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VIEW from the TOP

Yours sincerely

Costas Galatariotis

Executive Chairman

Dear Guest,

I am happy to welcome you, once again, to our award-winning Le Meridien Limas-sol Spa & Resort. As we move well into our third decade in the hospitality industry, I am extremely proud of the way we have transformed this unique 5-star luxury hotel into one of the leading resorts in Europe.

Moreover our reputation as one of the world’s premier spas is confirmed by the many awards we have received in the past and by the innovative ideas we have launched to make our spa a trend setter.

This season, we are continuing the process of further upgrading our Resort, by renovating our Imperial Suites and the public toilets. Both these projects are under-taken within the context of our plan for our award winning Resort to meet the challenges and new trends of the hotel industry.

Last, but not least, we have already commenced the erection of six privileged villas in the grounds of Le Meridien which will be available for sale. These villas will enjoy all the unique services and facilities of our Resort and, as expected, this project has been instantly embraced by the market since a substantial part of it is already sold!

Situated in a breathtaking landscape created to reflect the best of Mediterranean garden design, the restful ambiance of Le Meridien Limassol is intended to inspire the inner-you because we are more than a hotel, we are a sanctuary where you can recharge, rejuvenate, and explore new mental challenges. With our emphasis on a quality experience, we are dedicated to making your stay with us memorable because we love to say ‘welcome back’

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Contents

twelfth edition

P.O. Box 56560CY-3308, Limassol, Cyprus

Tel.: +357 2586 2000Fax: + 357 2563 4222enquiries.limassol@lemeridien.comwww.cyprus.lemeridien.com

View from the Top

Towards a Better Europe

General Manager’s Welcome

Welcome to the Warm Care

Awaken Hair with A Hair Spa

Thalgo from Top to Toe Day

Elemis Day of Delight

Making Days Brighter

Noblesse Oblige

With Pomp & Ceremony

Feasting Aphrodite’s Birthday

Pearls Politics Power& Femininity

Beyond Dress Codes

Eco Chic Glamour & Glitz

Enjoying Limassol

Perspectives onCyprus Archaeology

Cyprus InternationalTax Planning Centre

Buy & Become a Cyprus Resident

Cyprus Companies in a Nutshell

Our Front Liners …

Living in Interesting Times

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Cyprus organised Brussels Marathon

Necklace - Beyond Dress Codes

Status PriveInhouse Magazine of Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort12th edition - 2013

Editorial Team

Ilya V. LoyshaEditor-in-Chief

Dr William Woys WeaverAssociate Managing Editor

Art ExecutionValerie KouznetsovChristos AndreouStephanos Grivas

Cover Painting of Christoforos Savva

‘Marathovouno’ (1955) Auctioned

by Psatharis Auction House

ContributorsWilliam W. Weaver, Vassos Karageorghis,Chris Hopkins, Drita Sjekloca, Myron Edwards,Jennifer Marangos, M. Evangelou, Celia Blair,Anne Raichoux, Christina Georgiadou

Photography Jean-Emmanuel Hay, Erato Kantouna,Agis Agisilaou, Le Meridien Archive

AMME Archive, Cyprus Presidency Archives,Ilya Loysha, Nicos Kofteros, Antiquities Dept, Cyprus Feline Society,Cyprus News Association

Admin. & AdvertisingChr. Anaxagoras

N. Efstathiou

Co-ordinator M. Evangelou

Published by AMME ConsultancyISSN 1986-0609fotini@logos.cy.net

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It may not be the best moment to write about European ideals, the spirit of partnership, unity, or the solidarity of the Euro-pean Union amongst its members, since during the last two to three years a pernicious economic crisis has highlighted the weaknesses of the European Union’s structure and has test-

ed the sincerity and ability of its leaders to move forward for the common good. On top of that, the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the European Union, a great surprise to eve-ryone given that European peace is long on idealism, but short and tenuous in terms of practical imple-mentation for the future. The whole thing seems to have devolved into desper-ate acts of damage control with quite a few member nations tot-tering on the brink of economic collapse. Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the Eu-ropean Union from 1 July to 31 December 2012 and set as a goal to serve ‘towards a Better Europe’, a Europe more relevant to its

citizens and the world; a Union operating on the basis of its basic principles and values; a more effective Union with sustainable poli-cies that would enhance employment, growth and social cohesion’ as formulated by Andreas D. Mavroyiannis, Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs. Additionally, it was hoped that the Cypriot

point of view - that of a small member nation, would lend a stronger voice in the de-

liberations between the “north” and “south” and the grow-

ing tensions of the tough ‘borrower’ - ‘lender’ relationship growing in the Union. The Norwegian No-bel Committee for

the 2012 Nobel Peace Award to the European

Union put it all in a slightly different and more optimistic

light: ‘The union and its forerunners >

“TOWARDS A BETTER EUROPE…”

‘Medieval Cyprus’ Exhibition – Louvre Museum – Paris

Photo caption: Opening of the ‘Mare Liberum’ Exhibition in Limassol, by Jose Manuel Barroso EC President & President Dimitris Christofias, here with curator

Anna Marangou & Androulla Vassiliou European Commissioner for Culture

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have for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe.’ Closing with - ‘the EU is currently undergoing grave economic difficulties and considerable social unrest. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to focus on what it sees as the EU’s most im-portant result: the successful struggle for peace and reconcilia-tion and for democracy and human rights. The stability put in place by the EU has helped to transform most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace. The work of the EU represents ‘fraternity between nations, and amounts to a form of the ‘peace congresses’ to which Alfred Nobel refers as crite-ria for the Peace Prize in his 1895 will’. Oslo, 12 October 2012. Mr Mavroyiannis’ dedication to the spirit of Europe, non-negotiable and optimistic came at a time when the renewed support by the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize to the EU, gratified in a way , Cyprus’ adherence and painstaking work for all the six months of its first European Presidency, and ‘aspira-tion to take European integration even a small step further.’‘As people and institutions are the source of a democratic Un-ion, we also aspired to promote Europe as a ‘filoxenos topos’ a hospitable space, without borders and barriers, where so-cial cohesion reigns. An environment that will lead to a friend-lier, anthropocentric society, a space where the young feel wel-come and are offered the tools to shape and change the world. Acting as an ‘honest broker’, in the words of Mr Mavroyiannis ‘the Cyprus Presidency aspired and succeeded to work construc-tively both with the Council and in osmosis with the other insti-tutions, facilitating inter-institutional co-operation, synergy and positive collaboration between people, institutions and vocations, moving forward the European agenda, with respect, dignity and good faith as core ethical values both to substance and process’. The Cyprus Presidency has achieved tangible and signifi-cant results for the Union, through a functional and prag-

matic approach, taking into mind the challenges faced by the EU but focusing and projecting the essence of the EU as part of the solution for the perennial teleological debates’.The important results of the Cyprus Presidency – the conclu-sion of the Unitary Patent Package, the agreement in the Coun-cil for a Single Supervisory Mechanism, the agreement with the European Parliament on the 2013 EU budget and the pro-gress achieved on key actions of the Single Market Act and on the Common European Asylum – are clear evidence of these’. Confident that the succeeding Irish Presidency will do a great job, and thanking all institutions and the Trio Partners Poland and Denmark, with whom they worked hard for the preparation and completion of the first Cyprus Presidency, the nostalgia remains (with all the Cyprus team that was ‘on board’ for the duration). This is juxtaposed with positive feelings for the experiences en-joyed and deep satisfaction for the pragmatic and results-oriented Presidency of the Council.’ For Cyprus, it was a job well done.

Andreas Mavroyiannis delivering his farewell message and handing over to his Irish colleague Eamon Gilmore

From the Inaugural Ceremony of the Cyprus EU Presidency at Kourion – with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt handing over the Presidency - and ‘confident the Cyprus Presidency will be a success’

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Являясь жителем не европейской страны, у Вас есть право на возврат части денег от стоимости покупки, приобретенной на Кипре. Желаете ли Вы модные бренды, роскошную домашнюю утварь, электронику, очки, кожаные издели, драгоценности или часы, «Евровозмещение» предлагает самый простой и полный сервис безналогового шоппинга.

У вас есть возможность выбора при возврате денег: получить наличные в одном из наших офисов в городе или в аэропорту, улетая домой.

Что мы предлагаем – это покой и исключительную заботу о наших клиентах. Вы получаете – безопасность, уникальную покупательскую способность и свободу шоппинга во время отдыха. Все это благодаря услугам «Евровозмещение»

Orthodoxou Tower | 7th floor | 44 United Nations | 6042 LarnacaT +357 2482 8484 | office.cy@tfww.com | www.taxfreeworldwide.com

Для получения персонального шоппинг тура, пожалуйста свяжитесь со своим тур оператором

FORNON-EURESIDENTS

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19C & D Th. Dervis Street Nicosia - Cyprus, Tel. 22 670 036modain@primehome.com | www.modain.com.cy

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Dear Valued Guests and Partners,

The exceptional service and personal touches our associates give our guests turn everyday moments into memorable brand experiences.

During your stay at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort, we welcome you to enjoy the Resort’s award winning Spa, delicious range of dining options and unrivalled children’s facilities including Penguin Village and Leisure Land.

As an International chain Hotel we invite you to experience not only our finest hospitality but the prestigious benefits of Starwood Hotels + Resorts Worldwide. With brands such as Le Méridien®, St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM.

The Starwood Preferred Guest® program is your connection to nine exciting hotel brands. As a truly global enterprise, operating in more than 1,100 hotels in nearly 100 countries worldwide, we embrace our diversity and use that energy and creativity to power our business.

Attending to you as our valued guest and partner, building a relationship and creating memorable experiences is a true privilege. We always strive to ensure you have the best possible experience with us. It's part of our unshakeable commitment to customer service.

If there is anything we can do to assist with your stay please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wishing you a warm welcome at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort!

General Manager’s Note

Sincerely

Giorgos IoannouGeneral Manager

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Basking in the glamour of this Mediterranean

get away by the sea, so close to downtown Limassol,

experience Le Meridien’s hospitality yourself.

Indulge in its cheery vibrant atmosphere,

the impeccable service, superb cuisine and

so much more for you to discover…

Welcome tothe warm care

of Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort Welcome

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Our Day packages offer a variety of treatments including Thalassotherapy and Spa Lunch so the guest is able to experience a total Spa experience in just one day.In addition our guests are able to enjoy our specially designed healthy low-calorie nutrition menus for a total holistic spa day.Please see below an example of a Day Package at Le Spa.

10:30 Enter our award winning Le Spa centre and enjoy the unique 4 outdoor or 3 indoor high salinity Thalassotherapy pools. While enjoying your stay try our Pure Organic Thalgo tea and selection of fresh fruits.

12:00 Continue with a unique natural sea mud MarinePrelude body treatment to help detoxification.

13:00 Lunch: A collection of selected delicious recipes for your mid-day meal which will not only revive your energy and balance your metabolism, but will assist in your detoxification regime.

15:00 Back at Le Spa for a full body therapeutic massage to ease tense muscles and soothe away aches and pains.

16:00 Last but not least you will enjoy an exclusive Thalgo Aromatic Facial combining the purest essential oils, plant extracts and a cool marine algae mask, this facial softens expression line and is offering ultimate relaxation.

17:00 Completing the treatments and feeling purely relaxed you can enjoy the benefits of sauna and hamam or enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset from our relaxing area with a hot cup of Thalgo organic tea and a selection of fruits.

at LE SPATHALGO TOP TO TOE DAY!I

t was probably inevitable that with all the international

acclaim we have received for Le Spa and our remarkable

Elemis and Thalgo treatments, that we would find yet an-

other way to bring glamour and good health into your life.

While Elemis and Thalgo treat the skin and body and

surround you with the gentle aromas and sensations

of total relaxation, our Ahaba Hair Spa is devoted to styling and

rejuvenating your hair. Now you can frame the glow of beautiful

skin with a hair style and colour that fits you and your personality.

Using the famous Rene Furterer hair products and an exclusive

French Balayage technique, our stylists will not only send you

out of the salon looking your best, they will also provide helpful

tips on how to stay that way. If you are looking for the ultimate

in personal hair care to top off your day with Thalgo and Elemis,

our red carpet treatments will put you in league with the stars!

AWAKEN HAIR WITH

HAIR SPA

Jean Marc

Beautiful hair grows from a healthy scalp like a plant in fertile soil…

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LA MER

“The precious, nutrientrich Miracle Broth™ lies at the heart of every La Merproduct.” 

Miraculous BeginningsThe story of  Crème de la Mer is  one of hope, perseverance, meticulous science and the curative power of the sea. It is a story of daily transformation, soothing rituals and profound healing that begins with an accident and ends with a miracle.

  alf a century ago, aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber suffered burns in a laboratory accident. Neither medicine nor science offered the healing 

  a personal quest to transform the look of his skin. Dr. Huber believed the sea was a miraculous resource and sea kelp captured his imagination. With potent nourishing properties and an endless ability to regenerate, it held promise and hope. He hand-harvested and fermented kelp gently with simple, pure ingredients: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, lecithin,  vitamins C, E and B12, oils of citrus, eucalyptus, wheat germ, 

 light and sound. After 12 years and 6,000 experiments, he  perfected the precious, nurturing Miracle Broth™, source of  La Mer’s profound powers of transformation.

Crème de la Mer is a delicate creation, produced in small amounts on a daily basis. Our kelp is harvested by hand in the pristine waters off the coast of  Vancouver Island and treated  with great care and respect. Although kelp can grow up to two feet a day, only the fronds that reach the surface are taken to protect the balance of the underwater ecosystem.      The kelp is combined with nutrient-rich ingredients and, during a 3 to 4 month bio-fermentation process, is infused with light and sound until it becomes the legendary Miracle Broth™. Each new batch of Miracle Broth™ is infused with a drop of the living fermentation of the preceding batch, forming a timeless 

to sustain Crème de la Mer’s delicate balance and to protect its legendary powers.

H

Exclusive at the Debenhams Olympia - Limassol, Tel.: 25 585601 Mall of Engomi - Nicosia, Tel.: 22 002562

LM_Creme_Adv. STATUS.indd 1-2 19/09/2012 11:08 ΠΜ

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10:30: Start your morning by entering our award winning Le Spa centre and experience the unique 4 outdoor or 3 indoor high salinity Thalassotherapy pools. While enjoying your stay try our Pure Organic teas and selection of fresh fruits.

12:00: Continue your treatment with an Exotic Coconut Rub

and Milk Ritual Float, a ceremony of pure sensuality intended to

tantalise and delight! A traditional Balinese recipe composed of

coconut, mung bean, spices and lavender will polish your skin,

whilst the exotic body oil comforts your senses. How is it possible

that nurturing and pleasure can be combined so harmoniously?

That is the secret of Elemis therapies!

13:00: Lunch: Of course the inner self needs as much careful

attention as the skin, and to this end we have selected a collection

of delicious recipes for your mid day meal designed not only

revive your energy and balance your metabolism, but to assist

in your detoxification regime. This culinary break is therefore

critical to the next step.

15:00: Now that you have re energized your metabolism, it

is time to continue your Elemis Day with a full body Deep Tissue

Massage. This massage encompasses a range of deep, rhythmic

movements to stimulate muscle tissue, soften tension and relieve

muscular aches and pains.

16:00: Let us not leave out the face. You will want to look

radiant for dinner, so indulge yourself with an Elemis Skin

Specific Facial. This is a unique therapeutic deep cleansing facial

that is prescribed for compatibility with your own special type of

skin. The secret here is the combination of powerful, premium

grade essential oils which gently treat the skin at the deepest

level without irritation. Your face will be subjected to specialized

Eastern massage movements designed to stimulate and oxygenate

the skin, whilst at the same time bringing the body and mind into

perfect balance.

17:00: To complete the treatment, we now move to the hands

with Pro Collagen Hand and Nail Treatment. Cuticles and nails are

conditioned and strengthened, whilst the indulgent Elemis Skin

Nourishing Milk Bath combined with the anti-ageing Pro-Collagen

Hand and Nail Cream intensely hydrates for irresistibly smooth,

youthful looking hands. You will be amazed at the difference the

milk bath makes, so be sure to take a few bottles with you to

ensure that you can continue good skin care at home.

18:00: Now that the day is coming to an end, and the treatments

are complete you can enjoy the benefits of sauna and hamam or

enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset from our relaxation area

with a hot cup of soothing organic tea and a selection of fruit.

Anyone who has sampled Elemis prod-ucts is immediately struck by the shear luxury of their unique and soothing aro-mas, not to mention the immediate and beneficial effect on the skin and body. It is hard to imagine that Elemis can im-

prove much more, yet we are pleased to introduce a re-gime that is designed to elevate your spirits and take personal indulgence to a new level. Now you can devote an entire day to a seven-step exercise in winding down whilst you bathe your body in rejuvenating treatments.

This is what we recommend:

ELEMIS DAYOF DELIGHT

Born in 1990, British brand Elemis has grown into the most successful professional spa and anti-age-ing skincare range available in the world today. Ad-dressing specific skin and body conditions, the unique and potent formulations dynamically treat the skin with powerful results, whilst re-awakening the senses.

Experience an exclusive Elemis treatment today and take advantage of our weekly specials and our ex-pert’s advice for your daily face and body routine at Le Spa.

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Designed for children between 3 and 12 years of age, the Penguin Village Children’s Club is open to all children staying in the re-sort free of charge. The personnel of the Penguin Village are all children specialists ‘ in love with children’, as Erhan Gota, Head of the Club, states.

Every little inch caters for the child’s needs and with supervision, safety and freedom come loads of fun, amusement and activities that enrich the experiences and widen the child’s horizon.

If you have a newborn, or children just under the age of three, the Creche located within the Penguin Village is a unique of its kind safe ’port’ fully supervised and with enclosed play area indoors and outdoors where chil-dren can be left unaccompanied by parents for a nominal hourly charge.

Now in Leisureland, you will experience the adventurous mix that keeps both teen-agers and adolescent spirited adults in the Neverland kingdom – offering all kinds of sports and activities: tennis in its four tennis courts, volley-ball, or shooting hoops, a football pitch, mini-golf and badminton, archery, pool tables and bowling at the Atlantis Bowling Centre. And so much more…

Making DaysBrighter!Penguin Village

Has your friend stayed back when you last left Le Meridien?Ask from the Housekeeper his/her return and Happy reunions!

and Leisureland

Light Hearted and Fun Family Entertainment

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NOBLESSE oblige...

From the POEM Conference – (Power Options for the Eastern Mediterranean) with ex Energy Chief of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Solon Kassinis, now Executive Director of KRETYK, at the podium - Organised during Cyprus Presidency of the European Council

Our premier position has been confirmed time and again by the distinguished patronage we have received from no less than the leaders of the European Union and their recent meetings here in Cyprus, with many heads of state in attendance. If you have a keen eye for Who is Who in the fashion industry, sports, entertainment, business and the arts, then you are likely to find yourselves rubbing elbows with many well-known faces, even a few royals from time to time! We enjoy being cutting-edge trend setters, yet whether you are a king travelling incognito, a prime minister in need of rejuve-nation at Le Spa, or just on a holiday to get away from the hassles of home, all our guests receive the same blue-ribbon treatment that has made us famous throughout the world. Our photo gallery, this season, carries a great number of people in the epicentre of International affairs for you to distinguish.

‘ Protection & Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean ‘ Cyprus Forum organized by the Sovereign Order of Malta in co-operation with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNESCO and the European Commission during the Cyprus Presidency . Seen : Jean Claude Thebault of EC, Jean Pierre Mazery, Sovereign Order of Malta, Erato Marcoullis, then Minister of

Foreign Affairs, & Christian Manhart of UNESCO.

Awards time for the “European Improving Skill” Organisedby our Ministry of Education during the Cyprus Presidency

Connected TV Conference organised bythe Cyprus Radiotelevision Authority

Kym Marsh starring in Coronation Street, with spouse‘Jamie’ Lomas television actor & Charalambos Lardas

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NOBLESSE oblige...

Pavlos Kontides, Cyprus’ Silver Medallist at the 2012 Summer Olympicsin the Men’s Laser class, here with a friend and our Charalambos Lardas

Russian Premier League Lokomotiv Moscow posing at Le Promenade with local fans Giorgos Ioannou, the Hotel’s GM and Charalambos Lardas

Famous Spanish footballer Raoul Bravo with Front Office ManagerCharalambos Lardas and our Electra Katsikides

Family photo from the Extraordinary Summit of the European People’s Party

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49 Ayiou Athanasiou Street,4102 Ayios Athanasios, LimassolTel. 25736220, Fax : 25 731426

37B-C Kennedy street, 1075 Nicosia,Tel. 22442235 , Fax: 22 514516www.lamaisonduvin.com.cy

THE OLDEST CHAMPAGNE HOUSE SINCE 1729

The 8th International Culinary Competition was held this

March in Thessaloniki, Greece and our Culinary Team from

Le Meridien has once again walked away with top honours.

Organized by the World Association of Chefs Societies, this

culinary cook-off is considered the “Olympics” for professional

chefs throughout the world, so it is with resounding applause

that our team brought back to Cyprus a good quantity of gold and silver.

For fresh pasta and an Asian dish, Antonis Farousis took bronze. Nikolas

Constantinou earned a gold medal for his beef creation; and Savvas Savva

received gold for his delicious interpretation of poultry. Savvas also received

a silver medal for Chef of the Year, no small accomplishment considering

the fierce competition. Another gold went to our Noel Basil for his lamb

main course and a silver for his fish main course. Not to be daunted by the

culinary talents that converged from all over the world, our lucky team earned

a silver medal for the Grand Prix. Is there any doubt that we have here

at Le Meridien, one of the finest kitchens in Europe? You may thank our

busy chefs by sampling the wonders set forth on their menus, or challenge

them to create something special for you. You will not be disappointed!

With Pomp and CeremonyThe 8th International Culinary Competition

Chefs!!!!Nicolas Konstantinou

Savvas Savva

Noel Christos Bassil

Antonis Farousis

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NICOSIA 22 76 23 46LIMASSOL 25 33 50 66LARNACA 24 65 76 05PAPHOS 26 94 67 76AYIA NAPA 23 72 59 99

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It has been said that on each January 9th at 9 in the morn-

ing, it is possible to see the goddess Aphrodite appearing

from the sea by her famous rocks, the Petra tou Romiou

near Pafos. In January 2013 this mysterious event has

been commemorated by the enthusiastic followers of this

legend and perhaps also out of loyalty and local pride for

Cyprus, since Aphrodite has become the island’s unofficial ambassador of

good will and warm hospitality.

This past January 9th was indeed an unusual day: the nipping cold

and wind, with a light dusting of snow all around – unusual for Pafos – re-

minded all assembled who is the mistress of the area. The mayors of the var-

ious parts in the Pafos region and Kouklia gathered to honour Aphrodite by

the shore, planting a pomegranate (one of the fruits sacred to the goddess).

The mystery of Aphrodite’s birth has been preserved for

eternity in Hesiod’s Theogony:

“Then the son [Kronos] from his ambush stretched forth his left

hand and in his right took the great long sickle with jagged teeth, and swiftly

lopped off his own father’s members and cast them away to fall behind him

. . . and so soon as he had cut off the members with flint and cast them from

the land into the surging sea, they were swept away over the main a long

time: and a white foam spread around them from the immortal flesh, and in

it there grew a maiden. Afterwards, she came to sea-girt Kypros, and came

forth an awful and lovely goddess, and grass grew up about her beneath her

shapely feet. Her gods and men call her Aphrodite, because she grew amid

the foam, and Cyprogenes because she was born in billowy Cyprus.

It would seem from Hesiod that when she touched the land with her

feet, it turned green, and if we may allow the symbolism of grass sprout-

ing around her this indicated Earth’s renewal. In

all the ensuing 5,000 years since her mythic birth,

the rocks are still there, just as solid and majestic

as they were in ancient times, more remarkable

perhaps considering how many earthquakes down

through the centuries have jostled them about.

The temple of the goddess at Kouklia (Palepafos)

has long since disappeared, but the rocks remain

as a persistent reminder that her presence is still

with us and that the remarkable beauty of that

spot along the coast is as iconic and sacrosanct as

it was the moment she came ashore.

Kudos that cold day must go to the children who brought flowers

and tributes for the goddess and to her ‘priestess’ that braved the elements to

provide a touch of the ancient spirit to the event. They brought myrtle, the most

sacred of all the plants to Aphrodite, its white flowers both ethereal for their

scent and the purity of their colour. The myrtle berry has been an eternal symbol

of the love the goddess had for Adonis, her young paramour, so it was fitting

that the bouquets were tossed into the sea from whence the goddess emerged.

Perhaps, on hindsight, if there is a lesson to be learned from that

day by the sea, Aphrodite can take satisfaction from the fact that she is in-

deed still remembered and honoured, if for reasons somewhat different than

in ancient times. Beyond that, the pomegranate tree planted in her honour

in that sacred place stands as a symbol of hope for the future, and it is that

hope for a better day that is the gift of Aphrodite, the nurturing powers of

Nature to preserving our little island against the gales of winter.

Feastinga Birthday

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One powerful and eventful personality who had a pas-sion for pearls was Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt. An-cient writers connect the ambitious queen with pearls in many of their stories.This is what Pliny writes in his work ‘Natural History’:

‘The last queen of Egypt owned two pearls that were the largest that ever appeared. They were presents from an eastern king. According to instructions to her maids the queen placed next to her couch a pot with strong vinegar, which can dissolve

pearls. The queen was wearing on her ears these marvellous cre-ations of nature. Anthony was very curious to see what was she intending to do. She took off one pearl and dropped it in the vin-egar. When this was dissolved she took the cup and drank it. The second pearl was cut in two and became another set of earrings that was offered to goddess Aphrodite in the Pantheon of Rome’.

Today let us connect women who characterise their public image with pearls.

First, Queen Elizabeth II, for six decades on the throne of Great Britain. A great part of her vast jewellery collection of pearls consists of jewellery inherited from her mother Elisabeth I – known for her refined taste and preference for pearls .

Then we have Princess Diana, considered at her time as the most stylish woman on earth, with her outfits and acces-sories meticulously planned by some of the most expert fashion

stylists. Her necklace, in the photo started as a present of mar-riage from her mother-in-law Elisabeth II, and it was a sapphire brooch. Diana transformed the brooch into a centrepiece for a necklace adding seven strings of pearls and enjoyed wearing it on many official occasions.

Liz Taylor was famous for her passion of diamonds. Her sec-ond next passion was the pearls.

The mythical ‘La Peregrina’ is the largest pearl-shaped pearl and one of the most famous pieces of jewellery in the world, originally weighing 55.95 carats.

“La Peregrina” pearl was first presented to Mary Tudor by Philip II of Spain in the 16th century, later worn by a

From ancient times until lately pearls were the absolute symbol of power and wealth. But since the cultivation of shellfish and the produc-tion of pearls in large volume, the price has fallen and their ownership stopped being a privilege of the rich and famous. But in the popu-lar imagination, pearls continued to be associated with authority and power. This is probably why women who want to be seen by the world as leading a high position in society, choose to appear with jewellery of pearls, the idea being that they accentuate their authority and power.

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number of queens before it ended in the hands of Napoleon III who sold it to an English nobleman.

Most of Liz Taylor’s collection has now been auctioned and the specific pearl fetched in 2011 the record price of $11 mil-lion dollars at Christie’s New York.

Another, was Coco Chanel, a pioneer in the world of fashion. Her image as a dominant fashion icon is usually loaded with pearls. It was Coco Chanel who first proposed and imposed the faux bijoux in her collections. She herself never hesitated to mix a string of very expensive natural pearls with ten strings of synthetic.

With Michelle Obama, Pearls are once more in the front line… and from the Greek scene, Yianna Angelopoulou distinguish-es herself with a rare string of invaluable all-round pearls of 20 mm.

The plastic Pop-It beads of the 1960s gave little girls

the pleasure of creating their own strings of faux pearl in perfect imitation of the ones their mothers wore to grown-up events. It would seem from early on that we condition our children to the idea that pearls are imbued with mystery and symbolism. And yet -- is there perhaps a subliminal connection between the pearl and the oyster that made it? Are they not aphrodisiacs of differing inten-sity? One subtly teases the eye while the other titilates the appetite.

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n intriguing exhibition well worth visiting will remain open in Nico-sia until the end of this May. It connects to an exhibition in Rot-terdam on the Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier – “From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk.” Gaultier is also one of the featured subjects of the Nicosia exhibition as well as

John Galliano, both of whom have created some star-tling outfits inspired by traditional Greek costumes.

BEYONDDRESS

by Celia Blair

Jean Paul Gaultier

Originally presented in Greece with the Hellenic American Union, the ‘Beyond Dress Codes, exhibition collaborated with the Cyprus Fashion Designers Association by bringing in some very interesting new elements derived from local designers and artists of jewellery and accessories.

The exhibition curated by fashion historian Lydia Kamitsis illustrates a progressive dialogue between traditional costumes and contemporary fashion, also presenting

a series of coloured drawings of Greek and Cypriot traditional costumes, including seven interpretations of traditional costumes by the Cypriot artist Lefteris Olympios.

Clothing used as a game of concealment and discovery manipulates costume to function as a code of communication: covering the body while at the same time revealing the identity of the person wearing it. Clothes convey information about a country’s history, customs and traditions, the social and the economic circumstances of a

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uzy Amis Cameron, the 51 year old wife of director James Cameron, is the founder of the Red Carpet Green Dress Challenge – a sustainable fashion competition that al-lows designers from all over the world an opportunity to get their eco-friendly threads on the Oscars’ red carpet.

Last year, ‘The Artist’ star Missi Pyle wore a flowing blue gown made from organic silk, hand-dyed with natural mineral pigments and lined with recycled polyester by Delfino. Pyle was the first actress in an

Oscar-nominated film to wear a design from the competition.For the 2013 Academy Awards, Naomie Harris (‘Skyfall’, ‘Pi-rates of the Caribbean’, ‘28 Days Later’) wore the winning design created by Michael Badger – ‘inspired by a volcano and lava flows’, in a recycled sketchbook and on 100 per cent hemp watercolour paper.This is such an enormous oppor-tunity’ he told ELLE. ‘I’m trilled to have the chance to dispel the idea that one must sacrifice glamour and fantasy in order

Pyle was the first actress to wear a design from the competition.

to be eco-friendly, and the idea of working with the incredible icon of fashion design that is Vivienne Westwood is too much.

According to Amis Cameron, the dress features ‘dyes from plants known for their therapeutic properties, fabric which is an organic GOTS certified organic silk Crepe de Chine and some unique and beautiful vintage and recycled elements’.In October, Bardem, Harris’s co-star, donned an eco-friendly Gucci tuxedo at the Skyfall premier as part of Livia Firth’s Green Carpet Challenge.

A hub of eccentricity, a place to be seen, at any cost! But the heart of the matter is elsewhere: every year, Americans spend more than 300 billion dollars on clothes!

place and also about the gender, age and a person’s social status.Coming back to the Kunsthal in Rotterdam , that exhibition is an ode to Jean Paul

Gaultier’s intrepid creativity and the way he recreates what he observes from the streets of Paris to science fiction. This exhibition presents six themes with the ‘Urban Jungle’ focusing on the various world cultures, including unusual materials and techniques of what Gaultier calls his Irish haute couture collection. Under the theme of ‘Metropolis,’ work for films, concerts and theatres, as well as countless other well-known artists are also surveyed.

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ENJOYINGLIMASSOL

Spring is once more here and the tapestry of the earth is poetic, the smooth scented breezes, affected by a little khamsin from across the sea, makes you want to spend a longer time out-doors enjoying the life of the city, the people, so full of the

love of life, that it cannot but affect you in the most happy way.No more serious faces, no more dark thoughts; just leave

the thinking to the wind and let serendipity take charge. Trusting that our advice will deliver the utmost – paraphrasing creatively the little invitation ‘when in Limassol’..

The true meaning of Lemesos emerges each year during Carnival. Lemesos is the only Cypriot city that commemorates the beginning of Lent with its own unique interpretation of carefree fun and a free-spirited display of public madness.

Carnival is said to trace to the Middle Ages when it was observed in Cyprus with great pomp and no small amount of hilarity, yet it is unlike any of its counterparts in Europe or South America.

The whole city is transformed into one company of friends, of all ages and ageless, with groups of musicians and singers meandering through every neighbourhood, with bank employees that serve you at the counter, wearing funny hats, drivers grinning at each other, whilst in the main thoroughfares, the national hobby of souvla becomes a matter of pride by each self-respecting shop owner and

his friends who just start cooking their souvla on the main shopping streets inviting shoppers and passers-by to share in the fun. The feasting lasts for many days, so it is possible to graze from souvla cook to souvla cook and learn just how varied the recipes can be.

In the evenings, dances are organised all over the city, in the main streets, the squares, the hotels and you can rent hundreds of different outfits taking up all the roles you ever dreamt , abiding by the rule that you can only attend provided you are disguised.

Some of the outstanding business men and dignitaries of Limassol are the first to keep up this lively emancipated tradition. Outstanding was the Queen of the Amazons – with one breast out and a moustache - taken up by the worthwhile citizen, Miltos Papadopoulos, a respected civil engineer. He delighted the whole of Cyprus with his TV interviews and attracted thousands to the Great Parade where the Queen of the Amazons and ‘her’ entourage gave spectators unforgettable moments of hilarious antics and buffoonery.

Last year an upgrading to emperor and a delightful Napoleon impersonated by Limassol-raised Doros Ieropoulos, a shipping businessman, graced the scene with the Mayor, Andreas Christou and the ‘Court’ dressed in the same style, bringing French panache to the scene.

This year, smiling and buoyant Erma Stylianides, an antique dealer, is the designated ‘Queen of the Crisis and Madness’. Erma Stylianides will embellish her throne in a Marie-Antoinette

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Marie-Antoinette outfit, surely to look spectacular in her haute couture garments, when she parades across the city.

One of the most dedicated of Carnival lovers Lenia Argyrou, is the lady that transforms Limassol. Studying endlessly, periods and costumes, she will recreate this wonder from head to toe. Lenia, is the official couturiere of the Carnival and happily spends sleepless days and nights with her team to cater and master the successful attires that will add the special glamour to make the feastings so unique. Her costumes won many times first prizes and every year she anticipates with happy animosity all the new challenges, with great professional pride, as much as enjoyment.

At this moment, thousands of the Grand Parade participants are busy, spending long hours rehearsing their choreographies and songs, fittings for costumes and secretly spying the other competition teams. Though Lenia cannot cater for all, she is ever-present with advice and any possible assistance. Crises or not, this year the participants are expected to exceed last year’s 12,000.

Easter And then very soon it is Green Monday and as the

spring moves on, it is time for Easter and the churches fill with people living through the martyrdom of the Christ on the Cross and the Happy Resurrection. The Easter of the Greeks and the Orthodox in general is celebrated on the 5th of May this year.

For Catholics, the Easter is celebrated on March 31st as they use the Gregorian Calendar. Holy Thursday is on March 28 and Good Friday on March 29. Mass can be followed at the St Catherine’s church at the beach front near the city centre.

As regards Orthodox church-goers it is a wonderful period especially the week before Pascha. The churches’ iconostases are covered with black or lilac in mourning, and the soul-arresting

procession of Good Friday across the streets, carrying the Epitaph, blessing houses and crossroads, and meeting other congregations of neighbouring churches on the way; marching in ceremony with bands and soldiers carrying the body of Jesus, is an experience not

to be missed. On Saturday, one wears new clothes and attends the midnight mass for the Resurrection, lighting candles at the call of Christos Anesti and bringing home the ‘new’ light, to share with the family the special meal - Painted red eggs, cracking them with exchanges of Christos Anesti and Alithos Anesti.… the special soups – mayiritsa or avgolemoni . On Sunday noon, families,, neighbours and friends, get together, cooking outdoors a sheep on charcoal, with lovely traditional music, dances, songs and joyful traditional games rejoicing in the company of one another.

Getting your bearings…Taking the road along the coastline, from the hotel to the

old port, you can make your first stop at the medieval castle where according to the legend, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre. Today the castle houses an interesting selection of medieval antiquities and you can enjoy the lovely scenery of the old town from the terrace.

The place is inundated with cafeterias, galleries, shops with traditional crafts, pottery, jewellery, mosaic artists’ shops, antiques and then the road opens up to the long Ayios Andreas shopping street, with churches, museums, all for you to discover. Whatever turn you take will lead you to the main shopping Centre, then to the new Theatre museum, the Municipal gardens and the little zoo. In the same quarters, a neo-classic building stores the

archives of the city with modern technology facilitating the recall to its most recent history and just opposite the archaeological museum of Limassol, houses a collection from the ancient Amathus.

Limassol also has some of the most beautiful shopping for brand designers spread along the Arch. Makarios III Avenue and extending along the beach front on your way back to the hotel.

If you are in the mood to take an excursion into the countryside, we have two suggestions that are easy to undertake in a day. The first is what we generally refer to as the “coastal route” which links together a number of historic ruins and ancient monuments. The other goes inland toward the mountains and includes a number of spectacular landscapes. First, the coastal route.

If you take B6 heading west you can detour a bit and drive toward St. Nicholas of the Cats, passing the ancient salt lake which in the Middle Ages was the site of a royal fishery. The monastery, now inhabited by nuns, is partially intact and dates from the Byzantine period. It is worth a visit if for no other reason than to see the thousands of rare native feral cats that live there, introduced by the Byzantine Empress Helena in order to rid the island of snakes. There are Lusignan arms over the doors to the church, an indication that it too was once under royal protection. The entire area around the old monastery is now a preserve due to the unique biodiversity of plants and fauna, so if you are a lover of nature, you must not fail to visit this site.

Retracing your steps back to B6 proceed west to Kolossi Castle, which is worth a visit because it was once the headquarters of a large medieval sugar plantation owned by the Order of St. John of

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Jerusalem. Their medieval sugar factory is still intact and there are old coats of arms of the order on the outside walls. Inside you will find exhibits telling the history of the order and its role in medieval Cyprus.

Not far beyond Kolossi is the ancient city of Kourion which lies atop a bluff overlooking the sea. There you can see the ancient ampitheatre, ruins of old houses and churches, and some extremely fine mosaics. Leaving Kourion you can pass directly by the Temple of Apollo Hylates. The site is open to the public and the temple itself has been partially reconstructed. This temple was one of the reasons Kourion existed because it drew thousands of pilgrims from all over the ancient world – even a few Roman emperors, thus you might say that Kourion was a tourism centre due to the benevolent attraction of its hometown god.

Heading west on the old road you will not only enjoy some breathtaking views of the sea, if you are lucky you may also see the rare hawks, falcons, and even a few eagles who inhabit the cliffs along the water. Not far beyond Pissouri Beach, you will come to the Petra tou Romiou otherwise known as the Rock of the Greek and the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. She chose a dramatic site to emerge from the sea and you can swim there if you like to take in the foam and pleasant waters, which are said to rejuvenate and perhaps even inspire a little romance. This little trip to the rocks via the coastline can be done in one day with enough time left over to get you back to the hotel for dinner.

Into the Mountains…For an entirely different experience and yet another

inviting taste of Cyprus, take B8 toward Alassa. If you want to try some local wines, we recommend a pit stop at Monagri. If you

prefer more exotic scenery follow the road as it winds uphill into the mountains, not forgetting to look behind you at the spectacular coastline below.

If you see a sign for Agros, it would be worth a side trip

to take in the village and its famous rosewater factory. There are also shops selling locally made preserves and sweets, and you can take a

lunch break at the restaurant where local women prepare the food.Continuing to Platres you will find yourself in pine forests

and an entirely different sort of Cyprus. There is even a waterfall, and a fishery specializing in trout, so dinner can be arranged along with excellent local wines.

If mountain climbing is in your blood, or just a hankering for a spectacular view of the entire island, you can proceed to the top of Mount Olympus where it is possible in good weather to see Pafos. This is an easy drive from Limassol and having tasted the fresh mountain air, you can return to the hotel knowing that you have experienced some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island.

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What do you think is the most urgent problem to be solved by the Department of Antiquities?The erection of a new suitable building in Nicosia to house the national treasures of Cyprus, a new Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, is quite urgent. There is absolutely no reason why there should be a further delay. It is certainly not a matter of money; it only needs a political decision to solve this problem which was brought to the surface already in 1973, one year before the Turkish invasion, when we inserted a nominal sum of ten pounds in the budget of the Republic for 1974. Under normal circumstances, we should have built a new Cyprus Museum nearly thirty years ago! A series of Governments since then pledged in their programs to create a new Cyprus Museum, but none fulfilled this promise; none had the political will to do so. It would have been a tribute to our young Republic, which celebrates this year its 53rd Anniversary and in 2012 assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to have a proper new archaeological Museum, worthy of the island’s glorious past; such a museum would boost the pride of the Cypriots, enhance their self-confidence at a time when the island’s true national identity is doubted. A new Museum, fulfilling all the modern requirements of museum technology would also create a pole of attrac-tion for the development of cultural tourism. The decision should be taken now, this year, without any further delay.What about the ancient monuments and archaeological sites? Is their condition satisfactory? Is there a scope for Improvements?The need for improvements is as pressing as that of the National Museum. Take for example the case of Kato Pafos. Since 1964 the excavations of the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and those of the

Polish Mission have brought to light imposing Roman villas with magnificent colourful floor mosaics which attract more tourists than any other archaeological site in the island. For nearly ten years now these mosaic floors are exposed to the scorching summer sun and the rain; in other places it is not allowed to take pictures of mosaics with a flash so as not to affect the colour! Protection of mosaic floors and other sensitive areas of ancient sites should be a priority. The technique of building suitable shelters for such purposes has advanced considerably in recent years. Pafos is seeking to become the cultural capital of Europe. Now is the time, therefore, to urge the Municipality of Pafos to demand the effective protection of its archaeological sites. But protection is not enough. Archaeological sites and monumentsshould be properly presented, with due attention to their environment. There are now landscape architects who specialize in environmental projects relating to monuments and sites. It is high time that the Depart-ment of Antiquities should have one. Our monuments would become much more attractive to visitors. Paphos is not the only site which needs such an intervention. Amathus, Kition and several of our Byzantine and post-Byzantine monuments need landscaping. Does the University of Cyprus have a role to play in the archaeological affairs of Cyprus?Not only is there a role to play for the University, but I would say an obligation to do so. One of the first branches of the University of Cyprus was its Archaeological Research Unit, created in 1992. If properly staffed, with people covering most of the aspects of archaeo-logical research, it could become an important centre for the study of the archaeology of the whole of the Mediterranean region. The strate-gic position of Cyprus, situated at the cross roads of the great civiliza-tions of the Old World (the Aegean, Anatolia, the Near East and Egypt), offers unique opportunities. At present, however, the possibili-ties are meagre. There is not even a chair of Near Eastern Archaeol-ogy in the University of Cyprus.The only ancient civilization which is studied is the Greek and Roman; where will our students learn about Egypt, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia? The young age of our University cannot provide an excuse. A properly staffed Archaeology Department at the University could collaborate very closely with the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, for the benefit of both. This has been initiated in the field of underwater archaeology, with excellent results. The newly created Cyprus Institute with its specialized branch for the application of science in archaeology could play a pioneering role in the whole of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Status Privé recently interviewed Vassos Karageorghis, distinguished Cypriot archaeologist and former Director of the Department of Antiquities, in order to explore his thoughts on the direction of Cypriot antiq-uities today, especially the delicate balance that must be struck between preservation and development. Not surprising, there is always a political dimension to this dilemma and Dr. Karageorghis waded right into the

arguments pro and con. Here are some of his thought-provoking observations.

PERSPECTIVES on  Cyprus  Archaeology

From the inauguration of the Leventis Gallery in the Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge. From left to right: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, V. Karageorghis, the Curator of the Museum Eleni Vassilika, late Constantine Leventis & Edmée Leventis.

We hope that when the present economic crisis is over, there will be bold steps towards such a collaboration. The teaching of the archae-ology and history of Cyprus should become an obligatory subject for students of the school of Paedagogical Sciences of the University of Cyprus, where our future elementary school teachers are formed. They should be in a position to teach methodically the history and archaeology of Cyprus to young school children. This is also the need for the formation of teachers of secondary education. A collabora-tion among the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the Ministry of Education and Culture could take care of the production of proper handbooks and all sorts of aids which modern technology may now offer.After so many excavations & researches are there still aspects of Cypriot archaeol-ogy which have not yet been clarified?There is no end to research and knowledge. It is true that we are now much better off than fifty years ago, but there are still lacunae in our knowledge. I will give you an example: in spite of many efforts by several scholars to decipher the Cypro-Minoan script of the Late Bronze Age, the various tablets which are inscribed in this script and which come mainly from Enkomi and Kalavassos, still keep their secrets. The language which they represent is certainly not Greek, because at that time (16th-13th centuries B.C.) the Cypriots spoke a language which is not known to us. The Greek language was introduced to Cyprus some time in the 11th century B.C. when the Mycenaean Greeks established their authority in the island. They used the local script in order to express themselves. This script developed into what is known as the Cypriot syllabary. The only hope to decipher the Late Bronze Age texts is to discover bilingual inscriptions which also helped the decipherment of

the Later Cypriot syllabary which was used for the Greek language. At Ugarit in Syria a ‘dictionary’ was discovered, engraved on clay tablets, but unfortunately it does not include the language of the Cypriots. We know that in your career as Director of the Department of Antiquities and later as Director of the Leventis Foundation in Cyprus you organized several international conferences. How have these contributed towards the advancement of scholarship?In multiple ways: Researching the past is never ending and discoveries in the field demand reconsideration of ideas and beliefs - the more so in archaeology which is not an exact science. A new discovery, a few pots or a new interpretation of some objects may revolutionize our knowledge.

Discussing with colleagues who are active in the field of Eastern Mediterranean archaeol-ogy keeps us informed about new discoveries and helps us to re evaluate old material and old ideas. A conference with 20 to 25 participants is the ideal forum for such discussions.The proceedings of such confer-ences should be published promptly and we in Cyprus have an excellent record in this respect. For Cypriots such conferences have helped us to define our national identity with arguments based on scholarship and not slogans. Cyprus as an island surrounded by the great civilizations of the Old World, naturally received influences but also exercised an influence on others. We cannot study the archaeology and history of Cyprus in isolation, without reference to what was happening all round us at a particular time. This is why I insisted earlier on that the University of Cyprus should create a chair for the study of neighbouring civilizations.

We often hear that tourism is an enemy of cultural heritage. Is this true?In some cases it is, but it does not have to be so. On the contrary the development of tourism could be beneficial for the promotion of cultural

The pyramid entrance, Musée du Louvre, Paris.

One of the two Cypriot Galleries in the Musée du Louvre, Paris. In the centre the colossal stone vase from Amathus. A copy of it is now on the Acropolis of Amathus

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What do you think is the most urgent problem to be solved by the Department of Antiquities?The erection of a new suitable building in Nicosia to house the national treasures of Cyprus, a new Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, is quite urgent. There is absolutely no reason why there should be a further delay. It is certainly not a matter of money; it only needs a political decision to solve this problem which was brought to the surface already in 1973, one year before the Turkish invasion, when we inserted a nominal sum of ten pounds in the budget of the Republic for 1974. Under normal circumstances, we should have built a new Cyprus Museum nearly thirty years ago! A series of Governments since then pledged in their programs to create a new Cyprus Museum, but none fulfilled this promise; none had the political will to do so. It would have been a tribute to our young Republic, which celebrates this year its 53rd Anniversary and in 2012 assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to have a proper new archaeological Museum, worthy of the island’s glorious past; such a museum would boost the pride of the Cypriots, enhance their self-confidence at a time when the island’s true national identity is doubted. A new Museum, fulfilling all the modern requirements of museum technology would also create a pole of attrac-tion for the development of cultural tourism. The decision should be taken now, this year, without any further delay.What about the ancient monuments and archaeological sites? Is their condition satisfactory? Is there a scope for Improvements?The need for improvements is as pressing as that of the National Museum. Take for example the case of Kato Pafos. Since 1964 the excavations of the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and those of the

Polish Mission have brought to light imposing Roman villas with magnificent colourful floor mosaics which attract more tourists than any other archaeological site in the island. For nearly ten years now these mosaic floors are exposed to the scorching summer sun and the rain; in other places it is not allowed to take pictures of mosaics with a flash so as not to affect the colour! Protection of mosaic floors and other sensitive areas of ancient sites should be a priority. The technique of building suitable shelters for such purposes has advanced considerably in recent years. Pafos is seeking to become the cultural capital of Europe. Now is the time, therefore, to urge the Municipality of Pafos to demand the effective protection of its archaeological sites. But protection is not enough. Archaeological sites and monumentsshould be properly presented, with due attention to their environment. There are now landscape architects who specialize in environmental projects relating to monuments and sites. It is high time that the Depart-ment of Antiquities should have one. Our monuments would become much more attractive to visitors. Paphos is not the only site which needs such an intervention. Amathus, Kition and several of our Byzantine and post-Byzantine monuments need landscaping. Does the University of Cyprus have a role to play in the archaeological affairs of Cyprus?Not only is there a role to play for the University, but I would say an obligation to do so. One of the first branches of the University of Cyprus was its Archaeological Research Unit, created in 1992. If properly staffed, with people covering most of the aspects of archaeo-logical research, it could become an important centre for the study of the archaeology of the whole of the Mediterranean region. The strate-gic position of Cyprus, situated at the cross roads of the great civiliza-tions of the Old World (the Aegean, Anatolia, the Near East and Egypt), offers unique opportunities. At present, however, the possibili-ties are meagre. There is not even a chair of Near Eastern Archaeol-ogy in the University of Cyprus.The only ancient civilization which is studied is the Greek and Roman; where will our students learn about Egypt, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia? The young age of our University cannot provide an excuse. A properly staffed Archaeology Department at the University could collaborate very closely with the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, for the benefit of both. This has been initiated in the field of underwater archaeology, with excellent results. The newly created Cyprus Institute with its specialized branch for the application of science in archaeology could play a pioneering role in the whole of the Eastern Mediterranean.

heritage and vice-versa. The Department of Antiquities and the Antiquities Law should be respected by those who are responsible for development. It will be a calamity if we allow the construction of a hotel or the widening of a road to destroy important ancient remains. Unfortunately this did happen in some cases in the past, especially just after 1974, when we were anxious to develop tourism in the areas of Pafos and Limassol, having lost the touristic infrastructure of Famagusta. Of course we should not go to the other extreme and require the preservation of everything. Cyprus in an ancient land and vestiges of the past can be found everywhere. Reasonable solutions can always be found, but we should always bear in mind that touristic development in Cyprus depends largely on the conservation of cultural heritage. Imagine tourism in Pafos without ancient remains. The same may be the case in Limassol, if the antiquities of Amathus may be properly preserved and presented. We know that there are important collections of Cypriot Antiquities in many museums of Europe and America. Don’t you think we should claim their return to Cyprus?The problem is not so simple. UNESCO tried several times to find ways for the restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin, but without success, because there is no such provision in international law. Only when we prove that an object now in a foreign museum had been stolen from a legal owner is such restitu-tion possible. In Cyprus we hadseveral such cases, and the return of the wall mosaics of Kanakaria is one such case, because it could be proved that they had been stolen from a legal owner, the Church of Cyprus. There have also been similar cases with icons. Consider the case of the Elgin marbles which were removed from the Parthenon.

by Lord Elgin and are now in the British Museum After so many efforts by the Greek authorities, supported by numerous learned bodies and individuals throughout the world, the problem has not yet been solved. It is not impossible that one day reason will prevail and UNESCO will be able to find satisfactory solutions through long term loans and exchanges, which will benefit everybody. After all it is universally accepted that the cultural heritage belongs to the whole world and should be enjoyed by everybody. There are, however, cases of national treasures, like the sculptures of the Parthenon, which deserve a special treatment. The creation by the A. G. Leventis Foundation of Galleries of Cypriot antiquities in the main museums of Europe and America is, I believe, a wise interim solution. Instead of these collections being kept in store-rooms, inaccessible to scholars and the general public, they are now exhibited for people to study and enjoy, promoting the culture of Cyprus to millions of visitors every year. A small place like Cyprus needs such a promotion for many reasons.We should also investigate the possibility of organizing cultural manifestations in museums where there are Cypriot galleries, in consultation with the directors of these museums. How do you envisage the future of Cypriot Archaeology?There is a bright future, provided there is a conviction by all concerned, i.e. the Government and the archaeologists, that archaeol-ogy does not prevent development, but on the contrary, it helps development and enhances the economy through cultural tourism; also that archaeology plays a pivotal role in the enhancement of our national pride and self confidence as citizens of the European Union. If our ambition is to play a role in the understanding between the Orient and the Occident, the study of this ancient role of Cyprus will help us to materialize this ambition.

Τerracotta figures and figurines from the sanctuary of Agia Irini (north-western coast), excavated by the Swedish Cyprus Expedition in 1930, now in the Medelhavsmuseet, Stockholm (about 1000; another 1000 are in the Cyprus Museum). 8th-6th cent. B.C.

54 55

The entry of Cyprus into the European Union and the new tax reform in our legislation give added value to Cyprus companies since there is now no distinction between local companies and international businesses. All companies have a European status and still enjoy low tax rates. This reform enhances the Cyprus position as an international financial centre since it remains an ideal location for investments to and from other European Union countries, Russia, CIS and many other regions of the world. Cyprus based companies enjoy the lowest tax regime in the European Union which greatly adds to its attractiveness as an international financial centre. Cyprus is officially included as a jurisdiction that has “substantially implemented the internationally agreed tax standard”, and as such is on OECD’s ‘White List’. This means that Cyprus has established itself as a reputable international financial centre. The low taxation, freedom of exchange controls, excellent telecommunica-tion facilities, as well as numerous other advantages offered, have brought Cyprus to the forefront of international financial investment centres. In contrast to many countries commonly used for offshore structures, Cyprus has concluded a number of double tax treaties with several developed countries as well as with Russia, the CIS and all the other Eastern European countries and has advantages that not many other offshore business centres can offer.

Main Characteristics and Tax Advantages of Cyprus Business Entities: The distinction between taxation of local companies and international business companies is abolished. The taxable profits of all Cypriot companies are taxed at the rate of 10%, the lowest in Europe that is not categorized as offshore. (With proper tax structuring much lower effective tax rates can be achieved.)

A fully EU and OECD compliant tax system (Cyprus is a respectable EU country, non – tax heaven jurisdiction).

No withholding of tax on dividends.No capital gains tax.Tax exemption for profits from the sale of securities.Freely transferable accounts of any currency may be kept either in Cyprus or

any where abroad without any exchange control restrictions.No withholding tax on payment of dividends, interest and royalties to

non-resident individuals or to non-resident corporate shareholders.No thin capitalization and controlled foreign corporation legislation provide

efficient tax planning opportunities.No time restriction on carrying forward of tax losses.Group relief provisions are available.Capital gains realized on immovable property held outside Cyprus will

be exempt from capital gains tax.Cyprus has concluded an impressive number of treaties for the avoidance of

double taxation. Along with the low corporate tax rates and the special provisions for holding companies, the Cyprus companies provide an excellent vehicle for effective international tax planning. The identity of the owners can be kept secret, and nominee shareholders may be used.

The professional and management services offered in Cyprusare of a very high standard.Strong legal system based on English common law.Able to register for VAT purposes.No obligation for the Holding Company (or right) for VAT registration &

compliance.Profits earned from a permanent establishment abroad are fully exempt from

Cypriot tax, subject to certain conditions.

CyprusInternational tax planning centre

by Symeou & Konnaris LLC

Cyprus Double Tax Treaties network

The purpose of the double tax treaties is the protection of income derived in one country and remitted to another, from being subject to taxation in both jurisdictions. Treaties usually provide for a tax credit to the recipi-ent of the income for the amount of tax that has already been paid in the country where the income has originated. The typical forms of income which fall within the scope of the treaties are dividends, inter-est and royalties. Tax is normally deducted from the gross income by the remitting party in the form of withholding tax so that a net amount is transferred to the recipient. The latter will then claim a tax credit for the amount of withholding tax paid in the origi-nating country.Cyprus has double tax treaties in force with the following countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malta, Mauritius, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Syria,Singapore, SouthAfrica ,Thai-land, United Kingodm, USA, Serbia, Monte-negro, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Azerbaizan, Armenia, Kyrgystan, Moldavia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Seychelles, San Marino, Qatar.The impressive number of the double tax treaties combined with the tax and other advantages of Cyprus, have contributed to the development of Cyprus as a reputable interna-tional business centre. Cyprus companies may be beneficially used as a vehicle where a treaty partner does not have a treaty with the country in which an investment is proposed or where such a treaty exists but is not as benefi-cial as Cyprus own treaty with the country; for example, Cyprus has treaties with Bulgaria and Kuwait with whom the UK has no corresponding treaty.

Comments- Goods are bought from France and sold to Italy company with zero rate VAT.- Goods are bought from France with zero rate VAT and sold to India/Russia without VAT.- Cyprus corporation tax on profits of 10%.- Non resident shareholder or offshore entity is not subject to tax on dividends received from Cyprus Company unless those dividends are remitted to his own country so usually we use offshore company as a shareholder.

Cyprus International Trading Companies

Resident directorsNon resident shareholderor offshore entity

Registers for VAT

Sells Sells

Goods Goods

Buys

Cyprus registered company withfully fledged office in Cyprus

ItalyIndia/Russia Etc France

Comments- No tax on profits realized on trading in securities (Securities, as defined in the law, include shares, debentures, Govern-ment Bonds, founder’s shares or other securities of companies or other legal persons which have been incorporated in

Cyprus or abroad and options thereon).

Investment Companies Trading in Securities

Non-EU shareholder/ oroffshore company

Cyprus InvestmentCompany

Buys and sells Securities

Dividends paidwith zero

withholding tax

Comments- If the investment (shares) in the Russianentity is sold there is no tax on the profit realised.- Unlike other holding company regimes,Cyprus has no minimum holding requirement.- There are no CFC rules or restrictions.- If the shareholder of the Cyprus holding sell their shares then there is no tax on the profit realised.

Investments in Russia via a Cyprus holding company:

Shareholder or(Offshore company)

Russian BusinessEntity

Shareholder or(Offshore company)

Dividends paidwith zero

withholding tax

Dividends paidwith 5%

withholding tax

Comments- No tax in Cyprus on dividends remitted to Cyprus.- No tax on profit realized on the sale of the European company.

Non – EU residence invest in EU Countries Cyprus is the jurisdiction through which non-EU nationals channel their investments into the EU.

European Company

Cyprus holding

Dividends paidwith zero

withholding tax

Dividends paidwith zero

withholding tax

NON-EU shareholder or(Offshore company)

100%

Holding PropertyComment- The Cyprus holding company does not pay tax on the dividends it receives as the underlying income is taxed in Poland.- Unlike other holding company regimes, Cyprus has no minimum holding require-ment.- There are no CFC rules or restrictions.- If the investment (shares) in the Poland entity is sold there is no tax on the profit realised.- If the shareholder of the Cyprus holding sell their shares then there is no tax on the profit realised.

Polish propertyholding Company

Cyprus holding

Dividends paidwith zero

withholding tax

Dividends paidwith zero

withholding tax

NON-EU shareholder orOffshore company

100%

100%

No tax on dividend income

Royalty CompaniesComments- Royalties are received from Europe with zero withholding taxes under the EU interest and royalty directive.- Royalties are received from Russia with zero withholding taxes under the double tax treaties between Russian and Cyprus.- If 90% of the royalties are remitted to the master-license holder then the overall tax suffered on the royalty income is only 1%.- The Cyprus company is required to register and declare VAT on the royalty it pays the master-license holder under the reverse-charge rules, but there is no financial or cash flow effect as it is immediately reclaimed on the same VAT declaration.

Cyprus RoyaltyCompany

Royalties receivedwith zero

withholding

Royalties paid to master-license holder

with zero withholding tax

Offshore company

EU or Russia

Tax 10% only on spread

Grants sub-livense for useof patent in

Europe and Russia

In addition, the reputation that Cyprus enjoys with foreign tax jurisdictions means that tax screening requirements normally relevant to tax heavens and low tax countries, may not be relevant to payments to Cyprus entities while the anti-avoidance legislation of high tax countries aim at clawing back benefits derived through tax heavens and low tax centres may be less significant with regard to Cyprus.

SYMEOU & KONNARIS LLC is a fast growing Cyprus firm located in Limassol, Cyprus. The firm has developed a wide range of contacts in many jurisdictions enabling it to take an international view of its clients’ needs. SYMEOU & KONNARIS LLC policy is to deliver expert legal services in an environment that encourages professionalism, confidence and trust.

We  provide a complete range of services necessary for businesses, entrepreneurs, private individuals, expatriates, associates, professional agents, legal entities and families, including but not limited to the following:

Formation of companies, branches and trusts in Cyprus, Seychelles, BVI, UK, Belize, Panama, Jersey, Gibraltar, USA & others.

International tax planning.Consultancy in relation to setting up the optimal international business group structure.

Ship registration.We provide nominee shareholders, local directors and secretary, registered office address.

Assistance in setting up offices and in recruitment of staff in Cyprus.

Opening of bank accounts with reputable banks and acting with them for relevant banking services.

Assistance in raising finances. Litigation practice, covering all areas of general and commer-

cial law including Arbitration. Assistance in acquisition of properties in Cyprus or abroad. Assistance in accounting services and consultancy on design

and implementation of accounting and reporting systems.Domiciliation services.Business administration, operation and management services. Provision of temporary office and business meetings facilities,

provision of virtual office facilities in Cyprus. Any other assistance as required by clients.

The success of the office, its rapid expansion and the awards achieved are the direct result of the personal attention, quick response and high standards of excellence reflected in the service carried out.

Великолепные знания русского языка:  В конторе работает русскоговорящий персонал: партнеры - адвокаты конторы Паникос Симеу и Христос Коннарис, экономист Андреас Коннарис и юрист Ермакова Кристина. По всем вопросам можете обращаться к нам. Будем рады оказать Вам квалифицированную помощь.

Tax Planning Illustrations

Symeou & Konnaris LLCSpyrou Kyprianou 61, SK HOUSE, 4003, Limassol, Cyprus.

Tel.: +357 25818400, Fax: +357 25355559,info@sklaw-firm.com, www.sklaw-firm.com

56 57

Cyprus, known for its favourable corporate tax regime, has introduced a new and accelerated procedure for grant-ing Residence Permits to applicants who are third country nation-als and intend to invest or reside in the Republic of Cyprus.

Coupled with Cyprus’ full suite of immigration and natural-ization schemes, the island offers itself to high net worth individu-als looking for a place of residence in the European Union (EU).

The new ‘fast-track’ process aims at attracting new invest-ment into the Republic. This new procedure establishes a new legal framework by which the process of obtaining immigration permits, i.e. a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), is simplified and accel-erated. The relevant authorities aim at granting the permit in a period not exceeding two months from the date of submission, as opposed to six to nine months in the past.

This measure means good news for wealthy non-EU citizens. Cyprus can provide a most favourable place of residence and a hub through which to channel their wealth.

Permanent Resident Permit (PRP)The PRP is granted by the Minister of Interior provided that appli-cants acquire a property in Cyprus valued over €300.000 for ownership occupancy and demonstrate that they can support them-selves and their family through own funds.The applications are reviewed on a monthly basis and an applica-tion could take anything between 1 to 2 months before an answer is issued.

Why should you apply for a PRP? The renewed integration permit opens the doors of the EU which creates opportunities to third country nationals to expand their business activities in the European market through the utilization of the Cyprus highly favourable tax regime.

How can you apply for a PRP?The PRP can only be granted to third-country nationals who meet the following prerequisites:

Applicant must prove that they have at their disposal a secured minimum annual income of €30.000, from sources other than employment in Cyprus. The required income of €30.000 could derive from salaries of employment abroad and not in Cyprus, pensions, stock shares, rents, etc. The necessary minimum annual income is increased by €5.000 for each dependant person.

Applicants must submit the application form accompanied by a Title of Ownership or contract of sale, of a property in Cyprus, a house, apartment or other building, of a minimum market value of €300.000 and proof of payment for at least €200.000. The contracts of sale should already have been submitted to the Depart-ment of Lands and Surveys

Applicants must submit a confirmation letter from a Cypriot Bank stating that they have a fixed three-year deposit of €30.000. It is noted that the amounts mentioned in the preceding paragraphs should be proven to have been transferred to Cyprus from abroad Applicants must submit a Criminal Record Certificate (provided

they reside abroad), which must be issued by theauthorities in their country of origin, and should not constitute in general any threat against public order or security in Cyprus Applicants should submit a Statement that they do not intend to

work or be engaged in any form of business in Cyprus Applicants should visit Cyprus at least once every two years. This

criterion has been greatly relaxed as now it is not necessary to permanently reside in Cyprus in order to maintain a PRP. On the other hand, applicants who permanently reside in Cyprus can, after the lapse of around seven years, apply for Cyprus citizenship Applicants must also submit:

Copy of valid passport, Copy of valid temporary residence permit(if applicant resides in Cyprus), Curriculum Vitae (including academic qualifications), Proof of health insurance

Cyprus Naturalization (Citizenship) Foreign persons may, at the Council of Ministers’ discretion, be granted the Cypriot citizenship (Certificate of Naturalization) and obtain a Cypriot Passport, which in effect has all the advantages of an EU passport. This scheme is subject to a combination of condi-tions to be fulfilled, which have recently been relaxed, and mostly apply to high net worth individuals. Applicants must own a perma-nent house/apartment in Cyprus, valued over €500.000 and estab-lish business activities and investments in or through Cyprus, so that the relevant conditions are met. The Council of Ministers will examine each application on a case by case basis, and at their discretion grant the certificate of naturalization. The whole process usually takes between 3 to 5 months before an answer is issued.

by Peter G. Economides, FCCA, TEP

A unique way of life in unrivalled surroundings is just months away. Choose between exclusive villas with their own private berths or luxury apartments with uninterrupted views of the sparkling Mediterranean.

Explore the development’s array of stylish restaurants and shops or stroll into the heart of Limassol, the most cosmopolitan city in Cyprus.

LIVING ON THE SEA

Cyprus+357 25 820 511

800 800 10

Developed by Limassol Marina Ltd. Managed by Cybarco Ltd. Marina operated by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas. Constructed by Joannou & Paraskevaides Ltd, J&P Avax S.A, Athena S.A and Cybarco Ltd.

limassolmarina.com

LM_Villa_Eb_LeMeridien_Mag_235x330mm_ENG_AW.indd 1 17/10/2012 12:12

59

There are primarily 7 forms of business vehicles that are used in Cyprus. These are:• Cyprus Company,• Branch,• Partnership,• International trust,• International collective investment scheme,• Cypriot investment firm and • European company.

CYPRUS COMPANY LAW: ORIGINSThe Cyprus legal system is based on the Anglo-Saxon model of law. Cypriot companies are regulated by the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113.

THE KEY FEATURES OF A CYPRUS COMPANYThe key features of a Cyprus company are the following:The ownership of the company, in other words the shares may be belong to natural or legal persons. The company once incorporated has separate legal personality. In other words in law it is considered as a separate legal entity.A company is also regulated by law. This means that the organi-zation, the structure, the powers and duties of the officers of the company and the powers duties and obligations of the company itself are regulated by statute.

THE ORGANS OF A CYPRUS COMPANYA Cyprus company is in essence governed by two organs:The Board of Directors and the General Meeting. Reference must also made to the company secretary who is the administrative officer of the company having administrative functions. The Board of Directors is the executive body of the company. It is composed by the directors who are considered as the agents of the company. The directors are the voice and the eyes of the company. They represent it in all outside transactions. They are also the mind of the company in the sense that they think, decide and express its will. The General Meeting ,on the other hand, is the forum or the or-gan where the owners of the shares of the company express their voice and take their decisions. The general meeting has powers that are included in the Com-panies Law and in a company’s constitutional documents : the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

THE COMPANY DOCUMENTSThere are two company documents that are important: 1. The Memorandum of Association and 2. the Articles of Association.

The Memorandum of Association is considered as the backbone of the company. It includes the name of the company, the place of registered office and most importantly the objects of the com-pany. In other words it states why this company was incorporat-ed and what its powers are. In addition, it includes clauses like whether the liability of the members is limited and the amount of share capital.

The Articles of Association is the internal constitution of the company. It is a private agreement between shareholders as be-tween themselves and the company. It includes the powers of directors, procedures, shareholders proceedings, price of share-holders etc. Table A of Schedule 1 of the Companies Law in-cludes a model Articles of Association that we usually use in the incorporation of Cyprus Companies.

STEPS TO REGISTER A COMPANY1. Decide the name. Choosing the right company name depends on a host of considerations - some as obvious as the kind of busi-ness, others as unique as your own tastes and style. 2. Decide the structure. The next step is to decide the struc-ture of the company. Here you need to make decisions about tax planning or whether the company will have a bank account. In relation to tax planning one should give special attention to questions like anonymity whether nominee shareholders and/or directors will be used or a trust. Another important considera-tion is the opening a bank account in Cyprus. It is strongly ad-vised to open a company’s bank account with a Cyprus bank.3. Decide the purpose. In this step one should define the objects of the company, the share capital and address special concerns like what powers will be given to the Board of Directors, if there will be special rights of shareholders , majority or special major-ity voting certain instances etc. 4. Documentation. The final step rates to documentation. Typi-cal information that is required includes the personal details or the owners of the company, the name, addresses (of work and home) , utility bills , passports, bank reference etc.

ABOUT LEGAL FEESThe fees for incorporating a company may be distinguished to the incorporation fees that are paid only once and the annual fees that occur annually. The incorporation fees relate to the set up of the company and the annual fees relate to accounting, the nominee fees and usually the registered office.

OBLIGATIONS OF A COMPANYThe typical obligations of the Cyprus company are:•Thefilingoftheannualreturn.Thisisareportthathastobefiled every year at the Registrar of Companies and it outlines any changes that took place on the shareholding, directors, secretary of the company.•VATReports.IfthecompanyisregisteredwiththeVATthenVATreturnsmustbefiledeveryquarter.•Accounts.Auditedaccountsmustbepreparedandfiledwiththe Registrar of Companies and the Tax Office revenue every year.

CONCLUSIONOver all one could say that the Cyprus company is a business ve-hicle with tremendous advantages. It is safe because it operates in a stable and well known legal system. It is flexible since it can address all the needs of today’s businessmen. It is very simple in its operation and management and for all these reasons it has proven to be so successful over the years.

Cyprus Companies in a Nutshell by Christophoros Christophi

58

6060

A modern 21st Century Smart Home is now a possi-bility for any home. Advances in Wireless Build-ing Technology have made it possible for regu-lar homes to be fitted with automation control.

Traditional Wired Technology requires re-wiring of the house, which in turn leads to tearing through walls and, in many cases, a complete renovation of the building. Even the addition of a single extra switch leads to cutting and patching, a huge mess, unnecessary re-painting, major inconvenience, and high costs. In today’s world, these problems are avoided with the Wireless Switch. Wireless Technology has enabled devices such as mobile phones,

laptops, tablets, and now home control. No channels need to be dug, no wires pulled, no fixing walls, and effectively, no renovation is needed. In addition the switch can be placed anywhere convenient, including integrated with furniture and glass. A modern wireless switch commu-nicates with the receiver by sending a short data packet, of extremely low power. Traditionally this power came from a wired power source or a small battery. Nowadays, no power supply is needed due to the development of En-ergy Harvesting Devices. The switch literally “harvests” the energy, to send the signal, from the physical push of the switch! Therefore: no wires, no batteries, no limits.

NO WIRESNO BATTERIESNO LIMITS

The MeshMade approach actively combats wasted energy,cutting walls, wiring and overpricedsystems by using self-powered, energy-harvesting, wireless switches and sensors.

Contact us for a free inspection

62 63

Paris KounoudisLe Spa Manager

George ZacharoglouAssistant F & B Manager

Erhan GotaHead of Animation & Sport

Spyros Elia Executive Chef

Manos LoukaidesHealth Club Manager

Costas SergidesPastry Chef

Michalis FrydasF & B Manager

Costas ConstantinouRestaurant Manager

Miroslav KalinicMaitre d’ hotel-Head Sommelier

Artistotelis LiassisIT Manager

Thoes OdiatisBanqueting & Room Service Manager

Christina VenizelouExecutive Housekeeper

Andreas TheodorouBars Manager

Erini Ioannou Assistant Executive Housekeeper

Charalambos CharalambousMaintenance Manager

Evridiki KyriakouPersonnel Manager

Our Front Liners…

“...meet some of my colleagueswho share with me their

PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE ”

Kalli PapaconstantinouEmployee of the Year

Giorgos Ioannou General Manager

Christopher LaghoutisSales & Marketing Manager

Charalambos LardasFront Office Manager

Ledo MavrelliGuest Relations Manager

Anastasia KalopediGuest Relations Manager

64

I never thought we would be analysing happiness in just this way! But let us rejoice: The United Nations has just declared March 20 to become an annual international observance, and here you are, basking on this idyllic Mediterranean island, in one of the most elegant hotels of the region, in picturesque Limassol, surrounded by smiling

people dedicated to making your stay at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort a memorable experience. Has the world finally taken its cue from Cypriot hospitality? We would like to think so, but allow us to point out that while Cyprus may be part of your present sense of happiness, there is another element that has surfaced which -- how should we put it? – gives shape to the happiness welling up inside: Travel. Travelling is what brought you here.

Yes, a recent survey, on the subject of happiness has provided us with some unexpected results – happiness and travel go together, with travel being vital to a person’s happiness. Overall, 83% out of 2,321 participants say that travel was more vital to their happiness than being promoted at work (3%), having a baby (6%), or even getting married among other lifetime milestones.When it came to those who value travel more, women outpace men, although the genders differ when it comes to whom they prefer to travel with. The majority of women list ‘friends’ as their ideal travel companion while men prefer to travel with their partner. For both genders, travelling with family comes in last place. Of course these results come from Britons otherwise for Greeks and Russians travelling en masse with family is a natural thing.

While the survey shows that the actual travel experience was the main drive behind what made travellers happy, a 2010 study from the Netherlands suggests that the rush of happiness comes before travellers even start packing their bags. In a survey called the Applied Research in Quality of Life, researchers found that the mere idea of going on a trip brought happiness to someone’s life.

The notion of wanting to travel as a source of happiness might also explain another part of the Happiness Survey which suggests that half of those surveyed spent at least one hour day dreaming about travel while at work. Furthermore, more than half (57%) prefer to celebrate a happy occasion such as a birthday or anniversary somewhere abroad. When not travelling, 60% percent of respondents find inspiration researching travel online. What else inspires us to travel? 16% watching films, 8% reading books, 9% checking magazines, 7% viewing photos. Another survey has revealed that 78% of UK adults have visited somewhere abroad on holiday just because their friends have.

So while we know that you probably spent many hours (and perhaps days) thinking ahead and savouring the delights of your well planned holiday with us, we will do our best to make the International Day of Happiness an everyday experience. Furthermore, we can help with one more aspect of your pleasant stay: plan ahead for next year’s return, or sooner if you like. Our staff is always eager to help

and there is nothing that makes our Day of Happiness better than seeing you again.

Откройте счет в РКБ (Кипр) и воспользуйтесь широким спектром финансовых услуг, соответствующих статусу и стилю жизни успешных людей.

Филиал РКБ (Кипр) находится рядом с Вами и работает с понедельника по пятницу с 09:00 до 17:00 без перерыва

Филиал в ЛимассолеНапротив гостиницы “Four Seasons”

104 Leoforos AmathountosZavos Seasons Plaza A

4532 Agios Tychonas (Tourist Area)

+357 25 355722 | 800 00722 | www.rcbcy.comНикосия | Лимассол | Лондон | Москва

Русский Коммерческий Банк (Кипр) Лимитед. Частная компания с ограниченной ответственностью. Регистрационный номер: 72376. Юридический адрес: Арх.Макариу III, 284, Фортуна Корт, блок Б, 2-ой этаж, 3105, Лимассол, Кипр.

Управление частными семейным капиталом

Трастовые и фидуциарные • услуги, включая структурирование и администрирование активов

Индивидуальное • доверительное управление

Брокерское обслуживание •

Структурированные продукты•

Классические банковские продукты и услуги

Открытие и ведение счетов в • различных валютах, в том числе и в рублях

Интернет-банк•

Широкая линейка срочных • депозитов в различных валютах

Кредитные карты •

Чеки и банковские драфты•

Продукты и услуги для корпоративных и институциональных клиентов

Коммерческое кредитование•

Инвестиционные фонды под • управлением РКБ (Кипр)

Широкий спектр инвестиционных • услуг для институциональных клиентов

Опционные программы для • менеджмента

Ваш личный банк на Кипре

РКБ (Кипр) работает на Кипре с 1995 года и входит в Группу ВТБ - крупнейшуюмеждународную финансовую группу российского происхождения.

РКБ (Кипр) является одним из крупнейших иностранных банков на Кипре.