyprus, and with the support of the Russian Embassy in Cyprus and Limassol Municipality.

S ummer C o c k tai l E vening A Summer Cocktail Evening in support of premier dance organisation ‘Dancecyprus’

Cyprus Charities puts

will be held at Flagstaff

on a Shakespeare play

House in the Limassol

each year at the ancient

village of Paramali and is

Holland will perform on

open-air amphithe-

hosted by Air Vice-Marshal

June 2, Greece will take the

atre of Curium, with

and Mrs Mike Wigston and

stage on June 5, on June 10

proceeds going to various

Dancecyprus. The evening

it is Spain’s turn to showcase

charities on the island.

will include drinks, canapés

their routines, Sweden will

This year’s production

and desserts, along with a

follow on June 15, and

is ‘The Merry Wives of

programme of entertain-

Switzerland and France will

Windsor’ – directed by

ment including the Corps

perform on June 27 and 30

St John Coombes. The

of Drums from the 2nd

respectively. The festival is

comedy was first pub-

Battalion Princess of Wales

organised by the Ministry

lished in 1602, though

Royal Regiment, a dance

of Education and Culture

it is believed to have

performance, painting

and Rialto Theatre, in

been written by William

exhibition and the launch of

collaboration with the

Shakespeare prior to

the book ‘Dancecyprus -

embassies and the cultural

1597.

The First Ten Years’.

centres of the participat-

20:00 Curium Amphitheatre Tel: 9999 0535 www.shakespeareatcurium.com

20:00-22:00 Flagship House Tel: 9954 9478

various dates in June after being selected by a commit-

15:00-23:00 Limassol Zoo Garden Facebook page: Cyprus Russian Festival

ing countries. For more information, visit Rialto’s website.

July 24 & 25

Rialto Theatre Tel: 7777 7745 2534 3902 www.rialto.com.cy

June 12

June 06-07

The annual summer Ama-

lovers since 2000. Past

thusia Festival takes place

performances have included

at the archaeological

Pierre Beaumarchais’s

site of Ancient Amathus,

‘Figaro’ (performed by the

amidst its important ruins.

National Ballet of Kremlin),

This year’s programme in-

Boris Eifman’s ‘Red Giselle’

cludes a variety of Greek

and ‘Swan Lake’. The final

and Cypriot singers who

dates, confirmation of the

will perform concerts - all

2015 ballet title and further

with free admission - and

information can be found

will be spread across three

nearer the time on the Ballet

nights in June, July (03)

Festival page of the Limassol

and August (04).

Municipality’s website.

The Cyprus Russian Festival celebrates the unique friendship between Cyprus and Russia and draws over 10,000 visitors annually.

There is a programme of entertainment, a ‘high heel race’, Traditional Russian Village, open chess games and a gala concert and fireworks display to round off the festivities. The event is organised by the Russian

A mathusia Festiva l

B a l l et Festiva l The annual Ballet Festival

JUL

C y p rus R ussian Festiva l

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S ha k es p eare at C urium – T he M err y W ives o f W in d s o r

July 11

The Performing Arts for

Europe who perform across

tee. This year, dancers from

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June 26, 27 & 28

20:00 Ancient Amathus Tel: 2532 3567 www.agiostychonas.com

has been thrilling ballet

Limassol www.limassolmunicipal.com. cy/ballet

AUG

Cinematographically interesting, innovative and eye-opening documentaries are showcased across eight nights with the aim of offering an audience experience that is creative, timely and rich.

The full programme with

SEP

film listings and screening times will be available

nearer the time on the festival’s website.

www.filmfestival.com.cy

August 27 – September 06 Limass o l W ine Festiva l The ten-day Limassol

Wine Festival celebrates Cypriot wine and the

island’s long-standing

winemaking tradition

with a varied programme of entertainment, as well as plenty of wine sam-

pling! The programme includes entertainment for all the family from singing and dancing to magicians and puppet shows. Admission includes a bottle of wine and a wine receptacle for

August 01-08 th

9 LEMESOSDO C S

free sampling of the local wines and independent producers’ offerings. The

The Lemesos Interna-

full programme can be

tional Documentary Film

found on the municipali-

Festival – LemesosDocs

ty’s Wine Festival website

– is an annual festival that

page nearer the time.

presents contemporary

20:00 Municipal Gardens www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy/wine

creative documentaries and holds workshops and lectures.

September 04 Dancec y p rus 1 0 th A nniver sar y G a l a To celebrate its 10th anniversary as an organisation that performs premier dance shows on the island, Dancecyprus will hold a special performance entitled ‘Dancers of The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden and Dancecyprus’ in two unique parts. Part I is a programme with excerpts from Dancecyprus’ productions since its establishment in 2005, while

L I M A S S OL | D IAR Y

EV EN TS ’15 IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL

Part II is an opportunity for the audience to watch performances from Principal and Soloist dancers from the world famous Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, UK. 20:30 Rialto Theatre Tel: 7 777 7745 2534 3902 www.rialto.com.cy

well as offering samples to visitors. Admission is free, and the final date and programme will be available nearer the time on the Limassol Municipality website.

20:00 (main event) Silikou Village www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy

September 05 Ko uman d aria Festiva l An evening of entertainment marks the annual

Internationale de

as Commandaria) that

villages of the Troodos mountain range participate in the event, and alongside the entertainment, the villagers demonstrate how Koumandaria is made, as

on September 13, 20 and

of FIA (Fédération

dessert wine (also known

All 14 wine-producing

F I A C y p rus R a l ly on the events calendar

celebration of the sweet

in production.

throughout September.

The Cyprus Rally is

Koumandaria Festival, a

remains the oldest wine still

September 25-27

September 25 & 26 C y p rus J azz an d W o r l d M usic S h o wcase This two-day event provides a platform for contemporary music and sees the participation of jazz and world music performers in Cyprus who present their original works.

The showcase is aimed at increasing the visibility of Cypriot musicians and

l’Automobile), which is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organisations. On the winding roads of the Troodos mountain range, spectators can watch this mixed surface event up close, but are advised to wear sensible shoes and adhere to the safety regulations. The event is free to watch, with more details available on the

27 respectively, while the villages of Koilani and Vouni clebrate in October. During the events, visitors can observe the making of the grape sweets ‘palouze’ and ‘soujouko’, and can sample various other delicacies made with grapes. The entertainment includes folk music, theatrical performances, traditional customs, competitions and wine tasting. Transport is available by contacting the CTO Information Office.

CTO Information Office, Germasogeia: 2532 3211 www.mytroodos.com

Troodos mountain range www.cyprusrally.com.cy

organisers and producers, as

September

well as local audiences.

K y p ria I nternati o na l Festiva l

G ra p e Feast The wine-producing

The annual two-month

20:00 Rialto Theatre Tel: 7777 7745 2534 3902 www.rialto.com.cy

the artists the opportunity for international exposure by performing in front of international festival

rally website, nearer the time.

villages of the Troodos mountains hold their annual grape celebration on different dates

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and Arsos host their events

September & October (all month)

their work, while giving

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The villages of Vasa, Lofou

Kypria Festival brings music, dance and theatre by distinguished artists from Cyprus and around the

locations and various

with performances in all

sporting disciplines from

towns. The word ‘Kypria’

boxing, running and

means Cypriot, and the

cycling to sailing, water

event is based on the

polo and kayaking, and

traditions and authenticity

also includes a 10km race

of Cyprus and its inhabit-

in memory of Limas-

ants. The first festival was

sol sportsman Marios

held in 1990 and it has

Agathangelou. All venues,

since been considered the

sporting events, times and

premier cultural event

locations will be available

of the year. The full pro-

on the municipality’s

gramme will be available

website nearer the time.

nearer the time on the

www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy

official website. www.kypria.org.cy

OCT

world to the whole island

October 17-23

I nternati o na l S h o rt Fi l m Festiva l o f C y p rus The International Short Film Festival of Cyprus is the island’s official festival of short films, co-organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture and Rialto Theatre. A panorama of local and international short films are screened with English subtitles, and an international jury awards the best films, on a national and international

October 15-25 1 5 th Lemesia S p o rts Festiva l As the largest sporting event on the island, the Lemesia Sports Festival welcomes athletes and teams of local, global and Olympic level. The festival spans multiple

level. The festival also includes workshops, parallel programmes, dialogues with directors and other events. The full programme will be available nearer the time.

Rialto Theatre Tel: 7777 7745 2534 3902) www.rialto.com.cy

October – December

NOV

L I M A S S OL | D IAR Y

G ermas o geia Wa l k s The municipality of

During the Christmas period Limassol offers plenty of seasonal cheer

free walking/coach tours

with a range of events

November 22

The first walk is titled ‘A

Village Blessed with Water’ architecture and dam of

C y p rus A p hr o d ite Half M arath o n

Germasogeia. The second

The Cyprus Aphrodite Half

walk is titled ‘Discover the

Marathon and 5k Fun Run

Natural Environment of

take place in Pafos - the

Germasogeia’, and takes in

picturesque and legendary

the natural environment of

birthplace of the ancient

the area. The Cyprus For-

Greek goddess Aphrodite.

estry Department has also

The marathon is open

created a Nature Trail that

to both professional and

offers a more challenging

amateur runners, age 16

and takes in the historical

and up for the marathon,

and are led by a qualified

November 02 – December 28

and licensed tour guide.

M usica l S un d ay s

culminates in an awards

10:00-13:00 CTO Office, Dasoudi Tel: 2532 3211 www.yermasoyia.org

The Community Board of

finish at the CTO office

Agios Tychonas and the

and activities, including a Christmas market and a festive programme of entertainment. Santa

with no age restriction for the Fun Run. The event ceremony and evening gala. www.runclub.com.cy

Cyprus Tourism Organisa-

DEC

terrain. The walks start and

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C hristmas in Limass o l

Germasogeia offers two

- each three hours long.

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December

tion (CTO) put on an hour

makes an appearance

of musical performances by

on his sleigh, giving

the sea every Sunday. The

gifts to all the children,

event is free and features

who can also ride on the

a variety of acts through-

Limassol Municipality

out the hour, including

play-train. Choirs perform

traditional folk dance and

Christmas carols and

music, and performances

there are puppet shows,

by Cypriot, Greek, Russian

arts and handicrafts,

and Armenian groups,

seasonal food and drink

among other entertain-

and much more to enjoy.

ment. A detailed pro-

The final programme

gramme leaflet is available

of all Christmas events

from CTO information

will be available on the

offices across Limassol.

municipality’s website

11:00-12:00 Onesilos Seaside Theatre www.agiostychonas.com

nearer the time. www.limassoltourism.com

L I M A S S OL | D IAR Y

C hristmas C o ncert

February – April

The Cyprus Symphony

G ermas o geia Wa l k s

Orchestra performs a special Christmas concert in the spirit of the season.

The orchestra - which was founded in 1987 regularly collaborates with Cypriot composers and commissions and presents premieres of their works both locally and abroad.

Rialto Theatre

IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL

are made. Visitors can also sample these freshly made

The municipality of Germasogeia offers two free walking/coach tours - each three hours long. The first

products at the festival with the compliments of the villagers.

11:00-15:00 Limnatis Village

| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

with floats and characters from various organisations

Blessed with Water’ and

and groups. The full

takes in the historical

programme can be found

architecture and dam of

on the carnival page of the

Germasogeia. The second

municipality website nearer

walk is titled ‘Discover the

the time.

Natural Environment of

www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy/carnival

Germasogeia’, and takes in the natural environment

March 14

of the area. The Cyprus

G reen M o n d ay

Forestry Department has

Green Monday follows the

also created a Nature

festivities of the carnival

Trail that offers a more

period and marks the

challenging terrain. The

beginning of Lent. It is

walks start and finish at the

customary to take to the

CTO office and are led by

fields and mountains

a qualified and licensed tour guide.

10:00-13:00 CTO Office, Dasoudi Tel: 2532 3211 www.yermasoyia.org

for a Lenten picnic with the family. The picnic includes only fasting foods such as sesame seed bread, a sweet called

February 28

26

Grand Carnival Parade

walk is titled ‘A Village

FEB

EV EN TS ‘16

Tel: 7777 7745 2534 3902 www.rialto.com.cy

traditional almond sweet

MAR

December 19

‘Halvas’ (that is made from

1 1 th A nnua l B l o o ming A l m o n d T ree Festiva l

March 03-13

tahini), fruit, vegetables

Limass o l C arniva l

bleed (such as octopus

The village of Limnatis

Limassol is the epicentre of

with its abundant almond

the island’s annual carnival

trees celebrates with an

celebrations, which kick

annual Almond Festival

off with the entrance

where visitors are treated

of the Carnival King.

to a drink of traditional

Throughout the carnival

‘soumatha’ (made with

period the town features

ground almonds). The

street decoration, colourful

entertainment includes

parades and parties, and

traditional dancing and

much festivity in costume.

demonstrations of how

The culmination of the

halloumi, bread and a

celebrations is a final

and seafood that does not and squid). Kite flying and various ball games are popular family activities on Green Monday.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Although all events have been confirmed and are correct at the time of going to press, we strongly recommend contacting the organisers closer to the time, in case the event is cancelled or changed at short notice.

henrilloyd.com

Ayia Napa. Nissi 37, Tel. 23 724 084 Fax 23724084 Limassol Leoforos Amathuntos 120 Nikolas house G1 4532 opposite Amathus Hotel Tel. 25 107 182 Fax 25107182 henrilloyd@cytanet.com.cy

Step out of your villa and onto your yacht. Relax at the beach or the spa. Dine and shop in the heart of the most vibrant city of Cyprus. This is what we mean by living on the sea.

Villas are ready to move into. Виллы готовы к заселению.

Contact: Свяжитесь с нами: Cyprus/Кипр +357 25 020 020 Russia/Россия +7 495 643 1901

limassolmarina.com

M A N A G E M E N T | AT Y OUR S ERVICE

MEET the team

OF T H E A M A T H U S B E A C H H O T E L

Working together for so many years, the hotel’s management is a close-knit team with a single objective: to offer you the high standard hospitality associated with the name Amathus.

Fr o m services t o f aci l ities , we p ave the wa y f o r a f l aw l ess guest ex p erience .

Sotiris Ioannou

Maria Pavlidou

Andreas Philippou

C hie f E ngineer

H uman R es o urces M anager

I nc o me A u d it o r , A cc o unts S u p ervis o r

Y o u can c o unt o n us f o r a warm rece p ti o n an d r o un d the - c l o c k assistance .

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

Panos Minterides

Maria Ierodiakonou

Popi Kouzi-Sougli

PURCHASING SUPERVISOR

A ssistant Fr o nt O f f ice M anager

R evenue M anager

W e ta k e q ua l it y an d

Katerina Yennari

George Georgiou

Christos Panayiotou

F o o d & B everage M anager , A d ministrati o n & S a l es

F o o d & B everage M anager

A ssistant F o o d & B everage M anager

Nicos Symeonides

Savvas Savva

Lakis Christodoulou

C hie f stewar d

E xecutive C he f

B ars M anager

b l en d it with variet y f o r y o ur wining an d d ining p l easure .

Fr o m the f irst t o the f ina l re q uest, we ’ l l tr y t o acc o mm o d ate y o ur nee d s an d wishes .

Lenia Vasilopoulou

Antonis Kyriacou

Eleni Tziortzi

Stelios Pillouris

R o o ms Divisi o n M anager

Dut y M anager

E xecutive H o use k ee p er

D U T Y M anager / A S S I S TA N T BAR MANAGER

Marinos Shaxiates

Xenios Orphanides

Antonio Cassera

S a l es & M ar k eting M anager M us k ita H o te l s

S p a M anager

S a l es M anager

Our f o cus is a l wa y s o n y o u ‌ be f o re , d uring an d a f ter y o ur sta y.

Anastasia Chatzitheodoridou G U E S T R E L AT I O N S SUPERVISOR

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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31

A mathus | B r a n d V a l u e s

iNDOOR

LUXURY O

U

T

DOO

R

PARADISE t e xt DINA MYLORDOU

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

T he A mathus H otel has just completed a cycle of r enovat i ons that goes hand i n hand w i th the hotel’ s ne w slogan : ‘ i ndoo r luxu r y, outdoo r pa r ad i se ’.

S o the q uest i on i s , What ’ s beh i nd th i s ne w tagl i ne ?

A mathus | B r a n d V a l u e s

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

left N o o ther h o te l in Limass o l is o n ly 3 0 sec o n d s awa y f r o m the sea .

right T he mature l an d sca p e d gar d ens are o ne o f the h o te l’ s signature f eatures .

When the Amathus Hotel first opened its doors over 40 years ago, it drew its name from the nearby site of one of one of the most famous ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. But the hotel has another, less obvious, similarity with its namesake: both are equally known to any traveller who has ever planned a holiday in Cyprus. Travel agents, tour operators, conference organisers and holidaymakers are all familiar with this pioneer of Cyprus tourism – whether they actually booked into the hotel or not. It’s a hotel that opened long before the 5-star boom and soon became the benchmark of hospitality, as well as a landmark, thanks to its distinctive Bauhaus architectural design.

left On ly c l ear g l ass se p arates the in d o o r l o unge areas f r o m the o ut d o o r p ara d ise .

A new cha p ter in hist o r y True to its original vision, the Amathus Hotel stayed firmly on its course of excellence, in defiance of stiff competition, and with a growing and devoted following. In 2014, when the hotel came under the management of Muskita Hotels – the owners and operators of the neighbouring Four Seasons Hotel – Christos Mouskis, the Executive Chairman of Muskita Hotels, was quick to comment: “The Amathus is a unique property in so many ways. Changing it would defeat the purpose. Our aim is to take something as precious as this hotel, preserve its existing value and find ways to make it even better.”

Making the Amathus ‘even better’ was and is a challenge and an ongoing process. The first step was to identify exactly what made this hotel so special over time, to verbalise the secret and then share it with the world – not in the jargon of marketing-speak, but in real-life words. As in so many cases, the right answer to a question is often under our nose – in this case, literally. Sitting in the lobby, Amathus General Manager, Andreas Georgiou, pinpoints it without hesitation: “Where else in Limassol can you relax in such a spacious and modern hotel lobby with only clear glass separating you from a truly panoramic sea view? Which other hotel has such vast and mature gardens – 4.000m2 – that end where the Mediterranean starts?”

The essence, the value and the hotel’s new tagline were born: ‘indoor luxury, outdoor paradise’. Every Amathus guest appreciates and enjoys this feeling of open, bright and generous public areas. Every holidaymaker dreams of a location with these coordinates. Having defined the Amathus gem, work began on polishing it.

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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35

A mathus | B r a n d V a l u e s

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

left A f ter sunset, the N ubar l ighting creates a s p ecia l ambience .

right R en o vate d guest r o o ms c o mbine c o m f o rt an d c o ntem p o rar y st y l e .

A c l o ser l o o k at l uxur y From day one, Amathus has been synonymous with 5-star luxury and is today a proud member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’. But there is always room for improvement, and the new management wasted no time. The schedule for the renovation of guest rooms was completed as originally planned. The new Grill Room opened with a sizzling hot menu. The popular Limanaki fish restaurant was reinvented in a more contemporary style and partnered with the all-new Lighthouse bar. A new chill-out terrace is now the ultimate outdoor lounge. The ballroom / conference room has been completely redecorated. And the spa is a world in itself, where luxury works inwards. Wherever you are, you will feel the vibes of a stylish, privileged lifestyle.

Marketing Manager Marinos Shaxiates says: “There is no doubt that luxury is associated with space, because space is expensive and scarce; and here at the Amathus, we’ve got lots of it.” But Marinos makes another, possibly stronger, point: “Obviously, our guests enjoy the physical luxury of our facilities. But the most valued luxury is the Amathus promise: the assurance of a stress-free, tailored and memorable holiday, knowing that the family will have fun, the food will be great, service is discreet yet focused, and everyone is comfortable, relaxed and fulfilled.” left Limana k i ran k s as the unriva l l e d o ut d o o r f ish an d sea f o o d restaurant in Limass o l .

S eeing is be l ieving An outsider might be forgiven for assuming that these are the fantasies of an industry predisposed to over-promise. But listen and look around during your stay, and the evidence – often in the form of thoughtful details – will eclipse any doubts. Notice that the book you left open on your bed has been placed on the table, with a bookmark where you stopped reading. The blouse you sent to the laundry came back with that loose button tightened. The chefs and waiting staff don’t need to be reminded which guests have special dietary requirements. You will see guests dining in the same restaurant every evening – and always as delighted as they were the first time.

Elena Tziortzi, Executive Housekeeper for the past 38 years, makes sure that the stringent guidelines

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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37

A mathus | B r a n d V a l u e s

of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ regarding hygiene and guest room cleanliness are followed to the letter. But she also knows when to expect the long-term guest who requires 100 extra hangers, and the lady who doesn’t want her personal items touched or tidied up.

N ew f eatures inc l u d e the sha d e d gar d en d ec k units an d the H e l i o s B ar seating area .

S te p p ing int o the sunshine The promise of ‘outdoor paradise’ starts with the fact that you can go from the hotel to the beach in 30 seconds. Then, to make sure you enjoy the vast gardens to the full, recent upgrades included soft landscaping, new garden furniture and private canopied decks in single units or clusters on different levels. The pier was reconditioned and the Helios Bar now has a new seating area. Together with the Fresh Snack Bar these two outlets satisfy your appetite for wholesome and refreshing bites and drinks without having to go indoors. Wherever you choose to dine in the evening, your preferred hotel restaurant provides seating under the stars.

The most striking structural change, however, is the brand new family area: a concentrate of family fun, with kids club, teens room, playground, kids pool with water slides and a special family beach.

Although this might appear to be of interest only to families, in fact, it is equally appreciated by couples seeking a tranquil retreat. By consolidating the family facilities in one area, children are naturally drawn to them like butterflies to blossoms – leaving the other garden and beach areas calmer and quieter, for the benefit of adults without children. It’s a classic win-win solution, and a typical real-life illustration of the Amathus credo: to respect all guests, to recognise, understand and accommodate their often very different wishes.

The management’s rationale and the whole staff’s mindset are in sync: to maximise the potential of all indoor and outdoor areas, while a dual and parallel approach ensures that both families and couples are equally enchanted. There is little doubt… ‘Amathus’ is the new ‘amazing’.

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

F A M I LY H OL I D A Y S | a n e w w o r l d

T he f ami ly p o o l area f o r t o d d l ers an d y o ung chi l d ren was p r o f essi o na l ly d esigne d t o p r o vi d e s p l ashing f un in a sa f e envir o nment.

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

A

FA M I LY

paradise t e xt P aula M anol i

F

amilies visiting the Amathus Hotel this year will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the family offerings have not merely been enhanced, but elevated to a whole new stratosphere.

After extensive renovations over the winter months, the Amathus Hotel is proud to present all-new family facilities that have been carefully created from a desire to offer a centralised ‘family paradise’ – a term coined by Sales & Marketing Manager Marinos Shaxiates. This term is certainly apt, and one that both you and your children will delightfully discover when you first encounter the changes. Marinos explains: “As a hotel with a high rate of repeat guests whose children are literally growing up at the hotel, we wanted the Amathus to grow with them, and to create a family paradise that puts everything at their fingertips.”

The new family ‘territory’ comprises a kids club, adventure pool, playground and family beach, all designed to be discreet, convenient and harmonious in their grouping. The only challenge families will face is… deciding which one of these fantastic facilities to enjoy first!

A true sense o f securit y The first new element that greets you as you step down into the hotel’s gardens is the new family pool, complete with two water slides – the Closed Coaster and Open Kamikazi. While older children will feel as though they are at their very own personal waterpark, younger water babies are not forgotten.

Endless splashing fun awaits them in the smaller pool, only 30cm deep, with the cutest little play-structure in its centre.

And naturally, safety was the top priority for the hotel when designing the latest additions: two lifeguards are posted on the water slides – one at the top and one at the bottom – and the safety gate at the stairs of the slide is locked after pool hours.

“Everything has been built and installed in compliance with the latest – and strictest – safety regulations,” says Marinos. “And this ethos of the child’s health, safety and wellbeing does not just apply to our facilities, but to every element regarding families.”

Fun fami ly areas If the kids need an escape from the sun, or the opportunity to have a good old-fashioned play and climb, then the adjacent children’s adventure playground is perfect with its shade, courtesy of a mature pine tree. The colourful enclosed area is full of beautiful wooden toys, including a pirate’s ship as the centrepiece. Once again, peace of mind is factored into the design, with a colourful gate that is padded along the inside, to minimise and take the pain out of any unexpected bumps.

It goes without saying that one of the first things you want to do when you step off the plane is to sink your feet into soft sands and cool sea waters – and the Amathus will oblige.

Just a step down from the playground you will conveniently find a designated family beach. Here, the hotel has listened to what you – their family guests – appreciate during your day on the beach. Larger umbrellas for better shade? Check! Beach toys to stave off any boredom? Check! Safe shallow waters?

Check! Flanked by a pier to break the waves, the waters of the family beach are comfortingly shallow, so all you need to worry about is sunscreen!

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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F A M I LY H OL I D A Y S | a n e w w o r l d

A p l ace o f smi l es Perhaps the greatest change of all is the Pelican Kids Club, which has been moved from its original location and recreated only a few steps away from the family pool. Every day Marinos sees the juniors making a beeline for their dedicated domain – and upon entering, it is easy to see why…

The most popular feature is without a doubt the activity playplace with its myriad opportunities for climbing, jumping, swinging, sliding and running within the padded structure. Open throughout the day, the kids club is not just a facility, but a children’s (and parents!) fantasy, with a jam-packed schedule of games, stimulating activities, arts and crafts, cinema time and even cooking sessions. Those little hands whip up yummy pizzas, muffins, breadsticks and chocolate fondue, which the proud creators can then present to their parents!

The club is open to children aged four and up without their parents’ supervision, while younger children are more than welcome to join in the fun, if accompanied by their guardian.

In the name of safety, registration is required, and all you need to do is fill in the simple form to provide your contact details and any important information about your little Mr or Miss. As an introduction to all the fun on the horizon,

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

your children will be very excited when they receive their complimentary backpack. Stuffed with a water bottle, floating swim container and a foam water squirter, this welcome gift is their official invitation to enjoy the club, pool or beach. With the younger children on cloud nine, where do teenagers fit in?

Though many are happy – and welcome – to participate in the animation programme for adults, sooner or later they will gravitate to the new ‘high-tech’ teens room adjacent to the kids club, to get their hands on the latest video and table games. Although teenagers are not known to be the most forthcoming with their words, they are bound to give the games room a unanimous thumbs up.

The life of fun and games stimulates the appetite – and mealtimes are certainly family time. Head for the Calypso restaurant, where families now have an outside area – conveniently close to the kids club and pool – that is reserved especially for them. This allows you to relax without worrying that mealtimes might become somewhat chaotic or messy. When you’re ready to explore the buffet, the children’s station with its fun décor is unmistakable and has been enriched with an even greater variety of family favourites to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.

Limassol Marina

The Oval

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F A M I LY H OL I D A Y S | a n e w w o r l d

Naturally, highchairs and earlier mealtimes are available, plus colouring books and crayons, and the welcome boon of free children’s meals throughout the months of July and August.

C o nsistent ly high services One thing that hasn’t changed at the Amathus is the repertoire of family-focused services that begin from the moment you book your holiday.

Every mother will be relieved to know that all your baby necessities can be taken care of upon request, and will be ready and waiting in your room: bottle warmer, steriliser, baby bath, toilet training seat, changing mat, plug safety sockets and highchair. Simply fill out a request form when you make your booking. There are also a host of optional extras, such as the advance ordering of nappies, baby toiletries and baby food prior to your arrival. Add to this the complimentary use of a car seat or booster seat when ordering a taxi from the hotel, the use of a pushchair for trips into town, and optional babysitting services, which will all make packing for your family holiday significantly easier… and lighter!

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A warm fami ly p hi l o s o p h y But it’s not just about what is on offer for families; it is also about how welcome families are made to feel – especially the little guests. Upon arrival, your children will be delighted to find that there is a carton of juice waiting for them in their room, along with a mini bathrobe and slippers. Marinos says: “Kids love to be treated like grown-ups… it’s amazing how excited they are when they find a chocolate wafer on their pillow – like the little treat their parents get – after every turndown.”

There is little doubt that the Amathus provides some of the best family facilities in the region, but more importantly, as Marinos says: “Our hotel gives families a real sense of confidence that their children are catered and cared for like our own.” From the assistance families receive prior to arival, to the commitment of the kids club staff; from the childfriendly dining options to the highest-quality leisure facilities, the Amathus ticks all the boxes for a stress-free and fun family holiday. In fact, there is no better testament to the hotel’s success than all the smiling little faces that turn in at the end of each day, happily exhausted and thrilled to find that wafer on their pillow!

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A M A T H U S | G UE S T P RIVILE G E S

DINEaround A

g

o

urmet

excursi

o

n

AMATHUS RESTAURANT COLLECTION

Exclusively for hotel guests, the Amathus and Four Seasons Hotels have joined forces and resources, to offer you a gourmet experience that is delicious, sophisticated and relaxing in equal measure.

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

Limana k i

T H E G R I LL R OO M

Cuisine

Cuisine

Fine fish restaurant

Premium classic grill menu

Opening time: 19:30

Opening time: 19:00

Last order: 23:00

Last order: 22:30

Undoubtedly Limassol’s finest fish

With a magical bay view, the Grill Room

restaurant, Limanaki has been further

offers you prime cuts of Australian,

upgraded to welcome you in a fully

Scottish, American, French, Irish and

redesigned seafront setting and with

Spanish beef, lamb and pork, as well as

a revised and enriched menu. From

fish, shellfish and poultry – all grilled to

crispy fried calamari to fresh lobster on

perfection. Quality, service and ambience

homemade pasta to follow delectable

come together to fulfil your desire for a

seafood appetizers, whatever you

tasty meal flavoured with that distinctive

choose promises to be a memorable

sizzle and aroma.

Mediterranean experience.

Our DineAround programme is an invitation to enjoy a series of some of the island’s top-ranking restaurants – at preferential prices.

The gourmet collection includes the most popular cuisine, served in five different award-winning restaurants and in enchanting settings across both hotels. Enjoy DineAround… It’s an exclusive pleasure for our valued guests. Bon appetit!

Dine A r o un d Detai l s • DineAround offers you a 3-course menu that includes a choice of starter, main dish and dessert from the à la carte menu, at a set price of €50 per person. At Limanaki you can choose one of two pre-set menus.

• The offer is applicable for a minimum of 3 dinners in the restaurants of your choice from the DineAround collection below.

• The offer can be booked for any number of people for each meal.

• A voucher for the total number of persons for each meal is issued by the Reception staff, who can also make your table reservations at the restaurants of your choice.

FOUR SEASONS RESTAURANT COLLECTION

Please present your voucher at the restaurant upon arrival.

V iva l d i

M avr o mmatis

S eas o ns Orienta l

Cuisine

Cuisine

Cuisine

Gourmet Italian

Creative Greek

Authentic Oriental

Opening time: 19:00

Opening time: 19:00

Opening time: 19:30

Last order: 22:30

Last order: 22:30

Last order: 23:00

Vivaldi, the winner of Time Out’s ‘Best

Take Greek specialities made from noth-

Boasting a regular flow of awards, Seasons

Hotel Restaurant’ for six consecutive

ing but premium ingredients and refine

Oriental is known to serve authentic

years, is undoubtedly the home of

them with French culinary finesse…

Oriental dishes in the high style of

Italian fine dining at its best. Authentic

That is the overall concept of the Mav-

sophisticated Hong Kong cuisine.

homemade Italian pasta, select seafood,

rommatis menu. Served in an exclusive

Chef Kenny Keung has mastered the

exquisite Italian cheeses and traditional

yet warmly welcoming environment,

practice recommended by the chinese

Italian desserts with the Vivaldi twist

every meal is a delicious example of art

proverb: ‘Preserve the old, but know the

highlight a menu of innovative winners.

on a plate, for you to savour bite by bite.

new’, to bring you traditional favourites adapted to contemporary preferences – in timeless culinary style.

A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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47

GASTRONOMY | The Grill Room

T he G ri l l R o o m ’ s new l arge ca p acit y a l f resc o terrace p r o vi d es a p an o ramic seasi d e envir o nment that is unmatche d in Limass o l .

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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

C

uts

A b ove

Prime t e xt M atthe w S to w ell

F

ew gastronomic experiences celebrate the good life better than a perfectly grilled steak. In bygone days, steak-loving noblemen in London, Paris and Madrid subscribed to exclusive private clubs for just this purpose.

In Cyprus, we have The Grill Room, where the best steak is served indoors or on the spacious outside deck for considerably less than a king’s ransom . . .

This is the second year of the Grill Room at the Amathus, where the seasoned kitchen crew and calibrated serving staff have taken the menu from delicious to irresistible. The new large-capacity al fresco terrace provides a panoramic seaside environment that is unmatched in Limassol, and with Champion Sommelier of Cyprus Alissa Gortsinskaya now on the team – along with an improved wine list – The Grill Room is quickly becoming one of Limassol’s hot spots for connoisseurs of good food and drink.

N o C o ntest General Manager Andreas Georgiou confides: “Although there are other quality venues on the island, I can say without any hesitation that we are truly unique: the ambience achieved with our large outdoor deck just a few metres above the sea; the uncompromising professionalism of our trained serving staff, our highly evolved methods for cooking the meat with the Josper grill/oven – you’ll taste the difference with the first bite; and the value-for-money factor. Many customers are happily surprised when they realise how competitive we are!”

Executive Chef Savvas Savva explains, “Our philosophy is to use only the freshest meat, fish and vegetables and cook them

in a way that sustains their natural characteristics. We don’t like to chop them all up and turn them into something you cannot recognise. If the menu states that there is artichoke in the dish you order, you will see artichoke on your plate.

Manipulation is kept to a minimum, so each ingredient can maintain its original taste.”

T he R o l l s R oy ce o f Ovens And the world-famous Josper oven is the magic tool that ensures such authenticity in every food item that enters its woodfire enclosure. This powerful combination grill/oven, which cooks at 300° when closest to the charcoal, brings out the dominant qualities of each cut of meat. To master the intricacies of this innovative device, The Grill Room’s head chef, Valentinos Michael, was sent to Spain for training. Soon after, Josper’s executive chef spent a full week at the hotel finetuning that training and helping to develop the new menu.

With the Josper, the virtues of prime cuts of meat fully emerge and the results are sublime.

“That’s why we buy only the best meat,” enthuses Andreas, “and we don’t marinate, we don’t baste, we don’t season the meat first. We put absolutely nothing on it but high-grade sea salt. The Josper does the rest. Once customers try our steaks, they are completely spoiled for any other and they can’t resist coming back for more.”

Since the new menu was introduced, comments about The Grill Room have been over the top. Diners rave about the steak, of course, and the extraordinary ambience, but also appreciate the moderate prices. The Grill Room is a labour of love that exists primarily to provide ultimate dining pleasure.

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HA G I GSHT LRIO GN HO T M| YC l| aTss h ei cG r C ial rl sR o o m

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top far left S tarter o f stu f f e d ca l amari with mushr o o m an d crab

top left Premium stea k gri l l e d p recise ly t o y o ur taste

right T he J o s p er ensures authenticit y in ever y item that enters its w o o d f ire enc l o sure .

bottom far left A summer y d essert c o nc o cti o n with mi l k ch o c o l ate , white ch o c o l ate an d f resh

B egin with the B est According to Valentinos, “Sourcing breeders and suppliers of proven integrity is the starting point.

Once in our hands, the meat is kept in dedicated storing and ageing facilities to make sure that it is in prime condition when it meets that intense, quick heat and can retain all its juices and flavours, never losing shape or weight. Finally, it takes experience and know-how to time the grilling precisely to your taste. If you ask for medium rare, I can guarantee it will be medium rare and you’ll enjoy every bite.”

A choice of mild or piquant sauces for the steak are offered on request – Wild Mushroom, Black Peppercorn, Béarnaise, Red Wine, or Mustarde – but guests are advised to let that first bite be without any sauce. “It is always an eye-opener for them,” smiles Valentinos. “So many of our customers admit that they have never tasted such heavenly steak.”

f ruits o f the f o rest

bottom left Duc k M agret, a sum p tu o us

A n E nticing M enu As befitting a traditional steakhouse, the menu is a simple but tantalising one. Every dish is prepared with the utmost care and culinary expertise, but the most popular items include the succulent stuffed calamari with mushroom and crab; the meticulously grilled Fois Gras with passion mango

sauce and lemon sorbet on brioche; the hip-hung, grass-fed (ultra tender, ultra lean) fillet of beef from Ireland; the Black Angus ribeye from the US that melts as it touches your tongue; and the Duck Magret, a sumptuous fillet of breast meat.

Sommelier Alissa is a serious fan of the everimproving qualities of Cyprus reds, whites and rosés – she visits local vineyards regularly – but she is also well-versed in traditional wines from France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Australia and the US. “I can make suggestions based on the classic combination formulas, but in the end, the customer’s own palate is the most important factor in a successful pairing of wine to food.” A friendly chat with Alissa will only improve your appreciation and knowledge of wine whether you’re an oenological expert or a curious novice.

As you finish your meal with a glass of Commandaria and a sampling of fine cheeses, or round it off with an espresso and a delectable concoction from the dessert menu, sit back and enjoy the soothing voice and gentle guitar music of the resident duo. Before you know it, you are likely to promise yourself to return to The Grill Room, very soon.

f i l l et o f breast meat

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GASTRONOMY | Limanaki Fish & Seafood

Perfection B

Y

the

SEA O ne of the great advantages of a r estaur ant on a Med ite r r anean i sland is that it can receive deliver ies of fr esh fish seven days a week.

At Limanak i, you can be su r e the fish you dine on tonight was swimming the sea th is mo r ning ‌

t e x t M atthe w S to w ell

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F For more than 30 years, Limanaki has enjoyed a reputation among Cypriots and the international cognoscenti as the best fish restaurant on the island. In 2014, mild yet marvellous winds of change blew through the interior and exterior design of the restaurant and the menu itself. The magical beachfront location was stylishly refitted in the architectural equivalent of haute couture; the menu was modernised; the adjoining new Lighthouse cocktail bar was born – and guests were delighted.

This year, further discreet but dynamic steps have been taken that have elevated the level of cooking to a high art.

There are no other words to describe the masterpieces of creative cooking accomplished every night by superchef Lefteris Charalambous and his deftly trained crew. Limanaki has been the best fish taverna in Cyprus for more than three decades – it is now vying for best seafood restaurant in all the Mediterranean. And if recent comments are a reliable indication, it is well on its way to winning that honour.

T he success st o r y c o ntinues As outlined by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Savvas Savva, “The story of Limanaki is a perfect example from the larger story of the hotel’s success. Our guiding principle has been a simple one: we put all our cooperative energy and creativity into continuous improvement. In the case of our restaurants, that means harmonising improvement in three important areas: environment, service and food – and we aim to exceed ourselves in all three.”

General Manager Andreas Georgiou reiterates: “As a result of the major changes at Limanaki last year, there was a 40% increase of customers! So this year, following the maxim ‘you either get better or worse, you can’t stay the same’, we did some precision fine-tuning to further raise the already ethereal level of our ambience appeal, smooth service and extraordinary cooking.”

A i d e d e P o iss o n A major addition for the benefit of the consumer, however, is the hiring of a full-time fishmonger/oysterman whose dedicated station is – as it should be – one of the first things guests notice upon entering Limanaki. His role is to share information about the wide array of oysters, fish and other seafood on display. He will explain the origins, various names and taste differences of each item, describe cooking options, and offer suggestions for accompanying appetizers.

And the new open kitchen allows diners to actually watch their selections being cooked.

S ai l ing R o un d the M e d This season’s menu retains the best features of the traditional Cyprus seafood kitchen but it also pays respect to other Mediterranean centres of gustatory excellence, including Italy, France (Provence) and Greece – specifically the cuisine-rich islands of Mytilini, Santorini and Crete.

Starting on page one, exciting new additions include the

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GASTRONOMY | Limanaki Fish & Seafood

o ne o f the f irst things guests n o tice u p o n entering Limana k i is a new stati o n with a f u l l - time f ishm o nger /

Creta Salad with barley rusk, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and the marvelous Xinomizithra cheese – a vaguely distant cousin to Ricotta (as the Maserati is cousin to the Fiat).

Two of the most popular and visually striking debuts are the Tiger Prawns on zucchini patties (keftedes) with double-creamy feta, and the Mussels Linguine, in which the briny robust juice of the mussels is stimulated with a touch of anise and the whole is topped off with Galomizithra, another deeply gratifying Cretan cheese. Both innovative dishes have produced multiple laudatory comments from happy diners. Another favourite is the Crispy Fried Gonos (baby calamari), tossed in coriander pesto. If you think you’ve tried all the possibilities of calamari, this one will surely surprise.

To make the menu even more diner-friendly, there are three Tasting Menus (similar to the traditional meze) of varying combinations and prices, all of them featuring salads, several appetizers, first courses, a whole fish of the day, and dessert. In none of these offerings can you go wrong; it’s only your degree of appetite that should sway your decision.

o y sterman .

A n A rtist an d H is Pa l ate Chef Lefteris says, “I don’t like to describe our style as ‘gourmet’. That implies too much fussiness, an emphasis on decorative frou-frou and often less than generous portions. Yes, presentation is extremely important, but we don’t over-indulge in it at the expense of the cooking and the integrity of our superior ingredients. We purchase the best fish on the island, and in that we refuse to negotiate. We have a close collaboration with our supplying fishermen, which means we never serve today what we received yesterday.”

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GASTRONOMY | Limanaki Fish & Seafood

T he a d jacent o p en - air Lighth o use bar

Every item on the dessert menu has proved a solid winner, but Lefteris’s Warm Orange Pie creation, melding bergamot gelato, baklava and citrus confit, is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone who tastes it.

And all of this beneath undulating, Odyssean sails, artistically lit palm trees, at tables so close to the sea you might just feel its salted spray. Said one delighted visitor, who had praised the Red Mullet as the best she had ever tasted, “If we were sitting any closer to the waves, we would have to take our shoes off.”

is a c o ngenia l p l ace t o meet be f o re d inner f o r an a p eriti f o f vibrant c o c k tai l s o r se l ecti o ns f r o m the A mathus

A taste f u l si d ebar The adjacent open-air Lighthouse bar is a congenial place to meet before dinner for an aperitif of vibrant cocktails or selections from the Amathus wine list. Enjoy the intriguing new Greek Mojito, made with refreshing Chios Mastika, or sample the original Lighthouse cocktail of fresh berries and black currants immersed in raspberry vodka, cranberry juice, blueberry and strawberry liqueurs and lemon cordial. Platters perfect for sharing include Fruits de Mer (prawns and shellfish), the popular Ouzo Platter (sardines, octopus, baby calamari and dips), or the Cheese and Cured Meat Platter featuring the best in charcuterie. Happy hour is from 7 to 8 every night, and live (but sophisticated) music later in the evening adds an extra element of pleasure.

wine l ist.

Seen as a whole, the combination of Limanaki and the Lighthouse bar holds the promise of a wonderful night out; and the earlier you start, the longer this delicious experience in one of the island’s most attractive and award-winning restaurants, directly on the waterfront.

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FA S H I O N | A m at h u s B o u t i q u e

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Fashion M a r y C h r ysostomou i s the F ash i on D i r ecto r of both the A mathus bout i q ue and the bout i q ue at the ne i ghbou r i ng F ou r S easons H otel . A s the ‘ b r a i n beh i nd ’ the offe r i ngs i n both hotels , he r tasks i nclude sou r c i ng ne w collect i ons and coo r d i nat i ng them , as w ell as manag i ng p r omot i onal and ma r ket i ng act i v i t i es .

M ar y C hr y s o st o m o u c o mbines her d etai l - o riente d sense o f st y l e with an un d erstan d ing o f her c l ients ’ tastes an d p re f erences .

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In her role as Fashion Director, Mary applies her sense of style and high ‘fashion IQ’, as she is conversant with the vast scope of fabrics, styles, colours and cuts. She is also fully aware of the old, the current and the evolving fashion trends. By keeping up with the evolution and revolutions in the glamorous world of fashion for many years, Mary has developed her very own eye for ‘the next big thing’ – promising designers who are destined for success. At the same time, she has her feet firmly on the parquet of the boutiques, never losing sight of her customers, their individual preferences and personal style. She says: “My role is not to design clothing, but to design concepts, to mix and match items and accessorise tastefully – in a way that underlines a person’s individual style.”

With that in mind, Mary always makes sure that both boutiques are well stocked with established high-end brands, but also up-and-coming designers who have not yet penetrated the main European markets.

By identifying these budding talents, she is able to offer her clientele extraordinary couture creations that they would otherwise not be able to enjoy. She says: “My goal is to bridge the gap from runway to consumer…”

Mary ensures that the two boutiques are not identical twins, but more like two sisters who complement each other, to provide you with everything from the most exclusive haute couture and accessories to affordable luxury – without sacrificing exquisite style.

Have a look at the new labels she has lined up alongside the established designers for the spring/summer 2015 boutique offerings of both boutiques. They are the next generation of trendsetters, whose every piece is bound to hold a sentimental place in your wardrobe.

WOMEN’S ready-to-wear

In Limasso l , these l abe l s are fo und exclusive ly at the Four Seasons Hotel and the Amathus B each H otel.

Created and owned by Miami-based designer Ema

A must-have for every wardrobe.

Koja, these designs are wearable pieces of art. The

Looking for an accessible luxury collection de-

signature silicone material delivers body-hugging

signed and produced in France? Edward Achour

designs without compromising comfort. Intended

will oblige, offering women a sophisticated, mod-

for special occasions, each item has that special

ern and fun look. The typical juxtaposition of black

something that gives you a visible air of confidence.

and white creates a look that suits those in pursuit of elegance and sophistication.

Designer Andrea Constantin believes “the beauty of a dress lies in the happiness it brings to the one who wears it!” Her brand DNA is a feminine

swimwear COLLECTION

silhouette, custom handmade embroideries and geometric draping.

Save the Queen Sun is an exotic and fun-loving swimwear collection in vibrant colours and

PAT R I C I A B O N A L D I

PB

The youthful brand of this Brazilian designer cap-

luxurious fabrics. This collection takes its mood

tures a cool and sexy spirit for the modern and

and philosophy from the clothing line – an

independent woman. Featuring rich embroideries

authentic, exuberant collection that is known to

and prints, the Summer 2015 collection evokes

interpret stylistic elements of different cultures into

Africa and transports us to a world full of exotic

a contemporary style.

elements.

Emamo has established itself as the go-to for Famous for his bandage dresses, this Parisian

glamorous swimwear and chic poolside pieces.

Couturier has launched a line that focuses on

The signature styles of this high-end label include

dresses with precise cutting and great décolletés – a

appliqued bikinis, coordinating kaftans of quality

timeless look that sculpts the body.

linen and lace, and embellished maxi dresses.

Often featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle

Inspired by nature, the Mediterranean coast, the

and Marie Claire and only found in exclusive

purity of white lace and the hippy seventies, this

resorts around the world.

label stands for boho-chic and sexy elegance. Natural fabrics, cotton voile, brocades and lace are the

Launched in 2010 by Anna Paola Papaconstanti-

essence of Charo Ruiz designs.

nou, this UK-based company has already become an international ‘must-have’ luxury brand. Paolita

Natalia Jaroszewska

This Cyprus-based designer is dedicated to the

is a fusion of sensuality and edgy style. Its charac-

modern woman on the go. Her signature long

teristic eye-catching designs and exclusive prints

gowns in soft delicate jersey are both feminine and

reflect the designer’s cross-cultural Greek-Mexican

comfortable. Her effortless boho-chic style is per-

upbringing. Her distinctive and carefully posi-

fect for day or night.

tioned cuts flatter the female silhouette.

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FA S H I O N | A m at h u s B o u t i q u e

MEN’S ready-to-wear

Most people are baffled when they first hear that Porsche designs menswear; and the immediate question that follows is: “But what does it look like?”

Well, the answer is obvious: sleek and expensive. This season, Creative Director Thomas Steinbrueck dubbed his show “Zentec” – Japanese minimalism with a hearty dose of the futuristic element. He has teamed up cargo jackets with techy richness, collarless white shirts, baggy shorts and handsome ribbed knits. The collection on the whole is full of winning and elegant propositions.

This world-renowned designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear specialises in cheerful American classics with a touch of luxury. A fashion minimalist working within a sportswear tradition, he draws attention to the figure, without departing from his focus on casual luxury. Unaffected by short-lived trends, he creates pieces that can be mixed and matched: day with night, summer with winter, big and bulky with silky and slim, but always in style and in favour. His customer base ranges from 20-something to much more mature.

Extensive research and trials with various qualities of flax and many washing and dyeing tests led to the creation of a new type of linen with an enhanced and improved identity. This gave birth to 120% lino, a brand of linen garments with a high fashion look, designed for you to enjoy summer with freedom of movement, softness, freshness and elegance. The company produces a total look for men.

2767 C

swimwear COLLECTION

1788 C

Vilebrequin

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St Barth is widely known as the jet set’s famous playground, a small jewel in the Caribbean Sea where nature’s beauty fuses with manmade luxury.

Inspired by this setting, this Italian brand offers beachwear of the highest quality, perfectly designed for a cool and chic image.

Whether you are a relaxed vacationer or fashionista, you’ll find Vilebrequin swim shorts irresistible. Practical, comfortable shorts in elegant and bright colours, their unique quick-drying quality makes them a must-have item for the beach – for every man on holiday.

Available at Amathus Boutique

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Limassol Head Office Elmayia Court Shop 6 (Opposite Four Seasons Hotel) Amathountos Avenue, Limassol Tel. +357 25 31 31 35 www.chris-michael.com.cy - www.accommodationcyprus.com A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E

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S PA | r o u n d r o o m

Circle OF

Wellness t e xt Y i ota M allas

There are many reasons why the Amathus Spa has ear ned its place among ‘ The Leading Spas of the Wo r ld’.

Some are practical, other s ar e simply magical; and the Round Room invites you to discover them all.

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S PA | r o u n d r o o m

T

The circle is a universal symbol of continuity, completeness and harmony; a shape that holds the key to excellence at the Amathus Spa, a member of ‘The Leading Spas of the World’.

In the quest for wellness of holistic proportions, the Spa’s Round Room is the ultimate treasure chamber.

S e l f an d S o l itu d e

The Round Room acts as the ideal setting for the ultimate ‘spa journey’, a philosophy that lies at the heart of the Amathus experience. It is a journey dedicated to your self; one that allows the soul to be celebrated, the body to communicate with nature and the mind to pause and reflect. Xenios Orphanides, the hotel’s Spa and Leisure Manager, explains: “Our definition of a spa journey is enjoying moments of rejuvenation and relaxation in a state of calm within an environment of absolute tranquility. The beauty of the Round Room is that it can be adapted to each individual’s personal needs.”

The function of the Round Room’s cylindrical structure goes beyond its aesthetic value as the curved walls with their mirror inlays slide open to reveal all the facilities needed for a comprehensive spa session. Its versatile nature allows you to indulge in a series of treatments without leaving this private cocoon of comfort.

G o ing Fu l l C irc l e

The underlying concept of the Spa’s healing practices is to reach out to your body via the four states of all matter – Water, Earth, Air and Fire. These elements are each unique in importance but also interlinked to complement and complete one another. “In the same way, unique treatments are effortlessly combined in the Round Room to achieve that perfect balance of body, mind and soul,” says Xenios. You can relish the sensation of different practices perfected in smooth transition from the massage chair to the hydrotherapy bath.

A luxurious medley such as the signature Amathus Herbal Experience begins with a Tropical Salt Mousse Glow, a scrubbing treatment that eliminates impurities and dead cells while smoothing and invigorating the skin to revive its glow. The essential oils of the Aroma Hydrotherapy Bath then calm the senses and condition the skin. To complete the exotic escape, the Herbal Compress Ritual unites circular massage techniques with Oriental herbs to release tension in the most therapeutic way. For many repeat guests, especially professionals and businessmen who are tied to a fast-paced and tense schedule, the spa packages are the highlight of their stay.

B eaut y S l o t

With the Spa catering to all lifestyles, the Round Room is not only a retreat for guests in vacation mode. Treatments within the hour are available for interludes of vitality or repose, incorporating the spa into your routine for a healthier work-life balance. Xenios says: “Thanks to the power shower after treatments, clients can easily take a spa break and get back to work without disrupting their whole day,” and the Aromatic Moor Mud Wrap is a body treatment that

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comes highly recommended. Its gentle thermal action stimulates and relieves the muscles. Rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes, it is also a favourite among those who suffer from arthritis and rheumatism. Local and international athletes rely on the Sports Massage to help treat injuries and alleviate aches and pains.

Professionals often dedicate weekly appointments to the unique Royal Thai Massage. This signature practice of Amathus is a series of techniques where Thai massage experts use the palm, fingertips, lower arm and elbow to release tension, and the body is stretched in various positions to increase flexibility and blood circulation.

For something a little gentler, the aromatherapy massage has a lighter touch, and the ‘Massage for Mum’ allows pregnant women to relieve discomfort in the back and reduce swelling in the limbs.

B o dy Language

Even a facial treatment can make all the difference to your body and spirit. Thanks to its cooling qualities, the Oxy Vital Mark, rich in aloe vera, can alleviate the irritation caused by sunburn.

Specialised treatments such as the Rosacea Facial can tackle the effects of acne, broken capillaries and other skin conditions, delivering fast and impressive results. Xenios says: “Many ladies book regular monthly anti-ageing treatments. In particular, our Anti-Wrinkle Facial and Elasto-Firm Mask with their tightening qualities are nature’s alternative to Botox.” When time is even more precious, eye treatments such as the Lumafirm Eye Contour Life & Glow can repair your delicate eye zone and reduce puffiness and wrinkles within 30 minutes. The qualities of the Spa’s organic skincare solutions by Pevonia Botanica and Carita enhance your experience further as Mother Nature embellishes each ritual.

Regardless of the duration of your treatment, the objective is the same: Life itself is a journey in search of holistic bliss, and any visit to the Amathus Spa will take you a significant step closer.

Take time to experience the Round Room and you will discover a harmonious sphere where your wellbeing is firmly at its core.

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L I M A S S OL | o n t h e r i s e

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Smiles Limassol has been described in many different ways, from the nucleus of business activity in Cyprus to the party town of the island. More recently, TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, named i t the No. 1 European Destination on the Rise, and No. 3 in the world. How did th is coastal destination earn its latest apellation?

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L I M A S S OL | o n t h e r i s e

Limass o l has been d esignate d T ri p A d vis o r ’ s T o p E ur o p ean Destinati o n o n the R ise .

Sun, sand and sea… a picture that inspired artists and authors before it was hijacked by the tourist industry. Back in the 19th century the great American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…”

Was Mr Emerson strolling down Limassol’s breezy Mediterranean boardwalk when he formulated such poetic words of advice? Alas, that fierce student of Hellenism never set foot in Cyprus; but if he were alive today, according to TripAdvisor, he would be sorely tempted.

This year Limassol, once known as Mikro Parisi (Little Paris) for the joie de vivre spirit of its people, has been designated TripAdvisor’s Top European Destination on the Rise. That means that of all the cities of Europe, Limassol received the greatest increase in positive feedback in the categories of accommodation, gastronomy and activities from the TripAdvisor community, which at the last count consisted of 280 million monthly visitors.

Such an honour, awarded by the world’s largest and most trusted travel website, is impressive, to say the least. But then everyone who visits Limassol – from continental Europe to Russia, China and Japan – goes home smiling. With its sparklingly clean sea and beaches, its abundance of restaurants in every style and price range, its world-class grand or small hotels and, most of all, the friendliness, generosity and laissez-faire attitude of its residents, Limassol succeeds in the virtual hospitality sweepstakes year after year.

Live in the sunshine Limassol enjoys the nearly year-round climate we associate with the paradisiacal tropics. This alone does much to create an atmosphere of good cheer and smiles of delight. From the moment you arrive, this town has a way of quickly erasing stress. The air itself carries a message that says: “Relax. Take it easy. There’s no rush to do anything. Enjoy the sun and the sea. It will be here for you today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.”

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The town’s population has had generations of experience in polishing the gentle skills of hospitality and accommodation.

According to Maria Stylianou, Manager of the city’s Tourism Board, “Limassolians know how to adapt to an always changing tourist demographic. One year there might be a surge in visitors from Germany and Scandinavia, the next year it will be from Russia, the next season from China. Limassol says, “Wonderful!

Everyone is welcome,” and gets busy re-translating menus, hiring multilingual staff, posting new signs in the desired language...”

S wim the sea In 2011, a ‘branding’ project was launched to popularise the identity and essence of Limassol. A comprehensive survey revealed that the two words that most quickly spring to mind when visitors think of Limassol are ‘sea’ and ‘smile’.

Year after year, Cyprus tops the list of the cleanest beaches in Europe as tested by the European Environment Agency – and there is no such thing as a private beach. Access to all 24 kilometers of Limassol’s seashore, even if fronted by a hotel or private home, is available to everyone.

Water sports have always been a thriving activity in Limassol and continue to grow with innovative new styles. In addition to the usual sailing, kayaking, pedal-boating, jet-skiing, and various diving and fishing techniques found at any seaside town, there is also

L I M A S S OL | o n t h e r i s e

paragliding, flyboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, watertubing, kiteboarding, speed-boating and yachting. Number two on TripAdvisor’s list of most popular activities in Limassol is Fasouri Watermania Park, voted the best waterpark in the EU. T ri p A d vis o r ’ s p age ce l ebrating Limass o l o f f ers a se l ecti o n o f 1 7 2 T hings t o D o in an d ar o un d the cit y.

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Drin k the wi l d air One of the liveliest harbours on the Mediterranean, Limassol has always been known as a fun-loving city – its Lenten carnival celebration is second in popularity in Europe only to that of Venice. But during the past few years, there has been a concerted effort by the municipality to upgrade those resources that most contribute to the quality of life – for everyone. The most extensive improvement campaign has been the redevelopment of the seafront. The project started with the multi-functional Linear Park with its sculpture gardens, shaded walkways, curving piers, playgrounds and cafés. It was followed by the majestic Limassol Marina development featuring elegant homes, restaurants and boutiques, and continued northwards with the promenades, bicycle routes, foot bridges and the performance spaces of Garilli River Park.

For those who enjoy the quieter pleasures of sightseeing, there are leisurely guided walking tours of Limassol’s old town and the nearby village of Germasogeia. There is even a Walking Festival every year from 11 March to 10 May that explores the nature trails of the district.

And have you heard of food sherpas? These are specialist guides who take you to the cafés, tavernas and restaurants that only the locals know about; places that maintain a low profile because they are hard to find or because once found, their admirers want to avoid overexposure. Limassol has its own food sherpas who offer various gastronomic tours within the city or to hillbound villages a short drive away.

Fancy a winery tour to wash down all that good Cypriot food? The Limassol district, home to some of the best vineyards in Cyprus, hosts a number of oenological routes that include

such award-winning wineries as Ayia Mavri, Argyrides, Kyperounda, Olympus, Tsiakkas, Vlassides and Zambartas.

For the more adventurous, there are self-driven, off-the-road excursions in dune buggies or ATVs, paintball battlefields, go-karting racetracks, electric chariot racing, rock climbing tours, horse riding, archery, and jeep safaris into the wilds of Akamas or Troodos.

And in the evening, when you return from the sea, from the wallclimbing lesson in the mountains, from the visit to the Temple of Apollo or the Kourion ampitheatre, Limassol’s energetic nightlife can put another smile on your face.

Nicolas Protopapas, who has managed many of the areas’ best hotels and is now proprietor of Fine Wine Boutique says: “The unique thing about Limassol is that we are a year-round destination. Even during the winter months, you see people swimming in the sea, strolling along the beautiful boardwalk, socialising at outdoor cafés.

The hotels and restaurants don’t shut down for the season as they do in other Mediterranean towns.”

Indeed, as one longtime resident phrased it, Limassol is a “highenergy city” that enjoys the joyful reputation of being “a festival that never ends”.

TripAdvisor’s page celebrating Limassol offers a selection of 172 Things to Do in and around the city. Composing your own bucket list to include all of your favourite activities, personal interests and exciting new adventures just got easier.

2013

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C YP R U S |

local artists

WEALTH o

f

CREATIVITY t e xt A lex i a E v r i p i dou

Cyprus, the ‘island of love’ is slowly but surely growing into an island of art. Natasa Christou, founder of Tellalis.com, is building a bridge between the local artist community, its suppliers and a flourishing market.

Her dream is to raise awareness of a burgeoning art scene and make it accessible to everyone through he r innovative community online platform.

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Mention the island of Cyprus and most people immediately think of its clear blue seas, endless summer nights and shaded mountain villages. Some might have visions of the goddess Aphrodite and ancient civilisations. But how many associate the island with accomplished artists and craftspeople?

Tellalis.com, the brainchild of Natasa Christou, is a website that is taking Cyprus by storm.

An almanac of local artistry, craftspeople and suppliers, this online platform hosts an underexposed plethora of creative local practitioners – all at your fingertips.

C O M M U N I T Y OF A R T Larnaca born Natasa, an architect by profession, was almost driven to establish Tellalis.com to generate opportunities for creative practitioners. She was determined to give them and their work a virtual – unlimited – stage, as many had neither the opportunities, marketing nor networking skills required to promote their own work. “The talent was always there, but there was no infrastructure to support them.” Clearly, there was work to be done… and the dynamic and enthusiastic 26-year-old Natasa was the ideal person to undertake such a venture. Indeed, her own creativity stands her in good stead when facilitating connections between suppliers, artists and the discerning individuals who represent the art-loving market.

Larnaca b o rn N atasa , an architect b y p r o f essi o n , was a l m o st d riven t o estab l ish T e l l a l is . c o m t o generate o p p o rtunities f o r creative p ractiti o ners .

“Tellalis.com is a direct way to learn about a localised aspect of Cyprus,” says Natasa. “Ultimately, our aim is to present the many talented creative folk on the island.” By bringing them all together in one place, the public at large gains direct access to an otherwise unknown market.

In April 2013, armed with fire in her belly and a childhood dream of creating a service offering positive social impact, Natasa submitted her idea to Youth Power Entrepreneurship competition (funded by United Nations Development Programme.) She won, and with three other winners received an award and cash funds.

“Without that money, I couldn’t have made it happen,” she says.

Tellalis.com was officially launched in October 2013 and has since proudly won many awards. Today the former one-woman start-up company has 800 members, seven staff and five ambassadors – one in each major city – and growing.

L E T ’ S TA LK T E LL A L I S Tellalis.com is a creative matchmaking business that benefits three main players: the Creative, the Maker and the Individual.

Creatives include the whole array of designers from jewellery, textile or interior designers, to architects, fine artists, ceramics or fashion designers. Makers bring together relevant suppliers of materials such as wood, metal or plastic, industrial facilities, metal workers, carpenters, book binders and printers. Finally, the Individuals are people or companies interested in arts and crafts – anyone looking for a handmade bespoke dress, local village pottery, traditional or modern Cypriot art. Natasa explains: “For example, if I’m an interior designer, I might need to employ the services of a carpenter, a metal worker and a local wood supplier. By consulting Tellalis.com, these related professionals can find each other.”

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C YP R U S |

local artists

The benefits of such an enterprise are multifaceted: It introduces unique and authentic local art and design to all; it preserves local culture’s creative traditions; it educates Cypriots and visitors about Cypriot art through a variety of arts and crafts workshops. Last but not least, it supports the local economy by creating more job opportunities.

Log in to Tellalis.com and you can discover the culture and traditions of Cyprus craftsmanship, plus contemporary designers that you won’t find in any tourist shop; artists hidden in their studios. Indeed, Tellalis.com shows you a face of Cyprus you may have never seen before.

To date, the website hosts 19 different categories of artistic talent in the Creative section alone, each entry complete with address and contact details.

F I N D I N G H I DD E N T R E A S U R E S To transform a day of leisure into an inspiring excursion, let Tellalis.com lead you to picturesque villages where you can see local craftsmen at work on anything from metal sculptures to woven baskets.

Meet Cyprus’s living legends like Valentino Charalambos and Spanos Panayiotis, whose work is known beyond the island.

Discover new names such as Love2Craft Handmade Creations

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who produce originally designed tissue boxes and humorous vintage drink coasters. Christos Askotis (Askott Pottery) fuses traditional Cyprus into modern ceramic bowls, cups and vases.

He is one of few ceramic artists who makes his own clay and shares his skills and talent in workshops that are open to everyone.

For many artists, Tellalis.com has proved to be a godsend.

Andreas Metaxas, a craftsman who creates custom-made musical instruments says: “Mine is both a long tradition and demanding profession that’s fading away. Thanks to Tellalis, my story has been published in Avant-Garde press.”

Stavroula Ioannou, a recently qualified interior and industrial designer, was very apprehensive about finding work in the current economic climate in Cyprus: “Through Tellalis I found work in one of the top interior design firms in Cyprus.”

Handmade whiskey flasks, lace handicrafts, traditional basketry, book restorers or comic artists… these and so much more are waiting to be discovered. As Natasa put it: “Our long-term vision is to bridge the whole creative industry, to develop an interconnected global community where artists, manufactures and the general public have ready access to each other – because the possibilities are endless.”

C itizenshi p | by i n v e s t m e n t

C y p rus

C itizenshi p :

Investors’

PASSPORT PROGRAMME t e x t C el i a P ou r gou r a , L L B , L L M , T E P

Cyprus was not the first jurisdiction to offer the ‘investors’ passport’ prog ramme. Yet its programme has emerged as one of the most competitive schemes in terms of security provided to the investor, his family and wealth.

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There are various reasons why Cyprus’s ‘investors’ passport’ programme is gaining momentum among non-EU citizens. Although financial and personal security are undoubtedly key factors, the speed at which applications are processed and the flexibility granted in relation to the possible ways the applicant may choose to invest his funds make the programme all the more appealing.

A decision to acquire a second citizenship of choice is definitely of tremendous importance and one which should only be taken after considering all the implications. Therefore, although individual reasons behind such a decision range from a desire for freedom of movement and access to education, to safe refuge during political unrest, or simply tax benefits, the choice of jurisdiction should definitely not be based on the cheapest option available. Rather, security and flexibility should play a decisive role.

Although there seems to be a wide choice of investors’ passport programmes, a lot of the schemes portrayed as a cheaper alternative may be too complicated, impose too stringent requirements, are not safe or may not really deliver everything they purport to offer.

As Cyprus has been a major tourist and international services hub for decades, the government has come to acknowledge and respect the importance of foreign funds inflow. However, the objective of the Cyprus investors’ passport scheme has been set clear from the beginning: to attract investment by select high net worth individuals, and to welcome them and their families to the island. Under no circumstances would the scheme be available to adventurers of any kind looking for a way to smuggle themselves and/or their wealth into Europe in a mere attempt to achieve an inflow of foreign funds.

W H Y C YP R U S ?

In brief and practical terms, the main benefits of holding the Cyprus citizenship and passport are the following: It grants all the advantages of being a European national, including among other things the right to free movement and residence anywhere within the European Union, as well as visafree travel to 157 countries, including the European Union and Canada.

Citizenship may be enjoyed by the applicant and his family for life and can be passed on to future generations by descent. Furthermore, dual citizenship is recognised; therefore there is no need to renounce any other citizenship already held.

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In addition, although there is no residency requirement – neither prior to nor after the application is processed and the passport is granted. Should one decide to live on the island, there is no doubt that Cyprus is a wonderful place to call home, with great acknowledgement of cultural differences, a stable and safe environment, high standard of living and education, and obviously great weather and natural beauties which are evident to everybody.

Furthermore, the Cyprus passport investors’ programme itself offers a number of advantages, which many others fail to do: First, the procedure is expeditious; the application is processed within 2 - 3 months. Second, the investment is required to be maintained for only three years; thereafter it is possible to liquidate the investment and move the funds elsewhere with no questions asked. Furthermore, the whole family, including one lawful spouse and children up to 28 years of age who are financially dependent on their parents, are entitled to be added to the investor’s application without having to fulfill further economic criteria.

A PPL I C AT I O N C R I T E R I A

The first criterion of the scheme is that the applicant is required to proceed with the purchase of a residence within the Republic of Cyprus at a selling price of at least €500.000 plus VAT. In addition, the applicant is required to proceed with an investment in one of several categories: •

I nvestment of at least €5 million in Government Bonds issued by the Republic of Cyprus; or

•

I nvestment of at least €5 million in financial assets of businesses established in the Republic Cyprus (e.g. bonds / securities / debentures); or

•

I nvestment of at least €5 million in Real Estate in the Republic of Cyprus (houses, offices, shops, hotels or a development of a similar nature); or

•

I nvestment or incorporation or participation in businesses that are established, are based and are active in the Republic of Cyprus, of at least €5 million, and employment of at least five Cypriot citizens; or

•

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aintain fixed bank deposits of at least €5 million in Cypriot M banks, to be held either personally or through private companies or trusts (of which the applicant is the ultimate beneficiary); or

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•

I nvestment of a total of at least €5 million in a combination of the above categories; or

•

ligibility for the Special Compensation granted to those E having suffered the imposed levy on bank deposits in Bank of Cyprus and the former Laiki Bank. This is a special category aiming to compensate depositors who lost at least €3 million. In situations where a haircut for an amount of less than €3 million was suffered, this category may be utilised if combined with any of the other available investment options for the remaining amount (up to €3 million); or

articipation in a Collective Investment Scheme by proceeding P with any investment mentioned in the above categories for an amount of €2,5 million, as long as there are enough participants in the collective scheme in order to achieve a total value of investment of at least €12,5 million; i.e. a group of 5 (five) investors would apply collectively.

The Collective Investment Scheme has been gaining quite a lot of attention as it reduces the total cost of the applicant, but also because it provides an excellent opportunity for investing in prime real estate. Single investors interested in this option can consult professionals who are able to assist in the procedure and have the resources to bring interested parties together.

•

Although Cyprus is still facing the hardships of the economic crisis, it is now on the right path to reverse the negative trend.

This makes it the perfect time to acquire real estate on the island, as prices are currently at one of the lowest points, but the value of property is expected to start rising again soon. For investors, this is an opportunity to even make a profit if they decide to liquidate their investment upon the expiration of the blocked period of three years, while keeping a European passport for themselves and their families – with all the benefits that accompany it – for life.

CA Advocates (Pourgoura & Aspri LLC) Tel: +35722460831/+35725262276 Email: info@ca-advocates.com Skype: ca.advocates www.ca-advocates.com

GUEST | in focus

Going for Gold t e x t A lex i a E v r i p i dou

O ly m p ian an d f o rmer W o r l d C ham p i o n s k eet sh o o ter G e o rge A chi l l e o s d ivu l ges his passi o ns : s p o rts an d f ami ly.

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Have you ever wondered how Olympic athletes spend their spare time? With muscles pushed to their limits and minds trained to laser-sharp focus, they could be forgiven for seeking rest and relaxation. Why not ask George Achilleos: ranked 5th Beijing Olympic finalist, five-times skeet shooter World Champion, and twice European Champion, George is the pride of Cyprus in his field and a regular at his ‘other home’, the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol. But it’s business as usual, as George strengthens his assets in pursuit of the ultimate goal – the Olympic Gold medal.

Born in London, George moved to Cyprus with his family in 1987. Accompanying his father on the shooting range was what ignited his passion for the sport, and at 13 the young George began practice shooting himself. It was later, during the two years of mandatory national conscription, that he truly discovered his talents, “having the time to focus professionally on practice shooting.”

Considering Cyprus’s size and resources, his achievements read like the island’s own Michael Phelps. George has equalled the world record twice, boasting 150 out of 150 targets. In official competitions, only three athletes including George have achieved this record. In Finland 1998, aged 18, he garnered the Junior World Championship title, and in Cyprus 2007 he became Senior World Champion for the first time. He’s also won four Gold and one Silver medal from the Commonwealth Games. George says: “My motivation is my ability to win. It gives me the power to work harder and aim for that first place.”

When he is not at his local shooting range sharpening his skills religiously, he’s training equally hard four times a week in Amathus Hotel’s multi-purpose gym. “Technique is the most important factor in shooting, but psychology is important too. I have two sports psychologists helping me stay focused and sharp. My workouts are all part of staying focused,” he says.

George swears by the benefits of the pool: “it’s the sea water in the pool here that keeps me physically strong and healthy.” This is regularly followed by spa treatments, sauna and steam baths to ease his overworked muscles. But it’s not only about him. As a dedicated family man, George considers the Amathus a family affair. Apart from weekday training session, on weekends the Amathus is where he enjoys time with his wife and two little boys. Together, they lunch at the restaurants, and with his wife he indulges in couple’s massages at the spa. Come summer, the family spend whole days at the beach.

In a nutshell, George says: “For me, that’s paradise.”

EXCLUSIVE TO:

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Trust Responsibility Excellence RCB Bank Ltd is one of the leaders in the banking sector in Cyprus. Founded in 1995, RCB Bank Ltd operates a universal banking model and provides financial services to thousands of local and international clients. In 2014, the Bank received an award from the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA). The CIPA International Investment Awards are won annually by dynamic and innovative international companies operating in Cyprus, based on their performance and leading positions in the specific market segment or industry.

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