Crowne Moments Issue 5 by Crowne Plaza Limassol, Cyprus

Athleisure: Is Fit the New â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;?? Business Innovation: Top Picks Reinventing Limassol: A Cosmopolitan City

WE’LL MAKE IT TRULY MEMORABLE. THAT’S OUR WEDDING VOW. Book an appointment with the Crowne wedding planner today. After all, it’s all about trust.

CONTENTS

SUMMER 2016 | ISSUE 5

WELCOME

Welcome from the General Manager La Brezza: Italian by the Sea Med Pool Bar: Cool & Casual Lime Beach Bar: Sun, Sea and Souvlaki The Lounge Bar: Drink. Think. Relax. Haven Restaurant: Breakfast Bliss

05 06 08 10 12 14

BUSINESS

Responsible Business: IHG Race Around the World Responsible Business: Give Kids the World Business Innovation: The Stelios Bi-Communal Award Business Innovation: Top Picks

20 24 27 28

CULTURE

Cyprus Wins the Saatchi Gallery/Deutsche Bank Art Prize Coffee Art by Maria A. Aristidou Reinventing Limassol: A Cosmopolitan City

32 34 38

LIFESTYLE

Exercise: “It Ain’t About The Ass, Its About The Brain” Athleisure: Is Fit the New “It” Nutrition: Time for Breakfast Business Travel and the Crowne Plaza® Hallmarks

46 51 54 58

AWARDS

Celebrating 70 Years of IHG Creating Great Hotels Guests Love HO. RE. CA Gastronomy Awards

64 66 68

Limassol Calendar

LIMASSOL CALENDAR 03

ITALIAN RESTAURANT CROWNE PLAZA LIMASSOL | RESERVATIONS: 25 851443

Dear Guests 2015 was an exceptional year for the Crowne Plaza Limassol. As a team we achieved some truly remarkable results including a 96% guest recommendation rate on IHG Reviews, an Overall Service score of 92% on our HeartBeat survey, and a Trip Advisor Excellence award for the fourth consecutive year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you - our valued guests and patrons - for trusting us, supporting us, and inspiring us to realize our vision to create Great Hotels Guests Love. More information relating to accolades awarded to the Crowne Plaza Limassol and to IHG can be found on pages 64 to 70 of our magazine. At Crowne Plaza, your success matters. That is why each year we continue to drive quality by investing in our hotel. To this end, in March 2016, we successfully completed the renovation of the Haven Restaurant. The renovation included the installation of a brand-new La Tavola buffet, which utilizes the latest technology heating tops and cooling plates to preserve food at the optimal temperature. The new buffet also includes a built-in live cooking station which has enabled us to enhance our breakfast offering with cooked-toorder items such as pancakes, poached eggs, and omelettes now available as part of our breakfast buffet. For more details, please refer to pages 54 to 57. We are also pleased to announce that we have become one of the few hotels in Limassol with a fibre-optic internet connection, with the ability to offer guests a premium internet experience. I would also like to draw your attention to Limassol and the remarkable transformation the city has undergone over the last decade. I highly recommend taking an afternoon or an evening stroll along the Olympic seafront promenade, passing through the Limassol Prokymea sculpture park, the Old Port, the Castle Square, and the Limassol Marina, to experience the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique energy and cosmopolitan charm. More information on Limassol can be found on pages 38 to 42 and in the Limassol Calendar section of the magazine. In closing, I would like to wish you every success in the year to come: productive business trips, relaxing holidays, and - above all - safe travels.

Petros Pierides General Manager 05

ITALIAN BY THE SEA

CO O L & CAS U AL 09

SUN, SEA AND

SOUVLAKI

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOUVLAKI The word souvlaki is a diminutive of the word souvla which means spit. Literally small pieces of meat grilled on a spit, souvlaki is a delicious dish, the origins of which allegedly date back to ancient Greece. Obeliskos - diminutive of the word obelos which means spit in Ancient Greek - appears in the works of Aristophanes, Xenophon, Aristotle, and Homer, while a meat and bread dish, resembling the way pita souvlaki is served today, was also attested by Athenaeus in his work Deipnosophistae, and was referred to as the dish kandaulos. SOUVLAKI IN CYPRUS Souvlaki remains hugely popular to this day. In Cyprus, we serve souvlaki differently to the way it is served in Greece. Usually chicken or pork, always in Cypriot pita bread, and most likely with tomato, onion, parsley, and shredded cabbage. There are also regional variations across the island. For instance, in Larnaca they like to include tachini [sesame seed dip] in the pita. In Limassol yiaourti [strained yoghurt] or pikla [pickled vegetable and mustard dip] are added to the mix.

aki#Fun

uvl #Lime#So

DRINK. THINK. RELAX.

HAV E N R ESTAU RAN T BREAKFAST BLISS 14

RENOVATION AND INNOVATION

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. Kitchen centralizing technologies Modular buffet & bar technologies Custom Furnishing Waste Management Water Leisure Projects Outdoor Cooling E: athnino1@logos.cy.net T: +357 22468229 | www.athnitrading.com

In March 2016, we successfully completed the renovation of the Haven Restaurant. The renovation included the installation of a brand-new buffet, designed by the industry-leading Italian brand La Tavola, which utilizes the latest technology heating tops and cooling plates to preserve food at the optimal temperature. The new buffet also includes a built-in live cooking station which has enabled us to both enhance our breakfast offering with cooked-to-order items such as pancakes, poached eggs, and omelettes, as well as enrich our dinner buffets with show cooking during select theme nights.

BUSINESS

RESPONSIBLE

BUSINESS quiz nights, everyone found a way to participate, and come together for a great cause. For each activity IHG® Race Around the World is one a colleague took part in, IHG made of several annual fundraising activities a donation into the IHG® Shelter co-ordinated by IHG (InterContinental Fund on their behalf. Over $200,000 Hotels Group) during the year. The was raised for IHG’s disaster relief fifth consecutive IHG® Race Around programme, IHG® Shelter in a Storm. the World took place in September At the Crowne Plaza Limassol hotel 2015. Almost 100,000 IHG colleagues we arranged a beach cleaning, a from across the globe pledged to blood donation and a Latin dance participate in a diverse range of class to raise money for the cause, activities. From charity bake-offs to and to help our local community in running marathons, Zumba classes to a fun and engaging way.

IHG® RACE AROUND THE WORLD

BLOOD DONATION “Donating blood can save lives; it’s that simple. Many people would not be alive today if donors had not given their blood. For my pledge to IHG® Race Around the World I wanted to encourage my colleagues to discover this easy way of making a difference. Research has shown that giving blood also has benefits for the donor, reducing the risk of heart attacks, as well as cancer.” Panayiotis Petrides | Operations Manager

LATIN DANCE LESSON “It was a fun and exciting way of contributing to a great cause. It also seemed quite fitting to learn about a dance from a different culture when the fund is so far-reaching, and has helped so many people across the world. I am also a bit shy as a person and participating in the class helped me to come out of my shell and bond with my colleagues.” Alex Pittalis | Cook

YOUTUBE: CROWNE PLAZA LIMASSOL HOTEL | IHG #RATW 2015 Konstantinos Maras, Konstantinos Drousiotis, Zacharias Paourou, Nicolas Sinainou, Stella Hagga, Zoiro Economidou, Sotiris Soteriou, Konstantinos Symeou, Rebecca Pierides, Konstantina Karousou, Nadia Georgiou, Jordan Gregoriou, Sofronis Papadopoulou

BEACH CLEANING “As soon as I heard about the IHG® Race Around the World initiative I wanted to participate, but it took me a few days to settle on an activity. I chose beach cleaning because I felt it was a meaningful choice. After all, the Crowne Plaza Limassol is a beach hotel. Protecting our natural resources, developing awareness, and encouraging the cleanliness of Cypriot beaches are vital towards creating a sustainable tourism industry for the island. And on the day itself, it really felt like we were doing the right thing. Everyone was smiling, spirits ran high, and the fifteen members of the team who participated really pulled together. There was one particularly memorable moment when someone found a large piece of rope stuck under a rock that just wouldn’t come loose and everyone came to the rescue. Ideas were exchanged, strategies were developed, and some (mildly dangerous) acrobatic stunts were attempted in order to release the trapped rope. With team-work, persistence and a great deal of laughter, our Herculean task was achieved.” Konstantinos Drousiotis | Revenue Executive 22

IHG® SHELTER IHG® IN A STORM FOUNDATION The idea behind the IHG® Shelter in a Storm initiative was simple. When disasters strike, people naturally come to hotels to seek shelter in a storm. This is a key role of hotels in society, and one that is really important to all the communities in which they operate. IHG’s disaster relief programme guides IHG hotels through the best way to respond when disaster strikes. A key element of disaster response is the ability to release funds at a moment’s notice so as to get emergency aid to survivors and help people to rebuild their lives and their communities. In 2015, more than $775,000 was raised for IHG’s disaster relief fund, enabling the provision of support in 17 countries following 27 disasters including the Nepal earthquake and the severe flooding in South Carolina.

Launched in February 2016, the IHG® Foundation will run as an independent charity, and focus its activities on four key areas: helping communities to develop skills in hospitality, providing support for those impacted by disasters, facilitating local community investment, and protecting the environment. For more information on the IHG® Foundation and the support it is providing for community projects with lasting impact, please visit www.ihgfoundation.com

RESPONSIBLE

BUSINESS GIVE KIDS THE WORLD It started with a wish, a dream and a few rooms in an Orlando-area Holiday Inn in 1986. Children battling life-threatening illnesses, whose fondest wish was to meet Mickey Mouse, found a warm welcome at the Holiday Inn Kids Village. Today, the Give Kids The World Village has grown into a 79-acre whimsical resort nestled in Central Florida, where families can enjoy a weeklong dream vacation in colourful environment that is completely designed with children in mind, to help them relax, reconnect, and take a break from doctors and hospitals. 24

In 2016, Give Kids The World celebrated 30 years of providing love, laughter, and happiness to thousands of children and their families. In March, nearly 800 people gathered in Florida under a clear night sky to commemorate the anniversary of this special organization. Wish families, corporate donors, board members, former employees, volunteers and other friends of the Village mingled poolside, enjoying food and fun amidst a star-themed party that included a parade of favourite Village characters, face painting, selfie-stations and ice-cream. There were countless stories being shared about how much the Village has grown over three decades, having hosted more than 144,000 children from around the world to date. The night was capped with a fireworks show - a first for the resort - to enhance the debut of â&#x20AC;&#x153;When a Wish Becomes a Star,â&#x20AC;? a new Village theme song written by composer Rick McKee.

The Village was founded by Henri Landwirth, a holocaust survivor who wanted to create a world in which children could hang on to the precious gift of hope. Although Henri Landwirth was unable to attend the festivities, his son, Gary Landwirth, was at the event, calling the Village a “magical place” where he saw his father’s vision come to life. Every day, Henri’s legacy brings hope and happiness to children and their families, people who have lived through some unimaginable times. The IHG Owners Association has been a partner of the village from the very beginning, organizing various fundraising campaigns each year for the cause. For more information please visit: www.gktw.org/ihg

#Smiles#Holi

dayInn 25

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BUSINESS INNOVATION 2015 Winners Kyprogenia Larkos Larkou and Hatidje Ardost were awarded for their involvement in Kyprogenia, a bi-communal World music group with a prominent Cypriot influence formed in 2005 by acclaimed singers and musicians from both communities.

Theatrical Productions

The Stelios Bi-Communal Award Since 2009, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, whose Cypriot founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou owns the “easy” brand, has been offering the Stelios Bi-Communal Award to teams of Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots involved in diverse spheres of collaborative activity including business, the arts and sport, to encourage bi-communal co-operation and promote lasting peace on the island. In 2015, a cash prize of €10,000 was awarded to 31 bi-communal teams at a ceremony which took place at Sir Stelios HajiIoannou’s Bi-Communal café in Nicosia. Both President Nicos Anastasiades and UN Special Advisor Espen Barth Eide were present at the ceremony to show their support for such inspiring examples of partnership between the Greek and Turkish-Cypriots. In 2016, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation has raised the bar, with €500,000 up for grabs between 50 bicommunal teams.

Costas Kafkarides and Yasar Ersoy were awarded for their longstanding collaboration in the Arts, running theatrical performances at the Satiriko Theatre and the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

The Bicycle Taxi Marios C. Georgiou, Agapios Agapiou and Hakan Djumam put forward the idea of developing an eco-friendly bicycle taxi known as BiCy. Powered using a hybrid system of photovoltaics and manpower, BiCy would be the only taxi able to cross the green line at Ledras street, offering passengers a green ride across Nicosia (team pictured below with President Nicos Anastasiades).

BUSINESS INNOVATION TOP PICKS FRUIT PICKING ROBOT A new fruit-picking robotic system has been developed to pick and sort irregular shaped fruits and vegetables without damaging them. Using complex signal processing, the robotic system has the cognitive ability to work out how to best handle items that vary from shape to shape, as well as being able to differentiate between an item’s size and colour. “Traditional robotic systems typically pick up exactly the same object from exactly the same place and move it to somewhere new; always doing the same action over and over again. But there are places, there are applications where robotics aren’t used at the moment where they could be if you can build in this capability of dealing with natural variations and small changes in the environment into the robotic system itself,” explained Chris Roberts, head of industrial robotics at Cambridge Consultants. This robotic system could eventually boost productivity across the food chain. Source: www.reuters.com

MY CRITTER CATCHER This device allows you to safely remove small insects from your home without harming them or getting too close for comfort. Measuring approximately 65cm in length, the hand-held contraption catches small insects such as spiders, bees, worms and scorpions securely in two layers of soft bristles. Users can then transport the device to a nearby garden or outdoor space and release the little intruder into the wild.

XSTAT XStat is a pocket-sized, syringe-like, FDA-approved invention by Oregon-based medical device company RevMedx that can plug a life-threatening wound in 20 seconds. The device contains approximately 92 compressed sponges made from wood pulp coated with chitosan, a material that promotes blood-clotting and is resistant to bacterial infection. Once injected into the wound, the tiny sponges swell and pack the entire wound, clinging to the moisture instead of being pushed out. Each applicator has enough sponges to absorb a pint of blood, which can buy enough time to transport the injured party to a hospital and get them into surgery.

Over 40 years experience in heating, ventilation, airconditioning solar systems, and metal & stainless steel structures for the hospitality industry and your home.

Ayios Athanasios Industrial Estate, PO BOX 54710, 3727 Limassol, Cyprus E: laos@cytanet.com.cy | T: 25 721 711

CULTURE

550371-01 | AD | Plane | CY | 1858 Small Second | Crowne Moments | 215 x 290 mm | en | t 0, b 0, r 0, l 0 mm

Montblanc 1858 Small Second and Hugh Jackman Crafted for New Heights Paying tribute to its manufacturing roots in Villeret, Montblanc presents a collection inspired by the legendary timepiece crafted by Minerva since 1858, and gives its vintage character a fresh, contemporary twist. Like its historic predecessor from the 1930s, this timepiece comes with a black dial, traditional-shaped hands and a large small-seconds subdial. Visit Montblanc.com

Nicosia Âˇ Limassol Tel.: 22 897 361

550371-01_AD_Plane_CY_1858_Crowne_Moments_215x290_en_co.indd 1

25.04.16 14:42

“IMMIGRANTS” CYPRIOT STUDENTS WIN INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITION

“I was absolutely amazed by the ambition of the artists and the thought provoking nature of their works. Seeing how young artists have engaged with the world around them, their creativity and sheer ingenuity gave me a thrill, a buzz and a sense of wonder. It’s inspiring, and of course, incredibly pleasing to see such raw and exciting talent within our schools. to the winners, who truly deserve their prize.” Jeremy Newton, CEO of Children & the Arts

The Saatchi Gallery/Deutsche Bank Art Prize for Schools is an annual competition which aims to encourage emerging young artists in their creative pursuits by providing them with a platform to showcase their work and helping them to build their confidence to continue studying art. One of the largest international competitions of its kind, the Saatchi Gallery/Deutsche Bank Art Prize is open to primary, secondary and sixth form schools from around the world. “Our artwork Immigrants was inspired by the refugee drama and the loss of life on the shores of the Greek islands. Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, Cyprus has received a lot of refugees who fled their country looking for safety and refuge, away from the terrors of war. Because of the proximity between our countries, these people travel in boats, very often under terrible conditions to the shores of our island. My students were moved by their predicament, especially the loss of young children at sea and decided to give a message to the rest of the world. They carried an old abandoned fishing boat to school and started creating 3D figures with plaster and polyurethane foam. They used gauze bandages and their own faces as moulds to portray the figures’ expressions,” explains Popi Nicolaou, Apostolos Loucas Kolossi High School Art Teacher.

Immigrants was shortlisted from among 22,000 entries from 54 different countries and awarded first place in the Secondary School category, impressing the competition’s esteemed panel of judges including Alistair Hicks, Senior Curator for Deutsche Bank; Nigel Hurst, CEO of the Saatchi Gallery; Jeremy Newton, CEO of Children & the Arts; Alastair Sooke, Art Critic and Broadcaster for The Telegraph and BBC and Julia Wachtel, the artist whose work was on display at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the exhibition Champagne Life in March 2016. Immigrants was also declared the overall competition winner at an exclusive reception held at the Saatchi Gallery in London on 3 March, 2016. The students were awarded £3,000, and their school received an additional £15,000 to spend on art and computer equipment.

By: 27 Le Corbusier street, P.O.Box 56553 Limassol 3308, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 822787

COFFEE

ART

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no use crying over spilled milk (or coffee). An interview with Maria A. Aristidou

On a typical Monday morning at the end of February, Maria sat down to work on a commissioned portrait in watercolours. She was on the verge of completing the portrait when Maria accidentally knocked over her mug and spilled coffee all over her work. Panic, disappointment and frustration - feelings which would have comprised a regular response to such an accident - never set in. Instead of crying over spilled coffee, Maria was struck by the fortuitous mark the coffee had made on the paper. Inspired, Maria immediately began to experiment with different kinds of coffee blends and brands. And so her journey with coffee began, by some happy chance… Q1. What is unique about coffee as a material compared with other more traditional materials?

Q2. How have people responded to your coffee oeuvre?

It’s full of possibilities. With coffee you can choose if your brush strokes will be rough, smooth or abstract. You can work with marks, splashes or accidental spills, and everything just comes together so beautifully. Coffee also has a lovely texture. All art materials have their own reason and interest. Coffee is just coffee, in the sense that you can’t add anything to it to enhance your technique because then it will stop being coffee. I am fascinated at the prospect of discovering how many things I can achieve with this one material and how. That’s what draws me to coffee painting. Plus it’s easy to carry around…

I have had many reactions, all positive. People are also curious. I get questions such as, “Do you drink while painting?” Of course I do, but not from the same cup! One of the funniest questions I have been asked is, “Do you add sugar?” Of course I don’t, but people always laugh. People often wonder whether coffee painting stands the test of time. It does with the proper care. Mounting and framing are both advisable to protect again dust and humidity. However, having said that, coffee paintings are not as sensitive as people might think. I recently found an old coffee painting forgotten in a drawer without any glass protection. It still looks fresh, and smells delicious.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every day is a success

because I get to do what I love and make a living from it.â&#x20AC;?

Q3. Which is your favourite from among the works of art that you have created and why? I have a few favourites, each for different reason. The Girl with the Pearl Earring will always be a favourite because it was the first coffee painting I made. Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean is also in my top five because the particular painting was very time-consuming. It also took a shocking amount of coffee to achieve the texture. Steve McCurry’s iconic Afghan Girl National Geographic Cover is perhaps the most challenging portrait I have undertaken to date because accuracy was paramount. Finally, my very first coffee portrait of British comedian Hugh Laurie in his role as Dr Gregory House on House M.D. will always hold a special place in my heart. It was such an honour when my work was featured on Hugh Laurie’s Facebook page.

Goodmorning America Q4. Which is your most notable success to date? Every day is a success because I get to do what I love and make a living from it. I have also had the opportunity to work with several respected firms such as Nestlé, Winsor and Newton and Illy USA. However, perhaps my most memorable moment of success was travelling to New York to be on ABC’s renowned TV show Good Morning America with Michael Strahan.

Q5. Which is your favourite coffee to work with and why? Greek coffee - no two ways about it! It has a smooth aroma, sweet colour and rough texture (if you want it to). Sometimes I combine it with espresso depending on the outcome I want to achieve.

Girl with a pearl earring

Q6. What happened with the commissioned portrait in watercolours? I finished it using coffee. The customer loved it.

CONTACTS Facebook: Maria.A.Aristidou Email: mrs.aristi@gmail.com 37

A COSMOPOLITAN CITY Limassol is fast-emerging as one of the most exciting cities to visit in the Mediterranean. Distinguished by its unique energy and cosmopolitan charm, in 2015 Limassol was shortlisted by TripAdvisor as one of ten Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise. The city has transformed into both a commercial and a tourist hub, as the city’s zest for life continues to win the hearts of all who visit.

Limassol Marina

Limassol Old Port

The Limassol Marina is an exclusive waterfront development combining residences and a full service marina, with a dining and shopping hub open to the public, right in the heart of Limassol. At the Limassol Marina one can visit the Halcyon Gallery, boutiques such as Graff Diamonds and Ralph Lauren, cafés, frozen yoghurt shops, international chain restaurants such as TGI Fridays and Wagamama, as well as a range of upscale restaurants including gourmet fish tavern Pixida and the trendy restaurant Epsilon which serves everything from rib-eye to sushi.

Following a full-scale reconstruction, the Limassol Old Port has been transformed into one of the most hip and happening parts of the city. Located on the waterfront between the Limassol Prokymea Sculpture Park and the Limassol Marina, the Old Port has become somewhat of a misnomer, as the glass-fronted buildings perched over the water on aluminium stilts can only be described as quintessentially modern. The Old Port is currently home to a collection of restaurants and cafés including a premium steakhouse, wine bar and gelateria.

Limassol Prokymea Sculpture Park The Limassol Sculpture Park has been upgraded and renamed the Limassol Prokymea Sculpture Park. The name prokymea [waterfront jetty] was chosen following the installation of a series of jetties which weave seamlessly in and out water to reflect the eternal ebb and flow of the Mediterranean Sea. Twenty impressive sculptures, commissioned by the Limassol Municipality between 1999 and 2001, have been placed across the park to create a unique openair museum which spans one kilometre of the Limassol Olympic coastline. The artists invited to participate in the three successive sculpture symposia include

Nikos Kouroussis, Kyriakos Kallis, Helene Black, and Maria Kyprianou from Cyprus; Theodoros Papayiannis, Yiorgos Houliaras, Kyriakos Rokos, Yiorgos Tsaras, Manolis Tzombanakis, Costas Dikefalos, Christos Riganas, and Vassilis Vassili from Greece; Victor Bonato from Germany, Saadia Bahat from Israel and Ahmed ElStoahy from Egypt. The Limassol Prokymea Sculpture Park is one of a kind and well-worth a visit.

In The Works One At 37 stories, the One Residences will allegedly be the “tallest residential seafront tower in Europe” offering residents unobstructed sea views and unlimited access to an exclusive spa, fully-equipped fitness centre, swimming pool, outdoor terrace and 24-hour concierge service. It is a visionary project that will not only change the skyline of Limassol but will be a landmark for Cyprus and the most desirable address. Located 300m west of the Crowne Plaza Limassol, One Residences will also include dedicated premium dining and shopping areas stretching across two floors of the tower. This mixed-use development has also been designed by renowned architecture firm Atkins. Pafilia, the developer behind ONE has just commenced construction works with the completion date set for December 2018. This will be their second flagship development which in their words will enable residents to ‘command the horizon’.

The Oval Located across the road from the Crowne Plaza Limassol, the Oval will constitute an iconic new building in Limassol’s transforming skyline. Designed by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Atkins, when completed the Oval will be the tallest commercial building in Cyprus boasting sea views and state-ofthe-art facilities, fit for a “new business class” in Limassol.

LIFESTYLE

“IT AIN’T ABOUT THE ASS, IT’S ABOUT THE

BRAIN”

In a characteristically blunt remark on her Instagram page, Lena Dunham, star of the hit HBO series Girls, communicated what medical researchers have been saying for decades: “To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, I know it’s mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me 16 medicated years to listen. 46

I’m glad I did. It ain’t about the ass, it’s about the brain.” Over the years, medical research has repeatedly pointed to evidence which suggests the profound impact exercise can have on our mood, sleep, stress levels and ultimately on our mental well-being as a whole.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: EXERCISE

EXERCISE CAN IMPROVE ATTENTION AND THE ABILITY TO MULTI-TASK Professor Art Kramer, director of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, conducted a study which asked a group of children to cross a road in a virtual reality simulation while encountering various distractions such as music or holding a conversation on a handsfree mobile phone. The study showed that the fitter children were able to cross a road with ease when distracted, while children who were less fit tended to misjudge the speed and distance of the computer generated vehicles. When presenting his findings at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in Vancouver in 2012, Kramer noted that: “One way to look at it is that fit kids think more efficiently and so are better at multitasking.”

EXERCISE CAN IMPROVE MEMORY AND LEARNING CAPACITY In 2014 the British Journal of Sports Medicine published a paper by a group of authors primarily affiliated with the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, which made a compelling case explaining how aerobic exercise can boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. The trial consisted of 86 women aged 70–80 years with probable Mild Cognitive Dysfunction. These women were randomly assigned to a 6-month, twice-weekly programme of Aerobic Training, Resistance Training or Balance and Tone Training. The group assigned to Aerobic Training saw a significant increase in hippocampal volume.

EXERCISE CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF DEVELOPING A COGNITIVE IMPAIREMNT In an article contemplating the shocking prospect that by the year 2050 it is estimated that more than 115 million people worldwide will develop dementia, Heidi Godman, Executive Editor of the Harvard Health Letter, explained: “The benefits of exercise come directly from its ability to reduce insulin resistance, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of growth factors - chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells. Indirectly, exercise improves mood and sleep, and reduces stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas frequently cause or contribute to cognitive impairment.”

THE EXERCISE IMPERATIVE To be on top of our game exercise is a must. Exercise can make us sharper and more focused, and our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are making it all the more imperative that we incorporate exercise into our routine. It took Lena Dunham 16 years to get the message that exercise could improve her mental wellbeing, and to discover a way of exercise that works for her (@tracyandersonmethod). What to do? Find a routine that works for you. Need some ideas?

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY Are you the kind of person that needs to know where you’re at and set measurable goals? Wearable technology may well be the answer for you. Try using fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices from brands like Jawbone, Apple Watch and Garmin to set you on the right track.

A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED JOG OUTDOORS Prefer a more traditional approach to exercise? A good, old-fashioned jog in the fresh air is definitely the way to go. At Crowne Plaza® we have launched an Energy Essentials running station fully-equipped with complimentary water, fresh fruit, towels, and a map with jogging routes in the local area to help our guests stick to their exercise routine while travelling.

“NON-SPORT” Exhausted at the mere prospect of working out? Try a “non-sport” i.e. the games you played when you were a child that were both fun and great exercise. A London-based company called Rabble organise “nonsports” such as tag, dodgeball and storm-the-castle for the young at heart. The trick is to have too much fun to notice you’re exerting yourself.

ZUMBA Even though Zumba is no longer the “in” thing to do, it is still a great work-out if you are looking for something fun and sociable. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that sets easy-to-follow dance steps to international hits to create a fun and fabulous atmosphere.

FITNESS BOOT-CAMP Already fit and want to push yourself further? Or perhaps you’re looking for a drastic lifestyle change? Boot-camps are the latest trend which tend to combine nutrition, goal-setting and high-intensity workouts for a complete fitness and lifestyle reboot.

LIMASSOL MARATHON The Crowne Plaza Limassol team participated in the Corporate Race of the 10th annual Limassol Marathon which took place on Sunday April 10th 2016. The 2016 marathon saw the highest participation rates to date, with some 13,000 runners taking part from 52 countries. President Nicos Anastasiades was in attendance. In a short address, he thanked the runners and congratulated the volunteers who were participating in aid of the Karaiskakio Foundation, the island’s bone marrow registry, before firing the starter pistol.

assolMarath

#Team#Lim

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“Adidas Originals X Mary Katrantzou” by Mary Katrantzou

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: IS FIT THE NEW IT?

ATHLEISURE Paris. Milan. London. Moscow. New York. In the world’s leading cities for fashion, each millisecond that passes, a photograph is either being captured or posted on Instagram. Magazines are being snatched off of the metal stands at the first sign of dawn. It’s fashion week, and for once, the sound of clicking heels on concrete is absent; sneakers are thriving on the streets and on the catwalk. It’s a beginning of a new era…

Athleisure, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, refers to “casual clothing designed to be worn for exercising and for general use”. Simple, practical and stylish, Corinna Werkle, head-designer for Reebok, explains the widespread appeal of athleisure which has taken the fashion world by storm: “Performance gear becomes part of your day to day. Even if somebody is not a high-performing athlete, the look fits into their casual wardrobe.” Juicy Couture and its velour tracksuits were way ahead of the curve in the nineties. Now the race is on as giants such as Lululemon, Nike and American Apparel attempt to capture the thriving athleisure market. Previously thought to be too utilitarian for haute couture, athleisure is now officially too popular to shun, springing onto the Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week 2016 catwalk with a definitive nod of approval from the likes of none other than Donatella Versace. Her Atelier Versace collection was titled “Athletic Couture”, and showcased a series of racer tanks, mesh bodysuits, and lots of bungee cords. In March 2016, Beyoncé announced the launch of her 52

TOP STYLE TIPS Athleisure gives you the opportunity to explore all kinds of funky patterns and colours. Do not hesitate to wear a pair of daring, colourful sneakers to break an allblack look. A pair of black leather leggings is the ultimate must for a more sophisticated athleisure look. Experiment with some fun sunglasses and a roomy,

Shoes and bag by BOGNER Available at SAGA Boutique

Beachwear and accessories, CHANEL. Robe jacket, CEDRIC CHARLIER. All available at TIFFANY BOUTIQUE. “Athletic Couture” SS16 by Versace

IS FIT THE NEW IT?

own athleisure line with Topshop mogul Philip Green called “Ivy Park”. In a press release Beyoncé explained: “My goal with Ivy Park is to push the boundaries of athletic wear and to support and inspire women who understand that beauty is more than your physical appearance…true beauty is the health of our minds, hearts and bodies. I know that when I feel physically strong, I am mentally strong and I wanted to create a brand that made other women feel the same way.” From the curvaceous physique of Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Lauren in the fifties to the waif-like figure of the archetypal model of the nineties, fashion has been helping to define attitudes regarding the perfection of the female form for years. In our modern society, where time is precious and a sense of urgency rife, people are demanding more functionality from their wardrobes. The need for everyday comfort is significant, especially for anyone trying to work fitness into an already overtaxed schedule, as society embraces the need for a healthier lifestyle. “Fitness” and “health” are the latest buzzwords with abs, protein shakes and a clothing trend to match.

Breakfast is often referred to as “the most important meal of the day” with a whole host of benefits cited in favour of eating breakfast including improved health, weight-loss and mental dexterity. Breakfast provides the body and brain with energy by breaking our overnight fast…but what is it about breakfast that makes it so vital? Every time we eat, our glucose level rises and our pancreas produces insulin to shuttle the glucose into our cells where it used for energy. Research has shown that the prolonged fasting which results from skipping breakfast can encourage overeating at your next meal, which in turn can lead to spikes and dips in glucose, and force your body to go into overdrive to compensate. The weight-gain associated with skipping breakfast can lead to diabetes, as well as high cholesterol and blood pressure – all of which can raise 54

risk of heart disease. Maintaining glucose and insulin in the right balance can therefore have important effects on metabolism and health. James Betts, Ph.D., the lead researcher on the Bath Breakfast Project and a senior lecturer in nutrition and metabolism at the University of Bath, explains that a nutritious breakfast which is low in sugar and high in fibre and protein “primes (our) metabolism to maintain stable blood sugar levels after subsequent meals”.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: NUTRITION

Cereal Cereal can be a healthy as well as an unhealthy option, depending on the kind of cereal you choose to eat for breakfast. The healthiest cereals are whole grain, relatively low in sugar (10g or less), can be a good source of fibre, and are free of artificial colours and dyes.

Strained Yoghurt Greek-style yoghurt - known as strained yoghurt or a simply yoghurt in Cyprus - has been lauded by nutritionists and fitness enthusiasts in recent years as a healthy breakfast item and snack. Strained yoghurt is lower in carbohydrates and sodium than other yoghurts, and high in protein and probiotics (bacteria that can improve digestion and bolster immunity).

Walnuts Eating a handful of walnuts a day has been found to help improve memory. Research from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA established that adults who ate 13g of walnuts every day performed significantly better on cognitive tests than those who didn’t. Often referred to as “brainfood”, walnuts are said to provide a whole host of health benefits including the prevention of heart disease and diabetes, boosting sperm quality and improving mental function.

Linseeds The richest plant source of omega 3 fats, linseeds are often referred to as a “superfood” because they can help maintain the brain, heart, joints and immune system in good condition.

Prunes Prunes are one of the best foods for vitamin K which is vital for maintaining strong bones. Prunes are also a great source of phenols, which help to prevent oxygen damage to cells, as well as being packed with soluble fibre that slows down absorption of glucose and stabilizes blood-sugar levels. 55

Eggs for Breakfast Research has shown that eating poached, boiled or scrambled eggs for breakfast can be healthy. While the secret of their success is not entirely clear, the high-protein content of eggs may have something to do with it. A study conducted at Louisiana State University found that eggs have the ability to make us feel full for longer than many other foods. Participants in the study who ate two eggs instead of a bagel for breakfast, shed 65% more pounds and lost almost twice as many inches from their waistline. Despite the incontestable popularity of eating eggs for breakfast, the terminology surrounding the preparation of eggs still baffles many an egg-lover. Poached, scrambled, hard-boiled, over-easy, runny, sunny-side up: how do you like your eggs?

purchasing any additional kitchen utensils is called “the whirlpool”. After you have cracked the egg into a tiny bowl, swirl the water in your pan to create a whirlpool. Carefully drop the egg into the centre of the whirlpool and leave the egg in the water for about five minutes. The egg white will be cooked through, and the yolk will be deliciously warm and runny.

Scrambled The preparation of scrambled eggs involves breaking the eggs and mixing the whites and yolks together. A dash of milk is usually added to the mix, but sour cream and crème fraiche are popular variations. When scrambled eggs are cooked all the way through, they are usually referred to as hard-scrambled. If you prefer your scrambled eggs a little moist, then softscrambled eggs are definitely the way to go.

Boiled

Fried

Boiled eggs are cooked in their shell in boiling water. The decision you need to make is whether you prefer your eggs hard-boiled, soft-boiled or something in between. The terms “hard” and “soft” refer to the consistency of the egg white and the yolk. Hardboiled eggs are usually boiled for 10 to 12 minutes, while soft-boiled eggs can be ready to eat in 5 to 6 minutes.

One of the least healthy methods of preparing eggs, fried eggs are nevertheless a good source of protein. Fried eggs are usually prepared sunny-side up, meaning the yolk remains on top and intact. If you like dipping soldiers (strips of toast) into your eggs, it’s best to order your eggs runny. Flipping over your sunny-side up egg turns it into an over-easy egg. If you prefer the consistency of the egg white to be more solid while the yolk remains runny, order your eggs over-medium. Alternatively, if you want both the egg white and the yolk completely cooked, ask for your eggs over-hard.

Poached Poaching eggs can be likened to boiling eggs without their shell. There are various methods of poaching eggs. A good poaching method that doesn’t involve

Local Corner Pastellaki Pastellaki [brittle] is a gluten-free, vegan sweet often made from nuts, honey and sesame seeds. Traditionally almonds were the preferred nut used to make pastellaki, but modern recipes use peanuts, pistachios or a mixture of all three nut varieties instead.

Almyra Almyra [savoury pastries] are extremely popular in Cyprus. Almyra can have a variety of fillings: elioti [olive pie], flaouna [cheese pie], haloumoti [Cypriot Haloumi cheese pie] and kolokoti [pumpkin pie]. Our very own Chef Z bakes these fresh for breakfast every day.

Paximadia Arkatena In Cyprus we produce a variety of paximadia [rusks]. Arkatena are a type of artisanal rusk made using yeast from the foam rising during the fermentation of chickpeas, known as arkatis, and a variety of spices including nutmeg, cinnamon, laurel and ginger. The name arkatis is probably derived from the Greek word ergatis [labourer], referring to the long process for producing this particular yeast which lasts a whole night and requires a lot of patience.

Charoupomelo Carobs trees are indigenous to the island of Cyprus. Being part of the legume family, carobs are a source of protein and contain a substantial number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as three times more calcium than milk. Charoupomelo [carob honey] is dark amber in colour and crystallizes easily into a soft coarse texture. This delicious honey has a warm flavour with a medium aromatic intensity.

MEET THE CROWNE PLAZAÂŽ HALLMARKS

When travelling regularly on business, you need a partner that makes it easy for you to continue living a healthy lifestyle while on the go, and gets how important it is to stay connected with your life back at home. At Crowne PlazaÂŽ we can help you do just that. With 58

Fast & Fresh meal options, healthy snacks available around the clock, 24 hour gym facilities, Energy Essentials running station, and industry-leading Sleep Advantage program, we focus on making you feel productive, rested and restored, so you can perform at the top of your game.

THE BUSINESS TRAVEL LIFESTYLE

ENERGY ESSENTIALS ENERGY ESSENTIALS

Our Energy Essentials initiative offers complimentary fruit, water, fresh towels, and advice on local running, walking and cycling routes to help you continue your healthy regime when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re travelling. Our energy station is located in the hotel lobby, as you exit the elevator on your right. We also offer healthy snacks in the minibar

COMPLETELY CONNECTED FREE WI-FI

Completely Connected is about helping you stay connected while on the go. We provide easy access to power outlets with both European and British sockets located above the desk and beside the bed in your room, USB port on the TV, charging cables for popular devices and adaptors available for free at the Front Desk, as well as charging devices in all of our restaurants and bars. Free standard Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. 59

SLEEP ADVANTAGE SLEEP ADVANTAGE

We know how important sleep is. At Crowne Plaza® we’ve thought of elements to help you relax and ensure you enjoy a great night’s sleep including luxuriously soft bedding, an aromatherapy sleep kit, a bed talker with sleep tips, a quiet zone, and guaranteed wake-up calls.

FAST & FRESH

Our Fast and Fresh food options aim to provide you with freshly prepared items which are high in antioxidants, ready to be consumed whenever and wherever you want, with a promise to deliver within 15 minutes for a quick and nutritious meal. Available at the Lounge Bar and from our Room Service menu.

AWARDS

70 YEARS OF IHG

GLAMOUR 1960s Intercontinental Advert

1960s Intercontinental Frankfurt

InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C hosted Martin Luther King in 1963

The Grande, Belem, Brazil

InterContinental Shanghai Pudong

Juan Trippe

InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut

InterContinental Vienna

InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco

Princess Grace Kelly’s suite at InterContinental Vienna

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts reached a milestone on 4 April 2016: its 70th birthday! It has been a truly remarkable journey and we would like to share a few stories with you to celebrate the seven glamorous decades of the InterContinental life.

one telephone per floor. The telephone system was operated by an attendant who would run to alert a guest in their room whenever a call arrived.

Seven decades ago, founder of Pan American Airways, Juan Trippe, had a vision to bring high-quality hotel accommodation to the end of every “Pan Am” flight route. And, in 1946, it was this enigmatic and entrepreneurial character who was the driving force behind the birth, and then the following growth of what we know today as InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts.

The Middle East

From South America to the World The brand grew quickly in its early years, becoming synonymous with luxury, jet-set travel. The Grande in Belem, Brazil was the first hotel to open in 1949. It was a four floor, 85-room property which boasted 64

During the 1950s, the number of hotels doubled, expanding in South America at a rapid rate. By the end of the 1960s, the brand had debuted in Europe and Asia too, reaching almost all four corners of the globe.

InterContinental was the first international hotel brand to establish a presence in the Middle East with InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut in Lebanon, which opened in 1961. During the swinging 60’s, it became the fashionable place to be, featuring a beauty parlour, barbershop and a bar named Sous La Mer, which offered underwater views of the hotel’s pool. Elsewhere in the Middle East, we opened our first hotel in Saudi Arabia in 1975. The InterContinental Riyadh was packed from its opening day. Fortune magazine once described it as the most difficult place in the world to get a room.

Crowne Plaza wins ‘Best hotel chain award’ Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has taken the top accolade of best hotel chain at this year’s Guardian and Observer Travel Awards (UK).

Europe & the United States One of our first hotels in Europe was InterContinental Vienna, which opened in 1964. The hotel quickly gained cult status, opening its doors to the likes of the young Rolling Stones, and the glamourous Princess Grace Kelly. In the 1970s, we opened our first hotel in the USA InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. The original building was completed in 1878 by Mark Hopkins, who created it as a dream home for his wife. It continued to have a long history born out of love, and was the favoured place for servicemen and their sweethearts to meet before being deployed to fight in World War II.

Today, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest luxury hotel brand. There are 184 InterContinental hotels open in more than 60 countries, reaching almost every corner of the world.

The publishing group ran a survey on the Guardian website in November last year, which was answered by more than 6,000 people. The survey focused on travel habits in the previous 12 months across different categories including package, ski, cruise, flights, and hotels. Readers were asked if they had stayed in a hotel in the last year, the name of the hotel/chain, and then some questions about how they rated it. These questions were completely unprompted, so Crowne Plaza was up against every hotel out there! If a hotel company scored less than 1% of the total votes in that category they were excluded. Over that threshold, the winner was the company with the best customer satisfaction scores. At the awards ceremony which took place in Edinburgh, judges confirmed that winning was great testament to the quality of Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, and the teams who work in them.

“It is a huge privilege to obtain such an award for the Crowne Plaza brand in the UK. All our teams at every hotel work tirelessly to delight our guests every time they stay with us, and this award is proof indeed that this commitment to great service is paying off.” Tom Rowntree - Vice President Brand Management Luxury & Upscale Brands, Europe 6165

GREAT HOTELS GUESTS LOVE Overall Service on our ‘HeartBeat’ guest survey ‘Super friendly, highly efficient and professional staff. They’re a model of how hotel staff should be.’ ROOM 105, HEARTBEAT, OCTOBER 2015

Great Hotels Guests Love. At the Crowne Plaza Limassol we put our guests at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to provide our guests with a great experience, whether they are on a demanding business trip or visiting Cyprus for a relaxing beach holiday. In 2015, we received some very encouraging guest love scores on social media and review sites from our guests, thanks to their encouragement, trust, and support. 66

‘We have had very enjoyable stays and the staff always treat us like old friends and staying is just like visiting old friends. I cannot praise the staff and management highly enough. ROOM 315, HEARTBEAT, SEPTEMBER 2015

I stayed at the hotel for a week. The Crowne Plaza crew and staff made me feel right at home and i was roughly 8,000 miles away from home. Everything from the food to the beach and the pool was great. This was a work trip which felt like a vacation. Will definitely come back! ROOM 517, HEARTBEAT, MAY 2016

Recommendation Rate on IHG reviews Complete Satisfaction Asemenia alepou, Oslo, Norway (11/11/15) “This was by far my best hotel experience in Cyprus. The staff were very friendly and professional. The breakfast was the best I have experienced so far. I would highly recommend this hotel for your next visit to Cyprus.”

Outstanding Stay Exceptional Service poddy16, reviewed September 18, 2015 “This is the fourth time I have stayed here this year and each time I think it cannot get any better but it does. From the moment you check in the staff make you feel like you are the most important person in the hotel. The room was excellent with fantastic views of the med and a stunning décor. Food as usual was up to their excellent standard and breakfast is amazing with all the choices and if you ask for something extra this is no trouble at all... Nothing seems to be too much trouble for them. Can’t wait for my next visit...”

seadog77, Nortorf, Germany (19/11/15) “This was my second visit to Crowne Plaza Limassol, first one being a pure business and based on that visit, in this time took my wife with me for a vacation trip.”

Excellent sunseeker99, UK (12/10/15) “This is a great hotel. The staff are lovely, can not do enough for you. The standard of the accomodation is first class. We have stayed there three times and would not stay anywhere else in Cyprus.”

HO.RE.CA

GASTRONOMY 2016 The 15th annual HO.RE.CA Gastronomy festival took place in Limassol at the end of February 2016. HO.RE.CA Gastronomy is the largest exhibition of food, drink and catering equipment for restaurants and hotels in Cyprus, as well as the biggest national culinary festival organized by the Cyprus Chefs Association. The exhibition is open to the general public, offering visitors the opportunity to meet professional Chefs and explore their interest in gastronomy. HO.RE.CA is also one of the most highly anticipated events of the year among the Chef community. During the festival, up-and-coming as well as established Chefs, students and professionals alike, are invited to participate in a live cooking competition on equal footing. Each team has forty minutes to prepare two appetizers and two main courses in their categories of choice. This year, four members of the Crowne Plaza Limassol team competed in four separate categories, and brought home an impressive array of awards.

Category: Pasta & Risotto Participants: Konstantinos Konstantinou Nicolas Sinainou Award: Silver medal Appetizer Beetroot risotto Main Course Salmon ravioli Parmesan basket, lemongrass sauce

Nicolas Sinainou and Konstantinos Konstantinou

Category: Fish-Shellfish Appetizer | Lamb Main Course Participants: Stella Hagga Nicolas Sinainou Award: Silver medal Appetizer Smoked tuna and seabass tartar Fennel and citrus fruit salad, ginger-lemon zest, passion-fruit sauce

“I got involved in the competition for the first time while I was studying at the HCIC (Higher Culinary Institute Of Cyprus) because the school was part of the organising committee, but I had never been given the chance to participate as a contestant. When the opportunity arose this year I jumped at the chance because it really is an amazing competition. Participating as a contestant was a completely different experience. It was actually quite stressful, but the key to success is being able to master the stress and take control of the situation. It was also a lot of hard work. To prepare for the «Traditional Cypriot Dishes With Vegetables» category, at one point I recruited an entire army (my family) and we all took to the fields in search of suitable, seasonal vegetables. In the end we used lapsana [nipplewort] for the dish and it was delicious. Receiving a silver medal for our dishes felt amazing. Our efforts were recognized and all the hard-work paid off. If all goes well, I would definitely like to participate in the next HO. RE. CA. competition.” Nicolas Sinainou

Main Course Herb-crusted rack of lamb Sweet potato purée, baby vegetables, thyme jus

“I wanted to participate in the competition for the experience. The competition went really well. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the results; that silver medal made us feel so proud. And we couldn’t have done it without the support of Chef Z who devoted time and effort to help us prepare for the competition, and the support of the Crowne Plaza Limassol hotel who provided us with all the ingredients we needed to prepare our dishes. The recognition felt amazing and I can’t wait for the next competition.” Stella Hagga Stella Hagga

Andreas Vasiliou

Category: Traditional Cypriot Dishes with Vegetables Participants: Nicolas Sinainou Andreas Vasiliou Award: Bronze medal Appetizer Pan-fried «pourekia» stuffed with lapsana Wild spinach couscous, grilled Halloumi skewers, cherry tomato confit Main Course Pan-fried sea bass Pumpkin ragout, grilled leeks, wild asparagus 70

Take a moment to discover Limassol and everything it has to offer... Russian-Cypriot Festival | June 2016 The Russian-Cypriot festival is a two-day event that takes place at the Municipal Gardens. More than seventy Cypriot and Russian companies present their products, while dance groups, musicians and singers from both communities perform.

Koumandaria Festival | July 2016 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 on the island.

Summer Dance Festival | July 2016 For an entire week, public performances are organised about town by various dance groups aiming to introduce the public to different dance trends.

Wine Festival | September 2016 Cyprus Beer Festival | July 2016 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.

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.

Lemesia | October 2016 Amathusia Festival | July 2016 The Agios Tychonas Community Board hosts a seaside festival every summer amongst the ancient Amathus ruins, featuring traditional and contemporary dance groups, string quartets and singers. 72

Lasting for ten days, the festival sees athletes from several countries compete in a variety of sports that include boxing, karate, triathlon, shooting and marathon.

Cyprus Rally | October 2016

International Film Festival | April 2017

One of the twelve FIA World Rally Championship circuits, the Cyprus Rally is a three day event that takes place over a three day period in Limassol and on the mountain roads of Troodos. The predetermined route is divided into sections; “road races” and “special stages”. During the “road races” drivers must manoeuvre their cars through public roads where local speed limits and motor laws must be observed. The “special stage” sections are all about speed; rally drivers must complete these stages as quickly as they can. The Cyprus Rally is one of the deciding races for the Gravel Master of Europe trophy.

“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.

Limassol Carnival | February 2017 The most exciting time of the year, Carnival celebrations last for 10 days (16 - 26th February). The main event is the parade which takes place on the second Sunday.

VW Cyprus Cycling Tour | March 2017 The tour is a 3-day Road “Cycling for All” event where professional and amateur riders cycle shoulder to shoulder, climb the nicest Cyprus Mountains and enjoy the Cyprus weather and nature.

Limassol Marathon | March 2017 Cyprus’ official marathon, accredited by the international federations of AIMS and IAAF. The events taking place on 10th April include a Marathon, Half Marathon, Health Race, Corporate Race and a Children/Student Race. Marathon participants run along the beautiful Limassol coastline.

Street Life festival | May 2017 The street festival attracts over 10,000 people to the historical centre of Limassol. Festivities include music, graffiti, painting, jugglers, the sale of handicraft items, food and drinks. Everyone is encouraged to join in! “Street Life” has become one of the largest and most anticipated cultural events in Limassol.

Anthestiria | May 2017 Anthestiria [Flower Festival] is a traditional festival which features a flower parade and exhibition to celebrate spring and the rebirth of nature and life. The celebration dates back to Ancient Greece.

The Rose Festival | May 2017 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.

CROWNE WEDDINGS SUMMER 2016 | ISSUE 5

EDITOR Rebecca Pierides ART DIRECTOR Nadia Georgiou

CROWNE PARTIES

CROWNE CHRISTENINGS

PUBLISHER Crowne Plaza Limassol 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: limassol.crowneplaza.com | crowneplaza.com/limassolcyprus E: marketing@cplimassol.com Terms and conditions apply. ©2016 IHG. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and operated.