Welcome to the Leader’s Insights, a place where The Future asks the simplest yet the most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups and innovators.
This time we talk with Farah Shammas, the Managing Director of the award-winning St. Raphael Resort and Marina in Limassol. Known for her visionary leadership, Farah has transformed the resort into a leader in sustainable luxury and exceptional hospitality. Her passion for eco-conscious living is evident in her work, where she seamlessly incorporates plant-based philosophies into the resort’s offerings, promoting sustainability and healthy dining experiences. Guests are invited to experience her vision at St. Raphael Resort and Marina, where the motto is: Radiate Kindness with Sustainable Luxury.
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Farah’s academic journey includes a BA (Hons) in Classical Literature and Civilisation and a Master’s in Tourism Marketing. She has also earned certifications in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and is a Certified Plant-Based Nutrition Coach by FRN. These accomplishments underscore her dedication to the ethos of “Sustainable Luxury,” seamlessly blending world-class hospitality with a commitment to environmental responsibility.
In addition to managing the resort, Farah is the host of the Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas podcast, where she shares inspiring stories and lessons from fascinating personalities connected in some way to the hospitality industry.
She is also the founder of Farah’s Club, an international community dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to wellness, health, and happiness, empowering them to become their best selves.
A published author, Farah has written three books that feature healthy recipes: “40 Delicious Vegan Recipes: Cook Book and Guide”, and two children’s books, “A little boy called Noah” and “Theo The Pig: A poetic story book and recipe guide for budding vegan and vegetarian kids”. Her fourth book, “50 Delicious Soups’’, is set to be released in December 2024.
Farah is also a sought-after speaker, frequently traveling to share her expertise on sustainability, women’s empowerment, healthy living, and leadership.
She resides in Cyprus with her husband and their three children.
Let’s hear more from Farah Shammas…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job at St. Raphael Resort and Marina?
I started work officially in my family’s company on an extremely cold day in January 2023, just after finishing my master’s. I do not remember much about the specifics, except that it was very dark that month and very tough to learn, find my place, and develop in a company that was undergoing big changes at the time. Everyone was very sceptical and scared of having the boss’s daughter on the team.
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
I would say being the interviewer, as it’s harder for many to listen than to talk. In a good interview, the interviewer should pose questions that bring out the true character of the interviewee and make them feel comfortable enough to reveal their true personality.
3. What do you most value in your employees? Why?
Honesty and energy.
I really value those who love life, feel a desire to share their knowledge, and strive to keep growing, and we are here to facilitate that. Being honest with yourself, your ambitions, and your goals, while finding joy in all you do, is essential. I really want people to be happy at work and look forward to coming into the hotel. If they aren’t, for any reason, we will solve it or even help them find something they want to do outside of our business. I truly appreciate people who think outside the box and aren’t afraid to share their opinions. There are many people in a team, and that is what makes companies successful.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
For every problem, there is a solution.
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
Keep learning, read as much as you can, and find a mentor. You don’t have to do everything on your own, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for help or advice. I have no regrets and wouldn’t change anything about my journey.
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
I allow myself alone time where possible and always write down my ideas as they come to me. Being creative is so important to my life, without it I feel numb. I need to keep doing, making and growing and to find new challenges.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
I’d love to be good with languages. It’s such a talent to pick up languages easily and speak several. I’ve never been good with languages and didn’t like learning them as a child. It’s a gift, and while many can learn, to learn easily is really something remarkable. Failing that, I’d love to be able to sing—really well. This is also a stunning talent and so uplifting.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
That’s a long one… I have a book coming out soon on this. In short, however, it takes a lot of positivity, energy, and humour.
9. What are the top five foods you like in Cyprus?
All the vegan ones! I love:
- fakes (lentils),
- louvi (black-eyed peas),
- tahini,
- eliá pita (olive pie),
- and gemista (stuffed vegetables).
There’s also a great vegan pastitsio (baked pasta) that can be made from the traditional meat and cream version, but you can’t find this easily.
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
- Ancient Amathus Ruins,
- Troodos Nature Trail,
- Protaras Beach Walk,
- St. Raphael Captain’s Terrace,
- and my home!
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
Too difficult to choose just one, but a recent legend would be Queen Elizabeth II. I think she did a remarkable job and demonstrated what it is to work hard, be determined and professional, have pride and a sense of duty, give back, and be humble without letting ego get in the way. I was blessed to grow up with many strong female role models on TV in the 1980s, and she was one of them.
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
I love reading, and I cannot choose just one book. I also can’t separate my personal and professional life, as they both help each other and are all part of me. Many books have changed me, and all have helped me grow.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this winter?
I would definitely recommend Limassol, as it’s the perfect place to be based and explore the island. There are so many nature trails to enjoy on the island. The one in Pissouri is amazing, as is the Akamas trail and one close to Kelaki. Visiting archaeological sites, the statue outdoor park in Agia Napa, Cyherbia, the Christmas villages—especially the one in Lefkara—strolling along Limassol’s beach walk, dining in one of the amazing restaurants here, and enjoying the mountains are just a few ideas. It’s the best time to be in Cyprus and take life a little slower, breathe, and find yourself.
