Treasures Magazine 2017

treasures

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AN Annual Edition of THE ELYSIUM & MEDITERRANEAN BEACH HOTELS | A STADEMOS PUBLICATION

Road Trip to Fyti

The New Face of Limassol

Discover one of the island’s living treasures

A city on the rise

Indulge Your Palate

Refined recipes from our finest restaurants

Live the Elusive

Introducing the new Amara Beach Hotel & Residences

TREASURES

yours to

discover This is your copy to take home with our compliments

Welcome to

treasures

AN Annual Edition of THE ELYSIUM & MEDITERRANEAN BEACH HOTELS A STADEMOS PUBLICATION

elysium

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IMPRESS YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN

www.elysium-hotel.com

mediterranean

WHERE FRIENDSHIP BEGINS

www.medbeach.com

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Cyprus: One Island, Many Worlds Message from the Managing Director of Stademos Hotels PLC, Demos Demosthenous

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So Much More Than a Stay Welcome message from the General Manager of the Elysium, Christos Papamiltiadous

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The Sunny Side of Life Welcome message from the General Manager of the Mediterranean Beach Hotel, Vassos Kilanis

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TREASURES-Yours to Discover

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Mediterranean Beach Hotel: 25 Years of Excellence in Service

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Dedicated Employees The people who make your stay a memorable experience

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Our News New ways to put a smile on your face

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Live your senses at the Mediterranean Special offers for our guests

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Treasure of Sustainability The importance of Corporate Social Responsibility

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Nurture your Mind and Soul

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Leventis Gallery A celebration of European, Greek and Cypriot art

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Road Trip to Fyti Discover one of the island’s living treasures

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The New Face of Limassol A city on the rise 

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Indulge Your Palate Refined recipes from our finest restaurants

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An Event to Remember A glimpse behind the scenes

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For the Love of Beer Visit Aphrodite’s Rock brewery

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Prickly Pear A superfood in plain sight

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Indulge Your Body

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Pamper Your Body Discover the ultimate spa experience

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Live the Elusive AMARA Beach Hotel & Residences

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Save the Date 2017 events calendar for Paphos and Limassol

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Credits

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Artist of the Issue Stella Afxentiou - Forces of Nature

Cyprus: One Island, many worlds Dear Guest, Stademos Hotels PLC’s extraordinary journey began in 1991 when the Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol was transformed from an ambitious project into a modern and prestigious tourist destination. A decade later, the opening of the Elysium upgraded our tourist product, offering our enthusiasts a luxury, refined yet affordable option.

Fifteen years have since passed, and Stademos Hotels PLC is now on track to create yet another model resort hotel on the coast of Limassol. The 5-star Amara Hotel and Residences, the third hotel owned by the group, is currently under construction in the Amathus area. It is an architectural masterpiece, designed with a view to satisfy the high standards of every bon viveur and the growing expectations of every sophisticated traveler.

At a time when holiday resorts in Cyprus are mostly limited to refurbishments and alterations of their premises, we invest in the future and in technology, embrace the most contemporary trends and implement improved architectural practices. We continue creating with respect to the environment and local communities, believing in the power of team work and putting our guests’ needs first. In close proximity to Ancient Amathus, the Amara Hotel and Residences, an all sea-view room luxury hotel complex with 178 guestrooms, constitutes an amalgamation of the dynamics of modernity and the value of timelessness. Sophisticated and exciting, our new project is dedicated to all of you, who have placed your trust in us and have remained our keen supporters throughout all these years.

2017 is a year rich in challenges, wonderful projects and the hope of novelty, brought about by development and creativity. We love to create hotels; but, above all, we know how to create wonderful holiday memories.

With my sincere regards,

Demos Demosthenous Managing Director

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So much more than a stay Dear Guest, It is with a great pleasure that I welcome you to the Elysium and the fifth issue of Treasures.

In our unceasing effort to offer our guests an environment of tranquillity, comfort and hospitality at its best, we have renovated various areas of the hotel, which we hope you enjoy to the fullest extent. The new additions combined with the excellent service offered by our team of professionals will make your stay a great and treasured experience.

2017 is going to be quite a significant year, both for the Elysium and the city of Paphos. Our city will be the European Capital of Culture 2017 and an exciting year of cultural events is about to begin.

A plethora of important artists will be presenting their work in Paphos, with painting, dance, music and theatre events transforming the city into an open-air factory of culture. The events scheduled to take place in 2017, as well as the infrastructure, which will remain in the city to host future cultural activities, have filled us with pride, enthusiasm and eagerness to share with you a year filled with unforgettable moments and stunning images.

Yet another year brimming with the Excellence of the Elysium.

Yours Sincerely

Christos Papamiltiadous General Manager

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The sunny side of life Dear Guest, It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Mediterranean Beach Hotel through the fifth issue of Treasures Magazine. This issue marks an excellent year for us; a year which starts off with the best possible conditions and highest expectations.

Having just completed a highly satisfactory year - both for ourselves and Cyprus tourism as a whole - we foster very high hopes for the future.

Cyprus represents a beacon of stability and development in the South-Eastern Mediterranean. It is a country that evokes trust and attracts visitors with its unparalleled natural beauty, its signature hospitality, its unique culinary identity and its remarkable desire to offer a tourism product which is premised on respect for the visitor and the creation of memorable experiences.

These qualities are seamlessly embodied and optimally featured in cosmopolitan Limassol and the Mediterranean Beach Hotel. Ever since we opened our doors, the selection and recruitment of specialised staff who implement our vision and fulfill our expectations have been an ongoing aim and we are overjoyed every time you affirm that our dedication and passion are in the right direction.

This year we are delighted to announce that the presence of Stademos Hotels PLC in Limassol is soon to be boosted with the establishment of the Amara Hotel and Residences, a hotel complex which will constitute the “Jewel in the Crown� of the Group and Cyprus alike. Clearly, this development can only fill us with excitement and pride.

Watching the sunset from the terrace of the Mediterranean Beach Hotel - an image of utter beauty, tranquility and calm - I am certain you will have the opportunity to enjoy the service you deserve at our hotel’s unique premises.

Have a pleasant stay enjoying the exceptional experiences and unmatched beauty our city has in store for you, and we hope to welcome you again soon.

Sincerely,

Vassos Kilanis

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General Manager

treasures, yours to discover

Mediterranean Beach Hotel 25 years of Excellence in Service!

The Mediterranean Beach Hotel celebrates 25 years of excellence in hospitality. Numerous awards attest to its high standards of service, while the hotel’s impeccable service, modern facilities, stunning surroundings and luxurious accommodation have established its reputation as one of the top destinations for business and leisure travellers from all around the world.

Situated on one of Limassol’s most beautiful beaches, the Mediterranean offers several types of accommodation. All rooms have a warm and welcoming ambiance and are decorated in a luxurious and contemporary style. We make sure to provide business travellers with added comfort and facilities in our adult-only luxury studios, while our fully equipped family rooms cater to the needs of travelling families.

Families with children of all ages come year after year to the Mediterranean because of our excellent amenities, which guarantee that both children and adults will have a fabulous holiday. Children can spend their time playing, while parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are always entertained in age-appropriate facilities with proper supervision. A stay at the Medi-

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terranean Beach Hotel is always enjoyable. Relaxation and fun are synonymous with holiday and a split-level outdoor pool, water sports on the beach, heated indoor pool, hi-tech gym, pilates and aerobics studio, a floodlit tennis court and a 5* Padi scuba diving centre ensure you have a great time no matter what your preference might be.

The Mediterranean is also a well-established conference centre. An excellent choice for business travellers, it boasts exceptional seminar and conference facilities, modern conference venues and halls, state of the art audiovisual equipment and simultaneous translation facilities for up to five languages.

Over the years couples from Cyprus and abroad have made the Mediterranean Beach Hotel their preferred wedding destination. The hotel’s beautiful beach is the perfect setting to exchange vows of eternal love, while the Mediterranean’s expertise, personalised service and exceptional culinary team are a guarantee for the success of the most important day of their lives.Dining at the Mediterranean is a culinary experience like no other. From Asian flavours to local cuisine, our guests can choose from the delicious menus of six restaurants in a sophisticated atmosphere which ensures a memorable dining experience.

25 years of excellence are only the beginning; the sky is the limit for the hospitality at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel. We extend our warmest thanks and wishes to our guests, clients and associates and renew our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.

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Dedicated Employees

OMIROS Baker at Elysium There is something nurturing about baking: Omiros, the baker at the Elysium Hotel, knows this well. Since 2012 he has been using his expertise to serve warm, crusty bread to the cherished guests of the Elysium.

Baking requires passion and creativity. I see that only the very best ingredients are used and constantly strive to create new mixtures and flavours in order to ensure that exceptional bread is always served on your table.

One of the fondest memories of my career was making a special kind of bread for a guest who suffered from health issues. I put my heart and soul into creating something that was appropriate for our guest’s special dietary needs with no compromise in taste. Watching our guest delight in eating the bread I made especially for him was truly one of the greatest joys of my career.

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Bread

Equals Love

Julianna Kovacs

Dedicated Employees

Bartender at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel There is nothing more hospitable than a good drink and a friendly face. This is exactly how Julianna, bartender at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel, has been welcoming guests since 2014; she serves amazing cocktails with graciousness and a genuine smile.

Bartending is a constant learning experience.

I am always eager to gain more knowledge and to this end I regularly attend training seminars to learn new trends and techniques. Working at the Mediterranean is like working with family.

I am very fortunate to be a part of a supportive, high-calibre team that always aims for excellence. The best aspect of my job is meeting people from all around the world. So many of our guests keep returning to the hotel year after year and I am always excited to welcome them back, serve them a drink and catch up with their news. The most popular cocktails are mojitos as well as our signature cocktails Cucumber Collins and Porn Star Martini.

Drinks

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Served with a Smile

our news

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The New Areti Suite AT MEDBEACH The Areti Suite has recently been upgraded to include new features and amenities that make up for an impeccable stay. The Suite boasts a heavenly master bedroom equipped with an ultra-comfortable bed for quality sleep, a 55″LCD-TV, a fully automated lighting selection theme and a separate seating area for utmost privacy.

New design elements include solid parquet flooring with features to create a distinctive, classic and earthy atmosphere, along with a selection of fine art.

A smart lighting control system allows you to adapt to your needs at any time of the day. A touch screen computer, with complimentary high internet speed access and a Beoplay A8 iPod docking station offer greater comfort and ease of access.

This light and airy suite is furnished in fashionable limed wood and pastel plaid fabrics that complement the blues and silvery green of the eucalyptus trees that can be seen through its two large windows which also offer breathtaking views of the curving breakwater beyond the pool and gardens. The seating area in the lounge includes a couch that folds out into a second double bed as well as a dining or conference table for up to six people. The master bedroom is equipped with one queen-sized bed, a large mirrored wardrobe outside the splendid floralgranite bathroom as well as its own seating area on the balcony. The light and relaxed atmosphere of the Areti suite makes it the perfect place for a honeymoon, a dream vacation or for less formal meetings.

our news Renovations – An Ongoing Commitment During 2016, the Elysium initiated a number of major renovations, commissioned by world renowned US based interior design firm Wilson Associates. The Deluxe Bedrooms have been redesigned and are to be transformed with a modern spirit, while preserving the traditional design elements of the hotel’s historical aesthetic. A few of the original interior features and details will remain but will be reinforced through changes that will expand, renew and add useful storage spaces to the rooms. Highlighting the importance of the warmth of the Cyprus sun, smart design features will also allow for natural light to shine and illuminate the rooms even more.

The furniture at the Elysium, crafted by local traditional artisans, is modelled in such a way as to meet contemporary aesthetics without losing its traditional references.

The renovations are to be carried out in stages and will include the deluxe bedrooms, the lobby and the hotel’s main restaurants, the Epicurean and Lemonia. Accommodation will be further upgraded with the latest technology audio visual and lighting systems by CD+M Lighting Design in order to meet the needs of today’s cultured traveller.

Renovations were commenced on the 20th of November 2016. For this reason, the Elysium will remain closed and

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re-open its doors on March 23 of 2017. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Elysium in March 2017 with a new look but with the same excellence in service.

Ground Entrance at Elysium Offering a harmonious blend of luxury, tranquillity and seclusion, the Elysium, with its colonnades, mosaics, waterfalls and pools form an elegance echoed by a discreet and gracious welcome. Imposing in all its magnificence, its beautiful entrance is one of the reasons visitors fall in love with the hotel at first sight. As of recently, the underground entrance has been renovated and stands even more regal and impressive with a new traditional ceiling, new lighting features and new stone flooring.

Keeping it cool The provision of services with respect to the environment constitutes our ongoing commitment both to the local community and our guests. This year, the Mediterranean Beach hotel upgraded its cooling and heating system and may now pride itself on the upgrade of the latest technology chillers, not only in terms of the excellent results they deliver but also in that it boosts our hotel’s sustainability and green practices. To add to this, the air-conditioning system at the Elysium has always been environmentally-friendly, nevertheless, a new chiller has been installed in order to increase the cooling capacity of the system and to offer more comfort during the summer months.

Optimum sound quALity A new, top-performance and high tech surround sound system has been installed in the Aegean 1 and Ionia Conference rooms of the Mediterranean beach Hotel. From now on, your events and parties will have optimal coverage, thus promoting success and asserting that the Mediterranean is always the best option for your event making the hotel ideal for all travellers. The Epicurean and Basillica ballrooms of the Elysium also feature a new, state-of-the-art surround system, where you can now enjoy even better and vibrant sounds during live music events and weddings in liaise with our sound and lighting engineer.

A click away The luxurious 5 star Elysium in Paphos recently launched its new, user-friendly website, www.elysium-hotel.com.

With its new modern, fully responsive and interactive design, the website has significantly improved in terms of accessibility making it easy for visitors to navigate through efficiently. In the context of its ongoing improvement efforts, the hotel has developed a website which meets the needs of its guests with additional, more targeted information, superb photography and an even simpler way to book your stay.

All hotel services offered at the Elysium can be found on the website. The restaurants where one can enjoy a meal, the invigorating Spa treatments offered by our qualified

professionals, the venues where one can host a conference or celebrate a happy occasion as well as our generous offers, are all accessible. Everything you’re looking for is now only a click away!

Cyprus Corner at MedBeach Paying homage to the islands traditional flavours with the use of local products, guests can now experience the real taste of Cyprus with the quality mark of the much praised Medirerranean diet at the Aquaria Restaurant of the Mediterranean Beach Hotel. Under a ceiling reminiscent of a blue sky with sparkling constellations, this restaurant is named after its central features, the aquaria. Overlooking the pools and sea and offering a sumptuous buffet breakfast with show cooking, now the Aquaria will be serving local specialities, such as the tahini and olive pies, the unsalted anari cheese with carob honey, halloumi cheese, homemade marmalades and soutzoukos to compose a diversified taste, true to the island’s gastronomical heritage, that completes the first meal of the day in the most delicious way.

Aquaria Terrace With its distinct atmosphere, its unparalleled views of the hotel’s gardens and pools, and with its sumptuous buffet breakfast, the Aquaria has charmed our guests for years.

Wishing to provide you with the opportunity to make the most of your stay at the Mediterranean, the stunning Aquaria terrace has been upgraded.

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The first meal of the day can now be enjoyed on the Aquaria terrace in a warm and elegant atmosphere all year round. Offering protection from the rain and equipped with heaters, the terrace will soon welcome guests for a unique experience amid those beautiful island surroundings that the hotel has become so famous for.

Healthy Living at Elysium At the Elysium, we always care for our guests’ well being and for this reason we are on a constant journey to source only the freshest and most nutritious ingredients available on the market. With this philosophy in mind, we have recently introduced the “Healthy Option” section to both our breakfast and dinner buffets. For breakfast, we have added an abundant selection of nuts, seeds and dried fruits, including chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, dried aloe vera, dried cranberries, dried pineapple and dried papaya, to name just a few.

Incorporating any of the above mentioned “Super Foods” will have a huge impact on both your physical and mental health. Benefiting from a lower risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Seeds and nuts help you reach your recommended intake of protein each day, as well as count towards your daily fat allowance.

Also try our “Healthy Option” salad buffet for dinner, where only the freshest locally sourced vegetables and salads are served, as nature intended, unprocessed.

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Tea & Coffee Facilities The first cup of coffee or tea is somewhat of a private and personal ritual that is best enjoyed in the comfort of your own home without having to dress up or rush off. To make you feel a bit more at home, we now offer coffee and tea making facilities in all our rooms. You can now enjoy superbly delightful hot beverages from the comfort and privacy of your room with a view to the striking beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.

Awarded Excellence For yet another year, the Mediterranean has proudly received the prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, which reflects the consistently great reviews left by our guests on the world’s largest travel website. We are delighted to have once again received this distinction and to see our guests’ satisfaction in terms of the accommodation, services and facilities at the Mediterranean. Our 4 star hotel has also received an award by Hotels.com for the provision of excellent services and a unique accommodation experience by our guests. More specifically, the hotel was honoured for its exemplary standards of service, the outstanding quality of amenities offered, as well as for its exceptional beachside location in the vibrant city of Limassol, all of which make the Mediterranean a traveller’s ideal choice for relaxation.

The Elysium was also recognised for its superior services, with TripAdvisor awarding it with the 2016 Certificate of

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Excellence. This prestigious accolade is the result of consistently receiving great reviews on the TripAdvisor website from our guests, who praise the hotel for the high quality of accommodation they’ve enjoyed during their stay with us.With its romantic environment, grand architecture and elegance, the Elysium has amassed numerous awards since the first day it opened its doors to travellers. One of the latest distinctions the hotel has received came from Hotels.com, the users of which praised the Elysium with wonderful comments and chose it as one of their preferred destinations in 2015. This distinction testifies to the high standard of services that the Elysium offers and confirms its status as an idyllic and most memorable destination.

Céleste Restaurant Fine dining at its best

Serving refined traditional dishes in a most sophisticated and elegant setting, the pride and joy of The Mediterranean Beach Hotel, the Céleste Restaurant promises guests a superb gastronomical journey like no other. With its exclusive selection of set menus and scrumptious themed buffets to suit all tastes and satisfy any palate prepared by its highly experienced chefs, its stylish décor and discreetly attentive service, the Céleste offers guests a truly unique dining experience to further enrich your stay at The Mediterranean Beach Hotel.

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During the summer months, the restaurant opens onto a panoramic terrace that overlooks the gardens and pools of the hotel and boasts stunning views of the infinite blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Undeniably the perfect place to enjoy delightful traditional specialities, themed buffets and intimate dinners, the stunning terrace of our Céleste Restaurant at the Mediterranean has recently been upgraded. It now features an elegant new pergola complemented by the installation of a new lighting and surround system that create an idyllic setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

New Mediterraneo Concept Much more than a tasty, satisfying and healthy option, the Mediterranean cuisine is an art which has evolved into a worldwide nutrition trend, constantly growing and everfascinating the growing number of its followers. In Cyprus, we are fortunate enough to enjoy superb culinary creations using unique and fresh ingredients of immense nutritional value. With the aim to offer our guests the ultimate Mediterranean experience, we have recently updated the menu of the Mediterraneo Restaurant at Elysium with more local flavours, using fresh and local ingredients. We invite you to savour amongst the many dishes, the Grilled Octopus with Smoked Paprika, our popular Steamed Sea Bass with Tomatoes and Grapes, and the Roast Baby Chicken Marinated in Lemon, cooked to perfection in our charcoal oven.

live your senses at the

Mediterranean

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Cocktail O’clock

The night is young, the moon casts its silvery light across the serene sea and options are limitless: whether your mood dictates relaxing under the sparkling sky or an exhilarating start to a night of endless possibilities, the perfect evening begins with the balanced perfection of the exquisite cocktails at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel.

Whether you crave the sweetness of strawberries or the audacity of lime, the richness of chocolate or the aroma of vanilla, intriguing flavour blends await to seduce your palate and carry you away into the starry night.

Join us daily for Happy Hour at Blue Bar and Clouds Lounge Bar from 18:00-19:00 and enjoy fantastic cocktails at half price.

A Dine Around Experience So, where will you be dining tonight?

One of the great pleasures of staying at the Mediterranean Beach is the exceptional cuisine. To tempt you even more we have introduced DINE AROUND, an irresistible meal plan that will delight the most discerning palates with a wide variety of dining options.

Our DINE AROUND scheme entitles guests on Bed & Breakfast terms to enjoy the exquisite offerings of all our restaurants, namely the Céleste Restaurant and Terrace, the Nautica Bistro, the Japanese Shumi Sushi bar and the Italian Ristorante Bacco.

The following options are available: • Three Nights in any one of the above restaurants at € 28.00 per person per meal

• Five Nights in any one of the above restaurants at € 25.50 per person per meal • Seven Nights in any one of the above restaurants at € 22.50 per person per meal To enjoy this special offer and obtain your DINE AROUND vouchers please contact our Guests Relations Officer (ext. 10) or the Front Office Desk (ext. 1).

A Little Piece of Heaven

Enter a world of tranquillity and respite with soothing sounds of falling waters and spirituous aromas that heal and nurture your soul: mind and body unwind and tensions are released, while our skilled therapists unleash your inner energy revealing a glowing complexion and a rejuvenated you.

At the Aquum Health Spa of the Mediterranean Beach Hotel you can pamper yourself at a discounted price.

Choose any 3 of the below treatments for only €80.00 and experience total relaxation from head to toe: • 20 minute Spa Facial • 20 minute Foot and Ankle Massage • 20 minute Scalp Massage • 20 minute Milk Bath • 20 minute Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage Gift Vouchers are available for purchase at the Aquum Health Spa Reception. For more information and to book your treatment, please contact us at +357 2555 9999 (extension 7) or via email spa@medbeach.com.

Treasures of Sustainability

The importance of

Corporate Social Responsibility The creation of meaningful opportunities, our commitment to community services and human rights, the reduction of our hotels’ footprint, with a continuous focus on offering the warmth of hospitality at its finest, are powerful and core values at STADEMOS HOTELS PLC. In today’s highly demanding, increasingly interconnected and resource-constrained world, Stademos Hotels recognizes the continuous impact its operations have on society, the local economy, the environment and the hospitality industry as a whole. In view of the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for our visitors, tour operators, other stakeholders and society, we are committed to making a positive contribution towards sustainable tourism.

At Stademos Hotels we are proud of our people with whom we work together towards reflecting ‘from the heart’ commitment to customer service as well as achieving all CSR priorities. To translate our aims into actions, we share all our efforts and stories to date, across our current CSR focus areas which are based on 4 strategic pillars: Market, Community, Planet and People. Through these practices, we encourage our people to do the ‘right thing’, making them more aware of local sustainability issues as well as of the importance of our role in ensuring the satisfaction of our current visitors’ needs and expectations, while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future.

Tourism seasonality

Cyprus is, by nature, a summer destination. Even though most hotels choose to cease operations during the winter since guest arrivals decrease substantially, we choose to operate throughout the year, organizing major events motivates tourists to visit our island, with the certainty that an increase in winter tourism may also strengthen the economy as a whole. We

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therefore employ staff all year round, minimizing the negative economic effects of unemployment.

Promoting the destination image Our hotels’ image is inextricably linked with that of Cyprus. Thus, we opt to promote its most interesting elements; whether these are historical, architectural, folk or tourist elements. Each year, we publish our in-house magazine, Treasures, which is circulated and distributed free of charge to our hotels’ guests, features appealing areas of Cyprus which we recommend to our guests for trips and excursions. It includes interviews with local producers presenting local products, events taking place throughout the year, as well as archaeological and other interesting sites. Moreover, on social networks, our website and by attending several exhibitions, we foreground Cyprus as a tourist destination. We draw attention to places and activities that tourists could explore and participate in while visiting the island. Promotion of the destination and the local attractions continues at our hotel premises through our guest relations office and concierge services.

COMMUNITY

We believe that by providing support and by contributing to the local economy we create substantial value for our business on the one hand and society on the other. We contribute to the local economy by employing local people as well as by purchasing local products and services.

Community Engagement

By taking the local community into consideration, we ensure that its engagement is both substantial and effective. The advancement of the area can only have a positive impact on our business and its prosperity is inextricably linked to ours. Volunteering and providing for vulnerable social groups takes place both at the Mediterranean and the Elysium, throughout the year.

A few illustrative examples of the support offered to groups in need are the following:

• €2,00 for every stay at both the Mediterranean Beach and the Elysium is donated to the AntiCancer Society.

• Our hotels’ employees clean the beaches near the hotels.

• The Elysium supports and strengthens the efforts of the Paphos Animal Shelter. The hotel ensures that all food returned to the kitchen is gathered, on a daily basis, and given to the volunteers of the shelter for the purpose of feeding the animals.

• The hotels’ employees donate blood in order to reinforce the Cyprus Blood Bank and help the injured or ill who are in need.

• Every time organisations draw our attention to the need for immediate provision of help to families who are unable to cover their basic needs, both the management and staff of our hotels ensure that these people receive some sort of help. Products and services are also offered to churches and hospitals, fundraisers are organised and donations are made on a non-profit making basis.

Use of Local Products

Strengthening the local economy and introducing local products to our guests are interlinked and mutually beneficial, that’s why 99% of the products and services we use at our hotels are purchased locally All garden plants, vegetables, fruit and herbs are produced locally by producers in the neighbouring communities, while local wines produced in local wineries are promoted as well. Services such as maintenance works are carried out by local enterprises based in Cyprus.

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Water Management

Reducing water consumption is essential to environmental stewardship and an important aspect of our sustainability strategy, especially due to the water shortages we experience on the island from time to time. We have implemented multiple conservation approaches that led to a company-wide reduction in water consumption.

• Water limiters on wash basins and bath mixers Mixers and showers in our hotels are fitted with EcoSmart technology. This requires up to 60% less water than conventional products. Lower hot water consumption means lower energy requirements. This entails fewer CO2 emissions and lower costs.

Energy Management

Green initiatives and sustainability play a more prominent role in today’s world. We are committed to positively contributing to our environmental wellbeing both in our present and future endeavours. Our Company recognises its environmental responsibilities and is highly committed to ethical business practices that avoid activities with a significant environmental impact and/or mitigate the impact of such activities to acceptable levels.

We are committed to sustainable practices to assist in preserving our natural resources. Our goal to reduce electricity consumption in our hotels has been achieved, with electricity consumption reduced by 21.18% (Elysium) and 13.14% (Mediterranean) since our baseline year 2010. Examples of the green practices and improvements carried out by our hotels with respect to the minimization of their energy consumption are the following: • Heat recovery from chillers • Building Management system and load shedding • Lighting retrofits • LED technology • Class A electric appliances • PIR sensors at toilet cubicles, stores, staircases • Variable Frequency Drives on pumps and motors.

Waste Management

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light bulbs and electric appliances are sorted and recycled.

• B iodegradable detergents Biodegradable detergents are used both in the kitchens and laundries of our hotels.

• Eco-friendly suppliers We assess and select eco-friendly suppliers based on product quality, product safety and compliance with laws and regulation.

Waste reduction is the preferred approach to waste management because waste that is never created does not bring about waste management costs. Reduction is crucial to Stademos Hotels PLC’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Measures taken include: • Chlorine free paper Totally Chlorine Free paper which has no adverse environmental effects is used at both the Mediterranean Beach Hotel and the Elysium Hotel.

• Recycling Paper, batteries, toners, plastic, glass, cooking oil,

The key to long-term success is in our employees’ hands. The know-how, engagement and motivation of our employees to offer service directly “from the heart” play a crucial role in keeping the Hotels’ standards at high levels. Our aim is to create a friendly, welcoming and ideal environment, where our people feel proud to belong. We believe that employee engagement is very important. At Stademos Hotels, we are committed to providing a fair working environment to our staff and supporting human rights at every level of our business.

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nurture your mind and soul

Leventis Gallery

The Founder

Prominent businessman and leading philanthropist Anastasios G. Leventis was born in December 1902, in the mountain village of Lemythou, Cyprus. He worked in Marseilles and studied commerce in Bordeaux, before an Anglo-Greek company appointed him general manager for the Gold Coast (now Ghana), Ivory Coast and Togo.

In 1936 he formed his own trading company, A. G. Leventis & Co. Ltd, which expanded rapidly in the Gold Coast and Nigeria.

He supported many projects to improve life in his homeland, intensifying his efforts in view of the political turmoil. In 1966 he was appointed Cyprus’ Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, partly in recognition of his support for education and cultural heritage.

He built a notable private collection of European art and acquired an important collection of works by 19th and 20th century Greek artists. Following the 1974 invasion of Cyprus, he helped repatriate looted and smuggled treasures and focused particularly on helping the injured and refugees. Anastasios G. Leventis died in October 1978, having provided for the establishment of a foundation to support educational, cultural, artistic and philanthropic causes in Cyprus, Greece and elsewhere.

The Foundation

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The A.G. Leventis Foundation was established in May 1979, beginning with small steps but steadily expanding its activities in education, culture and philanthropy.

True to the founder’s vision, the Trustees have focused on culture and education with special emphasis on the cultural heritage of Cyprus. In Greece, the Foundation has supported the restoration of monuments, primarily in Northern Greece but also in other parts of the country. In

addition, the collection of Greek 19th and 20th century paintings acquired by Anastasios G. Leventis has been further researched and expanded.

Elsewhere in Europe and further afield, the Foundation’s main interests have again focused on the culture and history of Cyprus and Greece, with particular emphasis on the communities of the Greek diaspora, especially the linguistic and religious concerns of the Cypriot and Greek communities in Britain. In parallel to its efforts to promote research and enhance the presentation of Cypriot antiquities in foreign museums, the Foundation developed an international programme of support for Greek studies.

The Building

Housing over 800 paintings, drawings, watercolors, and objets d’art, the cutting-edge and highly sustainable building of the Leventis Gallery is situated just outside Nicosia’s sixteenth-century Venetian walls. A Nicosia landmark, it reportedly cost €20 million, making it one of the largest projects constructed in the capital in recent years. The building, which includes a restaurant and ten apartments, was conceived as a stone sculpture, eroded to create courtyards, balconies and roof gardens with far-reaching views.

The three-storey gallery, embracing an entrance courtyard which opens to the street, forms a plinth to the sculptural apartment tower which is topped with a roof garden providing spectacular mountain views. The gallery is organised around a central atrium with a monolithic timber-lined, bronze-finished steel stair giving access to the three public floors of galleries, auditorium and café. The inspiration for the gallery came from the

State-of-the-art gallery in Nicosia celebrates

European art Nicosia’s latest gem, the A.G. Leventis Gallery, pays tribute to European, Greek and Cypriot art and culture, promising an unforgettable experience for art lovers.

traditional buildings of the historic centre, stone-built with carefully shuttered bays and balconies which open to allow mid-season and winter sun while excluding the searing Cyprus summer heat.

The Gallery was designed by the award-winning British architectural firm Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, in collaboration with J. & A. Philippou in Cyprus. The construction was undertaken by the Iacovou – GCC Joint Venture, and the project was managed by RESDE Development and Project Management S.A.

The Paris Collection

The Paris Collection reflects Anastasios G. Leventis’ passion for European Art, who brought together works from a broad spectrum of the history of art. It features different artistic schools and styles, from the Old Masters and academic art to Impressionism and the early days of Modernism, amidst period furniture and a wealth of objects from the decorative arts.

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Largely unseen and unpublished until 2012, the collection features outstanding paintings, watercolours, prints and drawings, dating mostly from the 17th century to the 20th, and offers a glimpse of the high points of Western painting, including religious art of the CounterReformation, scrupulously painted Dutch still lifes, lightspirited Rococo pastorals, 18th-century Venetian views, works by the precursors and the great masters of the Impressionist movement, and boldly coloured Pointillist and Fauve canvases. A focus on Old Master painting is

illustrated through works by leading exponents of the Spanish, French, Italian and British Schools, represented respectively by artists of the calibre of El Greco, Murillo, Arellano, Boucher, Fragonard, Oudry, Canaletto, Guardi and Gainsborough. These are followed by masterworks of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, introduced through the work of forerunners such as Corot and Boudin and exemplified through the bold brushwork of Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Pissarro, Signac, Dufy, Bonnard and Chagall.

Paying homage to the once private nature of the collection, the interactive, state-of-the-art display of the collection also celebrates the collector’s eclectic outlook by featuring Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, Chinese porcelain, delicate Meissen and Sévres wares, and a wealth of other objets d’art, in a presentation that also reflects something of its original setting: the elegant wood-panelled room from the collector’s apartment was transported and rebuilt in the Gallery, enriching the viewing experience and evoking the ambiance of the residence that overlooked the tree-lined Paris boulevards and Eiffel Tower.

The Greek Collection

The nucleus of this significant collection of works by 19th and 20th Greek artists is made up of the oil paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints acquired by Anastasios G. Leventis in 1973 from Evangelos AveroffTossizza. The Greek Collection today numbers more than 260 works, from the aftermath of the Greek War of

Independence in 1821 to around 1970.

The first gallery of the Greek Collection – ‘From the 19th Century to the 20th’ features works which represent the variety of artistic movements and stylistic approaches in the history of Modern Greek painting, including exemplary work by the artists who shaped the face of Greek art in the 19th century. On show are characteristic portraits of members of society in independent Greece, representative works by artists of the School of Munich, innovative compositions by Pericles Pantazis, landscapes and seascapes, and works by artists illustrating the passage to the 20th century.

The second gallery of the Greek Collection is dedicated to ‘The 20th Century’ and features works by the great masters Konstantinos Parthenis, Konstantinos Maleas and Spyros Papaloukas as well as the eminent younger artists who left their mark on 20th-century Greek painting such as Yannis Tsarouchis, Nikos Hatzikyriakos-Ghika and Yannis Moralis. Together they offer an overview of Greek art of the period: from Modernist explorations to academic expressions, the achievements of the Generation of the ’30s and post-war painting, up to Abstract art.

The Cyprus Collection

Featuring representative pieces by Cypriot artists born between 1884 and 1930, the collection offers insight

into the beginnings and development of modern Cypriot art. Their works are often of a narrative and figurative character, as they found their inspiration in the everyday life of the people, the landscape and the history of Cyprus. They were influenced by their education abroad at various fine art academies where they were exposed to Post-Impressionism and to other contemporaneous Modernist movements. Some early Cypriot artists also experimented with the ancient, Byzantine and folk art of Cyprus, traditions which prevailed on the island at the time as Cyprus, subject to foreign rule up till the mid-20th century, had not been exposed to the artistic Renaissance experienced in Western Europe.

At the heart of the collection is the monumental work

by Adamantios Diamantis, “The World of Cyprus” that was in Greece from 1976 and was finally returned to the island, on long-term loan from the Telloglio Foundation of Thessaloniki. The large-scale composition (1.75 x 17.5 m) is based on 75 drawings depicting the people and landscapes of the island, which the artist drew between 1931 and 1959. Created in Cyprus between 1967 and 1972, it portrays the traditional world of the island and its people, a world that the painter described as ‘bearing the long heritage of Cyprus’. Together with the collection’s other works, it captures the spirit of the past, enriching our knowledge and understanding of Cyprus and its people.

Opening hours: Daily except Tuesday 10:00 – 17:00, Wednesday 10:00 – 22:00 Closed on Tuesdays and public holidays - For more information visit www.leventisgallery.org/

Fy ti Road trip to

Explore the natural beauty of the Paphos countryside and discover one of the island’s living treasures

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A spiritual and educational centre during the early 20th century, children from neighbouring villages would travel to Fyti to study here, which is why the village is said to have acquired its name, from the Greek word “foito,� which translates to study.

Fyti is one of the most charming little villages in Paphos

A short road trip to the small picturesque village of Fyti, located only 25 kilome-

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tres northeast of Paphos and 20 kilometres southeast of Polis Chrysochous, will offer you a chance to experience authentic village life. Standing on the top of a plateau, at an average altitude of 680 metres, Fyti enjoys a pleasant climate, with long, dry and cool summers and mild winters, making it a destination worth your while throughout the year. Recorded among the island’s feudal settlements, the village dates back to the mediaeval times and is rich in history, tradition and folklore architecture, preserved to a great extent to this day. Walk through the village’s alleys and admire the 19th century stonebuilt houses of Fyti that will have you reaching for your camera on several occasions. One of the most charming villages in the Paphos district, it has a lot more to show than what simply meets the eye. To get a real feel of the essence of Fyti, navigate your way through the village, talk to one of the locals, and pay a visit to the Museum of Weaving and Folkloric Art for a closer look at the craft so closely associated with the village.

Today there are only about 100 people residing in the village of Fyti

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The Art of Weaving

Fyti is the main weaving centre in the district of Paphos and one of the most important in Cyprus. The textiles that are manufactured in the village, known as “Fythkiotika,” have long stood out for their flamboyant colours and the variety of patterns employed in their designs. The renowned textiles are the living embodiment of a long tradition in the field of weaving that begins at least as far back as the Middle Ages. Visitors can admire the unique Fythkiotika in the Museum of Weaving and Folkloric Art and also observe how these unparalleled textiles are made today.

The Weaving Museum Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 17:00 (May – The Weaving Museum October) Opening Hours: Monday Saturday: – 12:00, 14:00 –– April) 17:00 Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – –12:00, 13:0008:00 – 15:00 (November (May – October) Operating Period: All year round Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 15:00 (November – April) Operating Period: All year round

The city continues to reinvent itself as a modern European city and never ceases to amaze visitors and residents alike.

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Lim

Old Harbour Stunning blue waters blend seamlessly with the glorious Mediterranean sky as bright days turn into sparkly nights in Limassol’s hip new spot. Breathtaking views and numerous entertainment options have transformed what once was Limassol’s old little harbour into the city’s most hottest destination.

assol There’s something about

GSO Bridge Above the traffic and the city hassle, between the blue of sea and sky, hangs the GSO aerial bridge. An architectural landmark for Limassol, it offers an alternative, scenic route from the Fitidio Athletic Centre to the beautiful beach across the street and the bustling cafĂŠs nearby.

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Limassol Promenade In the long and wide promenade that stands between the sea and the urban centre young families and elegant couples take leisurely walks, teenagers flaunt their skateboarding skills, while many others simply relax and soak in the mesmerising scenery.

Olympic Residence Two majestic towers of luxury and style rise in the skyline of Limassol. This lavish project features state-of-the-art apartments and penthouses with exclusive amenities for its privileged residents, while a gorgeous courtyard, which includes designer boutiques and an Italian osteria, attracts visitors from all over the city.

The transformation of Limassol is nothing short of amazing; what was not long ago a small coastal town has developed into a vibrant cosmopolitan city that attracts tourists and investors alike, while a growing number of people from all around the world move here to experience its alluring lifestyle. And who can blame them? Limassol’s coastal front is always busy with bikers and walkers enjoying its stunning views, the sparkling new Marina and the renovated Old Port are bustling with life, while the comeback of the Municipal Theatre has further enriched the city’s thriving cultural life. Yet Limassol aims even higher; numerous commercial projects are currently under development and a multi-million luxury casino resort is expected to be completed within the next few years. If Limassol is the Mediterranean’s best kept secret, it won’t be for long.

Pattichion Theatre

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A cultural and architectural landmark in Limassol, the Pattichion Municipal Theatre has recently made a powerful comeback in the city’s cultural life. After an extensive renovation, it aims to present a wide selection of inspiring local and international performances and maintain its role as one of the city’s leading cultural institutions.

Indulge

your palate

Savour the taste of some of the most refined dishes from our hotel’s finest restaurants with these six delicious recipes.

Crab Cannelloni 1 portion Ingredients 200g Crabmeat 60g Cucumber 10g Lemon Zest 10ml Lime Juice 10g Orange Zest 10ml Orange Juice 10g Fresh Dill weed 10g Fresh Chives 20g Cream Cheese 5g Ginger 100g Avocado 80g Black Olives Salt & Pepper to taste

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Method Thinly slice the cucumber and arrange on a piece of cling film. Place the crabmeat in a bowl and mix in the citrus juice and zest, cream cheese, dill weed and chives. Season with salt and pepper. Place the crabmeat on the sliced cucumber and roll into a cylinder shape. To caramelize the olives, bring the water, sugar & lemon juice to the boil and cook to the caramel stage.

Wash and pat dry the olives and add them to the caramel. Leave to cool and then puree to a fine paste. Puree the avocado with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Place the crabmeat cannelloni on the plate and garnish with caramelized olive quenelles and avocado puree.

Method

Marinated Seafood Salad 1 portion Ingredients 2 Scallops 1 Octopus Tentacle 1 Calamari Head 2 Calamari Tail Slices 50g Fennel 50g Mixed Bean Salad 30g Green Olives 1 Cyprus Pitta Bread 10g Sour Cream

Dressing 1 tbsp Mayonnaise 3 tbsp Seafood Bisque 1 tsp Lemon Juice Salt & Pepper to taste

Boil the octopus until its soft, then refresh in ice water. Season the scallops and calamari with lemon juice, salt and pepper and grill. Combine the ingredients for the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Shape the pitta like a bowl and bake in the oven to harden, use as salad bowl as shown in the photo. Arrange on the plate as shown in the photo and serve.

Crab Ravioli 4 portions Ingredients 1 Egg Yolk 50g Scallops 30g Mascarpone Cheese 100g Crabmeat ½ tsp Lemon Juice ½ tsp Chopped Basil 500g Lemon Zest 80ml Lobster Sauce 3 pieces Pink Grapefruit 10g Spicy Tomato Chutney 5g Butter 400g Pasta Salt & Pepper to taste Cayenne Pepper to taste For the pasta dough 250g Flour (00) 4 Egg Yolks 1 Whole Egg 5ml Olive Oil

Method To prepare the mousse, place the scallop and egg yolk in the blender and make a fine mousse. Remove and add the crabmeat and the rest of the ingredients. Mix well in a bowl over ice. Season the crab filling with salt and pepper/cayenne pepper. Roll out the pasta dough, using a pasta machine and cut out 5cm rondels.

Place 15g of crab mousse in each rondel, eggwash the tips and place another piece of pasta on top to seel the ravioli. Cook the ravioli in plenty of salted boiling water for approximately 3 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl. Pour on the prepared lobster sauce and place small quenelles of spicy tomato chutney between the ravioli. Garnish with pink grapefruit segments and milk foam as shown in the photo and serve.

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Baby Chicken Roulade 1 portion Ingredients 1 piece of Baby Chicken 2g Dried Fig 2g Raisins 5g Halloumi Cheese 50g Potatoes 10ml Cream 20g Butter 2g Fresh Thyme 5g Mastic Paste 10ml White Vinegar 10g Honey

10ml Olive Oil 10g Carrot 10g Zucchini 10g Asparagus 10g Cauliflower Salt & Pepper to taste Ground Nutmeg to taste

Method Debone the chicken, season with salt & pepper and fill with the figs, Halloumi cheese and raisins.

Then, roll up and place in a vacuum bag, together with the butter and thyme and let it steam for 20 minutes. Prepare the mashed potatoes by firstly peeling the steamed potatoes and then mashing them with butter and cream. Season with salt, pepper and ground nutmeg. In a bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing together the vinegar, honey, olive oil and mastic paste. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange on the plate as shown in the photo and serve.

Lamb Loin with Semolina Gnocchi 4 Portions

Ingredients 650g Lamb Loin 380g Semolina Gnocchi 100g Green Pea Puree 30g Fresh Mint 100g Whole Green Peas 100ml Rosemary Jus 40g Sun-dried Tomatoes Semolina Gnocchi 70g Semolina 625ml Milk 1 Egg Yolk 30g Parmesan Cheese 30g Butter 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg Salt & Pepper to taste Green Pea Puree 200g Frozen Green Peas 50ml Vegetable Stock 30g Butter 10g Mint Leaves Salt & Pepper to taste

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Method To prepare the Gnocchi, bring the milk, together with the butter, to the boil. Add in the powder semolina and mix well to remove any lumps. Keep cooking until the mixture boils up to the top of the pot. Remove from the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and egg yolk. Season with salt, pepper and ground nutmeg.

Place in a piping bag and pipe it in lines 1.5cm thick. After the mixture cools down cut into 3cm long barrels.

Fry golden brown in butter when required for service. To prepare the pea puree, bring the vegetable stock to the boil, then add in the frozen peas.

Cook for approximately 4 minutes and add the fresh mint and leave to infuse for approximately 2 minutes.

Pour into a blender and blend to a fine puree. Pass through a fine sieve and add the butter. Season with salt and pepper. Season the lamb loin with English mustard, salt and pepper and sear it in a hot pan. Place in the oven for approximately 4 minutes at 180C, then leave it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it. Place the lamb on the plate and arrange the gnocchi around, garnish with the pea puree, sun-dried tomatoes and whole peas as shown in the photo.

Tuna Tartar 10 portions Ingredients 500gr Red Tuna (small dice) 30g Chives ½ tsp Lime Juice ½ tsp Olive Oil 100g Avocado (small dice) Salt & Pepper to taste 150g Avocado Puree 60g Citrus Jelly 4 slices Thin Baguette Croutons

Method Cut the tuna loin into small dice and mix with the chopped chives.

Drizzle with the olive oil and lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Using two dessert spoon, prepare two quenelles per plate and arrange as shown in the photo. Garnish with the avocado puree, citrus jelly and croutons as shown in the photo, and serve.

An Event to Remember Behind the Scenes Everything around you is perfection; the tables are elegantly set, service is impeccable, refined aromas and flavours tantalise your senses and carefully selected music sets the mood for the occasion. The evening unfolds seamlessly in what seems like a natural, unstrained flow of sequences.

An event at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel is always an experience like no other. Behind the scenes, a team of experienced staff is working incessantly to ensure the absolute success of your event. The Mediterranean’s Banqueting Manager Mr. Stelios Demetriou and Executive Chef Mr. Christakis Achilleos talk about the work behind a successful event.

Photos: Marinos Tsatsos

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Stelios Demetriou Banqueting Manager The client’s wishes are our top priority.

We need to be sure that we understand our client’s requirements, needs and budget in full detail. From the very beginning the client discusses and decides about the most important issues like food and drinks selection, dietary restrictions, entertainment etc. An outline of the event is consequently created and we remain in contact throughout the whole planning period to ensure that everything proceeds according to the client’s wishes.

Good planning is imperative. As soon as the date is booked, the necessary hotel facilities are reserved for our client. There are four teams involved in preparing an event: the housekeeping team, which cleans and sets up the room where the event will be held, the kitchen team which is responsible for the culinary aspect of the event, the waiters, who are the front line of service during the event and the people in charge of entertainment (usually either a band or a DJ).

Communication is key. Everything must be clear and precise from the beginning. From the very first meeting with the client, to the big night, our dedicated staff work together harmoniously to make certain that the event exceeds our client’s highest expectations.

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Christakis Achilleos Executive Chef A well-thought menu is essential for the success of any event. Whether the client requires a set menu or a buffet, dishes must be balanced and varied. Our hotel offers a variety of options for different needs and budgets, which can be further customised according to our client’s wishes.

In the kitchen preparations begin five days before the date of the event when supplies are ordered. Two days before the event we start chopping and preparing marinades and on the day of the event we do the cooking. A team of twelve people is involved in all stages of production.

Fresh, locally grown supplies are a sine qua non for an excellent culinary experience. Good technique, team work and aesthetically pleasing presentation take food to a whole new level and ensure that this shall be a feast for both all your senses.

Visit Aphrodite’s Rock Brewery for a taste of locally handcrafted beers

For the love of beer Committed to brewing handcrafted beers in small personally-tended batches using mineralrich spring water from their own well, Aphrodite’s Rock Brewery offers fresh beers and ales for an uncompromising taste experience.

Aphrodite’s Rock Brewing Company is a family business that employs well qualified and highly experienced brewing specialists from Great Britain, as well as local staff who all share the dream to create and brew a wide cosmopolitan range of fresh, full-flavoured locally handcrafted “Island Beers” and “Artisan Ales” right here in Cyprus.

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Paphos in the small village of Tsada, the brewery also features a bar, where you can relax in a picturesque courtyard during the summer months, or a cosy indoor bar during winter, a pizzeria and restaurant with a varied à la carte evening menu, and a gift shop with items for all beer enthusiasts.

For more information visit www.aphroditesrock. com.cy

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Prickly Pear

A superfood

in plain sight

D

otting the countryside, the ubiquitous fruit-bearing prickly pear cactus thrives in Cyprus’ Mediterranean climate and offers the island one of its most popular traditional summer fruit, best enjoyed between August and September. Sweet, fragrant and quenching, the prickly pear fruit, or cactus pear fruit, is found in three colours, namely green, yellow and reddish, depending on its ripeness. Modern holistic medicine, as well as those who practice a healthy, natural lifestyle, have hailed the fruit as a superfood, due to its anticonvulsant, antidiarrhoeal and haemolytic properties. Rich in Vitamin C, it was once consumed by sailors on long travels to prevent scurvy. Prickly pears require special care to harvest and peel, as they are covered in a thick skin and tiny cactus thorns. The best way to peel prickly pears is to wash thoroughly in a bowl or bucket of water using thick rubber gloves, making a cut lengthways in the peel and rolling the fruit out using the knife and fork. If you don’t feel like being adventurous, the fruit is readily available, already peeled, in grocery stores throughout the island during summer. Prickly pears are best served fresh and chilled, but they are also used to produce jams and liqueurs, as well as a unique spirit.

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indulge your body

Escape and relax in an environment of luxury and tranquility with our full range of health and beauty treatments designed to de-stress, revitalize and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Discover the ultimate spa experience to rebalance your body, mind and soul with our hydrotherapy sessions, holistic treatments and detoxifying therapies or treat yourself to one of our exclusive full body pamper packages with natural plant extracts.

Our in-house spa services with our expert team of therapists will offer you an unforgettable experience while you sit back, unwind and absorb the exclusive ambience of our state-of-the-art facilities.

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your

Hot stones Release tension and alleviate pain with a soothing hot stone back massage

body

Holistic Therapy Restore your body’s free flow energy with a personalised holistic treatment

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Facials Boost your natural glow with one of our nourishing and revitalising tailormade facial treatments

Pilates Find your inner balance with an inspiring session of pilates

TREATMENTS

Unwind at the Aquum Health Spa and Opium Spa Rebalance you body, mind and soul with our extensive list of health and beauty treatments, specially designed to cater for your every need!

Aquum Health Spa Mediterranean Beach Hotel

BABOR FACIAL TREATMENTS Facial á la carte deep cleansing Mini facial Skin perfecting facial Blue lagoon facial Ultra moist power facial Baborganic facial Liquid gold facial Mimical Q10 anti-wrinkle facial High skin refinder deep lift facial Deluxe HSR anti-age luxury facial BABOR MEN’S FACIALS Time out facial Energy release facial BABOR EYE TREATMENTS Power lifting eye treatment Eyelash tinting Eyebrow tinting Eyebrow shaping BABOR LUXURY BODY TREATMENTS Scentao full body peeling Aromatic salt glow Baborganic snowflake body treatment BABOR SLIMMING AND TONING BODY TREATMENTS Slim & cool body styling leg treatment Anti cellulite firming wrap sensation BABOR BODY WRAPS IN MULTI SENSORY SPA CAPSULE Mediterranean milk body wrap Volcanic mud wrap pack Aquum algae body wrap BABOR AQUUM RITUALS – SPA AROUND THE WORLD Aquum health spa signature Khanya of Africa Shadiva of India

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Scentao of Asia BABOR HYDROTHERAPY BATHS Aromatic milk and flower bath Aquum algae detoxifying bath Mediterranean bath Scentao harmony bath BABOR MASSAGE AND HOLISTIC THERAPIES Body massage Anti-stress back massage Hot stone back massage Sports massage Cellulite massage Foot reflex massage Indian head massage Full body massage Maternity massage Aromatic full body massage Four hands full body massage

Opium Spa Elysium

ESPA Facials ESPA Age Defyer ESPA Skin Brightener ESPA Oil Controller ESPA Desensitizer ESPA Re Hydrator ESPA Face & Back ESPA Men’s Facial ESPA Holistic Therapies ESPA Balinese Massage ESPA Total Holistic Hot Stones ESPA Back, Face & Scalp Hot Stones ESPA Back of Body Hot Stones ESPA Reflexology ESPA Ayurvedic Ritual ESPA Padabhyanga ESPA Shirobhyanga ESPA Detoxifying Body Treatments ESPA Stimulating Hip & Thigh Treatment ESPA Detoxifying Algae Wrap ESPA Detoxifying Algae Wrap & Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage ESPA Detoxifying Full Body Massage ESPA Vichy Salt & Oil Scrub

ESPA Indulgent & Body Envelopment Treatments ESPA Total Holistic Hot Stones ESPA Total Holistic Body Care ESPA Muscle Relaxer Wrap ESPA Restorative Mud Wrap ESPA Detoxifying Algae Wrap ESPA Skin Hydrator Wrap ESPA Body Envelopment & Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage ESPA Pre-Natal Body Care Massage ESPA Full Body Massage ESPA Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage ESPA Balinese Massage ESPA Total Holistic Body Care ESPA Life Saving Back ESPA Muscle Relaxer Wrap & Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage Men ESPA Men’s Facial ESPA Face & Back ESPA Total Holistic Hot Stones ESPA Balinese Massage ESPA Stress Reliever Full Body Massage ESPA Muscle Relaxer Wrap & Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage ESPA Life Saving Back Pamper Skin Quencher ESPA Re-Hydrator Facial, ESPA Re-Hydrator Wrap ESPA Stress Reliever Full Body Massage Just For Men ESPA Men’s Facial, ESPA Muscle Relaxer Wrap ESPA Muscle Relaxer Full Body Massage Mother to Be ESPA Pre-Natal Care, ESPA Re-Hydrator Facial, Luxury Pedicure

Amaralive the elusive After the 5-star Elysium Hotel in Paphos and the 4-star Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol, the 178- guest room Amara Beach Hotel and Residences in Limassol, will be the latest addition to the luxury hotel chain Stademos Hotels PLC. Amara is set to open its doors in 2018.

Lobby Lounge View

Ballroom Entry Concept

Lobby View

The 5-star luxury complex is located on the beach near the resort town of Limassol on the south coast of Cyprus and offers spectacular 180-degree views of the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel is designed by SB Architects, with landscaping undertaken by EDSA SKS, both prestigious US firms involved in high-end projects around the world. Rockwell Group has designed the guest rooms, beach cabanas, ballroom, lobby, spa, and four restaurants. Committed to addressing sensitivity, their designs for the Amara seek to create genuine value. Amara will be the epitome of exclusivity with a careful design that will respect the historical, natural and social context while providing for the lavish needs of our guests. The V-shaped hotel steps down to the beach with a modern aesthetic that combines clean lines with monolithic forms. In contrast to the building’s linear, horizontal outlines, locally-sourced materials such as gavro stone, copper, and white plaster reference the regional architecture and culture.

Passive cooling, solar and wind power, and grey-water use all contribute to the resort’s sustainable design.

For SB Architects the idea behind the design was to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. Rockwell Group continued in that vein, bringing the colours, textures, and history of the Greek-influenced, southern part of the island into the public spaces and guest rooms of the hotel.

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Old Cypriot houses are flooded with natural light, thanks to a centre courtyard called an “iliakos.”

Rockwell Group interpreted this concept by emphasizing on a mix of white and pale colours to reflect daylight, adding touches of sea-blue. Highly textured layers, relating to the craftsmanship of the island, are expressed in the details of materials and furniture: woven materials, lace, wood, rope, ceramics, and rough stone all speak to Amara’s specific location. The aim of the Management was to create a five-star boutique hotel that would offer a sophisticated Health and Spa experience, unique culinary offerings, contemporary technological sophistication and business and event staging with state-of-the-art conference facilities.

“Our vision is to lead the way. The hospitality industry should offer experiences and quality. Based on our principles and beliefs, we work tirelessly and consistently to accomplish this goal and satisfy our guests,” says Managing Director of Stademos Hotels PLC Demos Demosthenous. “The Amara constitutes a premier luxury complex that aims to fulfill the needs and tastes of sophisticated customers. It is without question a leader of its kind, whether our visitors are looking for an idyllic getaway with their family, a luxury escape or a business venue. Offering personalized attention and creating unforgettable memories are the primary principles of Amara, a destination extraordinaire where luxury, service and design come together. The comforts of a second home, friendly service, individuality, privacy, serenity and tranquility are the needs which the Amara has been designed to satisfy. Our visitors’ every wish will be granted and every need accommodated. Amara is simply a dream come true.”

Design Details Lobby and Lounge

After entering the lobby through a porte cochère, guests are immediately greeted by a view of the sea, which lies beyond a sunken iliakos and a balcony. The iliakos— the central, interior lounge—has built-in seating and is framed by wood trellises and a wood beam ceiling. To the right of the sunken lounge is a copper guest check-in desk with a surface that subtly transitions from smooth to patterned. The feature wall behind the desk alternates marble niches with wood articulated with fluting to evoke Greek columns. A large, adjacent bar and lounge has a mix of screened off, circular seating pods and one communal seating area. Wood screens surrounding the individual pods have a geometric pattern that is an abstraction of the Greek key design. The lounge leads to an outdoor terrace.

Ballroom

The centrepiece of the prefunction corridor is a spiral, sculptural stair that descends from the lobby level and is surrounded by screens featuring an abstraction of the Greek key design. Glass window walls have expansive views and access to a lawn that extends the prefunction space. The ballroom has a patchwork pattern custom rug, chairs with woven seatbacks, and woven linen wallcovering set behind a metal lattice and dark bronze mirrored niches that wrap the room from walls to ceiling. Glass globe light fixtures add dimension to the scale of the large room.

Main Dining Room

The fine dining option for guests, the main dining room, transitions from breakfast, to lunch, to dinner. The palette is warm and modern, with walnut, metal, and marble accents. Curved banquettes have woven caning and light fixtures are made of thin marble petals. Blue marble wall pilasters alternate with woven leather caning infill screens.

All Day Dining Room

This dining option is more family-oriented, with marketstyle buffets and a more whimsical atmosphere. Pops of colour come from dip-dyed lanterns, blue tiles at the buffet backsplash, and columns wrapped in a natural material with an ombré blue wash. Room dividers are made from metal and woven rope. Back walls alternate wood planks with metal and concrete. The dining area extends outdoors where big lanterns and parquet wood flooring hints at a beachy feel.

Beach Restaurant

The beach restaurant is located on two outdoor levels that step down to the water, beginning with a bar and fish display. Here, Rockwell Group fully celebrated Amara’s location. Festoon lights and white shutters have a crisp and clean feel. Handmade rope handrails, white, textured stone walls, and teak furniture and flooring complement the fresh-air setting. Completed with a pergola which is woven with white fabric shades.

Guestrooms and Beach Cabanas

All guestrooms, suites, and 2 freestanding beach cabanas have magnificent views of the beach. Some rooms feature pocket sliding glass doors that lead to a terrace.

Built-in lounge seating with sleek cushions reference architecture and woven benches contrast with mother-ofpearl light fixtures. Feature walls behind the beds have a blue, watercolour effect while custom, freestanding minibars double as mirrored, valet-like pieces with metal frames and glass shelves. Bathrooms are surrounded by white shutter walls and have a sculptural marble tub and a live-edge wood and marble vanity.

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Pafos has always been an excellent holiday destination with its rich archaeological past, sunny beaches and delicious cuisine. This year, however, Pafos is the ultimate destination: the city has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2017 and a massive array of remarkable cultural events is set to take place throughout the whole year. 2017 is surely the year to be in Pafos!

The following is a list of selected events. For the full programme please visit the official website of Pafos 2017. www.pafos2017.eu

Maltese photographer David Pisani has drawn his inspiration from the parallel historical paths of the two islands: his exhibition presents and compares images from Cyprus and his homeland in an attempt to locate the common patterns of life in the two countries.

April 8-9, 2017 Mind your Step

A symposium for urban landscape artists and scientists and a series of shows in the city centre will round off this project, which aspires to connect contemporary dance with urban space and essentially present the choreography of the city itself.

May 1, 2017 Berlin Philharmonic

A world class event and a celebration of the European Idea: the great Mariss Jansons conducts the annual European Concert of the renowned Berlin Philharmonic at Pafos Castle Square.

May 12-13, 2017 Lysistrata May 1, 2017 Berlin Philharmonic

January 28-February 28, 2017 Planites

Planites are the wanderers and world travellers, like Agapinor, Apostle Paul, Saint Neophytos and Aphrodite, but also the migrants and the refugees. Important artists from Cyprus and the Mediterranean take part in this international artistic and research exhibition, which will take place at Palia Ilektriki and the Residence on Shelley Street resulting in an alternative urban tour.

February 10-20, 2017 Second Nature

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A fresh and surprising approach to Aristophanes’ comedy about war, peace and gender conflict; actors from Cyprus, Brazil and Nigeria draw on their experiences and cultural particularities to make the performance a dialogue between Africa, South America and Europe.

June 30, 2017 Yamato Taiko Drum Ensemble – Chousousha

The Yamato Ensemble brings the rhythm and colours of the Far East straight from the country of the Rising Sun to the central square of Pafos. Colours and music will be combined in a performance of explosive energy, physical strength, perfect coordination, dance and the sound of drums.

July 4-30, 2017 Life of the Dead

Second Nature, a project by Valentinos Stephanou, is a blend of natural vegetation and architectural structures with aesthetic integrity, of features that are integrated harmoniously into the landscape and prove that human intervention does not necessarily disturb natural harmony, but can even protect and enhance it.

The two European Capitals of Culture have joined forces in organising this grand exhibition that will take place in both Pafos and Aarhus, Denmark. Co-organised by the Moesgaard Museum (MoMu) and the Society of Cypriot Studies, the exhibition explores traditions and beliefs on death, mourning and the afterlife in Cyprus, Denmark and elsewhere.

March 4-20, 2017 A Tale of Two Cities

August 5, 2017 Weddings and Funerals – Goran Bregovic

The Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Malta share similar passions, adventures and tragedies. Internationally acclaimed

The sounds of the Orchestra for Weddings and Funerals, highly influenced by the Balkan tradition, travel to Pafos. At a

place where cultures converge and Aphrodite, the goddess of love and of the dead, is revered, world-famous musician and composer Goran Bregovic builds a world of unique sounds and thrilling music with his ability to bring contrasting elements together.

September 16, 2017 Cassandra

In the little time she has left before her hometown falls into the hands of the Achaeans, Cassandra from Troy narrates her story and the sufferings she endured as a child, lover, prisoner and woman. Hervé Loichemoi directs the exceptional Fanny Ardant in a brilliant musical version by Michael Jarrell of Christa Wolf’s novel, Cassandra.

November 4-5, 2017 The Animattikon Project

The project aims at highlighting the art of animation in Cyprus and establishing an annual event around it. It hosts a series of workshops, film screenings and interactive animation installations held at the Attikon cinema, a landmark and a point of reference in Pafos for people of all ages: the name of the project is in fact a compound of the words animation and Attikon.

December 1-15, 2017 Salon d’ Automne International

October 12-14, 2017 Kingdoms of Pafos

Theatres, agoras, mosaics, ancient tombs, catacombs and churches are some of the elements of this cultural palimpsest: archaeologist Claire Balandier and her associates have compiled a series of tours and visits based on the history and local myths of Pafos. The centre of these tours is Fabrica Hill where excava-

June 30, 2017 Yamato Taiko Drum Ensemble – Chousousha

tions have brought to light one of the best preserved quarries of the Hellenistic years, the theatre and the ruins of a temple, hidden worship sites and the remnants of an aqueduct.

August 5, 2017 Weddings and Funerals – Goran Bregovic

Pafos connects with Paris and its great tradition in the arts by hosting the legendary Salon d’ Automne: the famous annual art exhibition was founded by 1903 by Georges Rouault, André Derain, Henri Matisse and Albert Marquet as a counter-movement to conservatism in art and is still an event of enormous importance for art lovers.

September 16, 2017 Cassandra

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February 16-26, 2017 Limassol Carnival

March 3-5, 2017 Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform

There’s never a dull day in this city; vibrant and dynamic, Limassol will charm and captivate even the most demanding visitor with a wide variety of year round events, festivals and activities. Make the most of your stay indulging in the city’s thriving nightlife and cultural scene.

February 16-26, 2017 Limassol Carnival

Limassol is undeniably the place to be during Carnival Season. During Tsiknopempti (literally translated as Stinky Thursday), the tempting smell of succulent meat fills the air, as Limassolians get out in the streets to sing, eat, drink and welcome King Carnavalos. The next days are packed with public fiestas happening all around the city. Don’t be surprised if a cowboy takes the place of the bank teller or weird creatures singing old carnival serenades fill the streets at night. The peak of the celebrations is the grand Parade that takes place on the last day of Carnival (February 26) and attracts thousands of masked visitors from across the island; the dancing begins at noon and ends at the early hours of the next day. www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy/carnival March 3-5, 2017 Cyprus Contemporary Dance Platform

A showcase of contemporary Cypriot dance, the CCDP has emerged as one of the most significant dance events on the island. Each year the best proposals are selected to be presented in front of the audience and an international jury, while dancers and dance enthusiasts can participate in numerous parallel events such as seminars, round table discussions, lectures and November 2017 Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase

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July 2017 Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival

workshops by academics and dance experts. www.cyprusdanceplatform.com March 18-19, 2017 Limassol Marathon

Follow the coastal road of Limassol from the ancient town of Amathus to the city centre in the city’s largest marathon, which attracts runners and walkers of all ages and levels in a grand sports celebration. There are six different courses to choose from, so put on your trainers and come run with a smile. www.limassolmarathon.com April 2017 Cyprus Film Days

Cinema at its best: Cyprus Film Days feature the most important international movies of the year, promote domestic film production by organising master classes and screenings of the most recent Cypriot films and celebrate the art of cinema with a series of hugely popular parallel events such as tributes and night screenings. cyprusfilmdays.com May 2017 Street Life Festival

True to its name, Street Life Festival is dedicated to street Late August to early September 2017 Limassol Wine Festival

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Limassol

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December 2017 Christmas & New Year Festivities

culture. Located in the centre of Limassol, this particularly successful festival aims at getting Limassolians out in the streets to channel their inner graffiti artist and watch skateboarders, street dancers and bikers show off their moves in a vibrant celebration of all things urban. www.facebook.com/streetlifefest

April 2017 Cyprus Film Days

the island itself and Limassol district is unquestionably its top wine region. The city kicks off the start of the traditional winemaking season with this enormously popular festival that sees thousands of visitors having fun, indulging in traditional delicacies, drinking free wine and even singing and dancing on grapes together all night long. www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy/wine

June 3-5, 2017 Flood Festival (Kataklysmos)

Get a glimpse of traditional Cyprus in this three-day festival.

The city’s promenade is filled with local families, as well as tourists who come here to have a folklore experience, taste Cypriot delicacies, play lucky games and watch singing and dancing performances in a traditional feast that manages to retain its popularity year after year.

http://www.isffc.com.cy/

This open-air, lively festival has become a meeting point for world musicians who come here to perform in a series of concerts taking place at the bustling Heroon Square and participate in workshops at villages around Limassol. The admission is free for all concerts.

November 2017 Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase

August 2017 Lemesos International Documentary Festival

Delve into the world’s most burning current issues by watching awarded documentary films in this vibrant festival that has grown dramatically in popularity and importance through the years. At the Evagoras Lanitis Centre a diverse crowd follows the screenings religiously and later goes into heated discussions outside the venue with a mojito at hand.

This young festival was born in 2014 as a response to the growing jazz scene of Cyprus. Jazz and world music artists present original compositions to Limassol’s jazz lovers who seize the opportunity to discover new sounds of their favourite music genres and meet other jazzophiles at the city’s most important jazz event. http://rialto.interticket.com December 2017 Christmas & New Year Festivities

Late August to early September 2017 Limassol Wine Festival

Come December, Limassol is already in a festive mood: Christmas decorations flash in the streets, shops are filled with people picking up presents and cafes are bustling with chatty groups and the aroma of coffee and chocolate. All around the city a variety of events caters to every taste, while a Christmas Village set up at Anexartisias Street in the city centre offers a jolly good time to children and adults alike.

Wine production and consumption in Cyprus is as ancient as

http://www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy

filmfestival.com.cy

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This is one of Europe’s finest festivals as well as the official competition festival in Cyprus for short film. Its popularity has grown immensely in recent years and it now features both an international and national competition, while serving as a meeting point for filmmakers and audiences from Cyprus and abroad.

July 2017 Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival

www.cyprusrialtoworldmusic.com

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October 2017 International Short Film Festival of Cyprus

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CREDITS

Treasures Magazine

Owner: STADEMOS HOTELS PLC Design: PINEAPPLE GRAPHICS www.pineapplegraphics.net Creative Directors: George Hadjiloizou, Myrto Fereou Contributors: Katerina Emmanouil, Ianthi Papadema Photographers: Harris Kyprianou, Marinos Tsatsos

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Forces of Nature Stella Afxentiou

Restless and curious, Stella Afxentiou

produces artwork that is not restrained by classical notions of art. Using various art forms such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, video, she seeks to explore issues related to emotional and social identities. Her ceramic work reflects a similar approach. Influenced by organic forms and traditional pottery techniques, the artist creates unique ceramics that manage to capture the elusive balance between art and functionality. The use of natural materials, like drift wood and rope, highlight the appreciation of the environment that is evident in the totality of her work. In her own words: “Art is an experience that moves in parallel to life and artwork frequently serves as ‘the mirror’ of everything that has been stored in us, either as fragments of memory or emotions. We often witness how a small part of our lives lasts long enough to determine our behaviours and our reactions. Let’s look at it very closely.

We may find a way to restore our lives.”

Stella Afxentiou was born in 1980 in Limassol, where she lives and works. She holds a Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Fine Arts & Technology from a private school in Athens, certified by Middlesex University, London, where she went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Fine Art Theory and Practice. She has participated in group shows in Cyprus and abroad.

Her work can be seen at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel.

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Tel: 99474240 Website: http://stellafxentiou.com Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/Objects-by-Stella-Afxentiou