A Russian multimillionaire and his family are due on the island for a four-month holiday at the luxurious Anassa hotel in the Akamas region, having reportedly dished out a whopping €500,000 as down payment.

According to yesterday’s Politis, the hotel has been working around the clock preparing for the family’s arrival today. At the multimillionaire’s request, security has allegedly been beefed up while members of staff working with the wealthy family have received special training.

The identity of the multimillionaire remains unknown. According to a report by Finans magazine published in February, Russia boasted 114 dollar billionaires in 2010, with the top ten Russians together worth $182 billion.

The Anassa yesterday failed to confirm the pending visit. If true, it won’t be the first time the rich and famous grace the Anassa.

Last August, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al-Saud, one of the 20 richest people in the world parked his super yacht opposite the hotel, employing the hotel’s facilities for him and his 40-odd entourage.

In 2002, London businessman Philip Green reportedly spent £5m on a lavish three-day birthday bash at the hotel, flying over 200 guests plus Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, George Benson, Demis Roussos and Earth Wind and Fire for entertainment.

British actress Emma Thompson is also reported to be a visitor, while unconfirmed reports have alluded to visits by Paul McCartney, Elton John, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio and footballers Steve McManaman and Graeme Le Saux.

Source: Cyprus Mail