City Of Dreams Hotel, Limassol – Review

By Richard Jones, November 2026

The dazzling lights and chiming jingles of the City of Dreams’ Grand Casino floor felt a world away as I quietly cruised down the first hole at Limassol Greens.

With acres of lush fairway ahead of me, the change of pace was a perfect remedy after an evening of exhilaration and exuberance at the golf course’s neighbouring resort.

I’m no stranger to this particular part of Cyprus. My brother was stationed at one of the nearby RAF bases in the noughties and we’d regularly combine family visits with memorable holidays.

However, Limassol’s southern edge has changed beyond all recognition since then, with Europe’s first integrated casino resort, City of Dreams Mediterranean, rising up a few hundred metres from Lady’s Mile Beach and the Akrotiri Salt Lake, frequented by a flamboyance of flamingos during the winter months.

“World-class golf resort”

Two years after it opened its doors, a portion of the nearby citrus groves made way for world-class golf resort Limassol Greens, providing guests at the hotel and beyond somewhere to hone their driving, chipping and putting.

After flying into Paphos, I made my way to City of Dreams in the back of one of their chauffeured black Mercedes, and as soon as I spotted the striking Incan pyramid-style building on the horizon, I knew I was in for a special few days. Its location on the outskirts of Limassol works well, giving guests breathing space from the hustle and bustle of the old town and yacht-filled marina.

Cyprus’s largest shopping centre, the sprawling My Mall Limassol, is just a short walk away.

“Undeniably striking”

Although the architecture of City of Dreams is undeniably striking, the classic Mediterranean décor inside reminds you that the property is very much Cypriot.

That said, there are also clear Dubai, Monte Carlo and Las Vegas influences, and after stepping into the lobby, you’re immediately drawn to its main attraction – the 24/7 Grand Casino.

Throughout the day and late into the evening, teamwork makes the Dreams work, as attentive staff buzz around the property, remarkably managing to remember most of the guests by name.

The hotel has 500 rooms and suites spread over 14 storeys, and I spent three nights in one of their Premier Rooms on the 10th floor. It was a joy to wake up with sunrise views of the large pool complex and Mediterranean Sea from the balcony, with a coffee from the espresso machine in hand.

I perused the dinner and spa menus, adjusted the lighting and closed the blinds and curtains using the hi-tech tablet. The pristine bathroom had a deep tub, separate rain shower and w/c, and plenty of citrus-scented toiletries and fluffy white towels.

“Undulating greens”

During the days, I found plenty to keep me occupied, including a round of golf at the aforementioned Limassol Greens.

Designed by world-renowned architect Cabell Robinson, this 18-hole masterpiece unfolds across a landscape of sunlit fairways, natural wetlands and Mediterranean flora.

Strategically positioned bunkers and undulating greens demand straight drives and accurate irons, but for players, like me, who have a tendency to be wayward with both, the ball stays in play – most of the time.

After playing the 18th, which sweeps around a natural lake, I returned my buggy and rental clubs to the range and headed to The Roost lounge bar and restaurant for a pint of ice-cold Keo and a chicken club sandwich.

“Lagoon-style pools”

If racquet sports are your thing, the City of Dreams is home to the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy, founded last year by the 2006 Australian Open finalist and Wimbledon semi-finalist.

Baghdatis and his wife, former Croatian WTA player Karolina Šprem Baghdatis, lead the lessons on the 12 ATP-specification floodlit hard courts and three glass-walled padel areas.

In the summer months, the lagoon-style pools and bars at the centre of the hotel’s manicured gardens are perfect for soaking up the Cypriot sun.

However, from time to time, the entertainment programme is aimed at hedonists, with monthly concerts and pool parties featuring superstar DJs like Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero, Afrojack and Lost Frequencies often sell-outs.

There is a family focus as well – along with the Waverider surf simulator, the Adventure Park, with its climbing walls, zip lines and mini-golf, is Cyprus’s largest outdoor play zone.

“Underground sanctuary”

Back inside the hotel, I headed to Renu Spa, a hidden underground sanctuary of running water and eucalyptus scents.

After spending time in the steam room, sauna and pools to open my pores, I was booked in for an hour-long men’s facial with Arlet, in which she used all manner of lotions, potions, masks and moisturisers to rejuvenate my tired and dry skin.

Food and beverage-wise, the City of Dreams’ culinary offerings are first class. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style at Aura, where live interactive cooking stations provide fresh omelettes in the mornings, grilled meats in the afternoons, and mezze in the evenings.

I enjoyed a steak sandwich lunch with a pot of tea and a craft cocktail at The Lounge, and bites and nibbles while watching the Premier League football in the casino main bar, Centre Stage. In-room dining is also available 24/7.

However, City of Dreams’ dining roster is headed by three ambitious Michelin-level restaurants.

“Top-tier meat and dry-aged cuts”

On my first night, I took a seat in Amber Dragon for a sizzling combination of Chinese and Japanese delicacies, some of which are prepared in Cyprus’s only wood-fired oven. After sushi and sashimi appetisers, I devoured roasted Beijing duck on steamed pancakes with cucumber, spring onion and hoisin sauce, as well as crispy pork belly with onion, apple and Pommery mustard jus. Across the casino is Prime Steakhouse, where the focus is on top-tier meat and dry-aged cuts.

The Snake River Farm charcoal-grilled Wagyu rib eye was cooked to perfection and perfectly complemented by the grilled Caesar salad with bacon shavings, Spanish white anchovies and French fries.

I washed it down with a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the restaurant’s 350-plus selections of wine.

Finally, the City of Dreams’ flagship restaurant Anais puts a modern twist on classic French gourmet cuisine. Following an elegantly presented cured duck breast salad with caramelised goat cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette, I enjoyed grilled lamb chops with freekeh pilaf, crushed tomato and mint condiment, accompanied by grilled asparagus with lemon sesame sauce.

Post-dinner, I moved onto the outdoor terrace, where the DJ took over from the resident house jazz band, spinning pop tunes, flanked by fire jugglers and dancers.

“Relaxation, exertion, or indulgence”

My final evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display next to the Anais bar, with the colours of the pyrotechnics illuminating the skies above the Akrotiri Salt Lake and the Limassol Greens fairways.

Whether you’re after rest and relaxation, excitement and exertion, or indulgence alongside authenticity, this remarkable hotel resort ticks all the boxes. It’s what Dreams are made of.

Jet2 Holidays offers seven nights in Limassol, staying at the five-star City Of Dreams Mediterranean from £1,249 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis and includes return flights from Manchester to Paphos departing on March 13, 2027, 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

For more information on City Of Dreams Mediterranean, go to cityofdreamsmed.com

For Limassol Greens golf course, see: limassolgreens.com