Meet Luciano Sozzo, acting general manager of AMARA and COO at Stademos Hotels

With three and a half decades under his belt in the luxury hospitality industry, Luciano Sozzo, the acting general manager at AMARA and COO of Stademos Hotels in Cyprus, brings his global expertise to the Mediterranean island.

Previously general manager of the St. Regis Astana in Kazakhstan plus previously working in destinations such as The Netherlands, Italy and Ukraine – Luciano heads up the strategic planning, new projects, management, investment, and everyday operations of all the Stademos Hotels.

Luciano is passionate about welcoming visitors to discover what Cyprus has to offer throughout the year. Dedicated to ensuring each hotel provides the highest standards of hospitality, paired with sustainable initiatives that he and his team continue to develop, Luciano understands the importance of nurturing the distinctive character of each Stademos Hotel and what they contribute to the Cypriot tourism market.

The AMARA in Limassol is a contemporary, design-led retreat, offering guests a stylish, high-end luxury experience

With a belief that ‘luxury is a state of mind, a mix of emotions and self-gratification which is geographically defined’, I recently had the privilege of staying at one of the group’s most popular five-star properties: AMARA. Here we discovered the hotel’s variety of standout culinary concepts from globally renowned chefs from Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa (known as Chef Nobu) to Giorgio Locatelli.

With some exciting plans in the pipeline for Stademos Hotels, I spoke with Luciano on the group’s position within Cyprus’ tourism landscape, how the hotels in the group complement each other and the extraordinary holiday experiences they offer, plus what’s next.

Since being founded back in 1989, how has Stademos Hotels become an integral part of Cyprus’ tourism landscape?

Through our iconic properties such as AMARA in Limassol and Elysium in Paphos, we’ve continued to set new standards in service and guest experiences on the island, attracting travellers from around the world. Since opening the Mediterranean Beach Hotel in 1991, our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and promoting Cyprus as a year-round destination has solidified our position as an integral contributor to the island’s hospitality sector.

Luciano Sozzo, the acting general manager at AMARA and COO of Stademos Hotels in Cyprus, unites his global expertise to the Mediterranean island

There are three hotels within the group, can you describe the character of each? Do they complement each other?

The AMARA in Limassol is a contemporary, design-led retreat, offering guests a stylish, high-end luxury experience with its expansive spa and world-class dining, including Matsuhisa by the legendary Chef Nobu, Ristorante Locatelli by Michelin star chef Giorgio Locatelli and BeefBar.

The Elysium, located in the historic heartland of Paphos near the iconic Tombs of the Kings, provides a tranquil retreat surrounded by gardens and stunning sea views, which seamlessly blends Cypriot culture and heritage with bespoke, modern luxury. And finally, the Mediterranean Beach Hotel, the first in the Stademos portfolio, is a charming beachfront property that offers the perfect balance between the bustling city and serene coastal relaxation.

Each property in our portfolio complements one another by offering distinct experiences tailored to a diverse range of travellers, be it honeymooners seeking romance, families looking for quality time, groups of friends on a getaway, or solo travellers – all while showcasing the best Cyprus has to offer.

It is said that Stademos Hotels is committed to delivering extraordinary holiday experiences, can you share some examples of this?

The Stademos Hotels’ guest experience combines world-class facilities with personalised service and authentic Cypriot hospitality. At the AMARA, guests can indulge in Michelin-starred dining and a serene spa escape, while the Elysium offers unique cultural experiences with its proximity to the Tombs of the Kings. From wine tours across Cyprus’ 25 registered wineries, to private boat tours and bike hire, the concierge across our properties is on hand to provide guests with truly memorable experiences throughout their stays.

Tell us about your experience that exceeds three decades in the industry across The Netherlands, Italy, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. How does this contribute to your role as Chief Operating Officer of Stademos Hotels?

I have started my professional life in a truly iconic company like CIGA hotels, grouping the most prestigious and iconic properties in Europe, like the Excelsior in Rome, the Danieli in Venice or the Imperial in Vienna, and that gave the sense of what true luxury hospitality is really about. I then worked with Starwood and Marriott learning how international luxury is all about anticipating and surpassing customers’ expectations at all times. I had the opportunity to contribute to the application of these principles within different cultures and traditions, enriching my professional vision as well as my own soul.

The Stademos Hotels’ guest experience combines world-class facilities with personalised service and authentic Cypriot hospitality

How do the five star hotels within the group differ from each other, catering to markets that are both affluent, but have different expectations?

The key differences lie in the tailored experiences each offers. AMARA is designed for luxury travellers seeking exclusivity, offering sophisticated amenities, fine dining, and even hosting weddings for couples wanting a refined, elegant ceremony. In contrast, the Elysium focuses on family-friendly luxury, providing spacious accommodations such as the Royal Garden Villas with cultural and recreational activities perfect for multigenerational stays.

How do you personally define luxury?

Luxury is a state of mind, a mix of emotions and self-gratification which is geographically defined. In the Middle East, luxury is a synonym of opulence, in Asia is a service led concept, while in Europe is a balanced mix of culture and style. In all cases luxury hospitality is the possibility of having access to exclusivity, receiving rare emotional inputs, being surprised at all times with bespoke attentions and the clear sensation of being personally understood.

The Elysium offers unique cultural experiences with its proximity to the Tombs of the Kings

How does Stademos Hotels allow your guests to authentically experience Cyprus, and how is this reflected in the hotels?

Location is key, and we’re lucky enough to have properties in some of Cyprus’ most beautiful destinations. AMARA and Mediterranean Beach Hotel are both located in Limassol, and they fully embrace the natural beauty of their surroundings through design and experiences. Elysium’s location is intrinsic to the to the guest experience, and its design pays respect to Cyprus’ rich history, whilst encouraging guests to head out and explore all the area has to offer. Culinary offerings across the portfolio pay homage to Mediterranean roots, encouraging guests to sample authentic Cypriot cuisine during their time with us.

Amara hotel has some impressive culinary partnerships from Nobu Matsuhisa to Giorgio Locatelli. Would you say culinary experiences are the most integral element of the hotel’s luxury offering?

Culinary experiences are undoubtedly a central element of the luxury offering at AMARA, setting a new standard for Cyprus’ dining scene with its four gourmet restaurants. We work with the world’s leading chefs to bring industry-leading concepts to Cyprus and ensure our guests have a truly diverse offering.

Conceived from world-renowned Chef Nobu, Matsuhisa serves up unique Japanese-Peruvian dishes and one-off signature pieces, whilst NEREA is the resort’s newest offering, dedicated to serving a rich selection of fresh fish and seafood carefully prepared with the finest local ingredients.

Headed by the Michelin-starred chef, Giorgio Locatelli, Ristorante Locatelli embodies Italian conviviality and is centred around quality food and good company; whilst BEEFBAR completes the collection and delivers creative street food, signature mains and sides, all made from the best meats from around the world. Each of these culinary concepts sets AMARA apart from the other leading hospitality offerings on the island.

Which unique features sets the AMARA apart from other luxury hotels in the area?

The AMARA stands apart from other luxury hotels in the area with its stunning, artfully designed accommodations offering unobstructed Mediterranean views, and a state-of-the-art spa spanning 3,000m². The AMARA Spa features a thermal experience, heated pool, sauna, and a range of treatments, including specialised wellness packages like the Total Wellness Recharge and Ultimate Detox Rituals alongside personalised services from nutritionists and personal trainers. In addition to this extensive wellness offering, the culinary experience at the AMARA truly is unmatched, and as I mentioned before this is a key selling point for us.

What’s next for Stademos Hotels?

We are delighted to announce an extensive renovation across The Elysium’s luxury rooms and suites. After a succession of record-breaking years, we are reinvesting a staggering ten million euros, to ensure the much-loved hotel continues to cater to the demands of today’s affluent traveller, while retaining its unique Mediterranean-inspired architecture. We have partnered with local architect Mr. Eraklis Papachristou to create the 48 new suites which are set to be complete by spring 2025.