Hotel review: Cyprus welcomes the first Integrated Resort in Europe

City of Dreams Mediterranean is a new kind of experience in the Mediterranean islands, including Cyprus, that’s now home to this first Integrated Resort in Europe. The 5-star, award-winning resort is located near the city of in Limassol and has everything you’d expect from a luxury resort, including the largest casino on the Med. With the wealth of fantastic facilities it’s also fast becoming a sought after destination for corporate events. Our Editor went to see for herself how the resort matches the inviting description…

My first impressions upon arrival at City of Dreams were of glitz and glamour. I definitely experienced some Vegas vibes with the impressive marble and mirrored interiors, and especially after seeing the bright lights of the casino at the far end of the large lobby. A casino in the middle of a hotel isn’t to everyone’s taste, but if you are into playing then you’ll appreciate it.

My bedroom on the 8th floor was equally impressive, and spacious, with a balcony overlooking the Akrotiri Salt Lake and the Troodos Mountain range in the distance, and the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy right by the hotel. This is not a beach resort, but the nearby Lady’s Mile beach is easily accessible should you crave a dip in the crystal clear waters instead of the hotels amazing swimming pools, the largest in Cyprus.

The bathroom of my Junior Suite gets top marks too, thanks to the small design touch of a free-standing wooden self unit to break the wall-to-wall marble, and the large free standing bath by the glass wall overlooking the bedroom. That’s a clever way to give the impression of a larger space – and you can bring the blind down with a press of a button for privacy, should you want it.

The 500-bedroom hotel is also fast becoming a premium venue for entertainment shows, including some well-known music acts, luxury retail, fine dining, and conference and event facilities. Being a fully integrated resort guests have no need to leave during their stay as everything is provided by City of Dreams and their fantastic staff, who are very helpful, efficient and plentiful. 

I would still recommend taking in some of the local culture and historic sights of the island, if your schedule allows for that. I enjoyed a tour with a first stop at Limassol port, a great place for yacht-spotting from the many bars and cafes overlooking the marina. The highlight for me was a visit to the Kourion archaeological site and the ancient Greco-Roman amphitheatre that has been rebuilt and host performances and plays during the summer.

What you’ll find in Cyprus and the first integrated resort in Europe

Let’s take close look at all the amazing facilities available at City of Dreams in Cyprus…

Bedrooms and suites at City of Dreams

The hotel has 500 deluxe rooms and suites, each designed to provide the ultimate sanctuary of comfort and exclusivity. A selection of premier, superior and family rooms, all have balconies with magnificent mountain or scenic views. In addition, there are elevated accommodation options offering premium private facilities and elegant interiors. These include but are not limited to: 

Sky Suites – Located on the top five floors of the resort, the Sky Suites have uninterrupted views of the Limassol skyline with an abundance of indoor and outdoor space, including separate living and dining areas, covered outdoor dining for up to six people and a private Ofuro tub on the balcony. 

The Presidential Suite – This is the hotel’s grandest suite, the epitome of luxury at the property, which spans two levels, with 400m2 of living space, panoramic views out across the Cyprus coastline, a private infinity pool, fitness suite and entertainment areas. 

See all the accommodation options at the hotel.

Choose from fine-dining to casual restaurants at City of Dreams

The expansive resort is currently home to seven dining outlets with a new premium eatery due to open in the coming months. Guests will soon be able to revel in the delights of the Prime Steakhouse restaurant, where the finest succulent and prestige cuts take centre stage in this premium dining experience.  

Casual dining is provided by Aqua Bar located at the pool, Veranda Café by the hotel lobby offering a selection of smoothies, juices, coffee and gelato, or The Lounge where guests can sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine amongst the beautifully designed art-deco space. High rollers can take a break and indulge in refreshing bites at Center Stage, located in the casino. 

For those in search of a gourmet dining experience, three premium outlets guarantee exquisite dining options to suit all tastes. Amber Dragon is a sophisticated Pan-Asian restaurant inspired by the Michelin-starred Dragon family of restaurants at City of Dreams in Macau. At Anaïs, diners can enjoy Europe’s first French Gastro Club at a stunning restaurant infused with a true essence of French gastronomy.  

Conference and event spaces

City of Dreams has 8,000 square meters of MICE space, including a large Ballroom and an even bigger Grand Hall which is ideal for exhibitions and conferences. There is also an outdoor amphitheatre, a family adventure park, and a variety of premium dining outlets and luxury retail.

The resort is owned by Macau-based Melco corporation, known for its luxury resorts. City of Dreams has been specifically customised for the Cyprus clientele which is largely European and Middle-Eastern, also attracting both business and leisure visitors from around the word. Cyprus attracts tens of thousands of tourists annually and City of Dreams aims to significantly contribute to countering seasonality and establish the island as a year-round all-season destination.

‘Glow Your Way to Macau’ event showcased Macau as business and leisure destination

We also got to experience a little about Macau and what it has to offer as Melco Resorts & Entertainment hosted the second in its series of ‘Glow Your Way to Macao’ events at City of Dreams Mediterranean. Guests from the government of the Republic of Cyprus, the Macao SAR government, travel agencies, business associations and media representatives from across Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Macao attended the impressive event. The roadshow introduced attendees to Macao’s diverse historical and cultural offerings and attractions, as well as Melco’s unparalleled and award-winning hotel, entertainment, dining, and exhibition facilities.

I was honored to be a guest at the event and to meet Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco who attributed their choice of Cyprus for their Europe IR to the guarantee of almost year-round sunshine, as well as the welcoming people and diverse workforce the island attracts. But the climate isn’t the only draw of course. The authorities and business community in Cyprus have also welcomed the investment into a state-of-the-art large MICE facilities, as well as the largest casino in the Mediterranean.

When asked about the the easy access to 24-hour gambling and promoting it as an attraction that it clearly is, Mr Ho explained the strict regulations and rules that govern the industry. The casino at the City of Dreams adheres to the maximum play time rule of eight hours, observes player behavior and wellbeing, plus has spend limits in places too. And of course, offers plenty of other attractions in the resort.

Health & Wellness

For those in search of rest and relaxation, Renu, the resort’s opulent spa has a wide-reaching list of treatments and therapies. Guests can unwind with massage and holistic rejuvenation therapies designed to restore mental and physical wellbeing. Revitalise and rehydrate skin with the latest facials, anti-ageing and skin regeneration treatments or indulge in a range of hand, foot and body treatments. 

And there is a state-of-the-art fitness centre, health club with saunas, steam room and jacuzzi, alongside a welcoming indoor pool, all open year-round.  

For families and thrill seekers

Kids can indulge in excitement and adventure in the dedicated children’s pool complete with waterslides, splash park and crazy water fountains.  

Aqua thrill seekers can also enjoy the resort’s exclusive Waverider, where children and adults alike can experience an exhilarating bodyboarding or surfing action.  

For adrenaline junkies and little ones with energy to burn, the resort’s Adventure Park is a 5km outdoor experience featuring an 18-hole miniature golf course, a zipline-coaster, a climbing wall, ropes courses, sinking ships kids’ playground and a giant air trampoline amongst other attractions.  

For the adults, another prime feature of the integrated resort is its world class casino floor offering a wide range of gaming options, such as slot machines, table games and poker rooms.  

Shopping

An array of designer shops and boutiques can be found at the resort, including the finest designer clothing, timepieces, jewellery, accessories and souvenirs in the resort’s specially curated selection, which include Cartier, Bang & Olufsen, Kult, Tumi and Michalis Diamond Gallery. 

Entertainment

The entertainment facilities at City of Dreams are second to none. Guests will find an exclusive expo center, a Roman-style amphitheatre and a grand ballroom – all of which provide a backdrop for vibrant entertainment, endless parties with in-house resident DJ Nikolas Mons, legendary global acts, concerts, dance shows and more. 

Getting there is easy

City of Dreams Mediterranean is easily accessed from Paphos International Airport (45-minute transfer) and Larnaca International Airport (50-minute transfer). With direct flights from all major UK airports, this new property is a great option for corporate events and retreats, as well as a must-visit destination for those seeking a luxurious sun-filled getaway at any time of year.  

For enquiries and to book

Rooms at City of Dreams Mediterranean start from £280 for a superior king room on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy       

See more hotel reviews by PA Life.