OPEN YOUR MIND TO THE CITY OF DREAMS MEDITERRANEAN

“Welcome to the City of Dreams Mediterranean” was the greeting from the hotel doorman as he opened the gold-rimmed glass entrance ushering us into a grandiose, marbled and voluminous lobby; this type of glamour, style and pizazz is usually associated with cities like Dubai, Hong Kong or Miami, yet here we were on the eastern periphery of Limassol on the beautiful island of Cyprus.

City of Dreams sits impressively in the landscape, its pyramidal-stepped design of balconies and terraces, belonging to some 500-bedrooms, rise majestically towards the sky. As our chauffeured-car approached the illuminated and canopied entrance, we experienced a frisson of excitement as if arriving at an Oscars after-party. The aim of the architects was to recreate a modern interpretation of the various Cypriot hillside villages and azure Mediterranean coastlines, the success of which one could appreciate over the duration of a stay.

Checking-in to check-out the facilities

After a seamless check-in, our Junior Suite awaited on the 12th floor. We opened the door to soothing décor, intimate lounge area, smart TV, a Nespresso coffee machine and even a well-stocked complimentary mini-bar. Alongside this, our walk-in changing area led to a marbled bathroom with rain shower and deep bathtub. However, the stars of the show was the king-sized bed which felt like one was floating on a rare cloud that passes over Cyprus, and spacious balcony overlooking the pools, gardens, Akrotiri Salt Lake and Mediterranean sea beyond. 

Any first day at City of Dreams should be about easy-going acclimatisation. It is well worth finding one’s bearings across a complex said to be the same size as the Vatican City, so there is much to take-in. The lobby’s few elegant clusters of lounge seating is the perfect place to people-watch, as guests criss-cross one another, all heading to one of a multitude of facilities which spread across the complex, each an attraction in its own right.

Within the landscaped grounds, City of Dreams has the largest pool complex on the island, so finding your part of it to laze on a lounger with a good book is not going to be hard; there is a swim-up bar to indulge in a cocktail or two and then to look back upon the detail of the hotel's architecture.

As you explore the meandering paths and gardens you will come across a wave-rider machine to seek-out your inner surf dude. Hidden behind some Cypress trees, is more thrill-seeking fun at the complex’s adventure park, complete with zip line coaster, climbing wall, rope courses and plenty more to keep every member of the family happy. It is so well located on the perimeter of the grounds, that this slice of action-packed entertainment does not affect any sense of serene relaxation by the pool. As is the well-equipped Kids (City) a zone for the younger guests to have fun with a daily creative programme.

Curating your own luxury itinerary

The casino sparkles with energy and live performances, yet manages not to disturb those guests uninterested in gambling, a remarkable achievement, given its central location just beyond the lobby. Instead, it adds a vibrant buzz to the space, day and night.

From the reception lobby, grand avenues run west to east, flanked by luxury designer stores like Cartier, Breitling, Hublot and Bang & Olufsen, perfect for high-end shoppers or lucky roulette winners. At the eastern end of one avenue leads to the expansive 8,000m²  Expo Area, with a Grand Ballroom, The Forum and Event lawn leading towards an amphitheatre, all of which can cater for pretty much any type and style of conference. The ‘Gaming Zone’ can be found here too and open to guests when not in use for conference purposes.

Heading the other way, the avenue opens into an alfresco walkway that nods to the hotel’s Cypriot roots—white walls with blue shutters and an artistic feature wall of urns and pottery, echoing local archaeological finds. This route also leads to the grounds via several fine restaurants enroute.

On the lower ground floor, an underpass is another exit to the gardens and pools, passing the Renu Spa & Fitness, which feels inspired by a Roman bath complex. Ochre walls and arched doorways frame the steam and sauna rooms, beside the plunge pool; a further detox can be found at the small but pleasant indoor pool and Jacuzzi. A treatment at Renu Spa is the true highlight; I chose the 'Well-Living' massage, marketed as a “stress alleviator” and it delivered a deeply hypnotic, muscle-soothing session.

Fine dining for fine diners

Culinary experiences here are exceptional, taking you from Asia to Europe via the Americas, the hotel’s restaurants offer a globe-spanning journey. The award-winning pan-Asian Amber Dragon, uses the lights of the casino to evoke Shanghai's cityscape and vibrant atmosphere; the polished service and creative dishes are headlined by a signature roasted Beijing duck cooked within a carob-woodfired oven or their sashimi, maki rolls and omakase platters, complimented by a curated menu of handcrafted artisanal blooming flower teas.

Prime Steakhouse offers a speakeasy feel, with mood lighting and a design-led bar serving inventive whisky-based cocktails. Its centrepiece, is a display case of premium aged beef cuts, with the Black Angus Wagyu melting in the mouth. Metaphorically, skipping across the pond to Europe, Anaïs is the hotel’s French fine-dining spot, bringing a touch of Cannes glamour, complete with terraces, a DJ, and film-festival flair. The grilled toothfish on a bed  of coco beans, with piquillo peppers, mussel, squid and a chervil light butter sauce was a standout dish.

For breakfasts or brasserie style lunches, Aura Restaurant is the place to come for informal all-day dining, we felt comfortable dining in shorts and t-shirts. Chefs are visible from an open kitchen, producing another high quality menu with some Mediterranean panache. The flat roof of this restaurant hold just some of a mosaic of 4000 solar panels, which help reduce the hotel’s overall carbon footprint. 

The Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy

City of Dreams holds one more surprise card up its sleeve, which is the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy, located just outside the hotel entrance. This world-class facility boasts 12 ATP-standard floodlit hard courts, a clubhouse, pro shop, and fitness room. During my visit, I had the chance to meet Baghdatis himself; the former World No. 8, Australian Open finalist and Wimbledon semi-finalist explained to me that his passion lies in nurturing the next generation of Cypriot players.

His vision is to give back to Cyprus and the global tennis family by creating a tennis hub that inspires locals and visitors alike, to create personal memories. The academy has already hosted top-tier events, including Tennis Europe and ITF tournaments, and even welcomed tennis legend Andre Agassi for its grand opening in 2024. 

The intention is to continue to attract a stream of top tennis stars to the academy for similar showcase events. This will mirror City of Dream’s growing reputation as a major venue for unique events and entertainment shows, featuring top music talent and celebrities within the resort.

With over 300 days of sunshine annually, the academy offers year-round play, which is gradually attracting tennis lovers from around the globe—especially from the UK, where the sport enjoys deep cultural roots. Through City of Dream’s exclusive "Serve & Stay" packages, guests can enjoy personalized training while staying at the resort. Baghdatis occasionally leads sessions, but serves primarily as a mentor to young talent. If you don’t spot Baghdatis in person, his Australian Open runner-up trophy proudly displayed in the clubhouse is a reminder of the excellence and inspiration the academy represents.

Discovering Cypriot culture and history

If, like me, you enjoy venturing beyond the poolside, then within an hour’s drive, Limassol’s Old Town, the Troodos Mountains, and even parts of the Paphos region are easily reachable and will unveil a unique slice of Cypriot history and culture.

A quick shuttle took us to Lady’s Mile Beach, a seemingly peaceful stretch of sand ideal for a lazy morning, before we headed to Limassol Old Port, where traditional fishing boats bobbed beside luxury yachts, perfect for people-watching over a strong espresso.

Wandering inland from the harbour, cobbled lanes led us into the historic old town, where the Medieval Castle peers imperiously down upon ancient olive trees and a warren of streets radiating away from its ancient foundations. It is a quarter buzzing with local life, independent stores and Greek Orthodox churches.

Had time allowed, another set of excursions all lie within an hour of the resort, starting with the nearby Kourion archaeological site blending together Roman and Byzantine ruins, with a restored amphitheatre overlooking the sea and still hosting summer performances.

Beyond Kourion, Paphos and Aphrodite’s Rock will come into view, a region and landmark steeped in myth. Another option is to head  inland to the Troodos Mountains. Here, picturesque villages are strung along the Commandaria wine route, where Cyprus’ oldest dessert wine—once prized by Crusader knights—is still made in just 14 select mountain communities.

*Photo Credits: City of Dreams Mediterranean & Ramy James Salameh