LUCIANO SOZZO, COO AND ACTING GENERAL MANAGER AT AMARA, STADEMOS HOTELS

Posted in People on 1 August, 2025

With AMARA firmly established as one of Cyprus’ most design-forward destinations, Stademos Hotels is now preparing to unveil a major investment: a new suite offering at its heritage icon, the Elysium. COO Luciano Sozzo shares the thinking behind the group’s evolving vision.

Words by Jess Miles.

At AMARA, arrival is part of the theatre. The architecture doesn’t just guide you in – it pulls your gaze straight through to the sea. Step into the lobby and you’re met with a carefully composed frame: sky, water, and horizon, all aligned with the building’s geometry. It’s a moment of gentle spectacle, setting the tone for a property that balances drama with restraint.

Inside, the palette leans into soft natural textures – travertine, pale oak, brushed stone – catching and responding to the shifting light from day to dusk. The lines are clean, the atmosphere composed, yet everything feels designed to elevate rather than overwhelm. Even in the rooms, a copy of David Rockwell: Drama sits discreetly on the shelf – a subtle nod to the creative vision behind it all.

AMARA, Cyprus. In the lobby the framing creates a grand entrance.

But AMARA is just one chapter in the Stademos Hotels story. The group, which also includes the grand, palatial Elysium in Paphos and the relaxed, family-friendly Mediterranean Hotel in Limassol, brings together a triptych of Cypriot hospitality. Three properties, three distinct guest profiles, and one overarching ambition: to deliver luxury with nuance, clarity and a strong sense of place.

Overseeing operations is Luciano Sozzo, Chief Operating Officer of Stademos Hotels and Acting General Manager at AMARA. With over three and a half decades in international hospitality under his belt, he brings a global perspective to a proudly local brand. In conversation with SPACE, Sozzo discusses leading a diverse portfolio, the Cypriot hotel market, and how design becomes a strategic tool when you get the details right.

At AMARA, arrival is part of the theatre.

You’ve worked in luxury hospitality for over 35 years, from front-of-house to leading roles across Europe and Asia. How has this shaped your leadership at Stademos Hotels and AMARA?
My journey through the luxury hospitality sector has been both humbling and incredibly enriching, I began front of house and that first glimpse into the industry taught me the importance of human connection. This is something that, to this day, I believe no amount of technology or investment can replace. Whether in Rome or Kazakhstan, or now, in Cyprus, I’ve always believed that luxury isn’t about excess — it’s about detail, empathy and authenticity.

Across the Stademos portfolio, and especially at AMARA, I’ve applied this philosophy by creating a culture that empowers our teams to be guest-focused in all they do. I lead the team by example, encouraging our managers to spend time on the floor, where I myself like to observe and listen to the daily goings which allows me to continually evolve the guest experience. Having worked across continents and among such different cultures, the key has always been to infuse local character whilst delivering a truly international standard of service, and that is something we excel at across the three properties.

Junior Suite II – Bedroom

What lessons from your global experience have you brought to Cyprus and to AMARA and Elysium in particular?
I’ve had the pleasure of working across a range of boutique properties and large-scale resorts globally, each of these experiences has taught me that while expectations around service may differ from market to market, the core of exceptional hospitality is universal: authenticity, consistency and emotional connection are the driving forces behind a great guest experience.

At AMARA and Elysium, I’ve worked closely with our teams to bring these principles to life in a way that honours the unique identity of Cyprus. Both properties offer such distinct experiences, whilst ensuring the Cypriot culture is woven through the guest journey from the moment they check in. Before joining the team at Stademos, each destination I worked in taught me a unique lesson I apply across the properties, for instance in Asia I saw how attention to emotional nuance can elevate the guest experience. Our team is encouraged to move beyond procedural hospitality and instead focus on anticipating needs through subtle cues like body language, so that every guest interaction becomes a genuine moment of connection rather than a transactional exchange.

As COO, how do you cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation across three very different properties, each catering to distinct markets?
Each property serves a distinct market segment, from ultra-luxe to family-friendly premium hospitality, but our commitment to delivering a truly memorable experience has remained the same since we were founded back in 1989. I ensure this culture translates across all properties by working closely with team leads who are experts in their clientele to make sure they each have the autonomy to shape operations to fit their individual guest profile – always underpinned by Stademos’ core standards of excellence.

We continually measure guest satisfaction, team engagement and revenue performance across the group, so we can identify patterns and celebrate wins across the board, whilst addressing any concerns in an open and collaborative environment.

AMARA blends heritage with contemporary design by SB Architects, David Rockwell Studio, and WA Interiors. How does this design philosophy elevate the guest experience?
AMARA’s design is a crucial element of the guest experience, seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with Cypriot heritage. The architecture maximises natural light and sea views – which we purposefully ensured every room is afforded – to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor culture, creating a serene and immersive environment.

The thoughtful design across the property enhances the guest experience by offering spaces that are both visually appealing and deeply connected to the surroundings. Spaces incorporate bespoke travertine and marble stones, brass and iron furnishings as well as the finest fabrics and cloths, all balanced by artworks and paintings to create a fusion of timeless elegance and modern luxury.

The Elysium’s €10 million renovation, including 47 new suites, is a major investment. What’s the vision behind this project?
The €10 million euro investment reflects our commitment to continually elevating the guest experience across our properties. Our vision for Elysium is to preserve the hotel’s unique Mediterranean-inspired architecture, whilst modernising suites by incorporating luxury materials and design elements that resonate with both returning guests and a new generation of affluent travellers seeking understated elegance and comfort.

Can you share some specific design elements or features that guests can look forward to in the new suites?
Local architect, Mr. Eraklis Papachristou is overseeing the project, and each of the new suites will embody a modern, Mediterranean aesthetic. Expect clean lines, natural surfaces and earthy tones throughout, with interiors that combine natural oak wood, beamed ceilings, local Limassol stone, Greek Terrazzo Ionian Beige marble and travertine limestone. We also want to offer a truly elevated alfresco experience for guests, and each of the suites will feature a patio with built-in seating that frames private pools — we want these to provide the ultimate haven for guests, offering privacy and seclusion in a resort setting.

Renders reveal first look at Elysium’s new suite offering.

With AMARA and the renovation at Elysium, it’s clear Stademos Hotels is building a strong focus on design. How do you select design partners and ensure their vision aligns with the brand’s values?
Design is not just aesthetic for us, it’s strategic. Every design decision is about storytelling – how do we reflect our surroundings, whilst creating emotional resonance, deciding how best to deliver comfort in a way that feels effortless and authentic.

This is why when we’re selecting partners, we look for studios that don’t just have technical skill, but who truly understand our philosophy. For AMARA we worked with SB Architects, David Rockwell Studio, and WA Interiors, not only because they’re internationally renowned, but because they listened. They embraced our vision to create a property that feels globally sophisticated, whilst honouring Cyprus.

For Elysium, our design partners understood the importance of honouring classical architecture while introducing a more refined, contemporary touch. That balance is delicate and we only work with those who are not just capable of delivering it, but are excited by the challenge.

Cyprus is seeing a rise in affluent travellers. How are guest expectations shaping the design and amenities at Elysium and beyond?
We’re seeing a clear shift in what luxury means to today’s affluent traveller. It’s no longer defined solely by opulence or formality, it’s about authenticity, personalisation and meaningful design. Guests want spaces that feel refined but also rooted in place and experiences that are curated but not scripted. This helped us shape the decision behind our recent renovation, opting to encapsulate subtle elegance across the new suites to provide a true sense of serenity. Amenities are following a similar path, be it offering spa treatments that are holistic and locally inspired, or culinary offerings that celebrate locally sourced ingredients.

As Cyprus’ hospitality market grows more competitive, how does Stademos Hotels stand out?
We distinguish ourselves through a combination of personalised service, luxurious accommodation offerings, unrivalled culinary experiences and a deep connection to Cypriot culture. Each of our properties offer a unique guest experience, but they all blend modern luxury with traditional charm. AMARA sets itself apart through its incredible partnerships with world-renowned chefs, and since opening has become a dining destination in its own right, with Locatelli, Beefbar and Matsuhisa – each restaurant not only attracts hotel guests but visitors from all over Cyprus. Another determining factor when guests decide to book with us is the spa, one of the largest and most comprehensive in Cyprus (at 3,000sqm) it offers an expansive menu of treatments and the finest facilities including saunas, ice rooms and indoor pool and open-air infinity pool with a sun terrace.

What opportunities and risks do you see on the horizon for Cyprus’ hospitality sector, and how does Stademos plan to stay ahead?
We are focused on sustainable development, maintaining an innovative guest experience and continuing to invest in strategic partnerships that feel authentic to each property. We want to capitalise on the growing interest in Cyprus as a luxury destination, whilst mitigating risks associated with market saturation. By staying true to our core values and adapting to industry trends, we will continue to lead the way in providing exceptional hospitality experiences across Cyprus.