something I say lightly. For years my life was a cycle of fad diets: quick fixes that promised everything and delivered very little Of course I lost weight on many of them But just as quickly it crept back on What those diets never gave me were the tools, habits or mindset to actually keep the weight off and to build a healthy relationship with food.
Everything changed when I discovered Slimming World. After moving to Larnaca ten years ago, I was fortunate to hear about a local group through a friend who had already seen amazing results. That’s how I met Helen Ioannou. Walking into her group for the first time, I was immediately struck by the warmth. There was no judgement, no pressure, just genuine support. Helen welcomed me with a smile and took the time to explain the plan in a way that made sense I remember thinking how can I posibly lose weight whilst eating this much food? After years of resriction and deprivation, it almost felt too good to be true. But I was reassured: follow Food Optimising 100%, trust the process and it would work.
And it did
What made the difference wasn’t just the food - it was the routine, the consistency and the weekly support. Staying in the group each week gave me accountability, encouragement and practical tips I could actually use in the real world. For the first time I wasn’t just “on a diet”, I was building a lifestyle. Slimming World has now incorporated healthy fats Cooking with olive oil, adding avocados and olives to salads having 100% peanut butter on toast and enhancing my favourite meals makes it even easier to please the whole family. I’ve always loved trekking but now I experience it in a completely different way I can move freely, breathe easily and truly enjoy the journey without feeling exhausted or held back. That physical freedom has brought wth it a new sense of confidence and self worth that I hadn’t felt in years.
Now I want to give that same feeling to others I’m incredibly excited to be starting my own journey as a consultant with Slimming World and to support others in finding their own happiness.
th I can’t wait to welcome new members with the same warmth that changed everything for me. Because it’s not about losing weight - it’s about gaining your life back.
On 16 May I’ll be opening my first group in The Royal British Legion, Dhekelia at 9am
DJ IZ.ZI
Cyprus’ youngest female DJ
The Syrian-Lebanese
Editor’s Note
Stay stylish and strong x
Amandaxx
WHERE
EVERY VISIT IS A DISCOVERY WHERE EVERY VISIT IS A DISCOVERY
Step into something a little different at Good Taste Gallery
A true curiosity shop and treasure trove of finds you didn’t know you needed. From unique gifts and stylish clothing to quirky home pieces and one-off gems, every corner is filled with personality and surprise. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect present or just fancy a browse, you’ll always leave with something special.
CYPRUS’ YOUNGEST FEMALE DJ AT 18YRS
OLD
SECURES RESIDENCY AT AYIA NAPA’S BIGGEST DANCE BAR
How did you end up in Cyprus?
My parents met when my dad was a dj in Carwash Ayia Napa in 2000. He taught me a lot and around the time I was looking into going into it professionally, my family started making plans to relocate from the UK to live here in Ayia Napa and we arrived last year.
You’re already making waves on the Cyprus clubbing scene, how easy was it for you to fit in?
It didn’t take me long to get my first couple of gigs once I landed on the island and it has snowballed from there.
What was the moment you realised this could be a career for you?
I’ve been djing since I was young and always had a passion for music and also being on a stage one way or another. I started off at private events and knew from the crowd’s response I was good and I love it. Nothing beats that moment when the crowd locks in with you—the energy, the connection, the vibe and that’s why I do it.
What makes you different from other DJs right now?
Well first of all my age is a big shock to people when i first tell them. But I’ve been brought up listening to all styles of music since I was a baby so my knowledge with music, I’d say, is uniquely valuable again for my age. also I have one special power which is playing an electric percussion drum at the same time whilst I’m djing.
What would you change in the nightlife scene?
If we are talking about Ayia Napa, I think the one massive change that must be done is the fact all the bars and clubs are playing exactly the same music. They need to be more strict on the genres they play.I i mean places like Black and White tend to stick to their RnB but it’s mainly the bars that need to become individually styled with music and themes. Otherwise it just may as well be one big dance floor.
Do you feel pressure being labelled “the youngest female DJ,” or do you use it to your advantage?
i tend to use it as my advantage as people get shocked and very impressed by my skills at such a young age.
What is your music style?
My musical knowledge is very wideranged from the 70s to now, but my favourite genres to play are house, latin/afro/tribal/tech house and also melodic techno. iIalso play all commercial music that everyone knows to keep a happy dance floor, especially in Napa.
How have your parents influenced you?
I don’t think I’d be anywhere without them. I do have my own passion for music and djing but I’ve definitely had a big push from them both to keep me disciplined Do you think there are enough opportunities for young female DJs in Cyprus?
Yes!!! We are very much on trend at the moment and I know lots of places are always looking for a female dj and musicians. I would even go as far to say I think female DJs have more of an advantage than male djs right now.
What are you looking forward to this season? I am so excited for this season to pick up. This is my first full proper year in Cyprus now with a good group of friends and there’s definitely lots coming up for me and my career. I’m looking forward to see what this season can bring me and what opportunities and doors will unlock.
THE ORIGINAL SPICE GIRL LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM
RELEASED 1 MAY
Recorded between London, Stockholm and Los Angeles, Sweat is both a return to her earliest influences and a reflection of where she is now, an artist unafraid to push forward while honouring her past. Alongside its club-ready highs, the album also carries emotional depth, exploring resilience, heartbreak and renewal, reinforcing Melanie’s reputation for pairing honesty with uplift
Before she became Mel C of the Spice Girls, Melanie Chisholm was an 18-year-old immersed in the rave scene of early ’90s Spain, an experience that would shape her lifelong connection to dance music. Decades later, she reconnects with those roots on Sweat, her ninth studio album, released May 1, is a euphoric, highenergy record that captures the freedom, unity and escapism of the dancefloor
Led by the electrifying title track “Sweat,” an irresistible electro-house cut sampling Diana Ross, the album is a celebration of movement, joy and community. New single “Attitude” builds on that momentum, bold, playful and empowering, it’s a confident anthem about stepping fully into your power and embracing self-belief. Together, the tracks showcase a vibrant new era for Melanie C, blending her chartdominating pop sensibilities with her evolution as a globally respected DJ.
AI FOR BUSINESS: 1 HR STRATEGY SESSION
This 1:1 coaching session is designed to show you how to use AI across your business - not just for content - but for productivity, sales, marketing & growth
15 mins: AI LANDSCAPE
0-5 mins:
DISCOVERY
What’s your business model?
Where are you losing time?
What do you hate doing the most?
Content AI (writing, ideas)
Design AI (visuals, branding)
Productivity AI (automation, organisation
Sales AI
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45 mins: THE CORE: TOOLS & APPLICATION
Writing & Thinking
Design & Branding AI
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WHO IS THIS FOR?
Business owners, freelancers & entrepreneurs who want to save time, improve consistency & Elevate their brand
Increse visibility & sales
Work more effectively without hiring a team
Chat CPT, Claude. Used for emails, brainstorming
Canva, Midjourney Used for social media graphics, brand identity, Ad creation
Capcut. Used for Reels,Tiktok, Instagram, edit talking videos
Notion AI, Zapier. Used to automating tasks, client workflows Jasper, Mailchimp. Used for sales funnerls, emails, lead generation
Perplexity AI Used for competitor analysis, market trends Proper direction, using too many tools, losing human tone
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH:
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Hi, my name is Elena and I am a property consultant with Fox Realty in Cyprus I live in Paralimni but specialise in properties all over the island. My role is to guide and support clients in buring, selling or renting properties, provinfing professional advice and tailored solutions to meet their needs.
The clients I value the most are those who recognise the importance of professional collaboration and tho trust my guidance throughout the decision-making process Through mutual trust, we are able to achieve the most successful results together.
What I love most about my work is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in helping clients reach their goals Each successful collaboration is not just a transaction but the foundation of a longterm relationshop built on trust, professionalism and reliability
The real estate market in Cyprus is particularly dynamic, offering both investment opportunities and an excellent quality of life. The island’s strategic location, favourable climate and continuous infrastructure development are key reasons why Cyprus attracts both local and international investors.
HOROSCOPES HOROSCOPES HOROSCOPES
WITH MANISH WITH MANISH MANISH
manish@manishastrologer.com
Aries ( 21 March – 19 April ) - This is a month where both singles and those with partners can advance at speed or change with dramatic intensity Money and relationships figure strongly. There may be beneficial news, important opportunity and romantic meetings all coming at you.
Taurus ( 20 April – 20 May ) - You will have luck on your side so make the most of it and strike while the iron is hot. Opportunity comes through those you meet and you may expand your activities into new areas through such influence This may contribute to career development.
Gemini ( 21 May – 20 June) - This is an expansive phase where you can gain greatly through being out there, keeping a clear and positive attitude and being ready to take the chances that come. New ideas, new working associations and new social directions are keys to the future
Cancer ( 21 June – 22 July ) Your dynamic style will attract attention from on high, and you might shift career tracks within the same business or industry. there.
Leo ( 23 July – 22 August ) –You may decide to study or increase the dimension of your knowledge as you move from one level of wisdom to the next. You may develop new practices or skills to use later on. A new relationship may change the state of things, where you're living and even life direction
.
Sagittarius (22 Nov - 21 Dec) There may be new connections that come into emotional and domestic sphere of your life and alter your living conditions. You may begin to devote energy to a cause or a new spiritual direction.
Virgo ( 23 August – 22 Sep )Your perseverance in the love department pays off in a lovely way. Couples make interesting new sparks now, while singletons can find someone to warm their heart
Libra ( 23 Sep – 22 October )Your natural optimism will be a spiritual optimism drawn from the deepest of wells within you. You’re electrified by a new vision, whether it’s one of reconnecting or starting fresh, and you’re electrically attractive as well
Scorpio ( 23 Oct – 21 November )You may have dealings with wealthy or powerful people You may discuss money in a new way. You may embark on a course of learning that brings deep knowledge. For some there may be a sexual liaison from the world of your associates
Capricorn (22 Dec – 19 Jan) This month will draw you on the path of a search for truth and deeper meaning. For some, this will bring an enrichment of current direction as you seek to know and understand more of what you do.
Aquarius (20 Jan – 18 Feb Big decisions may be better left till later. You may feel pulled in different directions, and it can be hard to fill your own personal needs. You may fall out with someone or someone may leave your circle
Pisces (19 Feb – 20 March)-New projects will go well for you.Your natural optimism will no longer be in any way a surface or superficial cheerfulness
WHY ECONOMOU HEARING CENTRES IS TRANSFORMING HEARING HEALTH IN CYPRUS
Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. It’s gradual and subtle : missing parts of conversations, turning the TV up just that little bit louder, or feeling exhausted after social situations because you’re straining tokeepup.
But what if restoring your hearing wasn’t just about sound but about reconnecting withlife?
That’s exactly what Economou Hearing CentresisdeliveringacrossCyprus.
MoreThanHearingAids—APersonalised Experience.
At the heart of Economou Hearing is a simple philosophy: no two people hear the same way, sonotwosolutionsshouldbeidentical.
From the very first consultation, clients are guided through a personalised journey, combining advanced diagnostics with real human care. This isn’t a quick in-and-out appointment It’s a tailored experience designed to understand your lifestyle, your needs, and how hearing loss is impacting your day-to-daylife
Cutting-EdgeTechnology,DiscreetResults
Gone are the days of bulky, visible devices. Today’s hearing solutions are sleek, discreet, andincrediblypowerful.
Economou Hearing Centres offer the latest in digital hearing technology. Devices that automatically adapt to your environment, whetheryou’reinabusyrestaurant,onacall,or enjoyingaquieteveningathome
The result? Clearer conversations, less background noise, and a renewed sense of confidence.
TheConfidenceYouDidn’tRealiseYou’dLost Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears, it affects your confidence, relationships, and even your mental wellbeing. By restoring clarity, Economou Hearing Centres helps people feel like themselves again: more present,moreengaged,andmoreconnected totheworldaroundthem.Thesoonerhearing loss is addressed, the better the long-term outcomes, not just for hearing, but for cognitivehealthandqualityoflife
ExpertCareYouCanTrust
Withareputationbuiltonprofessionalismand results, Economou Hearing combines clinical expertisewithawarm,approachableservice If you’ve been turning up the volume, asking peopletorepeatthemselves,orsimplyfeeling less connected in conversations, it might be timetotakeaction
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Global Tensions Are Rewriting Cyprus Tourism in 2026
The psychology of travel has changed: travellers are more cautious, more price-sensitive, and more reactive to world events than in previous years
Another shift is in trip structure:
Fewer long, fixed-package holidays booked far in advance
More flexible, shorter stays
Higher demand for refundable bookings and last-minute deals
This has forced airlines and hotels to adjust pricing strategies more dynamically, with greater emphasis on filling gaps rather than relying on guaranteed seasonal occupancy
Resort areas like Ayia Napa are seeing stronger fluctuations, heavily dependent on last-minute tourist flows
Stable destinations like Paphos are holding up better due to older, repeat European visitors
The defining feature of 2026 tourism in Cyprus is not decline it is instability in timing.
Where once the industry could rely on predictable booking curves and seasonal certainty, it now operates in a more fluid environment shaped by global uncertainty
For Cyprus, the challenge ahead is less about attracting tourists and more about adapting to a world where certainty itself has become seasonal
And despite the uncertainty, Cyprus tourism is not weakening in overall volume. Instead, it is becoming more sensitive to global mood shifts.
MEN’S ACCOUNABILITY
I woke up today irritated. And I shouldn’t be as I had a lovely night out with my friends but all I could think about was the harassment from men who don’t understand the word no.
Last night was one of those evenings where I was reminded very quickly that some men don’t actually enter social spaces to socialise, they enter them to occupy space around women and test boundaries. And it usually starts in the same lazy, predictable way: a “what’s your name?” that doesn’t even wait for an answer before being followed by “can we go back to your apartment?” as if those two sentences naturally belong together. I mean wow, why wait to go home? I should just drop my knickers on the floor right there, dazzled by your sheer lack of self awareness.
Then it shifts into the more intrusive questions that stop being irritating and start feeling like a quiet risk assessment. “Do you live alone?” Questions that aren’t about connection at all, but about vulnerability. And in that moment, the night changes. I am no longer just trying to end a conversation, I am suddenly aware of exits, scanning the proximity of security guards and assessing the behaviour of the person in front of me and how quickly things could escalate if boundaries aren’t respected. What stands out every time is the speed of it. The complete lack of build-up. The way some men genuinely believe proximity is permission, leaning in too close and continuing to talk when there’s no engagement as if clear body
language is just background noise rather than an answer. Suddenly I am managing someone else’s entitlement instead of enjoying my night.
Later, another man at the bar, drunk enough to be barely steady with a seemingly angry face tried to insert himself into my space. I turn my back to him completely because there is nothing to engage with, no invitation, just disinterest. But even that doesn’t stop the tapping on the shoulder. And for a split second I panicked and thought he may hit me because I spun round and told him to fuck off and he would be wearing my drink if he touched me again.
Harassment is bad enough, but the constant background calculation women are forced to do in social spaces is not spoken about enough. It’s rarely just about ending a conversation. It’s about reading energy shifts, anticipating escalation, and staying one step ahead because experience teaches you that subtlety is often ignored and politeness is mistaken for access. Women in clubs are not easy pickings. We’re not on display, we’re having fun with our friends and dancing to some of the best DJs in Europe.We don’t want to be distracted from that with men with rank stale alcohol breath, questionable personal hygiene issues and an overinflated sense of appeal wrapped in a crappy Balmain T-shirt bought on Klarna.Trust me bro, you’re not a catch, you’re a disruption.
It shows up in messages too: men sliding into DMs with “can we go for a drink?” as if meeting a mediocre stranger and sitting through a forced conversation is something that should automatically feel appealing to me. I don’t want obligation-based socialising.
After the dismissal by me and a clear rejection I got: “Relax, it’s just a drink.” That patronising little dismissal that suggests the problem is my reaction, not your behaviour. As if I wasn’t already relaxed until you ignored every social cue and inserted yourself where you weren’t wanted. I am relaxed. I didn’t need calming down. I needed space that wasn’t being ignored and you’re blocked. Because at that point it’s not a misunderstanding, it’s a refusal to accept that no interest is still an answer. Men really need to read the room or better still, stay in their own room at home until they learn how to behave like a decent human being in public.
NICOSIA – LIMASSOL – LARNACA
The musical theatre production by Petros Zoulias, “Well then, Mr Zambetas”, which has been loved by audiences in Greece, comes to Cyprus for the first time with an all-star cast.
The performance follows the semifictional events of the personal life of the great composer Giorgos Zambetas, while featuring a wide selection of his muchloved songs.
Petros Zoulias writes a text full of humour and emotion, aiming to highlight the unique personality of the great, truly “macho” Greek artist. He draws inspiration from the revealing book by Katerina Zambeta; Giorgos Zambetas, I Will Fall Deep into the Sea.
The performance includes unique audio documents of the composer, featuring lively storytelling and excerpts from Greek films he scored, as well as television interviews. In this fascinating and unpredictable way, Zambetas is present throughout the performance.
Even from its title, the performance promises to faithfully honour and fully embody the unique personality of one of Greece’s most spontaneous and beloved folk creators. It is a living reflection of his identity. The performance is Zambetas himself, not just another tribute. The entire work is a meeting with the spirit, humour, language and soul of the composer, expressed through the magical narration of theatre.
