City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus – Hotel Review

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City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus – Hotel Review main

By Kirsty Reid, February 2025

With snow and ice making January feel gloomier than ever, a bit of sunshine seemed like the perfect antidote to the winter blues.

A short flight from the UK to Cyprus, followed by an even shorter transfer, landed me at Europe’s first integrated resort – City of Dreams Mediterranean.

Nestled near Limassol, this resort has it all: a sleek, 14-storey, five-star hotel with 500 rooms, designer-brand shopping, outdoor amphitheatre, adventure park, casino, spa, fine dining, and more.

From the moment I stepped into the hotel, my January blues disappeared.

Bathed in natural light, the entrance exudes elegance, while the casino at the far end of the lobby adds to the grandeur.

Check-in was smooth, and it wasn’t long before I was in my room.

Entrance to City of Dreams Mediterranean

“Understated luxury”

I had high hopes for the Junior Family Suite, but it still managed to blow me away. For starters, it was huge, and by huge, I mean 52 square metres.

As for the decor? Light wooden floors set the tone, leading into a soothing space that’s all about comfort and understated luxury. Think Mediterranean vibes that instantly put you in a state of zen.

Home to a plush king-sized bed (plus two rollaway beds), the suite was packed with everything you’d expect from a five-star stay: a smart TV, air conditioning, a coffee machine, a kettle, and a mini-bar that is restocked daily.

But it’s the extras that set it apart.

A walk-in wardrobe? Tick. An oversized balcony with picturesque views? Tick. A spa-like bathroom with twin sinks, a rainfall shower, and a large bathtub? Tick, tick, and tick.

Room inside City of Dreams Mediterranean

“Relaxation”

Being a spa enthusiast, I love to indulge in a little R&R and was eager to experience the resort’s Renu Spa and Fitness Centre.

After working up a sweat on the treadmill, a staff member kindly brought me a chilled towel to help me cool down. It’s these thoughtful touches that set City of Dreams apart, proving that when it comes to hospitality, no detail is overlooked.

After trading my gym gear for swimwear, I was ready to indulge in some relaxation. The icy temperatures back home felt like a world away as I enjoyed a dip in the heated indoor pool, before making a beeline for the vacant hydropool.

With an extensive spa menu that includes massages, facials, mud wraps and more, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to treatments.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the Well-Living full-body massage (€130). Lying on a heated, reclining massage table, my therapist expertly worked out any knots during the 55-minute treatment, relieving tension and leaving me feeling thoroughly relaxed.

The pool

“Invigorating”

For those looking to extend their spa experience, the male and female changing rooms are each equipped with a sauna, steam room, and – if you’re brave enough – a plunge pool. After spending 15 minutes in the sauna, I mustered the courage to take the plunge. My brief dip was refreshingly invigorating.

To complete the experience, the lockers offer luxurious toiletries for use after your spa session.

If spas aren’t your thing, there’s plenty to do.

The resort boasts the island’s largest pool complex, with something for everyone: an adults-only pool, a kids’ pool, and a beach pool complete with its own sandy shore. There’s also a swim-up bar and ample sun loungers, as well as private cabanas available for hire.

For thrill-seekers, the Waverider offers a chance to test your surfing skills – perfect for both beginners and pros alike.

Adventure Park

“Retail therapy”

The Adventure Park is packed with adrenaline-fuelled fun. Partial to a bit of bouldering, I particularly enjoyed the climbing wall, which caters to various skill levels with six unique routes. For more action, there’s a zip-line coaster, ropes courses, and a miniature golf course.

Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the tennis academy, while the 24/7 casino offers further excitement. The Vegas-style hotspot features everything from slot machines to classic games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker.

This place has it all – and then some. But if you are tempted to venture beyond the resort, you won’t be disappointed.

Just a stone’s throw away is My Mall, Limassol’s main shopping hub, perfect for a spot of retail therapy.

The resort is also conveniently close to Lady’s Mile Beach, where you can unwind by the sea.

If you’re up for a short drive, Limassol is just around the corner, boasting a lively marina, castle, and museum, not to mention a great mix of shops, bars, and restaurants. Do yourself a favour and visit the marina at sunset – it’s stunning.

Flamingoes on Akrotiri Salt Lake
Designed by Freepik

“Idyllic”

Take a detour further out, and you’ll stumble upon the beautiful Millomeris Waterfalls. Akrotiri Salt Lake is also a must-see, especially during flamingo season. And if history’s your thing, don’t miss Kourion – an ancient city-kingdom.

City of Dreams Mediterranean offers several excursions in the region, including trips to Vlassides Winery, the village of Lefkara, and hiking and mountain biking in the Troodos mountains.

On the penultimate day of my trip, I joined a fantastic guided group tour.

Our first stop was the ancient site of Kourion, steeped in history and offering breathtaking views. From there, we ventured to the idyllic village of Omodos, nestled in the Troodos mountains. Here, we explored the Timios Stavros Monastery (Monastery of the Holy Cross), wandered around the square and met lots of cats! For anyone visiting this charming village, Katoi Restaurant is a must. The chef, both friendly and passionate, served a mezze platter that I highly recommend.

Chefs at work inside Anaïs restaurant

“International dishes”

Food at the resort is equally delicious.

From open kitchens that draw you into the culinary action to wine menus uniquely curated for each dining spot, the variety and quality on offer make every meal an experience to savour.

During my four-night stay, I sampled several of the resort’s restaurants.

With interactive dining stations, Aura serves both local and international dishes. Its breakfast buffet caters to all tastes, offering fresh fruit, pastries, fry-ups, pancakes, and made-to-order omelettes.

At Anaïs, French cuisine takes centre stage. I started with the red radish and garden vegetables served with salted butter and sourdough bread (€14) – a light yet delicious starter. For the main course, I chose a sharing dish: roasted chicken with potato dauphinoise gratin (€65), paired with a side of asparagus (€8). A true fine-dining experience.

Food at City of Dreams Mediterranean

“Magic happens”

The standout restaurant for me was Amber Dragon, a Pan-Asian gem inspired by City of Dreams Macau’s Michelin-starred dining scene. With an open kitchen, a wood-fired Peking duck oven, and a sushi bar, guests can watch the chefs in action.

Torn between the sweet-and-sour pork (€24) and the lemongrass chicken sharer (€34), I was delighted when the server suggested a custom sweet-and-sour chicken dish. It was absolutely delicious.

On our last night, we dined at the Prime Steakhouse. I opted for the ribeye (€52), cooked medium-well and perfectly done. For sides, our group shared broccolini (€10), truffled fries (€8), and the creamiest mac and cheese (€8) I’ve ever had. It was the perfect way to wrap up our stay.

Visiting out of season, my stay was peaceful and relaxing. But if you’re after something more lively, peak season is where the magic happens. Think cocktails by the pool, live concerts, and guest and resident DJ sets that give off serious Ibiza vibes.

With something for everyone, this resort is the stuff dreams are made of.

To see more of City of Dreams Mediterranean visit: cityofdreamsmed.com
Details of the daily excursions are here: cityofdreamsmed.com.cy/en/whatson
For current offers and the Sunshine Guarantee) visit: 
cityofdreamsmed.com.cy/en/offers
cityofdreamsmed.com.cy/en/sunshine-guaranteed

To book :
For stays Jan-Mar 2025, rooms at City of Dreams Mediterranean start from €285 for a superior king room on a bed and breakfast basis. When the 15% discount (see offers) is applied to min. 4-night stay, the room rate becomes €242.

Flights can be taken to both Larnaca and Paphos, which are a similar distance away from the resort. 

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