Blooming like a rose in Agros

A weekend of health and happiness in the village of the rose

Agros is the place of the roses – Cyprus’ permanently perfumed village. Here, the delicate Damask rose blooms in abundance, inspiring rose cordials and wines, teas and candles. And, of course, the world-famed Agros rosewater – a creation so pure that it’s famed worldwide.

For decades, visitors have journeyed to this village, delighting in a fragrant escape at the Rodon Hotel. But recently, the hotel and its environs became – for the course of one weekend – much more than just a peaceful retreat. On September 14 and 15, the guests, too, were encouraged to blossom… The fifth edition of the Lidl Wellness Camp, held at Agros’ Rodon Hotel, saw over 250 participants take part in a weekend dedicated to all things health and well-being. Families, individuals, and health enthusiasts alike spent the two days exploring nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle improvements: discovering, amidst one of the island’s most stunning settings, how to fit healthier habits into their everyday lives.

Hosted by Lidl Cyprus under the auspices of Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO and the Dietetic and Nutrition Association of Cyprus and within the context of World Food Day, the Camp was a triumph of wellness. Under the theme ‘Food For Thought’, 12 international and local experts in the fields of medicine, nutrition and exercise delivered fascinating talks and hands-on workshops.

Among the speakers were several experts in nutrition, medicine, and public health.

Dr Christine Bishara travelled from the US to discuss the critical role of gut health in preventing disease and dietary issues, emphasising how our diet profoundly affects overall wellbeing. Closer to home, Dr Myrtani Pieri highlighted the importance of essential nutrients for the proper functioning of internal organs and processes.

While dietitian Dr Eleni Andreou focused on the rise of obesity in Cyprus, stressing the need for more action to address this growing health crisis, Dr Eleni Andreou Georgaki, President of the Dietetic and Nutrition Association of Cyprus, shared her insights on health promotion, praising Lidl Cyprus for its role in advancing public health through collaboration. Representatives from food safety and sustainability also took part.

Andriana Pafitou, representing Lidl’s food safety and quality division, spoke passionately about the company’s commitment to high-quality, safe, and healthy products. Andreas Grigoriou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, praised Lidl Cyprus for its pioneering sustainability and food safety efforts. And Kika Koulla, a chemist at the Pesticide Residues Laboratory, discussed the critical role of monitoring pesticide residues to ensure consumer health and safety.

Meanwhile, speakers from pharmacy and environmental health addressed key issues. Dr Christos Petrou, Associate Professor and Chair of Health Sciences at the University of Nicosia, spoke on the importance of pharmacovigilance and public health. And Dr Xenia Loizidou, Civil and Offshore Engineer and Chair of the AKTI Centre for Studies and Research, discussed sustainable development and the impact of marine pollution on global health. Lastly, the focus shifted to lifestyle and behavioural health, with Dr Nikos Konstantinou, Dr Anthi Loutsiou, and Christina Aristotelous exploring the importance of breaking habits, while certified yoga and Pilates instructor Christi Loukas focused on the benefits of movement and flexibility for overall well-being

In between the planting of these seeds of knowledge, participants were able to enjoy a number of exciting activities. Energising Capoeira sessions got guests moving with a mix of martial arts and dance, while yoga offered a more peaceful way to unwind and connect with their bodies. These activities weren’t just about movement; they embodied Lidl’s broader commitment to fostering wellness in every form: physical, mental, and emotional. Reflected in initiatives like this Wellness Camp, health, wellbeing, and happiness have always been at Lidl Cyprus . It’s a company that’s helping our island community grow – and, like the roses of Agros, bloom for years to come.