Crowne Moments by Crowne Plaza Limassol, Cyprus

ISSUE 8 | 2019-2020

Dear Guests It is with great pleasure that I introduce the 2019 edition of our annual magazine, Crowne Moments. 2019 is a very special year for our team. It marks 40 years since our hotel welcomed its first guests in May 1979; 40 successful years of operation for our management company, the Churchill Hotel Management, and 20 years of trusted partnership with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), since signing this property as the Holiday Inn Limassol back in 1999. It has been a truly remarkable journey, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners and guests for the trust and support they have shown us over the last four decades. When I think back to what operating a hotel was like in the seventies, I am almost taken aback by the degree of change our industry has seen. When I started out in the pre-digital age, I remember using the “main courante” method for hotel room allocation, and during the first few years of my career, I spent hours hunched over enormous sheets of graph paper, drawing accurate lines in an attempt to track each guest’s length of stay. In 1982, we were among the first hotels in Cyprus to install a computerised system, and nowadays of course, this kind of information is available at the click of a button, instantly and effortlessly. Innovation and adaptability are essential characteristics for any business which wants to stand the test of time, and I feel incredibly proud of our team, several members of which have been with us from the very beginning, for the remarkable adaptability and resilience they have shown in the face of this ever-changing hospitality landscape. In 2019, our hotel was crowned Crowne Plaza Brand Hotel of the Year for Southern Europe, a distinction which really is a testament to the team’s commitment to delivering True Hospitality. Looking to the future, we intend to continue evolving our facilities and services according to the latest hospitality trends, and offering a best-in-class experience to our guests. To this end, we are delighted to launch the Crowne Plaza Limassol Spa; an oasis of calm by the beach, and only a stone’s throw away from Limassol city centre. The renovation project comprises of a complete refurbishment of our existing spa facilities including the extension of the indoor pool area, now fitted with a steam room and sauna for the exclusive use of hotel guests, and revamp of the gym, as well as the creation of a new spa with four treatment rooms, a relaxation room, steam room and sauna. Life seems to be getting all the more fast-paced, and it is becoming increasingly important to take a moment to relax. We hope you enjoy the new facilities. Petros Pierides General Manager

CONTENTS ISSUE 8 | 2019-2020

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

NEWS

BUSINESS

LIFESTYLE

Celebrating Success 03-19 Welcome from the General Manager 03 IHG Brand Hotel of the Year 2019 08 Team Star Awards 14 Meet the Management Team 16 Sweet Success: Junior Pastry Chef of the Year 18 Renovations, Openings & Acquisitions - Unveiling the renovated Crowne Plaza Limassol Ballroom - Presenting the new Crowne Spa - IHG: new hotel openings and brand acquisitions

20-29 20 26 28

Responsible Business: Awards & Activities - Green Label & SIR Awards - IHG Giving For Good

34-35 34 35

Business Ventures: Focus On Film - The Cyprus Filming Scheme - Cyprus lands its big break - Lights, Camera, Action: Cypriots in film

36-41 37 38 40

Health - GBD study on the importance of eating healthy foods - A healthy brunch review by Georgie’s Mummy - An interview with Chef Z: Eat Well. Feel Fabulous. - Somersaulting to stardom: Cypriots in gymnastics

44-49 44 46 47 50

Fashion 52-57 - Fashion Trends: escapism is the «mot du jour» 52 - Fashion Hearted: an interview with designer Charis Charalambous 54

LIMASSOL CALENDAR

Limassol Calendar

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

CROWNE PLAZA

HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Crowne Plaza Limassol has received the prestigious IHG Brand Hotel of the Year award for Southern Europe. The award was presented by Karin Sheppard (Managing Director, IHG Europe) and Eric Viale (Managing Director, IHG Southern Europe) at a regional awards ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Barcelona Fira Centre on June 12th 2019. Only one Crowne PlazaÂŽ hotel wins this prestigious award each year, which celebrates outstanding performance in serving guests, employees and the community.

STAR

POWER “Hotel of the Year is the highest honour which can be received by a hotel at IHG’s annual Star Awards ceremony. We are truly delighted to have won this award which acknowledges the collective effort and passion of the Crowne Plaza Limassol team in delivering True Hospitality to all our guests. We are also proud of this win for Cyprus. IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is a leading hospitality company, and this year the spotlight shines on Cyprus as a quality international business and leisure tourism destination.” Rebecca Pierides | Assistant General Manager

“Winning the Crowne Plaza Brand Hotel of the Year award for Southern Europe has made me feel incredibly proud to be part of such an amazing team; a team that works together and aims higher. It is a fantastic achievement, but winning this award is also a challenge, to stay at the top and to keep delivering on our promise to create great hotels guests love” Michalis Prodromou | Duty Manager 10

“Greeting guests every day and daring to connect has become my passion, and the great reviews we receive for delivering True Hospitality are very encouraging and gratifying. Being crowned Hotel of the Year has brought a little sparkle and shine to all the everyday tasks which often go unnoticed.” Elisavet Kiourtzidou | F&B Service

“Winning the award means a lot. It’s great publicity, and it’s really cool to think that people all over the world will see that we’ve won an award and know that we’re doing a good job.” Anastasia Nicolaou | Housekeeping

“Winning the award has given us true confidence that we are doing right by our guests. As the first team member guests see, I’m always ready to assist and offer a warm welcome; now I’m sure I’m making a real difference.” Stelios Theodorou | Front Office

“It’s not what you do; it’s how you do it. At Crowne Plaza Limassol, we are passionate about the job we do, and being named Hotel of the Year recognises this passion and hard work.” Yiannis Iosifakis | Front Office

“At Crowne Plaza Limassol we genuinely care, and I am very happy to see that our efforts have been acknowledged. Winning this award is a huge achievement and I am truly proud to be part of this family.” Katerina Koulianopoulou | F&B Service

“As Margaret Thatcher once said: ‘Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s when you’ve had everything to do, and you’ve done it.’ That’s how I feel now; supremely satisfied. We worked hard and got the job done.” Konstantinos Maras | Maintenance

“At Crowne Plaza Limassol we aim higher and I am happy to see that this year we reached No.1. I am proud to work at the only Crowne Plaza hotel on the island.” Melina Athanasiou | F&B Service

“I have been part of the Crowne Plaza Limassol team for almost a decade now, and it gives me special pride to see our hotel being awarded and to look back on our journey to success.”

“Winning this award was very touching. I worked hard - alongside great colleagues and managers - and together we made our guests feel special and won this award.” Mary Stylianou | F&B Service

Maria Hadjimichael | F&B Service

“I have worked at this hotel for 39 years, and each time we receive an award, I feel satisfied in the knowledge that I played a small part in making it happen. Winning Hotel of the Year is our greatest achievement to date, and I feel inspired to continue doing my best, giving it my all and raising the bar even higher.” Christoforos Paphitis | F&B Service

TEAM

We Show We Care Award

AWARDS

We Aim Higher Award

STAR Rising Star Award

Winners of this award consistently treat people with respect, look and listen for things that will make a difference, and find ways to deliver great service. ARTEMIS PAPASAVVA – HEALTH CLUB YIOTA KAKOULLI, TROODIA PANAYI & ELLADA MICHAEL – HOUSEKEEPING

Winners of this award are always looking for better ways to do things, and challenge both themselves and those around them.

Success is no accident. It involves hard work,

ANDREAS VASILIOU – KITCHEN

perseverance, and most of all, a love for what you are learning to do. The Rising Star award is given to team members who have really stood out in the

We Work Better Together Award

short time they have been working with us.

Winners of this award build trust, support their colleagues and try hard to develop

FRIXOS IOANNOU – FRONT OFFICE

great working relationships.

We Do The Right Thing Award

SOTEROULLA GEORGIOU – HOUSEKEEPING CHRIS PAFITIS & THEO HADJIFLOURENTZOU – F&B SERVICE ALEXANDROS PITTALIS – KITCHEN

Winners of this award prove time and time again that they can be trusted to keep their promises, take on responsibility and make the right call.

IHG Rewards Club Champion

ATHINA KALPACHTSIDOU – HOUSEKEEPING MARIA HADJIMICHAEL – F&B SERVICE

Winners of this award truly embrace loyalty and go above and beyond to make our IHG Rewards

KONSTANTINOS KONSTANTINOU – KITCHEN

Club members feel valued, cared for and respected. MARIOS KYRIAKIDES – FRONT OFFICE

One Step Ahead Champion

True Listening

Winners of this award provide our guests with the most memorable service, consistently receiving

Winners of this award focus on what is being said, understand spoken and unspoken needs and

personal shout-outs on HeartBeat and review sites.

deliver great guest experiences as a result.

MARIA LEONIDOU – FRONT OFFICE

ELISAVET KIOURTZIDOU – F&B SERVICE

Unsung Hero

True Responsiveness

Every member of the team has an important part to play in creating great hotels guests love. Our Unsung Heroes are the silent stars who shine behind the scenes.

Winners of this award provide guests with what they need in a timely and efficient manner. KONSTANTINOS MARAS, VASILIS LOUCAIDES & SOTIRIS YIANGOU – ENGINEERING

DEMETRIS PANAGIOTOU – PURCHASING

True Attitude Winners of this award really care, want to make a positive difference and build genuine connections with guests and colleagues. ANDREAS FILIS – KITCHEN

True Hospitality Winners of this award make guests feel welcome and cared for, recognised and respected, whoever and wherever they are in the world. PATRICK NOLAN – F&B SERVICE

MICHALIS SAVVA – STEWARDING

Special Contribution

True Confidence

Some contributions cannot be quantified, but are appreciated and valued beyond words.

Winners of this award have the knowledge, skills and personality needed to inspire confidence and make guests feel at ease.

MICHALIS PRODROMOU – DUTY MANGER

MARIOS KYRIAKIDES – FRONT OFFICE

MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM Petros Pierides

Rebecca Pierides

General Manager

Assistant General Manager

Elsie Pericleous

Konstantinos Drousiotis

HR Manager

Rooms Division & Revenue Manager

Andrie Kouloundi Executive PA

Christina Hepi

Thrasos Mikellides

Accounts Manager

Food & Beverage Manager

Phedra Lepine

Zacharias Paourou

George Georgiou

Chief Technician

Executive Housekeeper

Chef

Prokopis Antoniou

Nadia Georgiou

Xenophon Tsiftis

Michalis Prodromou

Food & Beverage Service Manager

Marketing Manager

Sales Manager M.I.C.E

Duty Manager

SPA PASS

Escape to an oasis of calm by the beach, only a stone’s throw away from Limassol city centre. DAY PASS: €25

INFO@CPLIMASSOL.COM | +357 25 851515 WWW.CROWNEPLAZA.COM/LIMASSOLCYPRUS

SWEET SUCCESS

At just 22 years old, our rising star in the kitchen Andreas Filis is already making a name for himself in culinary circles. Andreas has been part of the Crowne Plaza Limassol team since 2014. He first joined the team as a member of our IHG Academy summer training programme while studying at the C Technical School of Limassol. His healthy appetite for learning led him to the Higher Hotel Institute of Cyprus where he received his diploma in Culinary Arts while continuing to train with us under the supervision of Chef Zacharias Paourou. During this time, Andreas really stood out for his dedication to perfecting his craft, and despite only working with us part-time, in 2017 the management team decided to present him with a Rising Star award at our annual awards ceremony. After graduating in 2018, Andreas was invited to join the Crowne Plaza Limassol team on a full-time basis, and he has been serving up sweet surprises ever since. In 2018, Andreas received an award for exemplifying ‘True Attitude’, with his positive energy and team spirit. In March 2019, Andreas attended the 11th International 18

Culinary Competition of Southern Europe, and competed in three categories: Student Pastry Chef of the Year, Restaurant Dessert and Grand Prix. His first participation at an international competition was a resounding success, having been awarded silver medals for all three of the categories in which he chose to compete. With an established flavour for winning awards, Andreas went on to participate in the 2nd Pancyprian Gastronomy Student & College Culinary Competition in April, where he was able to clinch the gold medal and was named Junior Pastry Chef of the Year. Currently Andreas is finishing off his degree in Culinary Business Management at KES College. We are incredibly proud of Andreas’ winning performance, and can’t wait to see what’s cooking next!

Quality. Value. Service.

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NEWS

CROWNE PLAZA LIMASSOL

BALLROOM BE INSPIRED STEP INTO 430M2 OF STUNNING SEA VIEW MEETINGS AND EVENTS SPACE

THE BALLROOM | SUITES A&B

THE BALLROOM

THE BALLROOM BAR

YOUR WEDDING YOUR WAY. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bring your vision to life.

THE CROWNE SPA

AFFORDABLE LUXURY BY THE BEACH IN THE HEART OF LIMASSOL

MEMBERSHIPS Join the club and enjoy the perks. Unlimited access to our indoor and outdoor pools, renovated spa and gym facilities, plus a 20% discount on F&B.

INFO@CPLIMASSOL.COM | +357 25 851324 27 WWW.CROWNEPLAZA.COM/LIMASSOLCYPRUS

IHG® NEW

OPENINGS

IHG ACQUIRES SIX SENSES HOTELS RESORTS SPAS InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) made another bold move to augment its luxury portfolio with the acquisition of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, one of the world’s leading operators of luxury hotels, resorts and spas. With an expert focus on wellness and sustainability, and stunning properties in some of the world’s most sought-after locations such as the Maldives, the Seychelles, Yao Noi in Thailand, Zighy Bay in Oman, and Portugal’s Douro Valley, the addition of Six Senses’ award-winning estate and high-quality development pipeline promises to further round out IHG’s position in the luxury hotel segment.

Six

es, ens

Fiji

KIMPTON® SCOTLAND Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is situated in a landmark location in Glasgow with a storied past. The hotel exudes class and elegance with original architectural features such as marble fireplaces, rich wood panelling, and lofty ceilings. In true Kimpton style the hotel offers a luxury experience full of signature perks, brought to life with Glaswegian charm and personality.

INTERCONTINENTAL LYON The opening of InterContinental® Lyon – Hotel Dieu ushers in a new era of luxury. The hotel forms part of the Grand Hôtel Dieu and was reimagined by renowned interior designer, Jean-Philippe Nuel, and brought to life after a four year renovation project. Nuel focused on maintaining the original beauty and architecture of the building, whilst offering a contemporary, understated luxury design which is rooted in the history of Lyon and the building itself.

400TH HOTEL IN GREATER CHINA IHG has 35 years of experience in Greater China, having opened its first Holiday Inn® hotel in Beijing in 1984. Since then it has continued to grow, surpassing 100 open hotels in 2008 and double that number by 2013, with its 300th hotel following just four years later. IHG’s next 100 properties have opened in less than two years, illustrating the company’s rapid growth and bringing its Greater China estate to 400 open hotels today.

voco™ SYDNEY INTERCONTINENTAL SHANGHAI In all its grandeur, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is a bold work of architectural design, masterfully built directly into the side wall of a quarry which has been decommissioned for over a decade. It features two above ground storeys and fifteen storeys that stretch 88 metres below altitude, creating a breath-taking facade. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland welcomes you to live the InterContinental life in Sheshan, Shanghai.

HOLIDAY INN® GDANSK – CITY CENTRE IHG® has opened its first hotel in the Northern part of Poland. The Holiday Inn® Gdansk – City Centre is a joint venture with IHG’s long-standing development partner UBM Development AG, and underscores IHG’s rapid growth in the market, this being the fifth hotel opening in three years.

IHG has signed its fifth voco™ in Australia since the brand’s global launch in June 2018, partnering with Linzhu Australia Pty Ltd to open voco Sydney Central by 2021. Part of Linzhu Australia’s 430 Pitt Street mixeduse development, the property boasts a stunning seventeen-storey tower with a sloping roof featuring unique “green waterfalls”. Guests will be treated to the ultimate upscale voco experience that celebrates the individuality of the hotel, its stunning location and locale, with each stay tailored to deliver a unique and memorable experience.

HOTEL INDIGO VENICE Formally a 1930’s monastery, the 75 room Hotel Indigo® Venice - Sant’Elena is a peaceful sanctuary reflective of its former heritage that exudes an almost spiritual calm; the perfect place to retreat from the bustle of San Marco square. Composed of two wings joined in the centre by a former chapel, the hotel boasts an interior courtyard, large windows and high ceilings, evocative of the local neighbourhood. For more information on IHG hotels visit www.ihg.com

We’re so happy you’re here Discover more at ihgrewardsclub.com

EDEN BEACH LIMASSOL

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

imagine the possibilities 1000M2 OF SEA VIEW RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FOR SALE T. +357 22 265 100 | E. info@edenbeach.com

BUSINESS

RESPONSIBLE

BUSINESS Green Label Award In July 2019, Crowne Plaza Limassol received the Green Label Award for adopting green practices which promote sustainable mobility. The ceremony was presented by the honourable Commissioner for the Environment, Mrs. Ioanna Panayitou. Our Assistant General Manager, Rebecca Pierides, who attended the awards ceremony said:

“It is the duty of every responsible business to consider its environmental impact carefully. At Crowne Plaza Limassol we are eager to support the Limassol Tourism Board in its endeavour to make Limassol embrace environmental sustainability, and join the worldwide effort to protect our environment.”

Sound Industrial Relations In March 2019, Crowne Plaza Limassol received the Sound Industrial Relations (SIR) 2014 certification. Cofunded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Social Fund (ESF), the SIR 2014 model is a tool for understanding Cypriot labour law and implementing best practices in the following areas: occupational safety and health, HR management, the prevention of harassment / sexual harassment, the promotion of equality in employment, and the promotion of a healthy work-life balance. Having successfully implemented the SIR 2014 Model, Crowne Plaza Limassol is now considered an “Employer of Choice” by the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB).

Giving Back. At Crowne Plaza Limassol we collect plastic bottle caps and donate them to the Cyprus Antirheumatic Association. The caps are then sold, and the proceeds are used to fund psychological and social support, physiotherapy, education and equipment for Antirheumatic Association members.

IHG® Giving for Good Giving for Good is part of True Hospitality for Good, IHG’s new flagship programme for communities and charitable giving. The programme invites IHG corporate and hotel teams across the globe to do good deeds and participate in activities, from volunteering or taking care of the environment, to organising an activity focused on health, fitness and well-being.

The Crowne Plaza Limassol team came together for a week of activities comprising of beach cleaning, bottle top collection for the Cyprus Antirheumatic Association, organising a blood donation for the Limassol General Hospital, a visit and monetary donation to the Mario’s House care home for children with special abilities, collecting underwear for the Monde orphanage in Uganda, a clothing collection for local charities, additional first aid training for our team members and a make-up lesson.

Go With The Flow. Go With The Flow is a non-profit organisation which aims to provide the girls at the Monde Orphanage in Uganda with sanitary towels and clean underwear so that they can keep going to school when it’s that time of the month. Period poverty is currently one of the biggest hindrances to girls’ education.

BUSINESS VENTURES 36

The Cyprus Filming Scheme Natural beauty. Accessibility. Fabulous weather. Cyprus is an island brimming with potential in the lucrative film industry, but until recently this potential was, for the most part, unrealised. Headed by the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Cyprus), the Cyprus Filming Scheme was launched in 2018 to unlock Cyprusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; potential as a film production hub, and incentivise film production on the island. Under the new scheme, production companies that opt to film in Cyprus are able to choose between cash rebate or tax credit, and can also benefit from tax discounts on investments made on equipment and infrastructure, and VAT returns on qualified expenditure.

Cash rebate Production companies can benefit from a rebate of up to 35% on eligible expenditures incurred in Cyprus. To be eligible for a cash rebate, the applicant must satisfy certain criteria which shall ensure that the aid promotes the Cypriot or European world culture. The amount of the cash rebate will depend on how the production scores at the cultural test, and will be given once filming is completed, on receipt of the audit report and its review by the committee.

Tax Credit The maximum aid, as a reduction of applicable corporate tax for the Applicant, shall represent 35% of the eligible expenditure made in the Republic of Cyprus. The sum of the tax credit against the taxable income shall not exceed 50% of the Applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

taxable income for the tax year within which the production is made. The tax credit, to the extent that it is not granted due to the above percentage restriction, shall be carried forward and be given within the next five years, subject to the above percentage restriction.

Return of VAT on expenditure For qualifying production expenditures incurred in Cyprus by natural or legal persons from third countries and which are related to the implementation of productions, the company is entitled to a refund of VAT. VAT returns arise within 6 months with respect to the legal person which carries out the foreign filming in Cyprus from the end of the last deadline for submitting the VAT declaration for the specific VAT period during which the expense occurred or from the date on which the application for VAT return is filed.

Tax Allowance Any small and medium-sized enterprise subject to a tax liability in Cyprus investing in film production infrastructure and technological equipment shall be entitled to deduct the amount of its investment from its taxable income. The aid may not exceed 20% of the qualifying production expenditures in the case of small enterprises and 10% of the qualifying production expenditures in the case of medium-sized enterprises. Investment in the case of equipment should remain in the territory of Cyprus for a period of at least 5 years.

CYPRUS LANDS ITS BIG BREAK Cyprus has landed its first cinematographic production and what a way to kick-start the island’s relationship with the film industry. Jiu Jitsu starring Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage and Kickboxer star Alain Moussi is a sci-fi martial arts movie based on the comic book written by Dimitri Logothetis and Jim McGrath. Jiu Jitsu tells the story of an epic conflict between humans and aliens.

Plot Summary “Every six years, an ancient order of expert Jiu Jitsu fighters faces a fearsome alien invader in a battle for Earth…When war hero and Master Jiu Jitsu fighter Jake Barnes (Moussi) refuses to face Brax, the indomitable leader of the invaders, the future of humanity hangs in the balance… Injured and suffering from severe amnesia, Jake is captured by a military squad who have descended upon the planet and is rescued by Wylie (Cage) and a team of fellow Jiu Jitsu fighters who must help him recover his memory and regain his strength to engage in an epic battle that will once again determine the fate of mankind.”3

Filming for Jiu Jitsu began in June 2019 on the premises of the CyprusExpo in Nicosia. The budget for the highly anticipated sci-fi movie currently stands at €24.6 million.1 Logothetis will also direct the film, as well as produce it alongside Martin Barab, with Highland Film Group handling worldwide sales. “After we successfully reintroduced the Kickboxer franchise to a new generation of martial arts fans with the sixth and seventh entries in the series, we set out to up the ante with a sci-fi martial arts franchise that could bring the same kind of intensity and longevity to a new arena,”2 Logothetis said of the project.

www.cineuropa.org www.hollywoodreporter.com 3 www.menshealth.com 1

CYPRIOTS

IN FILM

Sampsonic Media Sampsonic Media is a boutique production and financing company based in Cyprus. They executive produced Show Me The Picture: The Story of Jim Marshall, a feature-length documentary on the maverick photographer whose work covered 60s and 70s American music and culture. The documentary premiered to positive reviews in Austin’s South by Southwest film festival in 2019, and will be on release soon. Sampsonic Media also co-developed and executive produced the period-romance Vita & Virginia, starring Gemma Arterton and Elizabeth Debicki, which premiered in the Toronto International Film Festival in 2018, and which will be released in the UK in the summer of 2019, and in the US and the rest of the world later in the year.

Other projects include the feature film Behind The Mirror, which won Best Thriller at the Manhattan Film Festival, and the TV series Wake Of Liberty, which is currently in development. In terms of music, Sampsonic Media executive produced the original score by the award-winning Cypriot composer George Kallis for the children’s fantasy-adventure Albion: The Enchanted Stallion, starring Jennifer Morrison, Stephen Dorff and John Cleese.

George Kallis Born and raised in Cyprus, George Kallis is a critically acclaimed composer currently based in Los Angeles. He studied Film Composition at Berklee College of Music in the US, and obtained a master’s degree in Composition from The Royal College of Music in the UK. George went on to pursue an international career in music, composing scores for over 25 ﬁlms produced in the US, UK, Russia, Denmark, Nigeria, Greece, Armenia and India. His most recent work

Pictured above: George Kallis

includes scoring the historical drama Cliffs of Freedom, starring Christopher Plummer, Tanya Raymonde and Billy Zane, the live-action fantasy The Last Warrior for Walt Disney Pictures, and the family adventure Albion: The Enchanted Stallion, starring John Cleese, Debra Messing, and Jennifer Morrison. In 2018, Movie Music UK named George “one of the most exciting and talented composers to emerge in the ﬁlm music world”. He won the Jerry Goldsmith

award for ‘Best Song’ in the Long Feature Film category for his work on The Last Warrior, and he was also voted ‘Breakthrough Composer of the Year’ at the International Film Music Critics awards. Other accolades include ‘Best Music and Sound Design’ at the Los Angeles Film Awards for the historical drama The Black Prince (2017) and ‘Best Score Award’ at the Underground Cinema Festival for Blight (2017). He has also written TV music for Emmy and Bafta award-winning programs, including the opening title music for the BBC Horizon 40th anniversary celebration, and been nominated twice for an ‘African Academy Movie Award’ for the music he composed for 93 Days (2017), starring Danny Glover, and A Place in the Stars (2015). 41

LIFESTYLE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

NEW STUDY REVEALS THE IMPORTANCE OF EATING HEALTHY FOODS

The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) is the most comprehensive worldwide observational epidemiological study to date. Led by Christopher J.L. Murray, GBD is based out of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This study evaluates the consumption of major foods and nutrients, and attempts to quantify the impact of their suboptimal intake on mortality. EXPOSURE DEFINITION

OPTIMAL LEVEL OF INTAKE (OPTIMAL RANGE OF INTAKE, IN GRAMS PER DAY)

DATA REPRESENTATIVES INDEX (%)

Diet low in fruits

Mean daily consumption of fruits

250g (200 - 300)

94.9

Diet low in vegetables

Mean daily consumption of vegetables

360g (290 - 430)

94.9

Diet low in legumes

Mean daily consumption of legumes

60g (50 - 70)

94.9

Diet low in wholegrains

Mean daily consumption of wholegrains

125g (100 - 150)

94.9

Diet low in nuts and seeds

Mean daily consumption of seed foods

21g (16 - 25)

94.9

Diet low in milk

Mean daily consumption of milk including non-fat, full-fat milk excluding soy and other plant derivatives

435g (350 - 520)

94.9

Diet high in red meat

Mean daily consumption of red meat( beef, pork, lamb, goat, but excluding poultry, fish, eggs, and processed meats)

23g (18 - 27)

94.9

Diet high in processed meat

Mean daily consumption of meat preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or addition of chemical preservatives

2g (0 - 4)

36.9

Diet high in sugar sweetened beverages

Mean daily consumption of beverages with > 50kcal per 226-8 serving, including carbonated beverages, sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, but excluding 100% fruit and vegetable juices

3g (0 - 5)

36.9

Diet low in fibre

Mean daily intake of fibre from all sources, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, pulses

24g (19 - 28)

94.9

Diet low in calcium

Mean daily intake of calcium from all sources, including milk, yogurt and cheese

1 - 25g (1.00 - 1.50)

94.9

Diet low in seafood omega-3 fatty acids

Mean daily intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid

250mg (200-300)

94.9

Diet high in trans fatty acids

Mean daily intake of trans fat from all sources, mainly partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and ruminant products

0 - 5% (0.0 - 1.0) of total daily energy

36.9

Diet high in sodium

24h urinary sodium measured in g per day

3g (1 - 5)

26.2

To reflect the uncertainty in existing evidence on optimal level of intake for sodium, 15g per day was considered as the uncertainty range for the optimal level of sodium where less than 2-3g per day is the intake level of sodium associated with the lowest level of blood pressure in randomized controlled trails and 4-5g per day is the level of sodium associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease in observational studies.

In an article published in The Lancet in April 2019 titled «The health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study», Dr Murray presents evidence suggesting that one in five deaths globally, equivalent to around 11 million deaths, are associated with poor diet. “Poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor in the world,” concludes Dr Murray, while making the case that poor diet contributes to a range of chronic diseases in people around the world. The detrimental impact that following a poor diet is having on global health has been widely debated over the last two decades. In recent years, the debate

has focused on the detrimental impact of unhealthy foods such as red and processed meats, saturated fats and free sugars. While limiting our intake of such foods is still advisable, the GDB study suggests that a far greater risk is posed from a low intake of healthy foods such as whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables, rather than from consuming more than the recommended amount of unhealthy foods. The only unhealthy food which defied this trend was sodium, the high intake of which continues to pose a significant risk, and places sodium among the leading dietary risk factors. 45

A healthy brunch at Crowne Plaza Limassol – for kids too! By Georgie’s Mummy Last Sunday, I had something special planned for Georgie and me. We were going to go to the Crowne Plaza Hotel (limassol.crowneplaza.com) in Limassol to taste their new brunch spread, which was created with kids in mind too. When I received an e-mail invitation including those words AND the mention of zea flour and goji berries I couldn’t wait. Hands down, I found the healthiest brunch in all the land. Their brunch comes with a slogan: Eat Well. Feel Fabulous.

“It’s perfect for the menu they have put together with dishes that will make you AND the kids happy”. There’s a small but impressive range of smoothies and fresh juices to choose from. I was especially impressed with the Green Goddess smoothie. I make and/or buy at least four to five green smoothies a week and I like to try a variety of ingredients so I know a really good green smoothie when I try one. Georgie chose the mango and passionfruit smoothie which he devoured within minutes. I told him to must be patient and save room in his belly because there would be a lot of food coming and most importantly, his pancakes

would be arriving soon. He chose the Pink Dragon pancakes with strawberries, wild berries and white chocolate. I would have gone for the Bittersweet Symphony made with dark chocolate cocoa, but either way we were definitely trying the pancakes because they’re made with organic oat flour and zea flour, coconut milk and bananas! I was so curious to see how they tasted. I wanted Georgie to try them before I told him what was in them. Once they arrived I tried to take as many photos as I could while holding Georgie back. They looked unreal and the presentation was simply stunning. So he finishes the first one without even adding the extra white chocolate and continues to go through four and a half of them. He left me half a pancake to try. Healthy AND delicious!

“The food combinations on this brunch menu prove that healthy doesn’t have to be boring and tasteless. It can be really good and really good FOR YOU too.”

#healthy brunch by

@Georgiesmummy

Read more of Georgie’s Mummy’s posts at: http://georgiesmummy.com/

HEALTHY

Swirl

Home-made raspberry sorbet

Raw cacao Cranberries in carob syrup

Chia seeds soaked in unsweetened coconut and oat milk

and hotels. As a result health-conscious frequent travellers often find their options are limited, and resort to ordering plain, simple dishes which are often boring and uninspiring. This is precisely the problem we set out to tackle with our alternative brunch menu. Healthy does not need to be mean boring! We are lucky to have guests who dine at the Crowne Plaza Limassol regularly, and as a responsible business, I feel it is our obligation to provide them with food choices which are healthy, but also provide the culinary excitement you expect to feel when dining out. Dining at a hotel should be an experience, an opportunity to try something different.

Our brunch menu is delicious and nutritious packed with superfoods and natural, locallysourced ingredients. Most of our recipes do not contain

Eat Well. Feel Fabulous. “In recent years we have seen a consensus build around the health risks associated with an unhealthy diet and the need to provide consumers with more information about the food they eat. Even for those who actively try to make healthier food choices, it can often be challenging when you’re constantly eating out and onthe-go, because there often isn’t enough transparency regarding the ingredients contained in the products we purchase or the recipes followed in restaurants

any processed sugar, but many of them are naturally sweetened. Our aim is to make healthy eating effortless - at least while you’re staying with us and to provide plenty of healthy eating ideas which can be used back home.” Zacharias Paourou

Made from organic oat and zea flour, unsweetened coconut milk and banana, these Pink Dragon pancakes are both delicious and nutritious. They are sweet, but do not contain any processed sugar. Topped with wild berries and pistachios. these special pancakes also contain two of the five recommened portions of fruit and veg we should consume daily.

Dragon fruit & blackcurrant powder

Pistachios

Goji berries Wild berries

Strawberries

ACTIVE

LIFESTYLE TWO STARS ARE BORN Cyprus gave a winning performance at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, ranking 10th in the medal standings having won eight Gold, one Silver and five Bronze medals. The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games featured the largest integrated sports programme in Commonwealth Games history. Comprising of eighteen sports and seven para-sports, GC2018 welcomed more than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories. Star performers for Cyprus were rhythmic gymnast Diamanto Evripidou and artistic gymnast Marios Georgiou, both of whom aspire to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Diamanto Evripidou Sport: Rhythmic gymnastics Year of Birth: 2000 City of Birth: Nicosia ABC News Australian named Diamanto Evripidou the “star performer” in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth rhythmic gymnastics competition. In an interview with SBS Greek, Diamanto professed that she had only set out to win one medal at GC2018; winning six medals, after bouncing back from two leg fractures in 2016 and 2017, felt surreal as if she were ‘living a dream’. Her recent triumph at GC2018 makes her the most successful Cypriot athlete in the history of the Commonwealth games. Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Medals Gold medal in Individual All-Around Gold medal in Team (rhythmic gymnastics) Gold medal in Hoop Gold medal in Ball Silver medal in Ribbon Bronze medal in Clubs

Marios Georgiou Sport: Artistic gymnastics Year of Birth: 1997 City of Birth: Limassol Australian commentators at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games dubbed him “Super Marios”, and were wholeheartedly impressed by his extraordinary “natural timing”. Born and raised in Limassol, Marios Georgiou has been training in gymnastics since the tender age of three, when he was discovered by a coach from a nearby gym who visited his kindergarten. Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Medals Gold medal in Men’s Floor Exercise Gold medal in Men’s Parallel Bars Bronze medal in Men’s Individual All-Around

FASHION

TRENDS Escapism Escapism seems to be the word on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lips in 2019, as fashion houses reimagine, reinvent and take us on a colourful journey to the past.

Sweet Valley High

Chloe

Hippy Modernism

Chloe, Loewe and Philip Lim imagine a Neo Boho chic look that’s languid and sensual, featuring sun-kissed hues, fabulous fringes and tie-die, complemented with bric-a-brac style accessories.

If you were a teenager when the Fresh Prince of Bel Air was the coolest show on television, and smile when you think of Screech, then you will love this season’s throwback to the early nineties. Clashing graphics are all the rage at Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Versace, styled with oversized blazers and jackets or acid and light-wash denim. Talk about a blast from the past; early-nighties nostalgia here we come!

Givenchy

Flamboyant Feathers

Drama and extravagance dominated Paris Haute Couture week with Chanel and Givenchy both leading the charge this season with an unprecedented focus on feathers. Dubbed ‘Noblesse Radicale’, Clare Waight Keller’s show-stopping feathers marched defiantly down the catwalk in Givenchy’s Haute Couture FW19, ruffling a few feathers along the way.

Versace

Missoni

Intergalactic

At Missoni’s Spring/Summer ’19 show at Milano Congressi, Angela Missoni said of her collection: “Intergalactic…the evolution of things. I dream big.” The garments which floated down the catwalk were characterised by a lightness and delicate layering of intricate knitting patterns which brought Missoni’s ethereal vision to life, and transported her audience to the stars.

FASHION FASHION TALK WITH CHARIS HEARTED

Having worked for international brands in London, such as Erdem, Mary Katrantzou and Ted Baker, Charis Charalambous decided to move back home to Cyprus and create the newly launched womenswear brand CHĂ RIS with a physical store in Nicosia. The concept behind the brand is to fill the gap in the market for affordable 54

occasionwear pieces made with high quality materials such as satins, laces and embroideries. CHĂ RIS offers a wide range of silhouettes and colours designed to fit women of all ages and styles. The first collection now in store combines maxi silhouettes with sophisticated design details, colourful prints and luxurious laces.

“A million girls would kill for this job”. The Devil Wears Prada

What was it like working for such prominent fashion brands?

What was the biggest challenge you faced working in the lively London fashion scene?

Above all, it was an honour to be part of the Design teams of such known and prestigious brands and also an irreplaceable school where I was taught invaluable technical skills by the very best. At the same time it was also very challenging and stressful because you constantly need to prove yourself in an industry where, to quote The Devil Wears Prada, “a million girls would kill for this job”.

The lack of personal time. Working hours in London are extremely long, and working for such brands I would rarely leave the office before 9:30pm. Adding travel time to that, weekdays were simply about work and although London is a lively and dynamic metropolis, I only got to truly enjoy it on weekends.

During your career in London which collection did you enjoy working on the most?

What advice would you give an aspiring young woman looking to start a career in fashion?

The highlight of my career in London was Mary Katrantzou’s SS18 collection. During that collection, had the honour of working very closely with Mary, every step of the way. Having such an important and talented person trusting you with extremely important decisions, and showing they value your opinion and aesthetic, was without a doubt my proudest moment.

Work hard, never give up or take anything personally, and keep trying until you make it. The fashion industry is extremely tough, you get numerous different opinions and critiques at once, and you need to develop a thick skin to make it. I honestly believe that if you really want something and work hard, you will get there no matter what! For more information on Cháris: E-shop: www.charis.studio charis_studio CHÁRIS

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Take a moment to discover Limassol and everything it has to offer...

Festive Limassol | December 2019

Wine Festival | September 2019

From fairgrounds to Christmas markets, Limassol really lights up at Christmas. Enjoy numerous festive events in the Old Town, by the Limassol Marina and the Old Port.

Known as the wine capital of Cyprus, Limassol hosts the Wine Festival at the Municipal Gardens. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines and traditional food, folkloric dances and music over a twelve day period.

Zivania Festival | November 2019 The annual ‘Zivania’ festival takes place in the village of Pelendri. Enjoy traditional dancing, discover how the local ‘fire-water’ is made and try delicacies such as ‘Palouze’, a traditional grape-juice jelly. 58

Limassol Carnival | 2020

The most exciting time of the year, Carnival celebrations last for ten days (20th February March 1st). The main event is the parade which takes place on the second Sunday.

International Film Festival | March 2020

Anthestiria | May 2020

“Cyprus Film Days” has become a much-anticipated annual event that promotes both international and Cypriot filmmakers, screening a number of cinematic masterpieces from around the globe.

The “Anthestiria Flower Festival” is a traditional celebration which dates back to Ancient Greece, featuring a flower parade and exhibition to celebrate Spring and the rebirth of nature and life.

The Rose Festival | May 2020 The village of Agros is famous for its cultivation of Damascena roses from which aromatic oil is extracted for use in flavourings, cosmetics, and rose water. The annual Rose Festival features rose-picking and processing demonstrations along with food, music and dancing.

Limassol Marathon | March 2020 Cyprus’ official marathon, accredited by the international federations of AIMS and IAAF, Limassol Marathon events taking place on the 21st & 22nd of March include a Marathon, Half Marathon, Health Race, Corporate Race and Student Race.

Limassol Boat Show | May 2020 Visit the largest boat show in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region. The event which takes place at the Limassol Marina is awash with glittering yachts, fun activities, boating equipment and exhibitions on water.

Street Life Festival | April 2020

Russian-Cypriot Festival | June 2020

The Street Life festival attracts over 10,000 people to the historic centre of town. Each year street artists are invited to create imaginative works of graffiti-art on Athinon street. Festivities include live music, jugglers, the sale of handicraft items, food and drink

The Russian-Cypriot festival takes place at the Municipal Gardens every year. More than seventy Cypriot and Russian companies present their products while dance groups, musicians and singers from both communities perform.

0-2000 Race Challenge | June 2020

Koumandaria Festival | July 2020

Kicking off in Limassol and ending up in the glorious Troodos mountains, this annual road challenge aims to take road riders up to 2000m above sea-level. Challenge yourself with this scenic yet steep route through the Limassol countryside up to Mount Olympus.

Koumandaria, a famous Cypriot dessert wine first produced during the Crusades, is celebrated every year in numerous villages of the Kourris Valley, one of the main wine-producing regions of the island.

Cyprus Beer Festival | July 2020 Visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of local and imported beers including KEO, Heineken, Beckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Amstel and Stella Artois, with great entertainment, DJs and live music.

Curium Amphitheatre June - September 2020 Live performances at the ancient Curium amphitheatre are a truly unique experience. Throughout the summer, both national and international artists are invited to perform music, theatre and dance. Both the acoustics and the ambiance of the outdoor theatre which overlooks the sea are one of a kind.

Amathusia Festival | July 2020 The Agios Tychonas Community Board hosts a seaside festival every summer amongst the ancient Amathus ruins featuring traditional and contemporary dancing, string quartets and singers.

Latin Fever Parties June - September 2020 The hottest Latin dance party of the year takes place around the pool at the Crowne Plaza Limassol. Join us for a drink or a dance every Sunday, and enjoy summer Latin vibes by the sea.

ENJOY AL FRESCO DINING BY THE SEA AT OUR AWARD-WINNING ITALIAN RESTAURANT

CROWNE PLAZA LIMASSOL RESERVATIONS 25 851443

CROWNE WEDDINGS

ISSUE 8 | 2019-2020

EDITOR Rebecca Pierides ART DIRECTOR Nadia Georgiou

CROWNE PARTIES

CROWNE CHRISTENINGS

The title and all materials 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 the magazine at the time of going to press, the publisher may not be held liable for any omissions or errors.

CROWNE PLAZA LIMASSOL A: 2 Promachon Eleftherias, 4103 Limassol, Cyprus T: +357-25-851515 W: www.crowneplaza.com/limassolcyprus E: marketing@cplimassol.com Terms and conditions apply. ©2019 IHG. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and operated.

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