Hestia Group News

Hestia Holidays continues their ‘Property of the Month’ throughout 2009 offering great savings for your holiday apartment or villa in cyprus!

Just updated and released for the month of June 2009 - we are offering 10% discount on a beautiful 3 bedroom detached villa with private swimming pool on Secret Valley golf Resort Nr Paphos. For more details visit our website and check out villa Artemis.

The discount is applied to ANY booking made during the month of June - you don’t have to stay / holiday in June, just make your arrangements and reserve the dates for your holiday in cyprus. The holiday can be taken at any time – subject to availability of course.

For full details visit the Hestia Holidays website at: www.hestia-holidays.com/offers.cfm

 , a lovely family size home in an idyllic setting. Surrounded by forest with a feeling of total isolation - yet the busy village centre is under 1 mile, the capial city of Nicosia is just 25 minutes drive and the 3rd largest town Larnaca with International Airport is 20 minutes…  A brilliant property, location and overal opportunity not to be missed.

bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a generous living area with fire place, one step separates the open dining area, separate large kitchen with utility room and superb terraces, balconies and verandas. Surrounded by forests at the foothills of MountThe villa is surrounded by woodland on gentle hillsides, enjoying lovely views and total privacy, this 4/5 bedroom detached country residence provides a truly peaceful and tranquil setting which must be seen to be appreciated. This mature residence is immaculately presented and maintained, offering adaptable accommodation with 4 or 5 Stavrovouni, enjoying total privacy and seclusion, this house stands to the higher side of the gently sloping plot which extends to over 2000 sqm. There is a tremendous amount of established trees and garden areas creating a stunning outlook from every window! The property has the advantage of two long driveways with entry gates and is fenced all around. You have a lovely terrace with private swimming pool, barbeque, shower, power and lighting, along with dozens of other areas to sit & relax in the sun, or shade. There is an abundance of fruit trees, vegetable patches and a chicken run for those who wish to become self-sufficient! The house benefits from both central heating and air conditioning, along with ceiling fans in most rooms and fly screens. There is also a private water supply from a bore hole, satellite dish, automatic irrigation system, useful workshop, double size Car port.

Although you have a wonderful feeling of isolation in this natural unspoilt location, you are under 1 mile from the village centre of Pyrga, just a 15 minute walk into the friendly village community which offers typical amenities including mini supermarket, school, tavern, butchers, cafes etc. You only have to step out of your door onto endless tracks and trails for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting. The neighbouring village of Mosfiloti has everything from a gym, to DVD rental, builder’s merchants, pharmacy, petrol station, hairdressers, etc. The main attraction for many potential buyers will be the commuting time to either Nicosia or Larnaca, which is just 20/25 mintues. Rarely can you find such a peaceful atmosphere whilst remaining accessible and convenient to major towns and all facilities. Agents Note: This property is offered for sale at a very reasonable price and under genuine circumstances, due to a job relocation.

For more information and a selection of photographs please click here: http://www.hestia-holidays.com/hestia-homes/property-detail.cfm?property_ID=3884. To talk to somebody who has seen the property and discuss any aspects, or likewise to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Hestia Homes.

The government has made a major step to increase the tourist arrivals from russia to cyprus, dramatically improving the visa process for russian nationals. The government said Cypriot consular services in russia will issue ‘pre-approved’ visas to russian nationals who plan to holiday and visit the beautiful island of cyprus. Visa application forms will be submitted online through a cyprus government website, the information will then be dealt with by the consular services. Once the Cypriot consulate determines that the application is in order and that the applicant is not on any ’stop list’, the visa will now be ‘pre-approved’ and sent to the applicant quickly by email.

russian nationals with the new pre-approved visas will be able to pass through passport control much quicker once they land at Larnaca or Paphos airports. Adding to the convenience, they will no longer be subjected to questions regarding their purpose of visit to the cyprus, their place of stay, their salary, or how much money they have on their person and if they exceed their 90-day stay.

This comes as a huge benefit to the regular visitors of cyprus, the russian property investors and all nationals who have been perhaps been put off travelling to cyprus in the past, due to the volume of paperwork, questions and time involved. This makes a holiday apartment or villa in cyprus a much easier option for russian nationals and we look forward to welcoming you in cyprus.

Currently, tourist visas issues issued to russian and Ukrainian nationals are valid up to three years, but travelers are not allowed to stay on the island for more than 90 days over a period of six months.

Click here to visit the website for the cyprus Embassy in Moscow and download the new ‘PROVISA FOR cyprus‘.

russian travelers are advised to make their own investigation with the embassy, for their own satisfaction before committing to travel.

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Гражданам России теперь можно получать визы на Кипр в электронном виде

Правительство Кипра приняло решение начать применение упрощенной процедуры выдачи виз для граждан России с целью привлечения большего количества туристов. С 4 мая 2009 г добавляется новая процедура подачи заявления и выдачи про-визы в электронной форме. Анкета для получения предварительной визы (PROVISA FOR cyprus) размещена на вэбсайте посольства Кипра в России.

Ссылка: http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/embassies/moscowembassy.nsf/DMLindex_ol/DMLindex_ol?OpenDocument

Аппликант заполняет размещенную на вэбсайте анкету и отправляет ее по электронной почте, по указанному на ней адресу. Требуется указать свои паспортные данные и адрес проживания на Кипре. При этом не требуется предоставлять подтверждение бронирования отеля и информацию о заработной плате. Консульская служба рассматривает заявление аппликанта и в случае положительного решения высылает на электронную почту «предварительную визу».

Граждане России, получившие предварительную визу (предвизу), предъявляют ее в распечатанном виде в аэропорту вылета и на паспортном контроле в аэропорту прилета . Виза выдается на срок 90 дней и на однократное посещение.

Это нововведение является несомненным преимуществом для тех туристов, которые предпочитают самостоятельно планировать свой отдых на Кипре и предпочитают останавливаться в апартаментах и виллах.

Добро пожаловать на Кипр!

New to cyprus and exceptionally popular with a growing number of retired residents choosing to enjoy their later years and independence with a better quality of life, lower cost of living, healthier climate and quite simply more sunshine than the UK!

Sheltered housing or warden controlled environments offer far more peace of mind, comfort and independence to those who wish to enjoy their retirement years and don’t have or want to co-habit with immediate family or move into a residential / elderly home

Following the amount of interest and success of the first purpose built block of retirement apartments in Paphos, cyprus. A superb building which has been designed for those over 55, plans are already underway for another building of the same nature, but as is the case in any property development, especially with retired residents in mind, location is the key.

The recently completed building comprises of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all a generous size, well designed and finished to a very high standard. The building has wheel chair access, a lift to each floor, delightful gardens, a communal swimming pool, plus many other features. There are still a couple of units available within this block for sale and occasionally units for Long term rental.

The distinct advantage and attraction of these properties, designed for retired residents with, if desired, wonderful services available for total pace of mind, not only for themselves but their friends & family. The services available include; 24 hour emergency call, daily checks, warden service, a communal lounge, social activities, to mention just a few - all the features of a warden controlled environment / sheltered housing, but in a warm, friendly and sunny climate!

The location of the existing property was carefully hand picked to complement the functionality the development. Situated in a quieter residential road, where you are level walking distance from a large supermarket and the village centre with banks, shops, cafes, restaurants, hair dressers, amongst many other amenities. All within easy level access so one is not fully dependant on a vehicle.

cyprus itself offers many incentives for a better standard of living, not only its health care, lower tax on pensions, cheaper cost of living, but you can bring your pets, drive on the left, English is very widely spoken and with regular flights to the UK (including most regional airports) all year round, it’s easy to visit the UK, or friends & family can visit you.

1 bedroom apartments (approx 70sqm) start from €126,500 and 2 bedroom apartments (approx 89sqm) start from €172,500.

For further details of the first development please click here. You can also register your interest for similar projects in the future through the same website.

Release your creative talent at new ceramics studio in Paphos, cyprus… If getting a ‘buzz’ from being creative appeals to you, look no further than Honey Bee ceramics, the newest and most sophisticated ceramics studio opening in February 2009 in Paphos.

Make a ‘beeline’ for the studio - centrally located opposite the ‘big church’ in the centre of Kato Paphos - and meet the team of trained staff eager to help you design and produce a wide range of ceramic products - everything from everyday items such as plates, cups and saucers, tea pots and money boxes to souvenir mementos created for the celebration of special events like weddings, birthdays and Christenings. Even our four-legged friends get a look in - if you want to produce a personalised ‘food bowl’ for your favourite pet dog or cat, you can!

An example of a special gift is the commemorative ‘ wedding plate ‘. A photograph of the couple with their names and date of wedding is prepared - already glazed and fired. Guests write comments or sign their names with a special pen onto the surface. To ‘fix’ the images - and make the plate microwave and dishwasher proof - it is placed in a conventional oven for 30 minutes at 170 degrees. The result is a memento to last a lifetime.

The normal process is straightforward. Selected bisqueware items are either painted individually - or the design details of a bespoke gift can be left for painting and production by the team at Honey Bee ceramics. Only the finest materials and advanced production techniques are used. If you’re interested in developing your skills, special workshop courses are also available - find out more by phoning (00357) 26 939 101

Don’t feel bedazzled by the terminology. Bisqueware simply refers to any clay object that has been fired once prior to glazing. Simply choose a pre-formed item and personalise it with your own design, a stencil or perhaps a cherished photograph - and collect the finished product a few days later after the ‘glazing and firing’. Previously completed pieces are available for purchase at the studio. It’s as easy as that - in fact your imagination does most of the work!

If you’re on a flying visit to cyprus, you can arrange for your creative efforts to be sent back home to you safely and securely. You can also order online and arrange despatch of that special gift direct from cyprus. A visit to the website will tell you more about what Honey Bee ceramics has to offer; go to www.honeybeeceramics.eu

The driving force of the company is Helen Schofield, the owner and working Director whose passion for this new venture is firmly in place.

Helen says: “This is an exciting business and one where people of all ages and backgrounds, can develop skills in this fascinating art form - and have fun at the same time. We pride ourselves in offering unrivalled customer service. Our advice is free and there are no hidden costs. For any item, the price you see is the price you pay. We want everyone who visits to feel at home and receptive to trying out fresh ideas”

The Studio and Coffee Shop is open most days - 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday - and closed on Sunday, Monday and Public Holidays

Long term rental in cyprus

Along with a great selection of holiday apartments and villas, known as ’short-term’ accommodation in cyprus, Hestia Group also offers properties for Long term rental. If you are looking for a Long term rent in cyprus, please contact us or visit our website for details of those places available.

We usually have apartments, townhouses and villas in various locations of Southern cyprus. Check out http://www.hestia-group.com/longterm. This list will not show every property we are offering or aware of, but will feature some of the nicer accommodation available. We generally have a range of properties for Long term rent in Paphos and Limassol, plus through our associates we can help arrange accommodation in Larnaca and the South East Coast, including Paralimni, Protaras, agia napa and Kaparris.

Long term rentals in cyprus are typically based on a 12 month (1 year) contract / tenancy agreement. The rent is always payable per calendar month, in advance.

The tenant would usually be responsible for paying the utilities / services (water, electricity, bottled gas, council tax, telephone).

Where there are any communal facilities like shared swimming pools, or apartment blocks which have lifts and hallways which will be cleaned or serviced regularly - this ‘communal fee’ or form of management charge, is often included in the monthly rental - but you are always advised to double check this fact before signing a tenancy agreement.

Naturally a deposit is required, this is often equal to 1 (one) months rent, but in some cases, more so with furnished properties, the tenant may be asked for an amount equal to 2 (two) months rent.

Where a villa in cyprus has their own private swimming pool, this obviously requires maintenance and upkeep. Some landlords will adjust the rent accordingly and include pool cleaning, possibly even gardening in the monthly rent. In any case, you will either quickly learn how you look after your own pool, or you will find a local companies or individual who offers this service!

If you have a property in cyprus and would like us to advertise and market your property for Long term rental, please contact us.

Shopping MALL - OPENS IN Paphos cyprus.

Paphos now has its very own Shopping mall for the first time… On Saturday 26th July, House President Marios Karoyian officially opened The Paphos Mall, which covers an area of 30,000 square meters at the entrance of Paphos, with retail space of 6,000 square meters and over 1,000 parking places, most of which are covered.

The Paphos Mall is easily accessible, situated on Demokratis Avenue, the main road connecting the Limassol highway with Kato Paphos / the Tourist area. This location in convenient for both visitors coming from Paphos, as well as people living in Paphos and coming from nearby towns and villages such as Polis, Peyia, Chloraka and Geroskipou.

Retail stores represent well known brands and chains, while its cafeteria is the first Costa Coffee to open in Paphos (7th in cyprus). One can enjoy Shopping and spend their money in the following stores: Orphanidies Hypermarket, Eye Deal Optical (Opticians), Germanos, Beauty Line, Scholl, BonBon, Kappa Kids, Calzedonia and Charles & Keith. A selection of restaurants will also be on the premises.

According to a press release, “The Paphos Mall has been especially designed to care for all the family’s needs and to become the single destination for a family outing. Furthermore, the meticulous design and careful selection, as well as the set up of its outlets, aims at attracting non-Cypriot customers as well.”

The opening week saw visitors being greeted by “many pleasant surprises, with a number of events held on the premises to entertain the public”.
LINKS;
Shopping - http://www.hestia-group.com/news/2007/08/18/shopping-opening-hours/
Opticians - http://www.hestia-group.com/news/2008/03/06/opticians-in-cyprus/

Adopting just a couple of elements of the Mediterranean diet could cut the risk of cancer by 12%, say scientists. A study of 26,000 Greek people found just using more olive oil alone cut the risk by 9%. The diet, reports the British Journal of Cancer, also includes higher amounts of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and less red meat. A separate study found adding broccoli to meals might help men vulnerable to prostate cancer cut their risk.
 
The Mediterranean diet came under scrutiny after researchers noticed lower rates of illnesses such as heart disease in countries such as Spain, Greece and cyprus. They noticed that people living there generally ate more vegetables and fish, less red meat, cooked in olive oil and drank moderate amounts of alcohol. The latest study is one of the largest yet to look at the potential impact on cancer of the various parts of this diet.

Researchers from Harvard University persuaded thousands of Greek people of various ages to record their food intake over an eight-year-period. Their adherence to the Mediterranean diet was ranked using a scoring system, and the group with the worst score compared with those who followed a couple of aspects of the diet, and those who followed it the most closely.

The biggest effect they found - a 9% reduction in risk - was achieved simply by eating more “unsaturated” fats such as olive oil. But just two changes - eating less red meat, and more peas, beans and lentils, cut the risk of cancer by 12%.

Dr Dimitrios Trichopoulos, who led the study, said: “Adjusting one’s overall dietary habits towards the traditional Mediterranean pattern had an important effect.” Sara Hiom, from Cancer Research UK, said the research highlighted the importance of a healthy balanced diet. “It shows there are a number of things you can do, and there is no one ’superfood’ that can stop you developing the disease.”

The other study suggesting that food had the power to prevent cancer came from the Institute of Food Research in Norwich. Scientists compared the effects of adding 400 grams of broccoli or peas a week to the diet of men at high risk of prostate cancer - and in the case of broccoli found differences in the activity of genes in the prostate which other studies have linked to cancer.

Their findings raised the possibility that broccoli, or other “cruciferous” vegetables, such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, could help prevent or slow down the disease, particularly if the man had a particular gene variant - GSTM1. Professor Richard Mithen, who led the research, published in the Public Library of Science journal, said: “Eating two or three portions of cruciferous vegetables per week, and maybe a few more if you lack the GSTM1 gene - should be encouraged.”

Professor Karol Sikora, medical director of CancerPartnersUK, said the study was the first time in a properly controlled clinical trial that broccoli had been shown to change the expression of specific genes in the prostate gland. “Although the observation period was too short and the numbers too small to show that the incidence of cancer actually fell, it is the first clear demonstration that broccoli and presumably other cruciferous vegetables may well reduce cancer risk.”
This article was reported on BBC news, 2nd July 08.

The Karpas wild donkeys are seen as a symbol of cyprus. Recently both Greek and Turkish Cypriots have united together on their divided island to save these endangered wild donkeys… The initiative was launched by a group of people on the social networking website ‘Facebook’ after discovering 10 donkeys were found shot dead at the end of March 2008. “Let’s stop the massacre of Karpas donkeys!” says a message from the group, which has already attracted more than 2,000 members to date. The Karpas Peninsula in Northern cyprus is home to several hundred donkeys.

The Facebook group says the Karpas donkeys “are the symbol of cyprus and it is our responsibility to protect them”. The messages which are posted in both Greek and Turkish, are a new gesture of unity on the island, whose communities remain divided by a UN-patrolled buffer zone.

A group of Greek and Turkish Cypriots rallied on a beach in the Karpas Peninsula on 13 April to “Save the cyprus donkey“. The Karpas donkeys are a legacy of the 1974 Turkish invasion of northern cyprus, when Greek Cypriot farmers fled the area, leaving their animals behind, the AFP news agency reports.
 
This article was reported on BBC news, 22nd April 08.

Naturally a big concern or factor when deciding to move abroad or buy a holiday home in the sun is the medical service and Health Care in the Country… cyprus health care is of a high standard which is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation and because infectious diseases and epidemics throughout the country are so low, foreign nationals entering cyprus are not required to have any vaccinations.  Life expectancy for the population is around at 75 years for men and 80 years for women – that’s a bit higher than the UK?..

cyprus gives priority to its health care system and actively promotes preventive medicine. Many of the medical professionals have trained abroad, with a good number graduating from the UK.  The low cost of consultations and care, together with short waiting lists make cyprus an attractive destination for treatment.

State run hospitals are located in all the major cities, these ‘General Hospitals’ are in Polis, Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia and Paralimni… and smaller government-run hospitals and clinics are present in other areas of the country. There are also a large number of private hospitals and clinics most of which have excellent equipment and facilities.

Anyone who has paid regular social security contributions in another EU country for two full years prior to coming to cyprus is entitled to public health cover for a limited period from the date of their last contribution. Social security form E106 must be obtained from the social security authorities in your home country and presented to your local Social Insurance office in cyprus.  The European Health Insurance Card (E.H.I.C) is now being used throughout Europe for reciprocal health care. This is available free of charge from the NHS in the UK.

Retirees living in cyprus and receiving a state pension from another EU country are entitled to free or subsidised state healthcare (dependant upon income). You will need to obtain the necessary forms from your home country and submit them to any general hospital with your application for a cyprus medical card.  You should contact the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Medical Benefits Section to acquire the necessary forms.

If you are under state pension age you will need to take out private health insurance, which offers a wider choice of medical practitioners and hospitals. If you already have private health insurance in another country, you may be able to extend it to cover you in cyprus; however, this may not be the most economical alternative.  There are a great many insurance companies out there, both Cypriot and International and it pays to shop around and get at least three quotes.  Many schemes will have an excess and the amount should be carefully considered.  Check whether the insurance company will deal directly with the hospital when paying the fees and carefully scrutinize exactly what the insurance company will pay for and what is excluded.

The benefits of health care in cyprus can be great in that you may be able to walk in to a hospital or clinic and get a same day appointment to see a specialist and leave only around 35 euros worse off, but with a diagnosis and medication!