From the seas of global shipping to the luxury resorts and tourist lands of Paphos, Heinrich Schoeller, chairman of the Columbia Group, has signed the largest deal in the history of the Cypriot real estate market: the acquisition of Secret Valley (formerly Venus Rock Golf Resort), for an amount exceeding €130 million.

As Brief reports, this move is not merely a straightforward investment but part of an ambitious plan to transform the area into a world-class destination, focusing on sustainable tourism, luxury living, and a distinctly Cypriot identity.

Heinrich Schoeller is a prominent figure on the Cypriot business scene. From strengthening Cyprus’s maritime identity to diversifying activities into hospitality, dining, and real estate, he has left a lasting mark.

Cyprus has served as the base from which he built a multifaceted business ecosystem with global reach. Schoeller comes from the renowned Schoeller industrial family, whose activities date back to the 18th century in industry, banking, and industrial goods.

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At a young age, he worked in shipping in Germany, and in 1972 he moved to Cyprus, where he founded an international ship management company. In 1974, following the Turkish invasion, he decided to remain in Cyprus, and in 1978 he established Columbia Shipmanagement in Limassol.

The Columbia Group has since grown into one of the strongest and most diversified business groups headquartered in Cyprus, with a worldwide footprint. Its strategy is based on four core pillars:

Shipping and Ship Management

Founded in 1978 in Limassol, Columbia Shipmanagement is among the world’s leading ship management service providers, managing over 300 vessels, with a presence in more than 25 countries, and specializing in technical management, crew management, and digital solutions. The group has demonstrated resilience even during challenging restructuring periods, strengthening its financial base.

Hospitality

The Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri is an award-winning five-star resort and one of the most recognizable luxury hospitality brands in Cyprus. The group aims to create iconic destinations that combine quality, culture, and the natural environment.

Dining

The group operates more than 15 restaurant and retail brands, with a presence in both tourist and urban areas, creating culinary experiences ranging from fine dining to casual street food.

Tourism Real Estate and Property Development

Through companies such as Columbia Development and Schoeller Holdings, the group develops large-scale real estate projects with a focus on luxury residences, sustainability, and harmony with the environment.

Secret Valley, spanning approximately 5 million square meters with 850 meters of coastal frontage, is the largest single seaside plot available for development in Cyprus. Columbia’s plan includes:

• Construction of a five-star resort with a beach club

• Development of around 3,000 luxury residences

• Construction of a second 18-hole golf course

• Creation of a small marina and commercial infrastructure

Beyond its tourism footprint, this investment is expected to attract more than €1.5 billion in additional investments and create job opportunities.

Heinrich Schoeller himself has stated that “the goal is not to develop just a large project, but to create an iconic example of sustainable development that preserves the local character while incorporating international standards of quality, environmental responsibility, and cultural identity.”