Mediterranean Magazine | Summer 2023 - Egypt

Ancient Wonders, Modern Luxury: Four Seasons Egypt Invites Travellers to Take a Fresh Look at the World's Most Enduring Destination with New Experiences and Customized Adventures

From the classics and to the eclectic, the River Nile to the Mediterranean and Red Seas, Four Seasons guides guests through centuries of history, culture and adventure and the thrilling diversity of 21st century Egypt

A fixture on any serious traveller's itinerary for centuries thanks to its abundant architectural marvels and important historic sites, Egypt is now a favoured destination for those seeking deep cultural immersion, craving the thrill of adventure, treasure hunting in the markets, thirsting for pan-Arab dining and delighting in Insta-worthy views at every turn. This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh invites travellers to discover – and rediscover – it all.

In the company of true royalty, witness where the story of life began with the 5000-year-old Pyramids of Egypt, the only remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the World.

In the company of true royalty, witness where the story of life began with the 5000-year-old Pyramids of Egypt, the only remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the World.

"The incredible thing about Egypt is that there's always more – from exciting archaeological finds and newly restored landmarks to its more recent emergence as a playground for desert and sea adventures, and the many exciting new attractions just waiting to be experienced," says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. "With the insider knowledge and genuine care that only Four Seasons can provide, a truly memorable experience will leave guests with only one question: when are we coming back again?"

Well-established in Egypt for more than two decades, Four Seasons can customize the perfect holiday for families, couples and friends in one, two or more Egyptian destinations, completely tailored to individual needs and wants. With insider access, trusted local guides and seamless travel arrangements – not to mention the comfort of luxurious accommodations at the end of each adventure-filled day – all that's left to do is enjoy every moment.

Top of the list for any visitor to Egypt is the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo. None other than Ramses II (in the form of an 11 metre / 36 foot statue carved 32 centuries ago) welcomes visitors to the largest archaeological museum in the world. The striking contemporary building houses most of the treasures unearthed a century ago in King Tut's tomb, plus more than 100,000 additional artifacts spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history and culture. GEM is partially open now, with an expected grand opening later this year.

From there, the opportunities are endless. Below is a taste of the possibilities, a few recommendations, and ways to get started on planning an Egyptian adventure this summer.

Enter:

Odette Hitti

Recently nominted by Publisher Jay Shapiro, Odette is the Chief Nominee for the Miss Mediterranean USA Pageant which is tentatively slated for August 21, 2023 at The Maxwell Room in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Odette is a Proud Mexican-Lebanese, fluent in Spanish and English 9 years experienced in Real Estate, Licensed in all of South Florida as a Realtor and Certified Property Manager for her private clients, she started as an investor in Miami in 2009 flipping condos, She loved it and decided to be a Realtor, the majority of her clients come from outside the Country, Mexico, Venezuela, France, Brazil, Lebanon, etc. She loves staging and remodeling properties.

Graduated from University Autonoma of Guadalajara in 1995 with a BA in Business Administration and specialized in Food and Beverages. She is also a member of Luxury Chamber of Commerce.

She loves to help people and socialize, please add her as a reference for your future transactions:

https://www.facebook.com/odettefloridarealty

https://twitter.com/odettehitti

https://www.linkedin.com/in/odette-hitti-4401765b

VILLA EMBRACE ST. BARTHS SET TO DEBUT AS

WORLD'S MOST LUXURIOUS VILLA

Villa Embrace, one of the most luxurious villas in the world, will open its doors in St. Barths this season. Embrace boasts a unique setting, carved into the mountainside, offering unmatched views and privacy while still within walking distance of Gustavia's shops and restaurants. Embrace pairs panoramic views of the sea and harbor with pampering accommodations, just a few minutes' walk from one of the island's most popular beaches. As one the largest villas on the island, the expansive four-level, contemporary architectural masterpiece is anchored in high design, art and unsurpassed service, crafting the ultimate travel experience.

Villa Embrace's five suites are individually designed to bring the outside in, surrounded by lush foliage while glass doors disappear into the walls looking over the sparkling Caribbean Sea. From their suites, guests have access to two infinity pools, one of which is amongst the largest on the island, reaching approximately 100 feet. Each suite offers a private furnished terrace with an outdoor rain shower, or outdoor Japanese soaking tub, along with a Hammam. Villa Embrace touts the island's only four-story glass elevator, which overlooks a private waterfall and living green wall, along with the one of the only private underground parking garages that can accommodate 10 vehicles. Villa Embrace is accessible via a private upper-level road that leads to the main entrance with outdoor parking.

Embrace features an array of shared spaces for guests to gather, dine or relax. On the main floor, the Great Room offers seating for 12 while overlooking the main infinity pool and harbor beyond. Guests can find a unique fireplace and elegant 14foot-long, professional bar. The adjacent Family Room is an enclosed space, furnished with a handmade silk rug and custom Italian sofas ideal for movie night or late-night conversation. Detailed with Vladmir Kagan armchairs, the Games Room is perfect for passing hours while exploring the 8-game custom leather table, designed by the owners of the villa and fabricated by T.T.Trunks. Beautifully situated to enjoy water views while working out, a fully equipped gym highlights Technogym equipment. Dining options are abundant with indoor and outdoor kitchens along with a separate BBQ area with seating. Set on the top floor, a well-appointed office commands attention with custom furnishings including an impressive black nutwood and leather desk and private bar by Knoll. A private outdoor massage area guarantees prime relaxation with an outdoor shower and loungers for over all three levels.

This bold new property in St. Barths combines indulgent design with unsurpassed comfort. Guests of Villa Embrace have a round-the-clock in-house chef to prepare whatever they desire and translate every request into creative, beautifully presented dishes that pair perfectly with bottles from the extensive wine cellar. Food and beverages can be enjoyed alfresco or in the main dining area featuring Casa Fendi bar stools and a custom, nautical-inspired table from Italy's Barbarini & Gunnell. Private dining experiences can also be arranged, such as a picnic lunch or barbeque dinner on any of St. Barths' 20 white-sand beaches. Bookings are now available!

Russo's Opens Its Fourth Location in Saudi Arabia

Award-winning, Texas-based upscale casual brand Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen has opened its fourth location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 19, 2022 Located at Park Avenue Mall, its 2400-sq ft , two-story Pizzeria serves Russo's full Italian menu including New York style pizza and pasta Since 1978, Russo's Founder and CEO, Chef Anthony, has been serving his original family recipes from Naples and Sicily He prides himself on utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients Of course, those ingredients can be found in his premium, hand-tossed New York-style pizzas, including a giant, signature pie measuring 28 inches known as the party pizza.

Our unique menu items are what sets us apart from the rest The Russo family promise, "If it isn't fresh, don't serve it," remains as true today as it first did in 1978 We follow the same process in every location, both domestic and international

We don't have a commissary, and we don't buy premade sauce or premade dough balls We follow our old family traditions, and the consumer can taste the difference. Our family recipes have not changed over our 60 year history. Those include our fresh handmade pizza dough, meat sauce, and marinara sauce. Our sauces are made with premium San Marzano Italian tomatoes, hand crushed and simmered for 6 hours. From our salad dressings to pesto sauce to lasagna to fresh baked Tuscany bread to our homemade gnocchi pasta, our menu items are what sets us apart from other pizza chains. We carefully select our ingredients and select the best premium items to make every dish a flavor to remember.

Our menu includes salads, burrata cheese made from fresh mozzarella, Italian soups, pastas, pizzas baked in brick oven, calzones, and desserts. We also have Halal and gluten free options.

Our new location just opened December 19, 2022, in Park Avenue Mall The 2,300-sq ft space will seat 160 guests and includes an outdoor patio The restaurant is located in a remarkable mixed-use district It will join an array of premier global food and beverage concepts in addition to a world-class hotel, theme park, department store, and cinema, where Russo's pizza options will also be spotlighted "We're thrilled to grow our international footprint and showcase our elevated upscale casual dining experience in Saudi It is an incredibly exciting global market that I have become very fond of," said Russo "We are honored to have the support of our franchisees " Russo's parents immigrated from Italy, settling first in New Jersey then moving to the Houston, Texas area Anthony launched Russo's in 1992 and has since expanded the brand in partnership with 56 locations across the United States, as well as eight restaurants situated throughout Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar

We are continuing to seek out global franchise partners, specifically entrepreneurs interested in proven brands that are entirely chef-created and chef-driven Several floorplan options provide flexible design and layout choices, spanning from pizza and delivery only to fast casual, full-service dining to full-service and elevated interiors

Mediterranean Magazine along with Luxury Chamber Media Group will be hosting 3 chamber events promoting direct donations for Turkey

February 20, March 20 and April 17th, 2023. We plan to use the funds to hire and reach out to music stars, actors and celebrities to attract a strong event attendance. We will have computer stations set up at each event enabling attendees to make direct donations to the Turkish relief charity of their choice. We will also donate a booth or table space to a locally involved Turkish non-profit. To apply for this please contact support@turkishevent.org

100% of donations made to any such honored charity at the events will stay with the nonprofit org to be donated directly to the earthquake victims.

We will also be donating 20% of ticket sales and 100% of event profit directly to Turkish causes.

The venues are booked for the February and March event. The venue for the April function will be predicated on the success of our fundraising efforts.

The February event will be held at ONE 11 Event Venue in Boca Raton, Florida on February 20, 2023 from 6-9 pm. This event will feature:

Opera Tenor Andrea Garofalo Performing

Caviar Bar

Celebrity Introductions / Microphone Awareness

Post Event Photos and Financial Results Published in local media including Mediterranean Magazine and SOUTH FLORIDA magazine.

The March event will take place at The Guest in North Miami Beach, FL on March 20, 2023 from 6-9 pm. This event will feature:

Celebrity Appearances Predicated on our best PR Efforts and Financial Abilities

Event Details to evolve as donations enable what we are able to offer.

RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES ANNOUNCES EXPANSION RIVER FLEET ADDS FOUR ADDITIONAL SHIPS

Expanding its itineraries to include the Rhine, Rhône, and Saône for 2023, Riverside Luxury Cruises welcomes the MS Bach, MS Ravel, MS Mahler and MS Debussy to their fleet of luxury river ships

The Riverside Ravel will include sailings on both the Rhône and Saône, providing guests a chance to indulge in all that Southern France has to offer sailing from Burgundy to Provence Riverside Debussy will enchant guests as they sail along the Rhine and pass sheer cliffs, fairy-tale castles, ancient princedoms and shining cities from Amsterdam to Switzerland. Itineraries for the Riverside Bach and Riverside Mahler are slated for 2024 and will be announced later this year for booking. These ships were originally designed and operated by Crystal Cruises and represent the pinnacle of luxury on Europe’s rivers

We are thrilled by the expansion of our fleet to include these storied vessels," says Gregor Gerlach, who founded Riverside Luxury Cruises. Gerlach continued, "This acquisition allows us to expand our itinerary offerings, showcasing a level of space, personalized service and elegance not found with any other river cruise line "

Riverside Luxury Cruises will be defined not only by its crew-to-guest ratio but by its service culture, which is authentically personal in nature. Nowhere will this be better exemplified than by its butlers, who will go above and beyond to assist guests with any and all needs from reservations and excursions to special requests and one-of-a-kind experiences Each excursion is organized and designed by a best-in-class shoreside team, with the goal of providing guests an open door to a world of exclusive experiences. On shore and on board, wellness experiences will be curated to encourage guests to enjoy the river and surrounding countryside with all their senses From a culinary perspective, Riverside aims to provide the best cuisine and wine cellar on the water and will place an emphasis on the freshness and quality of all ingredients on board. Each ship will have a crew of trained sommeliers and bartenders will have access to special regional and global wines as well as some of the best spirits available, with a wine cellar that is unparalleled even among the best restaurants on land

Now available for bookings, Riverside Luxury Cruises will offer aggressive pricing, competitive commissions (21% on all 2023 sailings) and special introductory FAM rates for travel advisors. Reservations and more information are available by contacting Riverside at reservations@riverside-cruises.com or www riverside-cruises/TA

VisitMalta.com Announces the Maltese Islands are welcoming EU tourists

As more EU Citizens are becoming fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus, travel restrictions around Europe are beginning to ease Malta is proud to be considered one of the safest summer destinations in Europe, having reached herd immunity (with over 80% of adults vaccinated) and hopes to safely welcome EU tourists this summer

Several hotels in the Maltese Islands are offering financial incentives through the Free Independent Travelers (FIT) program. The financial incentive ranges from 100 to 200 euro per person and can be spent on services within the hotel property. The complete offering can be found under this link.

"All our decisions strive to find a balance and give priority to the health of Maltese citizens and the tourists who will come into our country," said tourism and consumer protection minister Clayton Bartolo in the latest press release

Travel Advice Update (EU Countries)

Mask wearing on beaches and pools is advised but no longer required, while a maximum of 2 people may remove their masks in outside public spaces if they have been vaccinated and they have an official vaccination certificate. Beach Bars, Cafes, Restaurants and culture clubs are open and can host up to six people per table, discos and nightclubs are closed.

No quarantine or other restrictions apply for fully vaccinated tourists coming from the EU, while unvaccinated tourists from the same countries must go through a mandatory quarantine For the latest updates be sure to check out the COVID-19 info page

Why visit Malta?

Located about 50 miles south of Sicily, Malta is a small archipelago that boasts a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days per year and a top-ranked healthcare system. It is the perfect location for tourism with a primarily Englishspeaking population, shown by its growing popularity year on year.

There are many stunning beaches to choose from, not only for swimming but also for water sports and diving, including the Blue Lagoon, Paradise Bay, and Golden Bay

Diving around the Maltese Islands is a real joy and there are several caves, wrecks, walls, and reefs to explore. Offering a wide choice of shore and boat dives at varying depths, there's something to suit divers of all abilities, such as swimming with large groupers, dentex and barracudas at Reqqa Reef in Gozo or exploring the fascinating cave systems at Santa Maria Caves in Comino.

Mezli Launches World's First Fully-Autonomous Restaurant in San Francisco

Mezli, a startup based in San Mateo, CA, has announced the launch of its fully-autonomous robotic restaurant, the first of its kind in the world. The restaurant, located in the Spark Social food park in San Francisco, will be celebrating its grand opening on Sunday, August 28, 2022.

Mezli's restaurant will be the first-ever to serve a full hot menu to customers without requiring any human intervention This automated approach allows Mezli to offer its menu of Mediterranean grain bowls, sides, and drinks at a significantly lower price point than similar fastcasual restaurants – its grain bowls start at $6 99 – providing a healthy, convenient and affordable dining option for neighborhood residents and workers.

Mezli was founded by a team of Stanford engineers: Alex Kolchinski, Alex Gruebele, and Max Perham. As graduate students at Stanford, Mezli's founders found that they had no nearby food options that were convenient, affordable, and healthy. Putting their technical backgrounds to use, they teamed up with Michelin-star chef Eric Minnich to solve the problem with a combination of robotic and culinary innovation

Mezli's approach of unlocking fresh, healthy food at affordable prices by reimagining the nature of food service from the ground up has already attracted attention. "It resonates with me," Mezli's investor Pieter Abbeel said. "Anything physical is always harder than you think, so if you don't come up with a first principles way to solve it, it will be difficult. In addition, from day one, the food was being served and that is compelling."

Looking ahead, after the launch at Spark Social, the Mezli team plans to expand to multiple locations while also widening the culinary options available through the Mezli platform. Because robotic Mezli restaurants are smaller and cheaper to build than traditional fast-casual restaurants, they can be deployed in a wider range of locations, at a smaller carbon footprint per location, while serving fresh, healthy meals at a low price point. It's exactly that offering that Mezli's team plans to eventually make available nationwide.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Promotes Trade Agenda during Florida Visit

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Foreign Trade HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi recently concluded a successful two-day visit to Florida, which focused on expanding the bilateral UAE-US trade and commercial relationship His trip to the "Sunshine State" builds on recent economic development missions to the UAE by local South Florida officials.

Minister Al Zeyoudi met with Broward County Mayor Michael Udine, Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, and Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Jose "Pepe" Diaz. The leaders discussed ways to enhance collaboration between the UAE and Florida, with a focus on investment, tourism, city planning, and healthcare These meetings follow a delegation in March by Florida mayors to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai where they engaged with the UAE business community and attended closing events for Expo 2020 Dubai including visiting the US Pavilion

"Florida is the commercial gateway to the Americas and the UAE sits at the crossroads of global trade and commerce It makes perfect sense that the Emirates is developing close ties with this economically vibrant region," said UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade HE Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. "The UAE was pleased to host multiple delegations of Florida mayors recently and we remain committed to expanding economic partnership opportunities here."

In Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Minister Zeyoudi attended high level business development and networking events and meetings hosted by the U S -U A E Business Council, The International Trade Consortium (ITC), Enterprise Florida, a public-private partnership promoting economic development in Florida, and eMerge Americas, an organizing focused on establishing Miami as the tech hub of the Americas

In 2021, Florida exported over $1 billion of goods to the U.A.E., making it one of the top 10 states exporting to the Emirates. These exports supported an estimated 6,000 U.S. jobs. The U.A.E. also exported over $180 million of goods to Florida that same year.

During Miami Mayor Frances Suarez's visit to the UAE in March, he signed a sister city agreement alongside HE Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai, deepening ties between the cities of Dubai and Miami. Crown Prince of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended that signing ceremony.

In July 2021, Emirates Airline began its first-ever passenger service between Dubai and Miami, opening new business and leisure opportunities between the U A E and South Florida Emirates has also been flying to Orlando since 2015, and it previously serviced South Florida through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from 2016 through 2020