In this episode, we chat with Eddy Nassar, a Beirut-born Cypriot innovator and CEO of WIBA Mediterranean. With 25 years of experience shaping Cyprus’ hospitality and entertainment scene through Columbia Shipmanagement and Columbia Restaurants, Eddy brings a unique perspective to the table. We dive into the story behind MICA (Mediterranean Influencers and Creators Association) and explore the vibrant community it represents. We talk about why the Mediterranean deserves its own influencer award...

In this of Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas, we’re joined by the inspiring Chef Christos Bisiotis. From humble beginnings in Athens, starting as a dishwasher at just 12 years old to cooking at the White House and founding Bellita Pasta, Christos shares his incredible journey of resilience, passion, and reinvention. We explore his move to New York City without knowing a word of English, his deep love for Greek cuisine, and his heartfelt philosophy of cooking from the soul. This episode offers an ...

In this powerful episode, we speak with Hélène Alexi Ioannides, A Systemic Therapist, Leadership & Authenticity Coach, and founder of Empowered New You. With over 10 years of experience in women’s empowerment and therapy, Hélène shares deep insights on healing personal patterns, embodying authentic leadership, and living from a place of alignment and wholeness. A soul-nourishing conversation! Quest: Instagram Empowered New You Host Farah Shammas : Instagram Facebook Linkedin ...

In this soul-nourishing episode, we chat with Nataly Buggins – a vibrant Cypriot-British woman living her best life in Cyprus and changing the wellness game through her passion for natural healing and sea moss. Nataly’s contagious positivity, commitment to healing, and belief in the power of natural food will leave you inspired to embrace wellness in a more intentional, holistic way. 🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt chat about health, healing, and the beauty of living well. Nataly ...

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Laura Neroulias Bisiotis, founder of LΩRA PR, a full-service PR agency known for its dynamic approach to media relations, influencer marketing, strategic partnerships, and high-impact events. Laura is a goal-driven leader with over two decades of experience, launching everything from luxury hotels and real estate projects to food & beverage concepts, fashion lines, and celebrity brands. From The Ritz-Carlton ...

Episode 156 is out with Marios Priamos, one of Cyprus' most recognized TV personalities and adventurers. From his breakout fame on Survivor Greece to hosting and participating in multiple shows, Marios opens up about what first drew him to the world of television and how those experiences shaped him both personally and professionally. We explore how he stays grounded in an industry often driven by image, the mindset he adopts before going live, and some behind-the-scenes stories the publ...

In this powerful episode of Hotel Talk with Farah, we sit down with the brilliantly complex Vladimir, also known as Vlad NCL, Nataly Oohoo and Nataly Omnarova. With millions of views across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Vlad is famous for his daring pranks and social experiments, often dressing as a woman to shed light on how women. But there’s more to the man behind the viral pranks. We dive deep into his story: 🌟 How he began his journey as a content creator 🌟 His personal sto...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with internationally acclaimed Lebanese artist Zeina Nader, whose work has been exhibited in over 100 shows across the globe, from Tokyo to New York. Zeina shares her fascinating journey from a career in communication and the arts to becoming a full-time painter and author, with her pieces now housed in prestigious institutions like the London School of Economics, Peoria Museum USA, and Ritz-Carlton Dubai. We talk about her deep passion for visual storyt...

Gala Grigoreva is a powerhouse of talent and leadership across multiple fields. She is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Adsterra, with over 15 years of experience in global marketing. But her impact goes far beyond that, she’s a marketing mentor, business growth adviser, and co-founder/trainer of the Integrated Professional Growth program. Gala is deeply passionate about workplace well-being. She’s a certified yoga coach, workplace happiness expert, and well-being mentor. As the community...

In this episode, we sit down with George Vou, the visionary CEO and founder of The Mighty Kitchen, a plant-based company that's redefining the future of food. George shares his personal journey to becoming vegan, what inspired him to build a company centered around sustainability and taste, and how he’s on a mission to change the world one plant-based bite at a time. 🌱 A must-listen for anyone passionate about plant-based living, innovation, and entrepreneurship! ✨ Don't miss 📍 Diaspora...

In this special episode, we sit down with Pan Dragomir, one of Cyprus' most loved content creators. Known for her unapologetically real and ironic humor, Pan has captured the hearts of thousands through her funny and relatable videos. With over 125K followers on Instagram and 142K on TikTok, she’s not just an influencer – she’s a voice of authenticity, laughter, and connection. We explore her journey from childhood to the spotlight, how she became a top influencer, her work in radio and TV, ...

In this special episode, we sit down with Elena Alexandrou, Artistic Director of Lemesos 2030, to explore Limassol’s inspiring journey toward becoming the European Capital of Culture. We dive into the vision behind the initiative, the cultural and social impact for the city, and how the community, both locals and visitors, can get involved. From challenges and creativity to sustainability, inclusivity, and the power of art, music, and food, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at...

In this episode, we sit down with our amazing Spa Manager at St Raphael Resort & Marina, Christiana Aravi ! We’ll explore her inspiring journey, from her previous roles to how she became an essential part of our hotel team. Christiana shares the everyday challenges she faces, her deep passion for wellness, and her unexpected journey into learning sign language, becoming one of the most recognized interpreters in Cyprus, all without having a deaf family member. Beyond the spa, she also wor...

Lia Haraki is a Cyprus-born interdisciplinary performance artist whose work blends dance, theatre, spoken word, and music. With over two decades of experience, she has created more than fifty works presented across Europe, including at the Venice Biennale, Athens Festival, and Royal Festival Hall in London. Her artistic practice explores the body’s movement and voice as powerful tools for self-expression, identity, and social change. Known for her unique form of "repetitive poetry," she chal...

In this episode of Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas, we sit down with Marina Christoforou, the founder of En Healthy, a delicious and nutritious dessert lab in Pareklissia, Limassol. Marina’s journey into the world of healthy treats began when her mother faced a health challenge, inspiring her entire family to embrace a better lifestyle. Now, she creates 100% vegan, refined sugar-free, and guilt-free desserts that prove you don’t have to compromise on taste to eat healthily. From mouthwatering r...

In this episode of Hotel Talk, we dive into an eye-opening conversation about failure, resilience, and personal growth. Our guest shares her journey from Ukraine to Cyprus, her experiences in marketing, and why Fuckup Nights is an event that celebrates the mistakes we all make. We discuss how failures shape us more than successes, the lessons learned along the way, and why embracing our setbacks can lead to incredible opportunities. Join us for an inspiring and raw discussion about navigating...

In this episode, we sit down with Aleksander Eng, the Managing Director and Owner of Agora Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel in Cyprus with a truly unique style. Alex grew up in the UK and has traveled the world with his family, gaining inspiration from different cultures before settling in Cyprus. He also spent several years in New York, where he was one of the founding co-owners of Joe & the Juice, helping shape the brand into the global success it is today. Agora Hotel is more than jus...

In this special Women’s Day episode, we sit down with Jessica, one of our beloved housekeeping team members at St Raphael Resort. Jessica shares her incredible journey from Ethiopia to Cyprus, opening up about the challenges she faced, how she built a new life, and why Cyprus now feels like home. We also dive into the demanding yet essential role she plays in keeping our resort at its best. Join us as we celebrate Jessica’s resilience, hard work, and inspiring story! 🎙️💙 Host Farah Sh...

Brace yourselves because Limassol’s Carnival King 2025, Vasilis Papavasiliou, is joining our podcast! 👑🎉 We’ll dive into his incredible journey, how he earned the crown, the excitement of carnival week, the intense preparations, and the whirlwind of events leading up to the grand parade. Plus, we’ll explore his life beyond the carnival and what this experience truly means to him. Get ready for laughter, insights, and all the carnival magic! 🎭🔥 Vasilis Papavasiliou InstagramHost Farah Shammas...

Meet two young brothers who started their journey from Lebanon to Cyprus and built IY Media. We’ll dive into their life, vision, and goals, discuss marketing trends for 2025, explore how they became Meta Partners, and discover how they balance entrepreneurship at a young age while running a company! 🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring story! Nour Samaha Fadi Samaha IY Media Adency Host Farah Shammas : Instagram Facebook Linkedin TikTok St Raphael