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Hospitality

True luxury = comfort + elegance + exceptional service

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Exclusive interview with Pantelis Leptos, Co-President Leptos Group of Companies

How does Leptos Calypso Hotels define luxury in the context of hospitality?

At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we define luxury not merely by the opulence of our surroundings but by the unique experiences we offer. Luxury, in our view, is about providing an environment where every detail has been meticulously curated to exceed guest expectations. It’s about personalizing every aspect of a guest’s stay, from the moment they walk through our doors to the time they leave. We believe true luxury is found in the seamless integration of comfort, elegance, and exceptional service that leaves a lasting impression.

How do you incorporate the essence of Mediterranean luxury into your hospitality offerings, and how might this appeal to discerning travelers from the UAE?

Mediterranean luxury is at the heart of everything we do at Leptos Calypso Hotels. It’s about capturing the region’s natural beauty, rich culture, and laid-back elegance. Our properties are designed to reflect the Mediterranean’s stunning landscapes, with architecture and interiors that evoke a sense of place. We use local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and regional flavors to create an authentic and immersive experience.

For travelers from the UAE, this approach resonates with their appreciation for both authenticity and refinement. The Mediterranean lifestyle is one of relaxation, indulgence, and understated sophistication, which aligns with the expectations of discerning guests from the UAE who seek not only comfort but a sense of connection to the destination.

Given your extensive experience in the hospitality industry, do you see any potential for Leptos Calypso Hotels to expand into the UAE market?

The UAE is a dynamic and growing market with a deep appreciation for luxury and hospitality. While our focus has traditionally been on the Mediterranean, we are always exploring opportunities to bring our unique approach to new markets. The UAE, with its cosmopolitan population and high standards for luxury, presents a compelling opportunity for us to extend the Leptos Calypso experience. We see potential in creating a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern elements, offering a distinct luxury experience that could appeal to both local and international travelers in the UAE.

Considering your deep appreciation for ancient Greek history and Cyprus’ rich heritage, how do you integrate cultural elements into the luxury experience at your hotels?

Cyprus has a rich cultural tapestry, and we see it as our responsibility to share this heritage with our guests. At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we integrate cultural elements into every aspect of the guest experience. This includes architecture inspired by ancient Greek and Cypriot design, art collections featuring local artists, and culinary offerings that celebrate traditional Cypriot and Greek flavors. We also offer curated experiences that allow guests to explore the history and culture of Cyprus, from guided tours of ancient sites to workshops on local crafts. By doing so, we provide our guests with a deeper connection to the destination, enriching their stay with meaningful and memorable experiences.

How do you see your leadership philosophy influencing the growth and success of Leptos Calypso Hotels?

My leadership philosophy is grounded in a commitment to excellence, innovation, and respect for our heritage. I believe in leading by example, inspiring our team to embrace these values in everything they do. At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we foster a culture of continuous improvement, where every team member is encouraged to contribute ideas and solutions. This collaborative approach has been key to our growth and success, allowing us to adapt to changing market conditions while staying true to our core principles. By nurturing talent and promoting a shared vision, I believe we can continue to elevate our brand and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.

In an increasingly competitive market, how do you measure and maintain guest satisfaction at Leptos Calypso Hotels?

Guest satisfaction is at the core of our operations, and we take a proactive approach to ensuring it. We measure satisfaction through a combination of direct guest feedback, online reviews, and detailed surveys. This data is analyzed regularly to identify areas for improvement and to recognize what we are doing well. However, maintaining guest satisfaction goes beyond metrics. It’s about creating a culture where every team member is committed to going above and beyond for our guests. We empower our staff to anticipate needs, resolve issues swiftly, and deliver personalized service. In a competitive market, this focus on guest satisfaction is what sets us apart and ensures our guests return year after year.

Is luxury defined by price or by experience?

Luxury is unequivocally defined by experience. While price can be a factor, true luxury is about the value that guests derive from their experience. It’s about creating moments that are priceless—whether it’s a stunning view, a perfect meal, or a gesture of kindness from our staff. At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we strive to offer experiences that resonate on a deeper level, leaving our guests with memories that last a lifetime. Luxury is about how our guests feel when they stay with us, and that feeling is something that money alone cannot buy.

We also find that a select few fall in love with life on the beautiful island of Cyprus and desire a more permanent presence, which we are well-equipped to support them with through our residential development arm, Leptos Estates. As the largest and most successful developer in Cyprus we offer a wide range of prime luxury villas, apartments and houses on full-service resorts or developments that offer a wide range of amenities and excellent security in envious locations. We also have an entire team in place to support with and manage residency and visa applications for those looking to spend more time on the island or enjoy wider access across the EU.

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Hospitality

A Normal Day Rolls Out a Fresh Menu at Dar Al Wasl’s Neighbourhood Bistro

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A Normal Day launches new menu at Dar Al Wasl bistro, featuring globally inspired dishes and neighbourhood dining.

Located in the heart of Dar Al Wasl, Jumeirah, A Normal Day has quickly established itself as one of Dubai’s most talked-about neighbourhood dining spots. Conceived by a team of locally raised creatives, the bistro strikes a balance between sophistication and ease – somewhere you can drop by for a quick coffee and pastry in the morning, linger over lunch with friends, or settle in for dinner that feels both relaxed and refined.

The new menu builds on that philosophy, introducing a line-up of dishes that are inventive yet grounded, drawing inspiration from both global flavours and local tastes, while embracing the spirit of everyday eating and easy eating.

Breakfast has been refreshed with new favourites including Turkish Eggs, with poached eggs, tzatziki, and crunchy citrus oil served with pizza bread; Mushroom Toast, where sourdough is layered with truffle provolone, sautéed mushrooms, chewy onions, and macadamia nuts; and the Sour Cherry Muffin, a
fresh-from-the-oven bake with white chocolate, sesame, and a side of raspberry butter.

For lighter bites and starters, the menu brings bold sharing plates: Foul Madames Dip with fava beans, tahini, cumin, and spices; classic Tzatziki with fresh cucumber and herbs; Charcuterie Chips, pairing house-made crisps with salami, pickle chilli, mayo, paprika, and parmesan; and Roasted Beetroot with Feta and Nuts, combining baked beetroot with smoked feta, caramelised walnuts, and rocket.

New main courses showcase the bistro’s playful, globally inspired approach: Casarecce with Trapanese Pesto and burrata; the Kimcheesburger, with kimchi cabbage, kimchi mayo, cheddar, and fries; crisp Chicken Schnitzel with herb butter and coleslaw; and the Focaccia Sandwich, stacked with beef mortadella, fresh figs, pesto, and stracciatella.

To close, Date Pudding takes its place on the menu permanently – making a comeback from their Test Kitchen Series. It’s a moist date cake with toffee sauce and ice cream, offering the perfect sweet ending. With art-lined walls, warm interiors, and a buzzing energy that flows from morning to late, A Normal Day
continues to redefine what dining out in Dubai feels like: creative, comfortable, and always memorable.

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Hospitality

Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine

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Cancaro's product lineup

As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead.  With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.

What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen.  In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.

DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.

Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:

  • Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
  • Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
  • Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.

“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”

Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.

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Hospitality

DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

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Alessia Zecchini, world champion freediver, in yellow and black wetsuit smiling by the ocean before diving event at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”

Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.

This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.

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