Seahorse Issue 10

The St Raphael Resort & Marina Magazine | ISSUE 10 | 2021
TASTE | DREAM | ENJOY

Inside
5 Welcome Back
Message from Farah Shammas,
Managing Director
6 Welcome Letter
Message from Andreas Antoniou,
General Manager
20
8 What’s New in 2021
10 The Tower Limassol
Luxury Living Combined
with a Five Star Resort
20 Sustainable
Fashion 101
A Guide for Beginners
12
22 Ten Tips for Living
More Sustainably
24
Experience exquisite fine dining
delights and tastes
Situated in the unique location in the heart
of the St Raphael Marina, the award winning restaurant
serves an array of à la carte gourmet dining options
with fresh fish, meats, salads and pasta, not to mention
mouth-watering desserts and ice-creams that are
available throughout the day.
12 A Guide to Thai
Cuisine from a Local
Authentic Thai Cuisine
and Culture
14 Color Your Life
with Rainbow Wines
17 High Tea
The Story Behind It
18 Serenity Spa
Relax, Rejuvenate and Refresh
24 Seashells Vegan
Restaurant
Healthy New You
28 Staff Lockdown
Inspiration Stories
30 Seahorse
Privilege Club
St Raphael Premium
Membership
FOR RESERVATIONS: +357 25 834 242 | FAX: +357 25 636 394 | E-MAIL: SAILORS@STRAPHAEL.COM
502 LEOFOROS AMATHOUNTOS, 4520 PYRGOS, P.O. BOX 51064, 3594, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS
BOOK HERE |
Copyright © 2021 St Raphael Resort & Marina
All materials within this magazine are protected by copyright.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the
publishers permission. Whilst the greatest care has been taken
to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication
at the time of going to press, neither the Design Direction nor
the St. Raphael Resort can accept responsibility for any errors
or omissions. The magazine title “Seahorse” is copyright of the
St. Raphael Resort & Marina.
P.O. Box 51064, 3594 Limassol, Cyprus
E-mail: info@straphael.com
Tel: (+357) 25 834 200
Fax: (+357) 25 636 394
Design Direction: D-Zine Visual Arts
www.straphael.com
3

Dear Valued
Guests, Members,
Friends and
Associates,
What a start to the decade this has been! It’s been a while since we have
had our doors fully opened and now with some restrictions lifted and a light
at the end of this tunnel for a new ‘normal’ we are so positive for a new
beginning for all of us.
We understand that many of you have had a hard time, both financially
and emotionally, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, but also take this time to
note how much good has emerged from this time out from our normal
routines. We have been overwhelmed with pride at seeing some of our staff
members deeds and actions during this time, their creativity, love for life,
and energy flowing in so many directions. Likewise, it has been a wonderful
time to keep in touch with so many of you and see how you have adapted
to life under new circumstances.
At St Raphael Resort and Marina, we have been extremely busy!
Renovating, reflecting, planning, organising, restructuring, and so much
more. We opened the doors of our fabulous Tower during the pandemic
and welcomed owners and guests. We even had a movie shot in our hotel
with stars including Julian Sands and Ioanna Triantafilides. We have been
busy making some amazing changes and upgrades to the Resort.
A CUISINE
LIKE NO OTHER,
YET SUITING
SO MANY TASTES
The silver lining of the pandemic is that our loyal team have had a well
deserved break and experienced holidays and festive periods at home that
usually are the busy seasons for anyone in the hospitality industry.
We are so happy to welcome our beloved guests again and here’s to moving
onwards and upwards as we emerge from this historical period of time.
Stay safe, keep positive and here’s to holidays and travelling once again,
Farah Shammas
Managing Director
25 834343 | goldenmonkey@straphael.com
at the tower of st raphael resort & marina |
5

Dear guests,
Looking back, on a year unlike any other and
despite our experience in managing previous
crises, nothing was the same in managing the
pandemic.
St Raphael showed strength where it mattered the most. Our priority was
and still is the safety and well-being of our team members and our guests.
We immediately trained our staff and implemented the Cyprus government
health and safety protocols.
As we all know, every crisis also brings opportunities. We acted quickly
to meet evolving travel needs of our guests and in response to your
comments and feedback, we took advantage of the closure of the hotel and
worked out a plan for renovations and upgrades. We have renovated and
upgraded the main entrance of the hotel, the gardens were enriched with
new greenery including over 30 palms & other trees and 5,000 new plants.
We have also invested in innovation and new technologies, installed room
service application which can be used on your mobile phone, introduced
digital menus, contactless check-in and payments, and our in-room smart
tvs enriched with useful features.
The beach umbrellas and the sunbeds around the pools have been
replaced with wooden ones with mattresses for more comfort. We have
upgraded your fine dining experience by redesigning the Sailor’s Rest
menu by adding modern Mediterranean dishes and the Seashells vegan
restaurant by adding new plant-based options.
Last but not least, we are very proud of the opening of the ‘The Golden
Monkey’ the only authentic Thai Restaurant in Cyprus.
On behalf of the management and the whole team of the St Raphael
Resort, I would like to welcome you and wish you an enjoyable stay.
Andreas Antoniou
General Manager
...our priority was
and still is the safety
and well-being of our
team members and
our guests!
passion for the sea!
A luxurious haven for your yacht
on the cosmopolitan Limassol,
the vibrant St Raphael Marina
is an official port of entry
on the island.
BOOK YOUR BERTH HERE
St Raphael Marina, P.O. Box 51933, 3509 Limassol, Cyprus
Tel: +357 25 834255, Fax: +357 25 635208
E-mail: marina@straphael.com
www.straphael.com/en/straphaelmarina
6 7

2021
Whats New
Coronavirus has given us plenty of time to work
on so many areas of the hotel that we thought we
would have to wait for that “rainy” day when we
were not too busy, and heaven knows lockdown
provided us with those...
The gardens, yes our gardens, always beautiful and huge at 43,000m 2 have
also had some touch ups of colour, new trees, plants and flowerbeds added
to enhance their beauty and give back to the atmosphere and environment.
Planting is caring, and sustainability is definitely a model we are following
where possible as well as of course wanting to offer the most awe-inspiring
gardens for you to enjoy throughout the year. Three wooden benches have
also been placed to give you a peaceful perch as you stroll through the
gardens, and we are happy that these are in memory of three very special
people.
Sailor’s Rest new menu and philosophy – We are so proud of our unique
and stunning location, being in the heart of the islands first private marina,
and we have always wanted to support our local community. That is why
this year we have decided to revamp our menu into a modern and splendid
local dining experience. We now offer the best of Cyprus, with dishes
inspired by Mediterranean traditions and experiences, to give you the ultimate
in taste, beautifully presented and served with authenticity. Our new
menu has many options for small plates to share, in line with traditional
mezes, as well as main courses and new fantastic homemade desserts. Local
wine has been carefully selected to offer the best of the island and we
also have signature cocktails designed with local twists and tastes we are
sure you will love.
So where to start? Well, the entrance seems the obvious place. As our
beloved repeaters will notice, we have completely re-made the entrance
drive of the hotel. From the turning into our resort, with beautiful (and
expensive!) paved concrete tiles, exquisite flower beds with carefully chosen
local flora and fauna all exploding with colour, and the main entrance pave
way with granite mosaic design reflecting the repetitive octagonal design
feature in and around the hotel.
Splash has also had it is final ‘lick of paint’ with an incredible wall fresco
made by a very talented local artist specializing in graffiti wall art. Our
popular street food concept restaurant now has the total look to go with
our tantalizing cuisine. The colourful chairs, stools, graffiti style tables have
all been mixed into the colourful walls and with our powerfully cheery team,
we are definitely ready to welcome a fun filled season with food to treat
all ages.
The Golden Monkey – the most important aspect of our Thai Restaurant
is that of authenticity. The islands first luxury Thai restaurant, our team
has been careful interviewed and chosen to give you the best of Thailand,
passed down by generations and trained in the best Thai culinary schools.
The Thai kitchen team have prepared our authentic menu over months,
with signature plates included and are looking forward to talking to our
guests in person to tell them more. Three years in conception, this restaurant
has décor from Thailand’s markets and antique fairs, design features
inspired from their old traditions and newer trends, creative aspects from
Thailand’s incredibly culture and a philosophy of the friendliness and smiles
that Thailand is famous for.
Seashells Healthy Living Vegan
Restaurant – the first hotel and
beach vegan restaurant on the
island, we are so proud to offer a
sustainable, plantbased, healthy
menu that is catered to suit ALL
tastes. Vegans and non vegans
alike have been enjoying the dishes
we have been creating here, and
we have even had comments from
meat lovers that they have never
had such good burgers. Now the
menu is expanding as we offer
dinner dining as well as delicious
brunch options. Come try our fresh
juices, snacks, fantastic desserts
and so much more, whatever you
usual diet is, all in our sustainable
and environment friendly location.
New tennis courts – We are proud
to be one of the hotels on the
island that still features two beautiful
tennis courts. Taking advantage
of all the new additions to the
property, we have also completely
resurfaced the tennis courts to
brand new state of the art courts for
even professional players to enjoy.
8 9

THE TOWER
LIMASSOL
Luxury Living
Combined with a Five Star Resort
For many travellers, it’s often a weighing up balance between staying in
amazing hotels around the globe or booking a luxury apartment in some
of the best locations worldwide. Luckily, at St Raphael Resort and Marina,
we now cater for both preferences. With our upgraded, renovated and
redesigned hotel rooms, you can be sure to find the best option for your
stay, whether you are a single traveller or arriving with a large family in tow.
Equally, we are now proud to offer Cyprus’ finest apartment accommodation,
featuring state of the art unique apartments which are all located in a
condo-hotel tower.
Condo-hotel apartments have become increasingly popular in hotspots
like London and New York and are also popping up in islands and awardwinning
holiday destinations everywhere. The appeal? Well, it’s quite simple.
The owners can enjoy their own place at any time they want, some for full
time living and others for various holidays and breaks throughout the year,
while renting out their apartments while they aren’t here.
Five-star hotel facilities at your doorstep and hotel features like room service,
daily cleaning, pools, spa, entertainment, restaurants and more make
it appealing for people to rent for short holidays or even longer stays of a
month or more. Uniquely to The Tower at St Raphael Resort and Marina,
there is even a private roof top lounge area, with an exercise infinity pool,
gym room with state-of-the-art eco-equipment, bar service area as well as
showers and toilets for your convenience.
Staying in The Tower is the ultimate in luxury living, where nothing is too
much trouble or just a touch of a button away. 24 concierge and reception,
not to mention the added comfort of full security, means that anything can
be arranged at any time. Full amenities such as underfloor heating, VRV airconditioning,
smart homes, Italian kitchens, plush interior design and more
make for the ultimate in comfort, accessibility and relaxation.
Business travellers as well as couples and families are often looking for accommodation
where they can have more space, with all the advantages of
a large suite while also having their own kitchen handy for when required.
Private chefs can also be arranged as well as mixologists and bar service
for entertaining or simply having a memorable evening. Room service is on
demand and yet being in a separate Tower gives a sense of independence
and peace from the hustle of a hotel. Simply put, it’s the best of both worlds.
For a full list of our rental options, please visit our website www.thetowerlimassol.com/
and be sure to contact us for us to help you arrange your perfect,
tailor made stay. From baby siting, private lessons, yoga, in room dining
with staff at hand and so much more, we can create the ideal environment
for you with the tranquil environment of St Raphael’s beautiful gardens and
stunning beach at your doorstep. Look no further, you’ve found your perfect
spot for life.
Luxury Living Combined
with a Five Star Resort
*Apartments available for rental and for sale
10
502 Amathountos Avenue, Limassol 4520, Cyprus | P.O. Box 51064, 3594 Limassol, Cyprus
Tel.: +357 25 834300 | Fax.: +357 25 636394 | info@thetowerlimassol.com | www.thetowerlimassol.com |

A Guide to Thai Cuisine from a Local
AUTHENTIC
THAI CUISINE
AND CULTURE
foreigners alike. This is the main reason that is become widely popular in
nearly all the countries of the world. Almost every dish contains Thai herbs
as key ingredients, which not only boost numerous health benefits but also
play a key role in its unique aromatic flavor. Choosing the best and correct
herbs for each dish is an art among Thai people that has been passed down
from generation to generation. Thai food is truly food for good health in
every sense nourishing your body, pleasing your eyes, tasting fantastic and
giving your soul pleasure!
When you think of Thai food, you may think of incredibly hot and spicy
dishes and many believe that all food is like that. Indeed, this is a misunderstanding
as more than 50% of the food is not hot and spicy at all.
Eat like a local: In Thailand, the main meal for dinner generally consists of
several small dishes with different tastes and textures that are served at the
same time and shared by everyone at the table. Each person has a plate of
steamed rice to eat with the shared food. Locals do not put everything on
their plates at once because they do not want to mix the different tastes
and appreciate all the different textures separately.
Thais’ eat with a spoon and fork. Knives are not used at the table as everything
has been already cut into a small pieces. Chopsticks are only used for
noodles. Breakfast and lunch food are not much different from dinner food
but they are easier and faster. Such meals are rice soup, rice noodles, stirfried
rice, etc. Noodles are always a good option for lunch.
In Thailand, the main meal
for dinner generally consists of
several small dishes with different
tastes and textures that are served
at the same time and shared by
everyone at the table
Encourage your family or guests to eat as the Thais’ do – eat one dish at
a time! And remember, Thai food is good for your health, your friends and
loved ones. After all, good food truly is a reason to celebrate!
Nuntthawut Poungpouw
Head Thai Chef
If you have been to Thailand, you may wonder why the taste and the texture
of Thai food in Thailand is different from restaurants that serve the same
food in other countries. I would say that one reason is that some ingredients
are not available in other countries and so they need to skip some of them
or use similar ones. As we grow up with our own cuisine and traditions, we
know how each dish should be and taste, as well what ingredients should
or should not be used. Each dish has its own character. As a Thai, I am so
proud of our Thai food as it is one of the top 5 most popular cuisines in the
world!
There are also many light dishes that Thais’ like to eat between main meals,
for example satay, spring rolls, papaya spicy salad, deep-fried or grilled
meatballs, minced pork sausage with glass noodle, etc.
For many people, a trip to Thailand means exploring world-famous Thai
cuisine. The use of fresh herbs, the flaming hot stir-fries, the tasty curries…
we can all picture it. However, once they have arrived in the Land of Smiles,
most tourists stick to what is familiar and end up eating pad Thai and fried
rice for weeks. This guide will provide some insight into what Thai cuisine
really has to offer and give you the confidence to order one of the many
other delicious local dishes.
Thai cuisine for good health: With an ever-increasing trend towards a
health-conscious lifestyle, Thai food has become another choice for those
seeking delicious and healthy food as it offers a variety of choices, as well
as being full of flavor capable of satisfying the taste buds of both locals and
Thai cuisine is healthy as we use of many fresh vegetables and herbs. The
popularity of Thai food is due to its wonderful medley of different tastes:
sweet, sour, salty, hot, spicy, bitter, and mild. The variety of different flavors,
textures, and colors, and the way that the food is presented make Thai food
very exciting and appealing.
Thai desserts are also quite popular for being beautiful and delicious. Coconut
milk, rice flour, palm sugar, and eggs are the main ingredients for
almost all Thai desserts. Shallots, ginger, sticky rice, peanuts, and pumpkin
are sometimes also used in some desserts.
Banana leaves are often used for wrapping food in many styles. We have
plenty of desserts, both hot and cold, with many different textures and colors.
Vegetable and fruit carving is a fine art that you will find in many Thai restaurants.
The decorative carving helps to make the dishes much more interesting
and amazing.
12 13

Vlassides Winery: Shiraz Red Wine
Color your Life
WITH RAINBOW WINES
This “aristocratic” variety which comes from Rhone Valley in southern
France, grows perfectly in the Cypriot vineyards. Vlassides Shiraz is a prime
example of this variety. The grapes come from non-irrigated vineyards in
Kilani, Vouni and Pachna. With the potential to mature for an additional ten
years. The harvest takes place at the end of August. Rich body, medium
acidity, mature and soft tannins, medium to long aftertaste.
Aromas: Red and black forest fruit (raspberries, plums), white pepper,
vanilla and smoke, interconnect and create a tasteful complexity
Food pairings: Fillet steak with peppers sauce, or lamp shank with
vegetables, defiantly meat, with spices, or hard and semi hard cheeses
Website: www.vlassideswinery.com
Facebook: Vlassides Winery - Οινοποιείο Βλασίδη
Instagram: @vlassides.winery
Linos Winery: Mediterranean Blu
Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades: Geroklima
Spring forward a few years to 2020, and Cyprus has joined the ‘blue wine’
craze. Linos winery situated in the Omodos, have created Cyprus 1st ever
‘blue wine‘ after 4 years of effort –Mediterranean Blue. Catching the color of
the Med in a bottle, it is made from 99% xynisteri and 1% pure grape juice.
The grape juice being from both Alicante and Mataro grapes. There is no
artificial colors as it’s gorgeous and vibrant azure color pigment is found
within the skin of the red wine grapes, anthocyanin. This unique wine is refreshingly
sweet, fruity, and light at just 12.5% alcohol. Serve chilled to make
it a perfect daytime & summer wine.
Aromas: Berries, raspberries lychee and citrus
Food pairings: Light dishes and bites, salads, sushi, and fruits
Website: www.linoswinery.com
Facebook: Linos Winery
Instagram: @linoswinery
Maintaining images of the fatherland and its history, “Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades”
winery created “Geroklima” from its oldest vines. An indigenous
Cypriot variety “Maratheftiko”. This wild, yet charismatic, wine is considered
our superior wine. After careful fruit selection and controlled fermentation
up to the point of dryness, it settled down in new oak barrels in our climate
controlled aging cellar, under constant oenological care.
Aromas: Red forest fruits, like morellos and cherries. Balanced, it grants
spicy notes of pepper and flowers, captivating the most demanding palate
Food pairings: Red grilled meats and traditional cold cuts meze
Website: www.oenouyi.wine
Facebook: Oenou Yi – Ktima Vassiliades
Instagram: @oenouyi.ktimavassiliades
Tsiakkas Winery: Orange Wine
Ktima Gerolemo Winery: Maratheftiko
Skin Contact is a contemporary expression inspired by an abandoned Cypriot
winemaking method. The indigenous white variety Xynisteri can ferment
with the grape skins, enhancing the traditional profile with complex
phenolic aromas, a bolder intensity, as well as a deeper orange hue - hence
the name orange wine.
Maratheftiko Red Dry wine has a dark, bright, crimson red color. In the nose
it gives shiny blackberry aroma, prunes and carnations. Letting up on the
palate well structured firm tannin and bold oak. The flavors are intense ripe
with a touch of sophistication and excellent fruit/oak integration, this is a
good modern wine.
Aromas: Mature pergamont and quince are prevalent on the nose.
Hints of flowers and orange peel. Full body in the mouth with firm tannin
structure. Lasting aftertaste.
Food pairings: Fatty fish, red meat, curry, Indian food, and blue cheese
Website: www.tsiakkaswinery.com
Facebook: Tsiakkas Winery
Instagram: @tsiakkas.winery
Aromas: Blackberry aroma, prunes and carnations
Food pairings: Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic
Website: www.ktimagerolemo.com
Facebook: Κτήμα Γερόλεμο - Gerolemo Winery
Instagram: @ktima_gerolemo
14 15

HIGH TEA
Have you ever read
the story behind the High/Afternoon Tea?
We found it really interesting!!
High Tea drinking had been the height of sophistication in Britain since the
1660s, when it was popularised by King Charles II and his Portuguese wife,
Catherine de Braganza. But it wasn’t for everyone: hefty price tags meant
tea was the preserve of the aristocracy.
When Anna the seventh Duchess of Bedford, came to London, she brought
the occasion with her and it soon caught on among the great and the good,
then skyrocketed with a royal endorsement. Lifelong friend Queen Victoria
loved the idea and began to enjoy having light cake with buttercream and
fresh raspberries – later known as Victoria sponge – to accompany her precious
cup of tea.
It was initially developed as a private social event for ladies who climbed
the echelons of society. It was only when Queen Victoria engaged in the
Afternoon Tea ritual that it became a formal occasion on a larger scale,
known as 'tea receptions'.
Tea would be served from elegant silver teapots into fine bone china cups,
with dainty morsels carefully presented on low tables as the ladies relaxed
in parlour chairs. It was still a relatively informal way for women to socialise.
In Britain today Afternoon Tea is usually enjoyed as an occasional indulgence
or to celebrate a special event such as a birthday, or a pre-wedding
or baby shower party with a group of friends.
Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including
of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with
clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served.
502 AMATHUS AVENUE, 4533 LIMASSOL
P.O. BOX 51064, 3594 LIMASSOL-CYPRUS
TELEPHONE: +357 25834200, FACSMILE: +357 25636394
High Tea Available at Captain’s Bar & Terrace
E-MAIL: WEDDINGS@STRAPHAEL.COM | WWW.STRAPHAEL.COM
14 17

Relax, Rejuvenate
and Refresh
at Serenity Spa
Serenity Spa at St Raphael Resort & Marina offers an extensive range of
treatments for the well-being of your mind, body and spirit in an environment
of sensory pleasure. Discover a diverse blend of luxurious spa treatments
from around the world tailor-made to your needs and designed to
stimulate your senses. Unwind your soul in our spa area including sauna,
jacuzzi, steam roomand heated indoor pool promises to give you the ultimate
feeling of holiday. And if a good workout is how you like to start you
day, our eco fully-equipped fitness centre provide all you need. Our full hair
& beauty salon services menu will help you look and feel fantastic!
An inviting escape of
uncompromising service
and utter relaxation
Allow the highly qualified and experienced therapists to take you on a
journey to a place where time stands still. Our experts offer a unique
experience of wellbeing and help you to relax mind, spirit and emotions.
Using local products with pure nature being at the heart of our philosophy
are personalised to reflect both the skin type and lifestyle of each
individual. Cleansing, soothing and purifying, the results are immediate
and long lasting.
Book your appointment online or buy natural skincare products on the online
shop here
... and now we
invite you to relax!
502 AMATHUS AVENUE, 4533 LIMASSOL
P.O. BOX 51064, 3594 LIMASSOL-CYPRUS
TELEPHONE: +357 25834200,
FACSMILE: +357 25636394
E-MAIL: SPA@STRAPHAEL.COM
WWW.STRAPHAEL.COM
|
18 17

Sascha Camilli
Founder / Editor-in-Chief
Vilda Magazine
vildamagazine.com
+44 (0) 7938012358
@vildamagazine
SUSTAINABLE FASHION 101
A Guide for Beginners
Sustainability is a fashion industry buzzword – today, most fashion brands
have some kind of sustainability strategy. But as brands use the words
“ethical” and “sustainable” to describe their practices, materials, and entire
ranges, there is no real definition of what these words actually mean.
If, like many people, you are interested in dipping your toe in the pool of
ethical fashion, you might wonder how to tell if something you’re buying is
actually ethical and sustainable.
As sustainability is an umbrella term for many different aspects of fashion, it
might be tricky to know how ethical your clothes actually are. Keep in mind
that our society makes it impossible for brands or consumers to be 100%
ethical at all times. Everything we produce will have some sort of impact on
the environment, animals, or other humans. But as consumers we can make
choices that minimise that impact and make our purchases as kind to the
Earth as possible.
Some of the issues that are
on the forefront of brands’
minds are fair wages,
suitable working hours
and safe conditions.
Human rights
Often, the term “ethical fashion” refers to human rights and the lives of
garment workers involved in producing fashion. In 2013, over 1300 garment
workers lost their lives in the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Dhaka,
Bangladesh – a factory where clothing for Benetton, Prada, Gucci, Mango,
and many others were made. Since then, fashion activists Fashion Revolution
has campaigned for more transparency and increased rights for the
people who make our clothes.
Some of the issues that are on the forefront of brands’ minds are fair wages,
suitable working hours and safe conditions.
How to shop sustainably: Contact your favourite brands and enquire about
their human rights practices, wages and worker safety. Shopping Fair Trade
is a great way to be certain that the people who made your clothes have a
decent working life.
Animal welfare
Many people – especially younger generations – also give great value to animal
rights in fashion. A recent report by Bain & Co found that the welfare of
animals is a crucial factor of concern for the millennial generation. Designers
such as Versace, Michael Kors, Prada, Chanel, Burberry and Gucci, have
publicly gone fur-free, and others like Victoria Beckham, Mulberry and Paul
Smith are ditching exotic skins, too. The next fabric to be leaving millennial
and Gen Z wardrobes appears to be leather: the 2020 Lyst Conscious
Fashion Report found that searches for “vegan leather” have increased by
69% year-on-year. Helsinki Fashion Week, which claims to be the first sustainable
fashion week in the world, went leather-free in 2019. Aside from
animal cruelty concerns, which are always a factor when animals are used
in clothing, there’s also the environmental impact: leather, wool and other
animal-derived materials are part of animal agriculture, which is one of the
leading causes of climate change. This is why the 2017 Pulse of Fashion
Industry Report put cow leather at the top of its list of the materials with the
highest environmental impact. Today, brands are moving towards planetfriendly
leathers made from apples, mushrooms, pineapples, grapes and
cork – to name a few.
How to shop sustainably: avoid buying animal skins, always choosing the
vegan option. See PETA’s list of PETA-Approved Vegan labels to find your
new vegan fashion favourites.
Environmental impact
The climate crisis is prompting conversation about how the fashion industry
affects ecosystems – and since it’s often found to be one of the most polluting
industries on the planet, environmental impact is a crucial factor for
both brands and consumers to pay attention to. Issues like water waste,
pesticide use, air and water pollution make the constant cycle of fashion
production an environmental hazard. Plastic pollution very much exists in
the garment industry: approximately 60% of all textiles in the world are
made from petroleum-derived materials like polyester, acrylic, nylon, and
the extremely harmful PVC. These materials don’t biodegrade and their production
can be very toxic. Microplastics are another fashion problem: when
synthetic clothing is washed, micro-particles of plastic are released into
the waterways, where they contaminate ecosystems and poison marine animals.
To minimise the impact of microplastics, use a washbag that captures
these particles and ensures that a smaller quantity of them is released into
waterways.
Since fashion is rife with overproduction, it is also a major contributor to
climate change: the garment industry emits 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse
gases annually– more than marine shipping and international flights put
together.
How to shop sustainably: choose second-hand fashion. Re-using resources
that are already in circulation is the most planet-friendly way to shop. Learn
to love what’s already in your wardrobe: after all, the most sustainable item
is the one we already have.
This is perhaps the best way to change the style system and be a truly sustainable
fashion lover: an industry where brands can release as many as 50
collections every year has to give way to a slower, more conscious system.
When it comes to our wardrobes, few things are as ethical and sustainable
as loving what you already own.
20 21

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by headlines about how the climate emergency
is affecting our planet. Aside from living in the midst of a global pandemic,
we're also facing natural disasters such as wildfires, along with the
constantly looming threat of climate change. It can be daunting to navigate
these strange times – but you are never powerless. Through small (and
often easy) tweaks to your lifestyle, you can do your part to alleviate the
pressure on our planet. Read on for ten tips on how to live more sustainably.
Eat plant-based. The most effective way to make a difference when it
comes to climate change and other environmental issues is to change what
you eat. Researchers at Oxford University have found that the single biggest
thing that we can do for the planet as individuals is to go vegan. Luckily,
it's never been easier to make the switch – supermarkets and restaurants
are more clued-up than ever to the importance of plant-based foods. From
dairy-free ice cream to “meat” made from beans, options are endless. And
delicious.
Shop second hand. Waste is an alarming issue in the fashion industry.
The equivalent of a garbage truck of textiles is wasted every second – a
truly staggering statistic. But there is an easy – and stylish – way to combat
fashion waste. Arguably the most eco-friendly way to shop, the secondhand
haul cuts out the use of any new resources and allows you to renew
your wardrobe without entering the harmful cycle of overproduction. Explore
apps such as eBay, Depop, Vinted, and Vestiaire Collective for amazing
pre-loved finds.
Cut down on single-use plastic. While it's nearly impossible to cut
out single-use plastic entirely, cutting back is certainly doable. Downsizing
your plastic waste can be achievable by taking note of where your use of
plastic is most heavily concentrated. Do you return from the supermarket
with bags of food wrapped in plastic? Next time, make a note of checking
whether a plastic-free version is available – it might very well be, you've just
never noticed it. Often have takeaway coffees? Bring a reusable cup. Still
grabbing plastic bags when shopping? Get a cotton tote and always keep it
in your bag. Little tweaks can amount to a big change in your consumption
and waste of single-use plastic.
Drive less. It's easier said than done in some areas, but if you live somewhere
that allows for car-free living, choose to leave your car at home as
often as you can. Contributing to air pollution and relying heavily on fossil
fuels, cars are no friends to the planet. Worried about public transport during
COVID-19? Choose a bike, or take long walks. And if you must drive, look
into an electric or hybrid car.
TEN TIPS
for Living
More Sustainably
learn more about shopping vegan, or read Vegan Style – the world's first
book about building a vegan wardrobe.
Avoid food waste. Approximately one quarter of human-made greenhouse
gas emissions are generated by the food we waste. Yes, you read
that right. Food that is thrown into landfill doesn't just magically degrade:
it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that's many times more
harmful than carbon dioxide. This completely preventable destruction occurs
because humans produce and buy more food than we actually eat. To
cut back on food waste, take stock of what – and how much – you actually
eat, and if there is a pattern in what you throw away. If you keep purchasing
certain things because you think you should eat them but you never do,
either learn to love those ingredients, or leave them off your shopping list.
Switch to better energy. Changing your energy provider can help cut
back on your use of traditional fossil fuels – gas, petroleum and coal contribute
not only to climate change but also to air pollution. Energy deriving
from wind power, hydropower or solar power is superior in terms of environmental
impact – and it can even be cheaper than relying on traditional
energy. Compare your supplier to newer, greener offerings and consider
making the switch.
Audit your garbage. This is less disgusting than it sounds! During a
week, a month or however long you like, take note of the kind of thing you
throw away. Is a lot of it recyclable? Could you minimise some of it? Could
you choose a waste-free option next time? This kind of audit could go a
long way towards creating less waste.
Reuse. In order to combat waste and excessive consumption, it's crucial
that we move away from a mindset of throwing things away and getting
rid of anything that has the slightest defect – or is even just old. Tired of a
dress? Take it to a tailor and see if it can be upcycled into another garment.
Other things you can reuse is glassware and jars, as well as gift packaging
and old newspapers, which you can use for cleaning and as wrapping paper.
Advocate for systemic change. All the reusing, recycling and plastic
reduction in the world won't make a substantial difference unless systemic
change comes about. For this planet to have a chance, change needs to
happen on a societal, not individual, level. Does this mean that you as an
individual cannot contribute to this change? Absolutely not. Email your local
elected officials. Sign petitions, or start your own. Speak to fashion brands
where you shop and find out about their production practices. Your voice is
your power – make it heard.
The first Vegan hotel restaurant in Cyprus
AT THE ST RAPHAEL RESORT & MARINA BEACH
We believe in sustainability...
...and extremely good
flavours!
Choose vegan fashion. Animal-derived textiles have a devastating impact
on the environment. The 2017 Pulse of Fashion Industry report found
cow leather to be the most polluting material in the industry, with silk coming
in second. Materials like leather and wool are part of animal agriculture,
which leading bodies such as the UN have deemed a leading cause of climate
change. Check out PETA's list of PETA-Approved Vegan brands to
Sascha Camilli
Founder / Editor-in-Chief
Vilda Magazine
vildamagazine.com
+44 (0) 7938012358
@vildamagazine
BOOK HERE | | | |
22 21

HEALTHY
NEW YOU
Seashells Healthy Living Vegan Restaurant
is unique in Cyprus.
We care about the environment, about all
animals and about YOU!
Your health and well-being are of utmost importance to us, and we consider
every detail possible when designing every single item on the menu, right
down to the smallest ingredient. We want our food to be please all your
senses; to be stunning for your eyes, sensational to your taste buds, aromatic
to smell, textured to the maximum and we even have the waves and
sounds of clinking juices and cocktails to please your ears! We have thought
of everything that will fill your body with the maximum nutrients you can get
out of a meal, as well as giving you some ‘cheeky’ treats for those who want
to enjoy some more ‘dirty’ vegan options. So, tuck in without the guilt and be
sure that we have some amazing treats in store for everyone, vegan or not,
healthy-eating-inclined, or not…. And do not forget to try the desserts too!
Rainbow Buddha Bowl
One of our best sellers, one would think this is purely due to the beautiful
presentation of so many colours and textures, but in truth it is incredibly
tasty on top of the table stunner that makes up this dish. Of all the spices
around the globe, turmeric takes the place as king for many. It’s tasty, vibrant
and up there as one of the healthiest foods you can eat daily. So,
it’s not by accident that this spice has been chosen to flavour yet another
superfood, quinoa – a complete protein in itself providing all 9 amino acids.
Balanced with spiralized carrots and zucchini ‘zoodles’ – not only are these
vegetables served raw, ensuring that you get all the nutrients nature intended,
they are also colourful and the textures all compliment each other.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, so good for your eyes and skin,
and zucchinis, or courgettes as they are called by some, are a great source
of potassium for better muscle health. No super food meal can be complete
without beans, and edamame is a great source of fibre, antioxidants, and
protein. Hummus is another sneaky way of getting even more nutrients into
this plate, while being the ideal dipping sauce to flavour all the ingredients.
Homemade using locally grown chickpeas, this is another protein kick that
will ensure you finish your plate feeling great. Avocado, a super of superfoods,
adds its green creaminess to this sumptuous meal and balances the
crunch of the raw vegetables. Overall, an utter winner on our menu, this is a
must-try for everyone and will have you coming back for more.
Acai Bowl
If you haven’t tried our colourful Acai Bowl, you better get moving and come
down to see for yourself what the fuss is all about! Colourful, vibrant, delectable,
and incredibly healthy, this is a powerhouse of a dish that can serve
the purpose of breakfast, a light lunch, snack or dessert, all in one! They
say that what is pleasing to the eye is nature’s way of telling you that a food
is good for you, and this couldn’t be truer of berries. The Acai Berry, native
to South America, has grown in popularity over recent years, not just for its
delightful taste, but because it is packed with antioxidants and are uniquely
high in good fat and low in sugar, packed with fibre and can improve brain
function, lower cholesterol levels and are ant cancerous. We serve our Acai
Bowl accompanied with red and green apples, kiwi, banana, oats, and almonds
to make for the most crunchy, sumptuous treat of healthy goodness
that your body will crave over and over again. Bursting with nutrients, each
carefully chosen fruit will provide you with so many vitamins, minerals, fibre,
and protein. The sweetness comes from agave syrup and the creaminess
from almond milk.
Sweet Potato Quinoa Burger served on multigrain bread
Highly nutritious, sweet potatoes are high in fibre and loaded with many
vitamins, especially Vitamin A which is excellent for your eyes and skin,
and minerals like manganese to improve bone health. They can also help
promote good gut health. Combined with quinoa, one of the only whole
grains to be classified as a complete protein containing all 9 amino acids
essential for your body’s health. Served on our delicious organic multigrain
bun, topped with seeds for more protein and fibre, this is one of the most
nutritious meals you could dream of.
Hangover
This absolutely delicious juice was developed by us for those beachgoers
nursing a heavy head after a few cocktails the night before, however, has
since become an absolute hit with all our customers, especially kids! It’s
adorable to see little ones ordering their ‘Hangover’ and lapping up so many
health benefits in this refreshing drink. Made in front of your own eyes in our
slow juicers, all our juices are packed with health benefits. Hangover SOS
is not exception and probably has even more than your average juice. To
start with, all the ingredients are excellent antioxidants and high in nutrients.
Sweet melon is rich in electrolytes and excellent at rehydrating the body.
Pineapple, with its distinctive taste, contains enzymes to ease digestion and
boosts your immunity. Lime is packed with vitamin C and is amazing for gut
health, while promoting youthful skin. Ginger, the king of fresh roots, is an
anti-inflammatory, and can ease nausea (if in fact you really do have a hangover,
or suffering from morning sickness), can help fight infections and is
good for brain and heart health. Finally, coconut water is a delicious source
of rehydration, perfect for beach days, and provides so many nutrients,
healthy calories, and can help reduce blood pressure. It is also amazing
after long work outs, so if you’ve been hitting those waves enjoying some
water sports, this one is for you too!
Where relaxation meets Healthy Living!
at St Raphael’s Beach
24 25

New Forest National Park
Choose from four stunning country hotels with award-winning
restaurants, welcoming bars and comfortable beds to sink into. Explore
ancient woodlands, open heathlands, coastal paths and picturesque
villages with free roaming ponies and donkeys. A place untouched by time
and perfect for a relaxing break. We’re family and dog friendly too!
Quote ‘St Raphael’ to receive 10% off accommodation and 15% off dining.
www.newforesthotels.co.uk 0800 44 44 41

Staff Lockdown
INSPIRATION
STORIES
Andreas Michail
Chef de Partie
New shots. The era of quarantine
plus fell with my desire to seek new
directions in my work. Now that it is
over and after a while I can say that
it was like a gift. Full of free personal
time that I could manage as I wanted,
eliminating the obligations, the
deadlines, the people and the things I
wanted to avoid. When lockdown was imposed on us, I had already started
some lessons and I continued to work on them with greater concentration
and with a clearer mind.
Helen Christofides
Front Office Manager
The happiest six months of my life
started the first day my grandson
arrived at my house (after being
‘sent home’ from work due to CO-
VID19). My day is full and I don’t
stop for one minute, but I would not
have it any other way. We play, we
sing and read stories. On nice sunny
days we go for walks to the beach where he loves to splash in the sea. He
eats and sleeps and he loves me to bits - who could ask for more!
Thea Spanou
Seashells Restaurant Cook
What a year for all of us - staying
home for a long time! However, I
just grabbed the opportunity to
keep myself busy and do things
both for my professional but as well
for my personal life. I enrolled for
online courses on vegan cuisine to
learn more about it. I took this time
off to spend time with my two kids and husband enjoying every precious
moment with them as our ‘ordinary’ life didn’t allow us this.
Sasha Stankovic
Food & Beverage
Lock down is Cyprus!
Send message and you can go out,
oh my God! This situation is different
than war! War is worst thrust
me I know! Covid 19 make as to do
things we never could imagine!
Every 3 weeks I coloured my wife’s
hair or making bread! We made a small gym at home, body pump from youtube,
cycling, jogging and we played board games, like monopoly, casino
and chess! Most important is to stay healthy!
I hope very soon this will be over and we will live normal, but life is not going
to be the same! Lots of love, health and stay safe! Looking forward to see
you all soon
28 25

SEAHORSE
PRIVILEGE CLUB
There are new
competitors with
a fresh vision.
Is your company agile
enough to outpace them?
The idea behind Seahorse Privilege Club is to offer to our repeated online
guests that extra something when booking on our hotel website with exclusive
discounts and benefits. St Raphael Resort is a family run hotel and
many of our guests being repeated guests. With the technology having a
big part in our lives now, we needed to come up with a way to say thank you
to those who choose to book online to visit us again.
Everyone can register to the Seahorse Privilege Club entirely for free. We
have instant perks available upon registration, with the additional discount
being the easiest to notice. Additional perks are available, however some of
them are subject to availability during the stay, such as early check-in, late
check-out, room upgrade etc.
Additionally, by visiting our website, you are entering a world of choices
where you can enhance your stay with us by adding services and experiences
directly online. In the infinite world of the Internet, we try to make
things easier for our guests.
Currently our loyalty scheme consists of two levels:
Silver Member
Privileges:
• 10% discount on rates (automatically applied upon registration)
• Exclusive offers for members only
• 10% discount on Spa Treatments
• Welcome Drink
• Early check-in & late check-out (upon availability)
Gold Member
Privileges:
• 12.5% discount on rates
(automatically applied when Premium Level reached)
• Exclusive offers for members
• 20% discount on Spa Treatments
• 20% Discount in the a la carte restaurants / bars
(does not apply to All Inclusive guests)
• Welcome Drink
• Complimentary cocktail on Captain’s Terrace
(does not apply to All Inclusive guests)
• A bottle of Prosecco wine and fruit platter in the room upon arrival
The benefits arising from the Seahorse Privilege Club are valid only for
bookings made directly online via the hotel official website (www.straphael.
com).
The perks and benefits might alter from time to time, but our ultimate goal
is to offer our valued guests the best service possible.
Using innovative tools, thinking and
frameworks, KPMG can help adapt your
business in the face of constant disruption.
Learn more at kpmg.com.cy
Anticipate tomorrow. Deliver today.
• 10% Discount in the a la carte restaurants / bars
(does not apply to All Inclusive guests)
©2021 KPMG Limited, a Cyprus limited liability company and a member firm of
the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG
International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights
reserved.
The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent
member firms of the KPMG global organization.
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