The spectacular sprawling resort is the stuff that dreams are made of.
As we pull into the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel, there are limousines lining the entrance and lights are flashing. The President of Cyprus walks out with an entourage, and whizzes off into the night. Since the hotel opened in Limassol, Cyprus, it has attracted celebrities, from Bryan Adams to Nancy Arjan. Welcome to the country’s latest luxury hotel.
The property opened in July 2023 and has been created by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, which is behind the successful sister hotel, City of Dreams in Macau, China. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, explained: “City of Dreams Mediterranean gives Cyprus a new story to tell. People who overlooked this island in the past, now have a fresh list of compelling reasons to visit. This resort will attract new premium tourists, year-round”.
City of Dreams Mediterranean boasts 500 guest rooms and suites, which cover 14 floors and 8,000 square metres. The architecture draws inspiration from Cyprus’ landscape, and looks like a cross between Aztec pyramids and a game of Tetris. The dramatic design is clean and contemporary with a white exterior, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, high ceilings and marble floors. And, the smart, smiling staff are literally on hand to show us to our room.
Rooms and suites
City of Dreams Mediterranean spans refined rooms to sprawling suites – there’s even a Presidential Suite with two bedrooms, an infinity pool and a gym. We check into the Premier Room Mountain View on the 12th floor. Even though this is the lowest grade, we are impressed with the sophisticated space and spectacular service. The mocktail and macaroons on arrival hit the spot.
Spanning 42 square metres, the room oozes an understated elegance. The light, neutral tones across the grey sofa, soft woods and white sheets create a serene, spacious feel. The floor-to-ceiling windows and glass between the bathroom and bedroom – it can be blocked with blinds – make it brighter and bigger. Plus, the balcony has views of the Troodos mountains and Fassori orange groves.
The hotel’s features have been expertly designed to anticipate guests’ needs. The little details make a big difference, from the bathtub angled to watch TV, to the tech-tastic touches like the smart phone. Best of all, the evening drinks trolly comes to your door.
Restaurants and bars
City of Dreams Mediterranean is home to world-class restaurants with fresh, flavourful ingredients. What sets it apart is the attention to detail, from Aura’s mind-boggling range of condiments to Oléa’s trolly with a choice of oils and olives.
Start your day in style at the all-day dining restaurant, Aura. The spot serves a bold, beautiful breakfast – and is one of the best spreads we’ve had. Guests are spoilt for choice and just plain spoilt, as the options range from Asian to Middle Eastern dishes. Don’t leave without trying the shakshuka and visiting the pancake station.
Amber Dragon is inspired by the MICHELIN-Starred Dragon restaurant at City of Dreams Macau. We grab a seat at the countertop, watch the chefs at work and work our way through the Pan Asian dishes, from the Tempura Duck Salad to the wooden oven barbecue delights.
Oléa is a chic restaurant, which offers a traditional and modern take on Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes range from a Crispy Fried Soft-Shell Crab in black ink to an oh-so-soft Black Angus Fillet of Beef. Anaïs is a French restaurant with a fashionable crowd, and offers entertainment from DJs to singers. The premium ingredients and dishes include Bone Marrow, Lobster Tagliatelle, and Truffle and Grilled Milk Fed Veal Chop.
Dining options also include Aqua Bar by the pool, Center Stage at the casino, The Lounge for coffees and cakes, and Veranda Café for freshly made drinks.
Facilities
More is more when it comes to City of Dreams Mediterranean’s facilities. While the sheer scale of the place could verge on Las Vegas kitsch, it never loses its poise. The casino includes a crystal chandelier, tables and slot machines. The boutiques sell luxury clothes, jewellery and watches, and Renu Spa & Fitness is a plush place for pampering.
The hotel boasts the island’s largest indoor and outdoor pool complex, and separate adult and kids’ pools. Even the Adventure Park is carefully curated with an 18-hole golf course, climbing wall and zipline.
If you plan to combine your trip with a concert, look out for artist announcements. Past performers include Anna Vissi, Eden Ben Zaken and Elena Paparizou.
At City of Dreams Mediterranean: you’ll definitely have stars in your eyes.
GO: Visit https://www.cityofdreamsmed.com for more information.
