MESSAGE | from the Executive Chairman
A
NEW B
E
G
I
N
N
I
N
G
Welcome to the first issue of the new Amathus magazine! This historic hotel is now under the management of Muskita Hotels, the company that also owns and operates the neighbouring Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol. The foundation, the service culture, the focus on gracious genuine hospitality, and the continuous updating of the facilities and services offered to our guests are the characteristics of our company. Our objective is to highlight O ur o b j ective is to high l ight the uni q ue f eatures o f this historic hote l .
the hotel’s vast sea frontage and to offer indoor and outdoor luxury thanks to the beautiful setting and location of the Amathus Beach Hotel. In a short period of only three months, we have completed a series of renovations. These include upgrading 40 guest rooms as well as fully redesigning the Limanaki restaurant, which is undoubtedly Limassol’s prime seafood restaurant directly on the beach. As a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, the Amathus meets the high standards of this international association of premium hotels. With Muskita Hotels’ emphasis on reinforcing the close bond shared by the Management, our staff, and our valued repeaters and guests, we foresee a bright future for this outstanding property. Thank you for joining us, and enjoy your stay at the new Amathus! Christos Mouskis EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
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contents I S S U E
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S U M M E R
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2 0 1 4
A NE W B E G I NN I N G
Message from the Executive Chairman
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16
LIMASSOL DIARY G OO D T O B E B AC K AG A I N
Message from the General Manager
Highlights of Limassol’s cultural scene
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Who’s who at the Amathus Beach Hotel
9 H E A D L I NE S
What’s new at Amathus
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A N E V EN I N G OF PRIME DINING
Introducing the new Grill Room
M A N AG E M EN T TEAM
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T H E NE W LIMANAKI
Reinventing Limassol’s finest fish restaurant
38 D I NE A R O U N D : A gourmet excursion exclusively for Amathus guests
MAGAZINE PUBLISHER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tasos Polydorou EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eleni Polydorou eleni@polydoroudesign.com SENIOR DESIGNER Maria Nicolaou ADVERTISING SALES Katerina Kyprianou katerina@polydoroudesign.com CONTRIBUTORS Al Davidian Evelyn Evripidou Yiota Mallas Paula Manoli Dina Mylordou
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PHOTOGRAPHY
M U S I N G ON MASTERY
Innovative artists tucked in downtown Limassol
Christos Papantoniou Louca Studios Franginos Theodorou
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PRINT PRODUCTION Laser Graphics Ltd
A J O U R NE Y T O W E L L NE S S
50 A CHILD’S DREAM Who’s behind the new vintage cars museum in Limassol?
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A holistic approach to fitness and beauty
64
AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL
FAMILY FEATURES
How the Amathus puts children first
68
V EN U E M EE T S V I S I ON
Amathus: an events planner’s playground
A S PA R K L E IN THE EASTERN MED
Limassol Marina is here… and waiting for you
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N AV I G AT I N G T H E EUROPEAN MAZE
The truth about VAT in Europe
75 Amathounta Avenue 4532 Limassol, Cyprus P O Box 50513, 3606 Limassol, Cyprus T: +357 2503 0320 F: +357 2583 2540 E: amathusl@amathushotel.com www.amathuslimassol.com
Published on behalf of the AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL LIMASSOl by: T&E Polydorou Design Ltd P.O.BOX 40353, 6303 Larnaca, Cyprus www.polydoroudesign.com
The title and all material are protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Although the greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at the time of going to press, neither the Publisher nor The Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol can accept responsibility for omissions or errors.
A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
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A s we a l l work together within the Four S easons f ami ly l oya l guests
HIGH JEWELLERY COLLECTION
JEWELLERY ATELIER 104 Amathountos Avenue, Seasons Plaza B-C, Ayios Tychonas (opposite Four Seasons Hotel) 4532 Limassol, Cyprus Tel.: 25 313302, Fax: 25 314734, Mobile: 99 652263, e-mail: jewelleryatelier@cytanet.com.cy
MESSAGE | from the General Manager
GOOD T O
B E
B A C K
again
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Amathus in my capacity as the new General Manager of the hotel. The fact is, I am not a newcomer to this landmark of Cyprus hospitality... and I am delighted to recognise some familiar faces among you – our loyal clientele. It was 1999 when I first joined the Amathus Food &Beverage team for a few years. Seven years later I returned as the Quality Manager for both Amathus Hotels, in Limassol and Paphos. In a way, you could say I’m a ‘repeater’ – this time at the helm, to orchestrate the amazing developments planned under the management of Muskita Hotels. My vision is to direct the Amathus to new and greater heights. With such an extraordinary property and the support of a great team, I am confident that I will rise to the challenge: to be among happy staff and happy guests who will thoroughly enjoy Amathus Beach Hotel’s indoor and outdoor luxury by the sea. Our promise is to introduce innovative features and offer you pleasant surprises every time you return. To make sure these changes respond to your wishes, your feedback is essential. You will always find me walking around the hotel, looking and listening to our staff and our guests – and I hope to meet as many of you as possible face to face, to welcome you personally to the Amathus in Limassol.
Andreas Georgiou GENERAL MANAGER
A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
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230, Arch. Makariou III Avenue Regency Building, shop 1-4 Tel. + 357 25 029400, + 357 99 573752 3030 Limassol, Cyprus www.marc-cain.com Апрель-Июнь 2014
ЛИМОН
Saga #1: 36, Georgiou A’ Str., Natia House, T. + 357 25 313126 Saga #2: Arch. Makariou III Ave. Maximos Plaza, Shop 10, T. + 357 25 582820 Saga Outlet: 83, Georgiou A’ Str., Peyiazis Court, T. + 357 25 321839 Baldinini: 205, Arch. Makariou III Ave., Victory House, T. + 357 25 025577 Marc Cain: 230, Arch. Makariou III Ave., Regency Building, Shop 1-4, T. + 357 25 029400. Mob. + 357 99 435172, + 357 99 573752 | Facebook.com/SagaBoutiqueCyprus
Апрель-Июнь 2014
ЛИМОН
КРАСОТА НЕ ПОДВЛАСТНА ВРЕМЕНИ... На протяжении уже десяти лет компания Elite Interiors и дизайнер по интерьерам из Москвы Ирина Антропова радуют своих клиентов на Кипре новыми работами и оригинальными решениями. Многие реализованные проекты стали своеобразной визитной карточкой и завоевали ряд престижных международных наград, среди них частная вилла «Санта Барбара» , новый офис девелоперской компании «Chr. Athanasiou Depelopers», частные виллы в комплексах “The Residence”, “THERRA” и многие другие. Профессионализм и новаторский подход к работе привлекает все большее число клиентов и надежных партнеров. Для своих проектов Ирина подбирает самые престижные и проверенные временем материалы, начиная от керамической плитки и заканчивая эскслюзивными аксессуарами и тканями. Вся продукция поставляется напрямую от зарубежных производителей по выгодным ценам. Для рализации сложных инженерных решений компания Elite Interiors привлекает партнеров из Италии, Германии и других стран.
Interior Designer Irina Antropova Charalambous
Если вы стремитесь к настоящей роскоши и хотите создать эксклюзивный интерьер, то выбор Elite Interiors в качестве своего партнера будет правильным решением и оправдает все ваши надежды. Ознакомиться с проектами и продукцией компании можно на сайте www. Interiorselite.com Limassol, Christaki Kranou, 34 | Tel: +357 2532 1600 | Fax: +357 2532 1532 E-mail: info@interiorselite.com | www.interiorselite.com
INTERIOR
DESIGNERS
&
SUPPLIERS
H E A D L I N E S | W h at ’ s n e w at A m at h u s
NE WS
FROM THE AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL
I nternationa l
S eawater specia l s
R ecognition Over the past few months,
P ools a r e wonde r fully r ef r esh i ng ,
the Amathus proudly
but the easy float i ng sensat i on you
received a series of annual
feel i n the sea i s s i mply un i q ue – not
awards that confirm guest satisfaction, and much
to ment i on the health benef i ts to
more, on a large scale.
you r c i r culat i on and sk i n .
The latest awards include
To offe r you the best of both wo r lds ,
the Sovereign Award for
the
A mathus
has
now
i nt r oduced
Excellence 2013, an expression of appreciation from
f r esh seawate r i n the hotel’ s i ndoo r
UK holidaymakers – one of
pool . It ’ s the pe r fect solut i on fo r
the hotel’s main markets. BiblioGlobus, a major tour
those w ho p r efe r a pool sett i ng ;
operator and the voice of
and to make su r e i t ’ s ava i lable all
the hotel’s Russian guests,
yea r r ound, the wate r i s heated up to 2 8 ° C du r i ng the coole r
recognised the Amathus Spa & Health Club as a ‘Leading
w i nte r months . A g r eat way to comb i ne you r s w i m w i th a h i nt
Spa’ in 2013.
of thalassothe r apy.
TripAdvisor, the most popular interactive forum where travellers share their volun-
NEW
The Amathus Boutique has recently received several new collections for men and women, offering you an even greater choice of designer labels at the most competitive prices in town. On the men’s side, and in addition to the winning ISAIA jackets, suits and shirts, as well as Moschino and Bikkembergs beachwear, gents can now browse and pick Armani and EA7 jeans, shorts, T-shirts, shirts and swim shorts, before trying out the latest shoes from ETRO. For the ladies, the extensive range of Italian top designer labels has also been extended with the introduction of Armani and EA7 jeans, Naughty Dog springsummer collection, with Gedebe and Ghibli bags and accessories to complete your wardrobe. Visit the Amathus boutique to check out the latest fashion trends!
arrivals
tary reviews, honoured the Amathus with twin awards: the hotel as a whole earned TripAdvisor’s ‘Certificate of Excellence 2013’, while the Limanaki restaurant was ranked ‘Best Restaurant’ in the same year. Sincere thanks to all guests who generously shared their positive experiences.
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H E A D L I N E S | W h at ’ s n e w at A m at h u s
NE WS
T FROM THE A M AT H U S BEACH HOTEL
Y our room is ready ! To minimise disruptions within the hotel, all the guest rooms in the main building were scheduled for renovation, one floor at a time. The third floor was the last in line and completed over the past winter. It concludes this particular renovation cycle, giving all accommodation in the main building the mellow elegance of parquet floors and the style of upgraded soft furnishings and finish. For a more luxurious option, check out the Amathunta Suites on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor with their magnificent views. Inside, marble floors complement contemporary Cassina furniture, Elite mattresses and flat screen TVs in the bedroom and the living room. Bvlgari toiletries and an iPod docking system are only some of many deluxe extras for ultimate comfort.
SUN, SAND & the sea
‌ No summer resort is complete without them. To extend your seas ide pleasure, the Amathus has prepared a second sandy beach option for you to enjoy. Bes ides the main seafront area , a ne w sandy cove awaits you along the beautiful Limanaki restaurant. Wake up every morning and take your pick!
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ROBERTOC OIN.C OM
POIS MOI COLLECTION
Shop 1: 89 Georgiou A str, Potamos Yermasoyias, Limassol T.+357 25312071
Shop 2: 104 Amathountos Ave.Shop15, Seasons Plaza (Opposite Four Seasons Hotel) T +357 25323220
Shop 3: SOON IN NEW LIMASSOL MARINA
H E A D L I N E S | W h at ’ s n e w at A m at h u s
NE WS FROM THE A M AT H U S BEACH HOTEL
A warm we l come
S
ome changes are so radical, you cannot miss them. Others are more subtle, aiming simply to make you feel more comfortable and at home – often without knowing why. So it is with the new twists and
tweaks that were recently made to the hotel entrance and lobby area. Only
T rave l S mart, S ee M ore The SEEMORE project is dedicated to
the frequent visitor will notice the clear new doors, cobbled outside entrance
Sustainable and Energy
and more decorative columns. Throughout the lobby, strategically positioned
Efficient Mobility
carpets, plants and flowers add fresh colour and life to your first impression of
Options in tourist regions in Europe.
the Amathus. These measures may be viewed as details, but they are the kind
Limassol has joined the
that can make all the difference; and the difference is a warmer, softer and
campaign, alongside
friendlier welcome for our guests.
other pilot regions in Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Malta, Poland, Italy, and Bulgaria. To achieve SEEMORE’s
T he A rt o f S ty l e
objectives, the Limassol Tourism Board
Quite often, when you need a hair salon, you need it
organised a seminar for
now – especially after a day of summer bathing or
tourism professionals
after a visit to the spa and before dressing up for
to help them promote
dinner. As an instant response to this need, you will
sustainable modes of
find the Amathus hair salon on the pool le vel .
transport in Limassol.
The ‘Art & Style ’ Hair Salon is an extension of one of
At the same time, a
Limassol’s premium addresses for ladies and gents.
winter programme of
Run by a husband and wife team – Joseph and Niki –
walking and cycling
‘Art & Style’ is at your service with a complete range
tours has been compiled.
of ha ir ca re as well as make-up for every occasion.
A mobility information
In fact, the couple in charge have established
pack is available in print
themselves in two of Limassol’s top hotels, with
and online. You can also
Joseph managing the salon at the Amathus, and
check out the latest video
Niki welcoming guests at the Four Seasons. In both
entitled ‘Travel Smart,
cases, you can rest assured that your hair is in the
See More!’ on YouTube.
best of coiffeur hands.
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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
H E A D L I N E S | W h at ’ s n e w at A m at h u s
NE WS FROM THE A M AT H U S BEACH HOTEL
T
The digital world of Amathus
The Amathus Beach Hotel is an example of hospitality in constant progress, as the management continuously seeks new ways to make your stay more inviting and more exciting. The quickest and most accurate way to find out what’s new and what’s happening is to log in to the hotel’s website or follow Amathus on your preferred social media platform. The most recent website revamp took a very practical approach, with emphasis on a visual presentation of facilities as well as videos that beautifully capture different holiday experiences, under the title of ‘Life in Amathus Moments’. Three videos are currently online, to give you real-life impressions of the hotel in general, an example of wonderful weddings at Amathus and a mini-tour of the hotel’s extraordinary concept spa – with more to come. The rationale behind the new website is to offer you information and ideas that will guide you to a holistic holiday experience, by helping you design your perfect holiday, in every aspect. For example, instead of merely listing the different types of accommodation, the room
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descriptions have been reviewed to include suggestions or recommendations to inspire you and help you choose the most appropriate room to match your personal style and preference. The website is also the quick-reference address for special or seasonal offers for you to take advantage of, with direct contact – by mail or phone – to the hotel. For a broader exchange, the various social media pages invite you to share experiences or ideas with the Amathus hotel and all its friends. Simply click on the +GET SOCIAL button in lower left-hand corner of the page to follow Amathus, keep in touch, or get some holiday inspiration. Because Amathus firmly believes in the value of interaction with all guests, you’ll find the hotel on different platforms – facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and TripAdvisor. So, whether you’re in the hotel at the moment, just arrived back home, or planning your next visit to the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol, choose the platform that reflects your preferred communication style and keep the conversation going! www.amathuslimassol.com
IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL
Limassol and its surroundings offer a wealth of activities and annual events for a truly unique holiday experience. Whether you enjoy premier theatre and music productions, world-class sporting events or traditional, local festivals, you will find all these and more in our diary of major cultural events.
July 26 C ommandaria ( Koumandaria ) Festiva l An evening of entertainment marks the annual
August 1-8
Commandaria Festival, in
9 th Lemesos D ocs
which all 14 wine-produc-
The Lemesos International
ing villages of the Troodos
Documentary Film Festival
mountain range take part.
– LemesosDocs – is an
The festival celebrates the
annual festival that presents
sweet dessert wine – which
contemporary creative
is the oldest wine still in
documentaries and holds
production. Alongside
workshops and lectures.
the entertainment, the
Cinematographically
villagers demonstrate how
interesting, innovative and
Commandaria is made,
eye-opening documentaries
as well as offering samples
are invited to showcase
to visitors. The final pro-
across eight nights. The
gramme will be available
full programme will be
July 8-30
on the Limassol Munici-
available on the festival’s
pality website. Admission
website.
9 th C yprus R ia lto E thnic W or l d M usic Festiva l
is free.
www.filmfestival.com.cy
Groups and musicians from the Mediterranean
20:00 (main event) Silikou Village www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy
and Middle East perform on the island in celebra-
AUG
EV EN TS ’14
JUL
L I M A S S O L | D IAR Y
tion of the shared geo-
graphical, historical and
cultural relations that have influenced the music of
these regions. The festival has been an annual event
since 2006 and a member of the European Forum of Worldwide Music
| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
Limasso l W ine Festiva l
Festivals since 2011. The
The 10-day Limassol Wine
programme of perfor-
Festival celebrates Cypriot
mances will be available
wine and the island’s long-
on the official website.
standing winemaking
Admission is free for all
tradition. The programme
the performances.
includes entertainment
Heroes Square T: 7777 7745 2534 3902 www.cyprusethnic.com www.rialto.com.cy
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August 28 September 7
for all the family, from singing and dancing to magicians and puppet shows. Admission includes
a bottle of wine and a
visitors can observe the
details on the event can
wine receptacle for free
making of the grape
be found on the dedicated
sampling of various wines
sweets ‘palouze’ and ‘sou-
website nearer the time.
from local wineries and
jouko’, as well as sampling
Admission is free.
independent producers
various other delicacies
throughout the event. The
made with grapes. The
Troodos mountain range www.cyprusrally.com.cy
full programme can be
entertainment includes
found on the municipality’s
folk music, theatrical
Wine Festival website.
performances, traditional
20:00 Municipal Gardens www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy/wine
customs, competitions and wine tasting, while the villages themselves with their traditional houses, churches and lo-
SEP
cal museums are lovely to tour. The Troodos Tourism Board offers transport to the events, available by contacting the CTO Information Office. Lofou, Vasa and Arsos villages CTO Information Office, Germasogeia T: 2532 3211 www.mytroodos.com
September & October (all month)
K ypria I nternationa l Festiva l The annual two-month
September 19-21
Kypria Festival brings
F I A M . E . R a l ly C hampionship ( C yprus R a l ly )
with performances in all
The Middle East Rally
artists from Cyprus and
September 14, 21 & 28
Championship season
around the world. The
runs from February to
word ‘Kypria’ means
November, with six differ-
Cypriot, and the event is
G rape Feast
ent events in six different
based on the traditions
The annual Grape Feast –
countries. The Cyprus leg
and authentic facets of
which celebrates the grape
takes place in September
Cyprus and its inhabit-
harvest of the Troodos
this year on the winding
ants. The festival was
mountains’ winemaking
roads of the Troodos
first held in 1990 and has
villages – will take place
mountain range and is
since been considered
on three different dates
a mixed surface event.
the premier cultural
during September at the
Spectators can watch the
event of the year. The
villages of Lofou (Septem-
races up close but are
full programme will be
ber 14), Vasa (September
advised to wear sensible
available nearer the time
21), and Arsos (September
shoes and adhere to the
on the official website.
28). During the event,
safety regulations. More
www.kypria.org.cy
The Ultimate Dining Experience
music, dance and theatre to the whole island, towns by distinguished
Tel: +357 25 820 430 email: dine@carobmill-restaurants.com www.carobmill-restaurants.com
IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL
customs, competitions
cations (Men’s, Women’s
and wine tasting, while
and Mixed Teams). Held
the villages themselves
at Governor’s Beach (by
with their traditional
its ‘white rocks’ which give
houses, churches and local
the event its name), the
museums are lovely to
multi-terrain triathlon’s
tour. The Troodos Tourism
difficulty level ranges from
Board offers transport
challenging to hardcore,
to the events, available
with short, middle, long
by contacting the CTO
and ultra distances.
Information Office.
The final date will be
Koilani and Vouni villages CTO Information Office, Germasogeia T: 2532 3211 www.mytroodos.com
announced nearer the time
OCT
EV EN TS ’14
NOV
L I M A S S O L | D IAR Y
October 17-19 th
1 5 Lemesia S ports Festiva l
on the Cyprus Triathlon
Federation website and the event’s Facebook page.
T: 9630 2884 www.cytrifed.org Facebook: White Rocks X-Triathlon
As the largest sporting event on the island, the Lemesia Sports Festival welcomes athletes and teams of local,
The Community Board of Agios Tychonas and the
G ermasogeia Wa l ks
The festival spans multiple
The municipality of
tion (CTO) put on an
locations and various sport-
Germasogeia offers two
hour of musical perfor-
ing disciplines from boxing,
free walking/coach tours,
mances by the sea every
running and cycling to
each three hours long.
Sunday. The event is free
sailing, water polo and
The first walk is titled ‘A
and features a variety of
kayaking, and also includes
Village Blessed with Water’
acts throughout the hour.
a 10km race in memory of
and takes in the historical
This season’s programme
Limassol sportsman Marios
architecture and dam of
will include world music,
Agathangelou. All venues,
Germasogeia. The second
pop music, traditional
sporting events, times and
walk is titled ‘Discover the
Cypriot and Greek dances,
locations will be available
Natural Environment of
a show of Armenian,
on the municipality’s web-
Germasogeia’ and takes in
Cypriot, Greek and Russian
site nearer the time.
the natural environment of
music, and a choir perfor-
www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy
the area. The Cyprus For-
mance, among others.
estry Department has also
Programme leaf-
October 26
created a nature trail that
lets are available
offers a more challenging
from CTO in-
‘palouze’ and ‘soujouko’,
W hite R ocks X-T riath l on
terrain. The walks with a
formation offices
as well as sampling
The White Rocks Triathlon
qualified and licensed tour
across Limassol.
various other delicacies
– the only cross-triathlon
guide start and finish at the
made with grapes. The
event on the island – is
entertainment includes
open to anyone who can
folk music, theatrical
swim, bike and run, and
11:00 - 12:00 Onesilos Seaside Theatre www.agiostychonas.com
performances, traditional
also includes team classifi-
G rape Feast The annual Grape Feast – which celebrates the grape harvest of the Troodos mountains’ winemaking villages – will take place on two different dates during October at the villages of Koilani (October 5) and Vouni (October 19). During the event, visitors can observe the making of the grape sweets
| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
M usica l S undays
global and Olympic level.
October 5 & 19
18
October 2014 - April 2015
November 2 December 28
CTO office. 10:00 - 13:00 CTO Office, Dasoudi T: 2532 3211
www.yermasoyia.org
Cyprus Tourism Organisa-
L I M A S S O L | D IAR Y
Z ivania Festiva l The Troodos villages of Alona and Pelendri both hold a festival to celebrate the Cypriot alcoholic drink of Zivania, a spirit made from a mixture of grape pomace and dry wines produced from indigenous grape varieties. The festival is held on two consecutive weekends (Alona first, then Pelendri a week later), and includes a programme of entertainment with tradi-
Akamas Nature Reserve Park, which is home to
some of the island’s most
scenic routes. The first day covers a 6k time-trial race
on asphalt, the second day
is an 11k trail run, the third day is a half-marathon, and the fourth day is a 10k city
run. The event culminates and drink, and a gala
dinner where prizes are awarded.
Akamas, Paphos T: 2688 0878 www.cypruschallenge.com
dancing, as well as Zivania distillation demonstrations
December
and ‘palouze’ sampling
C hristmas in Limasso l
(a traditional jelly-like
Limassol welcomes the
blancmange). The villages
Christmas spirit with the
G ermasogeia Wa l ks
at Gregori Afxentiou
The municipality of
Square, complete with
Germasogeia offers two
Christmas market and
free walking/coach tours,
a festive programme of
each three hours long.
events and entertainment.
The first walk is titled ‘A
November 23
Santa makes an appear-
Village Blessed with Water’
C yprus A phrodite H a l f M arathon
ance on his sleigh, giving
and takes in the historical
gifts to all the children,
architecture and dam of Ger-
who can also ride on the
masogeia. The second walk
Limassol Municipality
is titled ‘Discover the Natural
play-train. The entertain-
Environment of Ger-
ment includes choir
masogeia’, and takes in the
performances and puppet
natural environment of the
shows, while the market
area. The Cyprus Forestry
area includes art and
Department has also created
handicraft workshops
a nature trail that offers a
and a bazaar. The final
more challenging terrain.
programme will be avail-
The walks start and finish at
able on the municipality’s
the CTO office and are in
website nearer the time.
the company of a qualified
www.limassoltourism.com www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy
and licensed tour guide.
ing to explore with their traditional buildings and churches. The Troodos Tourism Board offers transport to the events, available by contacting the CTO Information Office. Alona and Pelendri Villages CTO Information Office, Germasogeia: T:2532 3211 www.mytroodos.com
November 20-23 1 0 th C yprus I nternationa l 4 - D ay C ha l l enge This running event is slightly longer than a marathon and includes mountain running, trail running and cross-country running across Paphos,
January April
creation of a wonderland
themselves are also charm-
| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL
in a celebration of music
tional folklore music and
20
EV EN TS ’15
including the stunning
JAN
IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL
November 9 & 16
DEC
EV EN TS ’14
Paphos, the picturesque and legendary birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite, sets the scene for the Cyprus Aphrodite Half-Marathon and 5k Fun Run. The event is open to both professional and amateur runners, age 16 and up for the half-marathon, with no age restriction for the Fun Run. www.runclub.com.cy
T: 2532 3211 www.yermasoyia.org
FEB
ten-day event, you can
Series in the UCI Calen-
enjoy a host of colourful
dar, the Cyprus Sunshine
parades, exhibitions,
Cup sees more than 100
parties, and a full
elite riders from over 30
programme of entertain-
countries taking part. The
ment, organised by the
race takes place at various
Limassol Municipality.
locations, including the
Full details of the pro-
Troodos mountain range.
Almond Festival
gramme can be found
The final date and all
The village of Limnatis
nearer the time on the
information can be found
with its abundant almond
municipality’s website.
on the official Cyprus
trees celebrates an annual
www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy
cycling website nearer
February 23
www.cyclingcy.com
Almond Festival where visitors are treated to a drink of traditional ‘soumatha’ (made with ground almonds) at the entrance. Entertainment includes folk dancing, as well as a demonstration of how traditional almond sweet is made. Visitors can also sample these freshly made products at the festival with the compliments
the time.
G reen M onday Green Monday (‘Kathara Deftera’) marks the start of the 40day Lenten fast, which continues until Easter Sunday. It is a day where Cypriots take to the fields to be at one with nature and have a vegan
MAR
February
March 29
picnic. The traditional
Limasso l M arathon G S O
picnic ‘menu’ includes
The Limassol Marathon
‘koulouri’ bread (crusty
GSO is the island’s
bread covered in
official marathon.
sesame seeds), olives,
This athletic event of
dips such as hummus
international standards
(made with chickpeas)
and mass participation
and tahini (made with
follows the scenic
sesame seeds), and a spe-
coastline of Limassol,
cial sweet called ‘halvas’,
and is ideal for runners
which is made with
of all levels, thanks to the
February 12-22
sesame paste. It is also
flat surface route which
customary to fly kites
totals 42km. The races
in the fields and play
include: Marathon, Half-
Limasso l C arniva l
ballgames.
Marathon, Health Race,
of the villagers. The final date and programme can be found on the village’s website nearer the time. www.limnatis.org
Corporate Race, City
Limassol takes centre
February / March
Race and Student Race.
island to mark the start
C yprus S unshine C up
nearer the time.
of Lent, leading up to
As one of the most
Easter. Throughout the
famous Mountainbike
www. limassolmarathon.com
stage for carnival week, holding the most lavish celebrations on the
All details can be found on the official website
L I M A S S O L | D IAR Y
This holiday is celebrated
closing parade. The two
with ‘Kataklysmos’ (the
days feature flower markets,
festival of the flood),
shows and exhibitions, and
which is a bazaar held
celebrate the coming of
along the seafront with
spring and nature’s rebirth,
a range of water sports,
which have been marked
April 05
games and competitions.
with similar traditions and
Further information and
events since ancient times.
E aster S unday
the programme of events
The final date and pro-
can be obtained from
gramme will be available
the regional CTO offices
nearer the time.
The most important religious celebration in the Greek Orthodox calendar is Easter, and visitors to the island will find a whole host of activities throughout the week: church services, Easter treats and even a bonfire to burn an effigy of the traitor Judas. Visitors are welcome to observe the church services, and local bakeries will tempt you with all the traditional treats, including ‘tsoureki’ (a sweet bread) and ‘flaounes’ (cheese, raison and mint scones). For the locals, Easter Sunday lunch is traditionally a young lamb on the barbecue.
nearer the time.
of Saripolou and Athenon
his ark.
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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
theatre of Curium, with proceeds going to various charities on the island. The final date, title of the play
June
Ba l l et Festiva l
by Gifts and Gadgets, the annual event includes
C yprus R ussian Festiva l
brings a different world-
music, graffiti painting, jugglers, handicrafts, and food and drink with local and European participation, and attracts over 5000 visitors. The final date and
MAY
biblical flood of Noah and
ancient open-air amphi-
June
entertainment. Organised
May 24
to remember the great
speare play each year at the
T: 2587 9898
of urban celebrations and
Saripolou and Athenon Street T: 2535 3573 Facebook Page: Street Life Festival
Day of the Holy Ghost
Charities puts on a Shake-
20:00 Curium Amphitheatre T: 9999 0535 Facebook Page: Shakespeare at Curium (Cyprus)
transforms the old streets
the official Facebook page.
days after Easter on the
Performing Arts for Cyprus
page nearer the time.
The hip Street Life Festival
posted nearer the time on
Pentecost is held 50
The committee for The
be available on the Facebook
S treet Li f e Festiva l
details of the event will be
Festiva l o f the F l ood ( K atak lysmos )
S hakespeare at C urium
and other information will
May
for a full day and evening
June
JUN
IN AND AROUND LIMASSOL
APR
EV EN TS ’15
May G ermasogeia F l ower Festiva l ( A nthestiria ) The annual flower festival of Limassol fills the air with the fragrance of fresh, local flowers and a rainbow of pretty colours during its
The annual Cyprus Russian Festival celebrates the unique friendship between Cyprus and Russia. Organised by the Russian Embassy in Cyprus, Limassol Municipality and the Russian newspaper ‘Vestnik Kipra’, the programme includes an official VIP reception, gala concert, a fair and fireworks display. The concert – with both Russian and Cypriot artists – includes famous Russian names too. The final date and programme will be available on the Vestnik Kipra and municipality websites nearer the time. 15:00 - 23:00 Limassol Zoo Garden www.vestnikkipra.com
The annual ballet festival class ballet performance to Limassol each June. Since 2000, the festival has seen many beloved classics performed, including ‘Red Giselle’, ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’ – all performed by esteemed theatre companies from all over the world. The final date, title of the ballet and other information will be available on the municipality website nearer the time. www.limassolmunicipal. com.cy/ballet IMPORTANT NOTICE: Although all events have been confirmed and are correct at the time of going to press, we strongly recommend contacting the organisers closer to the time, in case the event is cancelled or changed at short notice.
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M A N A G E M E N T | AT Y OUR SERVICE
MEET the team
OF THE AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL LIMASSOL
Working together for so many years, the hotel’s management is a close-knit team with a single objective: to offer you the high standard hospitality associated with the name Amathus.
From services to f aci l ities , we pave the way f or a f l aw l ess guest experience .
Sotiris Ioannou
Maria Pavlidou
Andreas Philippou
C hie f E ngineer
H uman R esources M anager
I ncome A uditor , A ccounts S upervisor
Y ou can count on us f or a warm reception and round the - c l ock assistance .
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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
Stelios Pillouris
Maria Ierodiakonou
Popi Kouzi-Sougli
Front O f f ice M anager
A ssistant Front O f f ice M anager
R evenue M anager
W e take q ua l ity and
Katerina Yennari
George Georgiou
Christos Panayiotou
Food & Beverage M anager , A dministration & S a l es
Food & Beverage M anager
A ssistant Food & Beverage M anager
b l end it with variety f or your wining and dining p l easure .
Iasonas Yiasoumi
Vassos Allayioti
E xecutive C he f
Bars M anager
From the f irst to the f ina l re q uest, we ’ l l try to accommodate your needs and wishes .
Lenia Vasilopoulou |
Antonis Kyriacou
Eleni Tziortzi
R ooms D ivision M anager
D uty M anager
E xecutive H ousekeeper
Antonio Cassera
Xenios Orphanides
Angelina Koftoun
S a l es M anager
S pa M anager
D I G I T A L M arketing M anager
O ur f ocus is a l ways on you ‌ b e f ore , during and a f ter your stay.
A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
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G A S T R O N O M Y | FISH & SEAFOO D
the
new
LIMANAKI
t e x t A L D A VI D I A N
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S avour the three - tier Fruits de M er ’ s prized f l avours o f oysters , musse l s , cock l es , c l ams , tiger prawns and cra b .
A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
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H G A S T R O N O M Y | FISH & SEAFOO D
Hugely popular since the 80’s with hotel guests and visitors alike, Amathus Beach Hotel’s well-loved Limanaki fish restaurant has been upgraded and elevated to a more luxurious and exclusive environment… An enchanting setting where you can sample the bounty of the sea, soothed by the sound of the waves on a soft Mediterranean night. Indeed, you would be forgiven if you thought Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, had personally laid a table for you at the foot of the hotel’s descent to the seafront. The chic landscaping directly on the water includes a dramatically illumined, decked pathway that guides you past the live lobster tank, fish and seafood display to your pristine, romantically lit table. Simply put, it’s an ambience of Mediterranean imagination and intimacy. Under a canopy of stylish, asymmetric sails, glowing with the burnished colours of the sunset, every table enjoys an alluring view of the sea – mysterious, inviting and the perfect element to waken the appetite and fill the senses with expectation... an expectation that the carefully-crafted menu is destined to meet. O l d favourites , new temptations
Visit the Limanaki and you’ll be spoiled for choice by the contents of three unique tasting menus of harmoniously assembled seafood appetizers, fish mains and a selection of Cypriot sweets and fruits to pick. Alternatively, choose your personal favourites from the fine à la carte selections with highlights such as the decadent Astakomakaronada – homemade pasta with fresh lobster, cherry tomatoes and basil – and crispy fried calamari with coriander pesto. Whatever the occasion, the refined ambience and the flavours of the day’s fresh catch will leave you enthralled by Poseidon’s and the Amathus’s hospitality.
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Those who loved the traditional Cypriot fare of the earlier version of Limanaki can rest assured that their favourites will always endure – from the tangy baked feta appetizer to beautifully grilled calamari, dressed in piquant capers and tomato salsa, ahead of sampling the day’s fresh catch. Only now the tempting line-up includes so much more. As General Manager Andreas Georgiou points out: “The earlier tavern concept was not completely abandoned; it’s been enhanced.” Meanwhile, the design of the restaurant has undergone ambitious restructuring allowing for a 180-degree panorama of sky, sea and shore to inspire and literally elevate you. “We wanted to build upon Limanaki’s history as one of the oldest and most reputable restaurants in Limassol – and make it even greater,” Andreas says. Indeed, this versatile eatery seats around 130 guests and is the perfect location for a romantic dinner, as well as a business meal or family evening. I mperia l p l easures
A key aspect of Limanaki’s new concept is the development of the area adjacent to the main dining premises. Appropriately named ‘The Lighthouse’, it features a bar serving cocktails, champagne and drinks into the early hours of the morning. Also on offer are a variety of delectable accompaniments: Mediterranean cheese platters, fruit platters, Sturia Aquitaine or Oscietra caviar with blinis, egg white, capers and sour cream, and freshly shucked Tsarskaya or Fine de Claire oysters, served on ice and dressed in lemon and shallot vinegar. How better to enjoy imperial pleasures, savouring the sweet flesh of oysters infused with the natural iodine of the sea, than to sip flutes of champagne a stone’s throw away from the sea? For more of the marine harvest you can also opt for the very popular Fruits de Mer – which, in addition to oysters, includes tiger prawns, clams, cockles, mussels and crabs. C rowning g l ory
It goes without saying, however, that Limanaki’s crowning glory will always remain its fresh fish drawn from local as well as
G A S T R O N O M Y | FISH & SEAFOO D
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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
top far left Fresh , hand shucked oysters are everyday de l icacies at Limanaki .
top left D ip into l uxuriant white T aramas , garnished with sa l mon caviar .
bottom far left S amp l e p l ump gri l l ed sca l l ops , paired with root vegeta b l es and pars l ey condiments .
bottom left
international waters. The catch is replenished daily under the careful scrutiny of Executive Chef Iasonas Yiasoumi, who heads out to the fish market to make his selections early every morning.“The options are quite extensive,” says Iasonas, “and the emphasis is on preserving the Mediterranean identity of the menu,” which generously features gifts from Cypriot, Greek and Maltese waters. Ultimately though, what has always been of paramount importance to the Amathus is responding to the desires of its guests. Throughout the year, ongoing and meticulous monitoring takes place to record diners’ food preferences while keeping an eye on evolving international eating trends. “I am always asked which is the key element to focus on – ambience, service or quality of food,” says Andreas. “That is like asking which is the most important ingredient in bread: flour, water, or yeast? Leave any one of them out, and you won’t get bread…” Similarly, at the Amathus in general and Limanaki in particular, the environment, the performance of the waiting staff and the distinction in meal preparation are all of equal significance. “These are the elements of Limanaki’s new philosophy,” he insists. Clearly, with the new Limanaki concept, nothing has been left to chance when it comes to creating an unforgettable encounter with marine cuisine. And now… your place at generous Poseidon’s table awaits you.
SELECT YOUR CHOICE OF FRESH FISH A N D W E W I LL S K I LLF U LLY P R E PA R E I T T O YO U R TA S T E .
The Limanaki Restaurant and The Lighthouse Lounge Bar are open seven days a week, from May to mid-November. The Limanaki operates from 7.30pm-11pm, The Lighthouse operates from 6.30pm-2am.
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G A S T R O N O M Y | FISH & SEAFOO D
I n an am b ience o f M editerranean imagination and intimacy, every ta b l e at Limanaki en j oys an a l l uring panorama o f the sea .
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the world of LUXURY brands for kids 28th October Avenue, Olympic Residence, Limassol, T: 25 585889
GASTRONOMY | Grilled to perfection
A
N
evening
o
f
P rime Dining t e xt A L D A VI D I A N
When it comes to a classic dinner amid privileged surroundings, the Amathus Hotel’s latest gastronomic offering – The Grill Room – ranks at the top. Boasting a menu packed with prime cuts of meat, cooked to perfection in a superior Josper wood oven, the new grill house opened in early May to very positive customer responses. And now it is turning up the heat to capture your dining imagination. But it’s not just the menu that’s sure to thrill… D ine l ike a roya l
The Grill Room is blessed with an unparalleled bay view; but more importantly, the experienced staff’s nonnegotiable aim is to ensure that all guests feel suitably spoiled throughout their dining experience – and what an experience it is! Your choice of Australian, Scottish, American, French, Irish and Spanish beef, lamb and pork cuts (both grass- and corn-fed), all certified and imported exclusively for the Amathus, and grilled precisely to your liking. For those who prefer something
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| A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
lighter, fish, shellfish and poultry options await, not to mention an array of desserts and fine cheeses to round off your meal. Browse the menu and you’ll find kingly options in abundance, not least of which is the much-prized Wagyu beef, known for its intense 5+ marbling that lends it such a rich, buttery flavour. The Grill Room is set to get even more enticing, with wood accents added to the décor, enhancing the warmth of the dining area. And next year, “There are plans to create a 60-square-metre outdoor patio for meals under the stars,” says Food & Beverage Manager George Georgiou. In the meantime, visit The Grill Room, order from its generous repertoire crafted by the Josper’s fierce, yet controlled heat, and savour a dinner fit for a king and queen.
The Grill Room is open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, from 7.30-11pm.
Bursting with a deep, gamey f l avour and paired with a sauce o f your choice and a med l ey o f gri l l ed vegeta b l es , this ri b - eye o f corn - f ed premium U . S . B l ack A ngus b ee f sears the imagination .
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GASTRONOMY | Grilled to perfection
N ear - transparent s l ices o f ex q uisite A b erdeen A ngus b ee f carpaccio , anointed b y virgin o l ive oi l and sprink l ed with sea sa lt, earthy tru f f l e and pecorino f l akes , ravish the pa l ate .
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R etaining the mi l ky sweetness o f the meat, this b one l ess sadd l e o f I rish grass - f ed b a b y l am b , dressed in a de l icate rosemary j us , arrives f ragrant and yie l ding on the p l ate .
T he decadence o f a pan roasted esca l l op o f duck f oie gras is b rightened b y a tart chutney o f b l ended coconut, mango , kiwi , papaya and lychee , atop toasted wa l nut b read .
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A M AT H U S | G U E S T P R I V I L E G E S
DINEaround A
gourmet
e
x c
urs
i
o
n
AMATHUS RESTAURANT COLLECTION
Exclusively for hotel guests, the Amathus and Four Seasons Hotels have joined forces and resources, to offer you a gourmet experience that is delicious, sophisticated and relaxing in equal measure.
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L i ma n a k i
THE GRILL ROOM
Cuisine
Cuisine
Fine fish restaurant
Premium classic grill menu
Opening time: 19:30
Opening time: 19:00
Last order: 23:00
Last order: 22:30
Undoubtedly Limassol’s finest fish
With a magical bay view, the Grill Room
restaurant, Limanaki has been further
offers you prime cuts of Australian,
upgraded to welcome you in a fully
Scottish, American, French, Irish and
redesigned seafront setting and with
Spanish beef, lamb and pork, as well as
a revised and enriched menu. From
fish, shellfish and poultry – all grilled to
crispy fried calamari to fresh lobster on
perfection. Quality, service and ambience
homemade pasta to follow delectable
come together to fulfil your desire for a
seafood appetizers, whatever you
tasty meal flavoured with that distinctive
choose promises to be a memorable
sizzle and aroma.
Mediterranean experience.
Our DineAround programme is an invitation to enjoy a series of some of the island’s top-ranking restaurants – at preferential prices. The gourmet collection includes the most popular cuisine, served in five different award-winning restaurants and in enchanting settings across both hotels. Enjoy DineAround… It’s an exclusive pleasure for our valued guests. Bon appetit! D ine A round D etai l s • DineAround offers you a 3-course menu that includes a choice of starter, main dish and dessert from the à la carte menu, at a set price of €50 per person. At Limanaki you can choose one of two pre-set menus. • The offer is applicable for a minimum of 3 dinners in the restaurants of your choice from the DineAround collection below. • The offer can be booked for any number of people for each meal. • A voucher for the total number of persons for each meal is issued by the Reception staff, who can also make your table reservations at the restaurants of your choice.
FOUR SEASONS RESTAURANT COLLECTION
Please present your voucher at the restaurant upon arrival.
V iva l di
M avrommatis
S easons O rienta l
Cuisine
Cuisine
Cuisine
Gourmet Italian
Creative Greek
Authentic Oriental
Opening time: 19:00
Opening time: 19:00
Opening time: 19:30
Last order: 22:30
Last order: 22:30
Last order: 23:00
Vivaldi, the winner of Time Out’s ‘Best
Take Greek specialities made from noth-
Boasting a regular flow of awards, Seasons
Hotel Restaurant’ for five consecu-
ing but premium ingredients and refine
Oriental is known to serve authentic
tive years, is undoubtedly the home of
them with French culinary finesse…
Oriental dishes in the high style of
Italian fine dining at its best. Authentic
That is the overall concept of the Mav-
sophisticated Hong Kong cuisine.
homemade Italian pasta, select seafood,
rommatis menu. Served in an exclusive
Chef Kenny Keung has mastered the
exquisite Italian cheeses and traditional
yet warmly welcoming environment,
practice recommended by the chinese
Italian desserts with the Vivaldi twist
every meal is a delicious example of art
proverb: ‘Preserve the old, but know the
highlight a menu of innovative winners.
on a plate, for you to savour bite by bite.
new’, to bring you traditional favourites adapted to contemporary preferences – in timeless culinary style.
A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
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C U LT U R E | L o c a l a r t i s t s
t e xt Y i ota M allas
Musing on
Mastery T he flou r i sh i ng a r t scene of L i massol r eflects the i nhe r ent c r eat i v e st r eak of a c i ty that eme r ged f r om a r i ch anc i ent c i v i l i sat i on . W i th a g r o w i ng commun i ty of a r t i sts f r om con v ent i onal and expe r i mental d i sc i pl i nes , the old to w n i s the sett i ng fo r cultu r al legac i es i n the mak i ng .
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A M AT H U S M AG A Z I N E
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C U LT U R E | L o c a l a r t i s t s
A rt meets C ra f t
H is impressionist sty l e , reminiscent o f “ dood l ing in A ra b ic ca l l igraphy ” as he descri b ed it, meets techni q ues inspired b y the ancients .
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Valentinos Charalambous is a distinguished master in Cypriot ceramics from three generations of Famagusta potters. While a student, recognition from the Iraqi Embassy in London introduced him to post-colonial Baghdad, which marked his life for 30 years. “Iraq was at the height of its cultural revival: cosmopolitan, progressive, with a rich civilisation that is now shattered,” says Valentinos. As the founder of the Ceramics Department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad, he was exposed to a melting pot of Assyrian, Babylonian, Sumerian and Islamic culture. His work, ranging from ornate shallow bowls to tall, tower-like structures, is decorated with motifs reminiscent of these Eastern influences but also inspired by Cyprus’s Hellenistic legacy. His impressionist style, reminiscent of “doodling in Arabic calligraphy” as he described it, meets techniques inspired by the ancients. Valentinos trusts the traditional slab and coil method of his wheel, and at 86, he still produces glazes using his knowledge of chemistry – twin practices uncommon in today’s potters. His return to Cyprus marked a new beginning for Valentinos, and a parallel theme of ‘Birth and Rebirth’ was the subject of the hanging mosaic he produced in 1967 for Nicosia International Airport. This iconic frieze, depicting the history of Cyprus from ancient times to independence, was received by Larnaca Airport earlier this year and is now appreciated by the public for the first time in 40 years. In 2008, The Cyprus State Award for Lifetime Achievement signified Valentinos’s unique contribution to art and culture. Further recognition of his work includes a commemorative exhibition at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre last year and a permanent collection at the UK’s Bernard Leach Museum. With an exhibition scheduled at the Institut de Monde Arabe in Paris next spring, Valentinos continues to be sought after by discerning foreign-based collectors. A man who shies away from the limelight, he is nevertheless available for one-to-one lessons in his inconspicuous rooftop studio.
EXCLUSIVE AT THE AMATHUS BOUTIQUE Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol Tel: 25 832000
© Photo by Pavlos Vrionides
C U LT U R E | L o c a l a r t i s t s
Frame o f M ind
T he spacious photography studio acts as a l ecture theatre f or interactive workshops and presentations b y l oca l and f oreign experts .
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An information hub dedicated to the art and practice of photography, 6X6 Centre for Photography is the brainchild of Vassos Stylianou. After a career in commercial and advertising photography that began in 1977, Vassos moved to a more cultural context that allowed him to contribute to groundbreaking historical publications. He says: “I reached a point where I wanted to shift away from material for the promotion of brands and have a more lasting impact on the Cypriot community.” His photography has captured Cypriot archaeology, art, religious artefacts and coins – among other things – and his images have travelled the world, illustrating books on Cyprus in different languages. “With the correct lighting and accurate experimentation, I aimed to convey the texture of materials and the sheen of metals in each frame, making the images as lifelike as possible.” With the creation of Nostos publishing, Vassos and his wife Maria took a professional leap by converting their old photography studio into ‘6X6’ less than a year ago, with the sole objective of disseminating their knowledge and promoting a wider appreciation of photography. The move to digital printing replaced the darkrooms with a sophisticated gallery space for photography exhibitions. The spacious photography studio acts as a lecture theatre for interactive workshops and presentations by local and foreign experts, thus adding a whole new dimension to Cypriot photography. Students and photography enthusiasts are now inundated with specialist knowledge, and the Centre’s library has invaluable resources for perfecting the finished result. 6X6 Centre also houses a collection of rare photography-related artefacts marking the evolution of this technological art form. Items on display include stereoscopes from the 19th century and albumen photographs of Cyprus from the 1870s. With Vassos taking the baton from his father’s photography business which dates back to 1940s Famagusta, 6x6 Centre is now an opportunity for Vassos to leave his own mark and place Limassol on the global photography map.
C U LT U R E | L o c a l a r t i s t s
Fragmented M asterpieces
I ntricate wa l l f riezes , kitchen f ittings and statement pieces o f f urniture are some o f the creations care f u l ly pieced together .
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Historic Agiou Andreou Street is the creative abode of Soula Christou, an internationally acclaimed mosaic maker with 30 years of experience. Currently preparing for the Currency Conference in Vancouver next May, she gained broad recognition after her appearance at a Beijing exhibition in 2008, where she presented replicas of all the official Olympic Game posters since 1896. Although Soula is a graduate of Art and Art History, it was her pastime making mosaics that emerged as her true passion. “While a painting can lose its relevance centuries later, I always admired the timelessness of the ancient mosaics at Curium and the House of Dionysus; they served a purpose… they were not just ornamental pieces of art,” she says. Her portfolio reveals countless works that grace her clients’ homes and businesses. Intricate wall friezes, kitchen fittings and statement pieces of furniture are some of the creations carefully pieced together. Her materials include natural stones, pebbles and glass, and like a painter, she employs different tones and the relief effect to create lifelike images. ‘Mosaic Collective,’ her three-storey workshop since 1995, now features ‘Cavart’ – a multifunctional open space showcasing her work but also hosting events accompanied by good food and wine. “This is a meeting point for people who like to interact while enjoying eclectic music, exhibitions and book presentations,” she explains. Through Cavart, Soula aims to boost the cultural landscape of Cyprus and counterbalance the stresses of our present-day society.
Sea Gallery Villas
Limassol Marina
Akamas Bay Villas
Experience an elite Mediterranean lifestyle at spectacular beachfront properties, or join the new business class at The Oval, the most iconic office building in Cyprus. From Cybarco, the leading luxury developer since 1945. Please contact us for further information, to arrange a viewing and to find out more about obtaining EU Citizenship / Cypriot Passport. Более подробную информацию о наших проектах, организации ознакомительного тура и получении гражданства ЕС/паспорта Республики Кипр.
Cyprus/Кипр 8000 50 30 Russia/Россия +7 495 643 1901 Cybarco offices: Moscow / St. Petersburg / Kiev / Cyprus / Athens / London
Member of the Lanitis Group of Companies
C U LT U R E | L o c a l a r t i s t s
S eeing M iche l ange l o ’ s ‘ D avid ’ in F l orence was a key inspiration f or his signature statues o f the human f orm .
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M E TA L M A N I P U L AT I O N
Panicos Spanos is relatively new to the sculpting world but renowned for his showstopping works. His quaint studio of stone walls and wooden panels contrasts with the imposing structures Panicos creates using metal as the central element. His two exhibitions have fuelled a series of commission-based projects for clients including the State Gallery of Contemporary Art. He has created ornaments for hotels, awards for corporate events and decorated mansions for architects: a far cry from his younger days, when he was constructing lighting fixtures in a factory. “It was this familiarity with manipulating metal and my talent in drawing that directed me to a more creative environment,” says Panicos. Seeing Michelangelo’s ‘David’ in Florence was a key inspiration for his signature statues of the human form. These are towering life-size installations made of thousands of strips of metal, linked together to resemble muscle tissue. Interestingly, the harshest materials – like iron, clay, and plexiglass – are moulded and fused to replicate symbols of beauty and fragility such as female nudes, delicate plants and species of the animal world. Panicos says: “These subjects are everyday creations; however, I reinvent them subconsciously, as a response to my emotions at that particular moment.”
VALENTINO ROBERTO CAVALLI BLUMARINE MISSONI SALVATORE FERRAGAMO CANALI PHILIPP PLEIN DONNA KARAN TORY BURCH BLUGIRL VDP PAUL & SHARK
Available at
Four Seasons Boutique
Tel: +357 25858145 boutique@fourseasons.com.cy
OW N E D A N D O P E R AT E D B Y M U S K I TA H O T E L S LT D
HIGHLIGHT | Classic Cars
T he C yprus H istoric & C l assic M otor M useum opened its doors in Fe b ruary 2 0 1 4 with a f ascinating disp l ay o f history, invention , modernity and c l ass .
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C hi l d’ s
Dream t e xt E v elyn E v r i p i dou
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here’s a new museum in town… one that will take you for a ride through contemporary history as you admire fully restored historic and classic cars. But the truth is, you don’t have to love cars to get a big thrill out of the Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum. You don’t even have to like them. You simply have to turn up and let the museum’s curator and larger-than-life owner Dimis Mavropoulos do his magic. “My passion for cars started from three years old… I had a large wooden box which I used to use as a garage to put all my toy cars in at night. It was like putting my children to sleep,” he says. T he makings o f a champion
Dimis Mavropoulos, the former Cyprus and international rally racing champion started driving as a toddler, when his father would let him hold the wheel while sitting on his lap. “I could sit and watch a tractor ploughing a field all day long. It was pleasing to my eye.” He soon got the pleasure of driving those tractors – now parked outside the museum – in his family’s fields around Limassol. The experience made him cheeky. One day when a friend of his mother’s came to visit; he stole her Humber Hawk and drove around for hours, standing to reach the pedals, as police chased after him. His father, a citrus farmer, asked the police to put his son in a reformatory so he could have some peace.
Luckily for Dimis, they refused. He was only eight. He recalls one trip when his parents took him on a passenger ship to Greece. Once on board, he disppeared, scaring the life out of his parents. Young Dimis had found the engine room and had decided to spend the entire journey there, helping the crew throw oil on the engine. Only after the ship had arrived at Piraeus did he resurface – black all over. At 14, he helped himself to a scrapyard to put together a car that would only drive straight. At 16, he doctored his sister’s driving licence to enter rallies, changing the photo and calling himself Marios to match her initials. In his late teens, he turned professional, attracting big sponsors and great cars. He went on to win the Cyprus Championship 12 times. In 1990, he won all seven Cyprus rallies plus two internationals. From racing to restoring
Until he retired, Dimis never wanted to see an old car – never mind drive one. Asked once to do a London-Brighton rally in a painfully slow classic car, he got out halfway and hitchhiked back to London. “When I pulled out of rally driving, I had to put my energy into something… so I started buying classic cars and restoring them,” he says. Gradually, the retired rally driver went across Europe, from auction to auction, collecting around 90 cars. At 64, Dimis channelled all his passion, energy and drive into making his childhood
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HIGHLIGHT | Classic Cars
My passion for cars started when I was three years old‌ I had a large wooden box which I used
�
to use as a garage to put all my toy cars in at night. It was like putting my children to sleep.
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A dmire 6 8 shiny c l ean , historic , c l assic and co l l ecta b l e vehic l es , taking you on a chrono l ogica l tour f rom 1 9 1 2 to the 2 1 st century.
dream a reality. The museum opened its doors in February 2014 and the result is a fascinating display of history, invention, modernity and class. This is no ordinary museum. Located in the Ipsonas area of Limassol in 1,000m2 of exhibition space, it greets visitors outside with two old tractors, a London Transport red double-decker bus (No. 229, last stop Sun-in-the-Sands), and a colourful old Bedford bus that used to transport Cypriot villagers from the Troodos mountains to Limassol. Inside, with the sweet smell of oil heavy in the air, you can admire 68 shiny clean, historic, classic and collectable vehicles, taking you on a chronological tour from 1912 to the 21st century. And they are all in working order. There are all colours, shapes and sizes on display, reflecting the evolution (depending on your taste) of the automobile, accompanied by detailed information cards. From the stunning 1912 Ford Model T Roadster, which brought private road transport to middle-class Americans, to the 1978 armoured presidential Cadillac Fleetwood donated by the U.S. Government and built especially for Cyprus’s first President, Archbishop Makarios. It weighs 4.2 tons, has bulletproof 80mm thick windows that do not open, and features special air filters to protect passengers from harmful gases. If you like your politics, there’s also the 1973 Rover P5B, one of the fleet used by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Or the more modern 1983 Mercedes-Benz special edition used by the Sultan of Brunei. Perhaps popular culture is more your thing, in which case you’ll appreciate the 1980 citron green British Leyland Mini, the very same car used in the comedy TV show ‘Mr Bean’ played by Rowan Atkinson. Some of you may remember him driving it while sitting in an armchair strapped to its roof.
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HIGHLIGHT | Classic Cars
Y ou ’ l l appreciate the
If that doesn’t do it for you, there’s always the 1925 Willys Overland or 1962 Studebaker Lark. The 1970 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow or the custom-built (especially for Dimis) Bentley Turbo RT with jungle-thick rug, and four Bentley umbrellas in the boot, in the event of rain, you see.
1 9 8 0 citron
B l ast f rom the past green British Ley l and M ini , the very same car used in the comedy T V show ‘ M r Bean ’ p l ayed b y R owan A tkinson .
The museum is not just about cars. It’s about history and evolution. There are beach buggies, folding tricycles and a large statue of The Spirit of Ecstasy – the famous bonnet emblem of Rolls-Royce cars. You’ll even find bicycles (the modern Dutch ‘Bough’ bike designed entirely using oak wood and stainless steel, and the classic Elswick Hopper delibike); a model of the world’s first waterproof camera; the smallest portable TV of the 20th century; a history of car dials; an Olivetti Linea 88 typewriter which writes like a “freight train”; tennis racquets; a 1959 mechanical calculator; mobile phones from 1980; and a version of the Hoover Junior launched in 1935. Those of you who remember a time before the internet will enjoy watching the children try to figure out how to use the traditional round dial phone on display. “Where are the buttons?” they may ask. The public response to the museum has been phenomenal, says the owner.“The only complaint we got was, why are there no Alfa Romeos?” The museum welcomes individuals or groups and offers classic cars for hire for weddings and special occasions, with driver. Information on entrance prices and opening hours can be found at: www.cyprusmotormuseum.com.cy or call T: 7000 9000 or T: 9925 2626.
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Experience living on the sea at the Mediterranean’s ďŹ nest marina. Live, dine, shop and sail in absolute luxury at the most exciting new destination in Cyprus. Now open, call us on +357 25 020020. limassolmarina.com
Live it
CYPRUS | Limassol Marina
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sparkle in
the
Eastern Med t e xt E v elyn E v r i p i dou
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It ’ s he r e … L i massol M a r i na , the long a w a i ted h i gh - p r of i le , h i gh - ene r gy maste r plan de v elopment that i s mak i ng h i sto r y i n the r eg i on , w elcomes supe r yachts , d i sce r n i ng home buye r s – and the publ i c at la r ge . D on ’ t m i ss the oppo r tun i ty to explo r e i t !
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CYPRUS | Limassol Marina
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here is something inescapably beautiful about being on an island, and that is the sea. When you can marry the Mediterranean Sea with a vibrant historic land in seemingly effortless harmony, then you have what in simple terms is called ‘a good thing’. But that would be an understatement for Cyprus’s biggest and most impressive development project to date: the island’s first superyacht marina. Limassol Marina has opened its doors to the public, standing testament to the resilience of the Cypriot economy and its people after the financial turbulence of 2013 almost brought the country to its knees. The €350 million waterfront development has put Cyprus on the yachting map, transforming the face of Limassol and inspiring new projects across this dynamic coastline. I ntegrated and innovative
The new marina sits pretty just a stone’s throw from the medieval Limassol castle, inviting sea travellers of the Mediterranean to tie up, hop out and literally step into the bustling historic town centre. Its amazing proximity to the heart and soul of the city is equally attractive to local residents and visitors: you can walk the promenade, check out the superyachts, shop in designer boutiques, enjoy a variety of restaurants and lounge bars or take in some of the cultural events on offer. The project boasts a capacity of 650 berths for yachts up to 115m in length and is the first full-service marina in Cyprus, integrating residential apartments and villas with a commercial area. Limassol Marina Marketing & PR Manager Sophia Paraskeva says this is what makes the development so unique. “Limassol Marina is one of the few marinas in the world which is integrated in its nature, so it has real estate, a marina and a commercial area, all in one development right next to the city centre, full of a growing local community and tourists all year round.” It’s the most diverse project she’s worked on: “You’re catering for everyone, from the owner of an 8m boat to the resident of a €16 million villa, as well as local visitors and tourists.”
Y ou can wa l k the promenade , check out the superyachts , shop in designer b outi q ues , en j oy a variety o f restaurants and l ounge b ars or take in some o f
Take a quick walk around Limassol Marina and it’s easy to see that the designers have focused on its strengths as a city marina, incorporating the style and feel of the surrounding areas, while letting it blend organically with the rest of Limassol. Despite the broad appeal of the place, it doesn’t come off as trying too hard to be something for everyone. Staring at an 88m superyacht certainly lends a sense of exclusivity; but further on, beyond the classy wine bar, you can see up and coming local bands perform on the balcony of the Harbour Master. Standing before a replica of the Kyrenia ship, which sank off the coast of Cyprus 2,300 years ago, you get an immediate sense of the island’s long history. You can talk to yacht captains about the marina’s resident turtle or try and catch a glimpse of the baby seal and mother that visit from Akrotiri Peninsula every day. Limassol Marina already brings glamour, nature and everyday activities into a perfect circle of life, serenity and the sea. In that sense it truly is unique.
the cu ltura l events on o f f er .
Living on the sea
The project is nearly complete, with €210 million already spent. Construction started in May 2010. The first apartments at Nereids Residences were delivered in January 2013. In March of the same year, the country’s banks were ordered shut for two whole weeks, as capital controls were introduced, delaying the import of the required construction material. Against the odds, the project went ahead and opened the marina to yachts in April 2013. By July 2013, the Thetis Residences were delivered. A total of 162 apartments in the residential complex come in four types of residences with prices starting from €370,000. The majority of available apartments have already been sold – 40 per cent to local buyers and the rest to proud homeowners from a diverse range of countries.
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In addition, the project offers two types of villas, counting for 74 units. Peninsula Villas have either direct access to the beach or private berths, while the more spacious Island Villas have berths for yachts up to 60m attached to their garden. The two largest properties sold for approximately €16 million each. The villas will be made available between 2014 and 2015. The whole Limassol Marina project is on a 125-year lease from the state, so if you buy a villa with a berth attached to it, the berth is yours for 125 years. According to Ms Paraskeva, “Berths are hard to come by for that duration of time.” The remaining 41 apartments of Castle Residences in the middle of the sea will be delivered in 2016, marking the end date of the whole project. A comp l ete l i f esty l e experience
In June 2014, with Limassol Marina residents already living in some of the completed apartments, the project was opened to the general public, allowing local residents and tourists to take in the charm of white yachts on a blue sea in elegant surroundings. The commercial area hosts 40 shops, including designer boutiques, a pharmacy and mini-market. Among the 14 restaurants, bars and cafés you will find an Italian wine bar, the favourite local fish tavern Pyxida and international chain Wagamama. There is also a yacht club, spa and fitness club, a cultural centre in an early 19th century renovated listed building, a marine training school, a chandlery and parking for 750 cars. Master planner Xavier Bohl made sure the whole complex was designed with serious consideration for the local environment and community. A perfect example of how to avoid intrusive infrastructure is the five-floor parking. Only two floors are visible – and they look like apartment residences. The marina itself provides the full range of facilities and services, employing a team of experienced marina professionals. Each berth has its own parking space and access to fresh water, electricity, a fibre optic network providing high-speed broadband, wireless internet and telephone, fuel and waste removal. There are also haul out and shore-side technical facilities, a boatyard for light repairs and maintenance, combined with 24-hour security and concierge services. The arrival or stopover of superyachts has helped boost the local economy while providing an opening for a chartering business, strengthened by Limassol’s convenient location at the crossroads of the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. In short, the eastern Mediterranean has a new marina along its coast, and it’s ready to shine. For more information on Limassol Marina, cultural events and available services, visit www.limassolmarina.com.
S PA | w e l l n e s s i n s i d e o u t
A Journey to
Wellness t e x t Y i ota M allas
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e all need time to revitalise body and mind. But a busy lifestyle can often override that elusive ‘Me’ time – which is why many struggle to find that happy medium between life in action and genuine well-being. With a holistic approach to working out and unwinding, the Amathus Spa & Wellness Centre can help you achieve that balance – by focusing on you as an individual and making sure you feel comfortable. S haping things up
The comprehensive range of services at the Amathus Spa & Wellness Centre makes your exercise regime a tailor-made affair. One-to-one consultations with expert instructors can pinpoint your problem areas or define your targets in order to craft the ultimate fitness routine. Andria Constantinou, one of the three fitness instructors on site, says: “Our clients tell us if they are concerned about their weight or whether they want to build their strength and balance, and their workout is adapted accordingly.” Alternatively, one-hour personal training sessions can monitor your performance while taking into consideration your goals or possible health requirements. The specialised Life Fitness equipment – a leading brand in the field – is set up for cardiovascular exercise or a complete circuit-training session. “The avant-garde design of these machines enables movements that follow the body’s
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natural path of motion, with their resistance adjusted to the abilities of beginners or the more experienced user,” explains Andria. With the glass walls providing an uninterrupted view of the manicured gardens and sapphire sea, the open layout makes the gym popular for group sessions including Pilates and the Interval Workout, which both build muscle strength, flexibility and endurance. In the 20m-long pool, aqua aerobics is a great option for resistance training with complete freedom of movement. And for those wishing to bask in the morning or evening sun, the poolside outdoor yoga sessions add a unique dimension to this discipline. At the end of your chosen workout, the sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi will ease the muscles, help circulation and completely release tension and stress. W e l l ness f rom within
The Amathus Spa – a ‘Leading Spa of the World’ – is also the home of overall renewal, body and soul. In the privacy of nine elegant spa suites, experienced therapists incorporate some of the world’s best practices in facials, massages and other body treatments. First-time spa visitors are often drawn to one of the most popular items on the spa menu: the romantic Hydrotherapy Bath For Two, designed to melt away stress… together! For those combining fitness with
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S PA | w e l l n e s s i n s i d e o u t
wellness, the Sports Massage is the perfect link that alleviates aches, prevents injury and improves flexibility. But there’s so much more on the menu…. Xenios Orphanides, Spa and Leisure Manager, says: “A favourite signature treatment is the Royal Thai Massage, in which natural oils soothe the skin while the body is gently moved into positions that stretch and activate all muscles.” The sensory journey is reinforced with superior spa products, such as Pevonia and Carita, renowned for their technologically advanced formulas using organic marine and botanical ingredients. The ‘Carita Beauty Diamond’ facial employs ‘Cinetic Lift Expert’ technology, an electronic device that massages and exfoliates the skin of the face and neckline. “Our spa trainer, Anna, and Dr Christian Jurist from Pevonia, keep the team up-to-date and equipped with in-depth knowledge of new methods and products,” says Xenios. And for precious moments of reflection, relax in the comfort of the Garden of Senses, where water features and tropical flora bring the world to a halt. T he high ly q ua l i f ied team wi l l provide a made - to - measure reviva l programme f ocusing on f our key princip l es : nutrition , f itness , we l l ness and re l axation .
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A date with detox
The hotel’s newly launched Health Inspire Detox Programme is a fast-track journey to wellness that incorporates spa and fitness excellence in one. “This addition reflects our underlying philosophy: to make each guest feel welcome and special, through our sensitivity to the finer details that make all the difference,” explains Xenios. Choose a four, seven or fourteen-day retreat experience, and the highly qualified team will provide a made-to-measure revival programme focusing on four key principles: nutrition, fitness, wellness and relaxation. Anna Cortesi, the in-house clinical dietician and nutritionist, will study your body composition, metabolic rate and medical history in order to design a nutrition plan covering three meals a day that are specially prepared by the Executive Chef. With unlimited access to the Amathus Spa & Wellness Centre, the programme incorporates a transformational workout regime based on your needs, while Anna is at hand to counter-balance such intense activity with therapeutic spa rituals. This wellness circle is completed with a little time for tranquillity in the splendour of seaside living, with peaceful meditation, an energising run along the beach or any other time-out possibilities to escape from it all. It’s a constant mission to fit in those feel-good moments dedicated to our body and spirit, but with a little help from Amathus, they can finally take centre stage in your world.
GOLF CLUB
situated in the grounds of a twelfth century monastery
designed by Mackenzie & Ebert
a truly unique signature hole & an exceptional clubhouse
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF Set in a picturesque valley surrounded by vineyards and orchards and overlooking an unspoilt panorama of rolling hills and deep blue sea, lays Minthis Hills 18-hole championship course. At an altitude of 550m above sea level it’s a course for all seasons, enjoying cool breezes even during the summer. The course enjoys a historical location, situated in the grounds of a twelfth century monastery. Its tranquil setting and mesmerising views provide the perfect backdrop for a challenging game, while the stylish clubhouse offers the perfect space for pre and post game drinks as well as exceptional dining experiences.
MINTHIS HILLS GOLF CLUB
Tsada Village, PO Box 62085, 8060, Pafos, Cyprus I T +357 26 642 774/5, F +357 26 642 776, E golf@minthishills.com, W www.minthishills.com
F A M I LY H O L I D A Y S | k i d s c o m e f i r s t
Family Features t e x t P aula M anol i
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t the Amathus, children enjoy five-star attention and much more, as both the management and staff know that your little ones mean more to you than all the stars in the world… However, children are known to have particular needs and expectations – and Amathus is very much aware of that fact, and its importance. Xenios Orphanides, the hotel’s Spa and Leisure Manager, sums it up nicely: “Children are VIP guests, because happy children make happy parents, which in turn guarantees happy family holidays.” As the person in charge of children’s activities, Xenios knows just how much commitment and passion is put into offering a truly family-friendly welcome that encompasses both the practical and the fun, from the minute you book your stay.
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T rave l l ing l ight
Every parent knows that travelling with children means an extra set of items to remember to take – and struggle with – on the journey. So it is a welcome convenience that essential amenities such as bottle warmer, sterilizer, baby bath, changing table, plug safety sockets and highchair can be added to your room requirements, at no extra charge. Optional extras are also available, such as complimentary use of a car seat or booster seat when ordering a taxi from the hotel, the availability of a pushchair for trips into town, and the option to order nappies, baby toiletries and baby food prior to your arrival. These important details make a big difference, and once again demonstrate the hotel’s desire to make the term ‘five-star holiday’ mean just that.
T he hote l o f f ers a sa f e chi l dren ’ s padd l ing poo l b y the adu lt ’ s poo l , a l ong with a shady adventure p l ayground f or f ree p l ay.
Upon arrival at the Pelican Kids Club, children are welcomed with a bright Amathus backpack filled with surprises: a water bottle, floating swim container (perfect for storing ice-cream pocket money!) and a foam water squirter for fun in the pool or sea. Many a proud young guest parades around the hotel with their backpack, which makes a wonderful souvenir to take home – and that is just the beginning. Xenios explains that the children’s sense of independence and importance turns into sheer delight when they find a chocolate wafer on their pillow after every bedding turndown… just as mum and dad find their sweet delight! When it comes to mealtimes, aside from the extensive choice for young palates, little guests are treated to a colouring book and pencils with every meal, while parents are equally pleased with the hotel’s new tradition of offering children’s meals free during the months of July and August. This initiative was launched last summer and maintained due to popular demand.
Let the f un b egin !
So, with all the practical boxes ticked, it is time to focus on fun, fun, fun… The hotel offers a safe children’s paddling pool by the adult’s pool, along with a shady adventure playground for free play. But the gem of the activities is the Pelican Kids Club. With one great activity after another, Xenios has proudly managed to mute the common “I’m bored…” chorus. Covered from wall to wall with the artistic creations of its guests, the Kids Club is open to children aged 4-12, without their parents. Younger kids are also welcome to join in the fun if accompanied by a parent. The Kids Club team – Irina and Marlena – have been handpicked with two important criteria in mind: that they have a genuine love for children, and that they are mothers themselves. Only another mother can truly understand what it means to know that your precious child is safe, cared for and happy. This is where Irina and Marlena are experts; they convey this sentiment to every parent
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F A M I LY H O L I D A Y S | k i d s c o m e f i r s t
U pon arriva l at the P e l ican K ids C l u b , chi l dren are we l comed with a b right A mathus b ackpack f i l l ed with surprises . . .
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that enters the Kids Club for the first time, anxious about letting their little ones out of their sight. As Xenios says: “Each and every child is made to feel like a prince or princess – special and valued – and given plenty of one-to-one attention, simply because they deserve it, just as their parents deserve to feel that sense of trust, knowing that their children are safe and happy in a stimulating environment.” And stimulated they certainly are, as the Pelican Kids Club programme is bursting with activities! Children can play within the club’s cheerful environment or join in a variety of other activities organised indoors or outdoors on the hotel grounds. On any given day, they can be creative with paints, craft materials and modelling dough, playing a variety of board games and make-believe, and enjoy entertainment in the form of puppet shows, magic shows, dancing and film time. They can even try their hand in the culinary world by preparing, baking and eating their own pizzas! And as a special treat in July and August, the programme includes excursions to the Limassol Zoo to make some new furry friends. Teenagers aren’t forgotten and have their own special programme of evening entertainment, which includes beach volley, table tennis competitions and water basketball. With all the age groups covered and nicely exhausted by the end of the day, mum and dad are then free to take advantage of the hotel’s babysitting
service and enjoy an evening out on their own at one of the hotel’s fine restaurants… guilt-free! Focusing on the f uture
The most prominent mark of dedication to children is revealed in the hotel’s plans to expand and offer even more very soon, as renovations scheduled this winter will be completed in time for the summer season 2015. The result will be a dedicated family area that combines a waterpark-style children’s pool, the children’s adventure playground and a sandy family beach – complete with toys. Looking at this new development in particular, it is destined to be a magnet that will attract children and parents with equal power; a new feature that will be added to the existing chain of facilities and services designed to ensure a relaxing, carefree and fun family break… at the Amathus in Limassol.
P e l ican K ids C l u b operating hours :
April - November and 23 December - 1 January: 10am - 7pm May - October: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10am - 7pm Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 10am - 10pm
PREHISTORICAL TREASURES
100 shops, 200 brands, one unforgettable experience. It’s all in MY MALL Limassol. And it’s for every age, gender, pocket, taste or mood. Let your shopping instincts go wild and indulge into the biggest shopping treat Cyprus has to offer.
OPEN 7 days a week SHOPPING
BUS ROUTE 30, 7, 21
TAKE THE NEW HIGHWAY AT THE NEW HOSPITAL EXIT
RENT A BIKE SERVICE
DINING
ENTERTAINMENT
F U N C T I O N S | a g r e at p l ac e t o m e e t
Venue meets
Vision t e xt Y i ota M allas
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or some of the island’s most prestigious events from the corporate to the more intimate, the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol remains a desirable location. With its spectacular venues coupled with impeccable service, it promises every host a memorable gathering without compromising their expectations. Over the past 40 years, the hotel has acquired a broad client base from newlyweds to business leaders. Contrary to other venues where the organisers often have to adapt to set boundaries, the unique outdoor spaces and professional meeting rooms at the Amathus make it a playground for every event planner. C on f erence C a l l ing
Countless events have become an annual fixture in the Amathus schedule. The hotel’s Food & Beverage Manager, Administration & Sales, Katerina Yennari, says: “Our portfolio includes regular clients in industries such as insurance, banking, shipping and pharmaceuticals.” The choice of venues is their assurance that they will always find the right setting for any function. For a presentation of limited seating, the split-level Hera room lends itself to events near the lobby. “We often arrange product launches and presentations on the lower level
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before moving on to the platform for finger food or dinner,” says Katerina. The mezzanine floor is extremely versatile thanks to its soundproof movable partitions. Sales Manager Antonio Cassera explains: “Nine meeting rooms in one place can be adapted to all kinds of events, depending on their scale and nature.” To deliver the most practical layout, the four adjoining Athenaeum conference rooms can remain separate for group brainstorming activities or be merged for a large boardroom meeting. The adjacent terrace is ideal for coffee break or informal drinks. With around 400 square metres of working space, the ‘Demetra’ ballroom can be transformed into a sophisticated venue for a company presentation, academic convention or commercial exhibition. For greater capacity up to 600 persons, the ‘Ares’ room serves as an unnoticeable extension. Boasting three smaller rooms and a foyer as additional features, ‘Demetra’ is favoured for its flexibility factor. A door leads to the inconspicuous catering station for snacks or meals on the spot. The whole floor has been purpose-designed to provide access to state-of-the art technology. The Business Centre with its internet, printing and secretarial services is the go-to point for pending errands. Technicalities aside, the glass
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F U N C T I O N S | a g r e at p l ac e t o m e e t
walls in most conference rooms enhance every agenda with magnificent views of the immaculate gardens along the sea. “Natural daylight creates a positive atmosphere. It’s definitely a rare and precious asset for conference rooms,” says Katerina. A W e l come R eception
N atura l day l ight creates a positive atmosphere .
Parallel to formal or ceremonial proceedings, many guests choose to remain indoors for the celebratory meal in the hotel’s exquisite venues complete with sea view. The opulent interior of ‘Demetra’ is perfect for a magnificent round-table festivity – be it a closing dinner at the end of a convention or a lavish banquet for a wedding party. The ground-floor restaurants provide the option to fuse the professional and personal aspects of your event. Choose either the Cyan restaurant or the Grill Room to allow delegates to escape the neighbouring ‘Hera’ boardroom and enjoy an elegant and warm atmosphere. Stretching out towards the horizon, the Limanaki Pier is a distinctive attraction that has hosted civil ceremonies and intimate waterfront soirees. For cocktail receptions for up to 3,000 guests and gala dinners for up to 650 people, the cascading gardens frequently set the stage. Open-air dining areas include the summery La Terrazza restaurant where the surrounding trees offer a little privacy, and the Limanaki Fish Restaurant for a five-star al fresco experience directly on the beach.
I t ’ s de f inite ly a rare and precious asset f or con f erence rooms .
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S i lver S ervice
From the blueprint to the finer details, every event is meticulously planned and delivered with the support of a dedicated team of experts. Comprehensive packages can be adapted to your budget, theme and taste. The banqueting team are at hand to design a tailor-made set of canapés, buffet or set menu with the Executive Chef and Pastry Chef ready to guide you with recommendations. The team can also coordinate entertainment and assist with sound, lighting and media equipment to make your event an extraordinary happening. Indeed, Amathus has brought to light the strategic advantage of Limassol as a meeting point for guests from all continents. Antonio explains: “For regional sales teams or family reunions, we are centrally located between both airports in Larnaca and Paphos, and Nicosia is accessible within 45 minutes. Also, for our corporate clients there is the extra advantage of incorporating a little leisure…” With the Amathus promising so many plus points, each organiser who is aware of the ‘unpredictable’ can rest assured that the quality of the venue and the professionalism of the team are certainly a given.
©2014 KPMG Limited, a Cyprus limited liability company and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in Cyprus.
Quality service is our target In today’s ever-changing business environment, there is a need for professional business advisors, who not only have the ability to see the broader picture, but also the commitment to serve each client as an individual. KPMG operates in 155 countries with more than 155.000 people working in member firms around the world, offering Audit, Tax and Advisory services. Visit our website at:
www.kpmg.com.cy or our web tv at:
www.kpmgcy.tv
B U S I N E S S | VAT IN EUROPE
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Value A dded Tax ( VAT ) i s that elus i v e l i ttle pe r centage that c r eeps up and settles at the bottom of i n vo i ces o r r e q uests fo r payment, often ov e r and abov e the f i nal ag r eed p r i ce . It sneaks up and spooks consume r s and bus i nesses al i ke e v e r y t i me a t r ansact i on i s completed, w hethe r you a r e pu r chas i ng a bottle of f i ne w i ne , a ne w off i ce bu i ld i ng , o r the i ntellectual p r ope r ty r i ghts to a consume r b r and.
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W B U S I N E S S | VAT IN EUROPE
While there is little the end consumer can do about VAT, the same does not apply to businesses. In fact, it is quite perplexing to see how little attention businesses sometimes pay to the subject of VAT in the European Union (EU); especially since this lack of attention allows the EU, the ultimate preachers of unification and uniformity, to grossly undermine and ignore the necessity for a unified, uniform VAT. E U and VAT: H istory in the making
VAT lies at the heart of the internal market concept. France first adopted a VAT system in 1954, with the other five founding Member States of the EU – Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands – all following suit. Abolishing border controls, including fiscal controls, has always been at the forefront of the arguments for establishing the internal market, a feat achieved officially on 1 January 1993. As for VAT within the internal market, the Commission’s original proposal was to have VAT charged in the Member State of origin and abolish tax remittance on inter-Member State supplies – a system which became known as the VAT definitive system. However, given the tendency to protect vested national interests, getting Member States to agree led to a transitional system that was meant to be in place for only four years, that is until the end of 1996. The concept of the transitional system was to have the functions that were previously performed by border controls, instead performed within the Member State where the taxable person was established. Those who already have a working knowledge of VAT will be familiar with this system. That is because the VAT transitional system is still in place today, with no evidence that the VAT definitive system will ever be approved. The only real developments in VAT legislation come either from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which interprets specific articles of the VAT Directive, and of course from the amendments to the VAT Directive itself. These arise from time to time on specific matters, in an attempt to deal with non-uniform practices
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of Member States and attain some level of harmonisation of the functioning of the internal market. Unfortunately, no serious effort has been made to introduce the fundamental and utilitarian legislative amendments which are required to deal effectively with the issues surrounding this VAT transitional system. At the same time, implementing a VAT system has become a requirement for any new country aspiring to EU membership. Yet the more one delves into and absorbs the philosophy of the VAT Directive, the more emphatic becomes the problem of nonharmonisation. Looking at the b ig picture
Imagine the following: You’re standing at the bottom of a skyscraper and look up. You will no doubt witness the large building. But if you then start walking backwards, away from the building, you will slowly observe the building rise higher, grow bigger, and eventually impose its true magnitude on the skyline. Similarly, when examining how the VAT Directive is enforced across the Member States, a significant disparity appears in many areas of interpretation and practical implementation. To complete the analogy, the skyline in which the skyscraper stands is the environment in which the VAT Directive is implemented. The EU Commission, in shaping the skyline and in an attempt to fix this disparity, frequently proposes amendments to the VAT Directive, while the EU Council also adopts regulations that are legally binding in the Member States. Yet the disparity gap remains unaltered. T he pro b l em
The options provided in the VAT Directive are the primary cause of non-uniformity. Arguably, these choices exist because the economies of the various Member States are not the same. Practically, such choices exist because a Directive requires unanimous approval from all Member States, and thus all Member States always seek to protect their national interests. Let’s take the example of the standard rate of VAT in the EU: As per the VAT Directive, a Member State must have a standard VAT rate that cannot be lower than 15%. Today this ranges from Hungary’s 27% to Luxembourg’s 15%. In addition, Member States can have up to two reduced rates – the lowest of which cannot be less than 5% – on a restricted list of goods and services. Yet even here, the Directive provides for a series of derogations. For example, it allows the use of certain super-reduced rates, i.e. below the 5% minimum, if these had existed in that country before 1 January 1991 and had originally been adopted for clearly defined social reasons and for the benefit of the final consumer.
B U S I N E S S | VAT IN EUROPE
Such derogations are meant to be abolished when the definitive system is put in place. In practice, however, there is no sign that the non-uniformity of the VAT rates across the Member States will ever be bridged. Bridging the gap : R ecent amendments
Amendments proposed to the VAT Directive are frequent. Recently, Member States adopted an amendment to their VAT legislation so as to pave the way for electronic invoicing. The same amendment allowed Member States to introduce a cash accounting scheme in order to alleviate the problem of bad debts for businesses. Cyprus adopted a cash accounting scheme, but only for businesses with a gross 12-month turnover below ₏25.000. This rendered the scheme practically ineffective, as this excluded almost all businesses that could in theory benefit from such a scheme. In May 2012, the EU Commission also launched its proposal to amend the VAT Directive with regard to the VAT treatment of vouchers, resulting from a lack of common rules on this topic, resulting in dissimilar practices across the Member States. The draft Directive is still pending. From 1 January 2015, a change in the place-of-supply rules for telecommunications, broadcasting and electronic services will mean that such services will always be taxed in the country where the customer belongs. There is, however, another option: If the supplier is based in the EU, the EU country where the supplier resides can opt to levy VAT if the service is effectively used and enjoyed in that country. The use and enjoyment rule can apply to other services as well at the discretion of the Member States, which again leads to non-uniformity. Explanatory notes – though not legally binding – were issued on 3 April 2014 by the EU Commission as food-for-thought, in order to provide a better understanding of the EU legislation relating to the place-of-supply changes. Once again, there is ample scope for different interpretations by the Member States.
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Moreover, the Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) comes into force on 1 January 2015 and will allow taxable persons supplying telecommunication services, television and radio broadcasting services and electronically supplied services to non-taxable persons in Member States in which they do not have an establishment, to account for the VAT due on those supplies via a web-portal of their Member State. The scheme constitutes yet another optional element of the VAT legislation. Due to the vast differences in interpretation across the Member States over the place-of-supply rules, which determine where VAT is due, the Council of the EU adopted a legally binding Regulation on 15 March 2011, which became effective on 1 July 2011. The Regulation clarified certain concepts, mainly relating to place-of-supply rules, thus laying down guidelines for the Member States that are necessary to implement the VAT Directive. Then, second-guessing its own decision, the Council decided that the Member States would require further clarifications and issued a proposal in December 2012 to amend the Regulation. This proposal is currently being discussed across the EU, with each Member State no doubt preparing to defend its national economic interests. The ECJ has been more consistent in providing clarifications on the VAT Directive through its judgments. If the decisions of the Cyprus Courts of Justice are anything to judge by, this is not the case at a national level. Moreover, the interpretation of VAT legislation by the VAT Authorities of each Member State varies so widely that it poses a real challenge to undertake VAT planning on cross-border transactions. Is this how the founders of the EU envisaged unification? I n conc l usion
This may be good news for the VAT professional advisor, whose services are increasingly in demand; but businesses of all sizes would do well not to undervalue VAT. Instead, they must take a closer look at the VAT element of their commercial undertakings and finally give it the due attention it demands and deserves.
Alexis Tsielepis sits on various committees charged with VAT and other tax matters and has authored a number of tax syllabuses. He lectures extensively on VAT, money laundering and Cyprus taxation and has published a number of related articles on matters pertaining to Cyprus and EU direct and indirect tax. Chelco VAT Ltd is perhaps the only VAT-dedicated service provider in Cyprus specialising in strategic VAT planning and VAT compliance. E: a.tsielepis@chelcoVAT.com www.chelcoVAT.com