By Contributor,Lewis Nunn

Copyright forbes

City of Dreams Mediterranean
Melco Resorts and Entertainment

Cyprus has long been the siren of the Mediterranean—where Aphrodite rose from the surf, Venetian ramparts cradle golden shores, and Roman mosaics shimmer beneath ancient olive groves. Today, the island turns a new page with City of Dreams Mediterranean: Europe’s first integrated resort, perched on Limassol’s southern edge. Rising like a giant pyramid, it’s a bold fusion of Vegas bravado and Mediterranean soul—where Baccarat chandeliers sparkle above blackjack tables, Michelin-level restaurants unfold with theatrical flair, and infinity pools mirror the sun like twinkling diamonds. Whether you’re sipping vintage champagne in your Presidential Suite—more Bond villain lair than hotel room—or browsing haute boutiques between tennis lessons at the Marcos Baghdatis Academy, this is Cyprus at its most unapologetically glamorous.

Ancient Kourion, Limassol, Cyprus

Set in the village of Tserkezoi, the resort occupies a curious sweet spot—close enough to Limassol’s old town and yacht-filled marina to feel connected, yet far enough to breathe. The surrounding landscape is unmistakably Cypriot: citrus groves scent the breeze, flamingos skim across nearby salt lakes, and Kolossi Castle looms in the distance like a mirage. Though tucked inland, the resort is only minutes from Lady’s Mile Beach—named after a British governor’s horse who once rode here daily.

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To the west, the Ancient Kourion Amphitheatre gazes out over the Mediterranean, its Greco-Roman ruins steeped in history. Below, Kourion Beach offers turquoise waters and rustic charm—where Chris Blue Beach Restaurant serves fresh calamari and mezze just steps from the surf. Inland, terraced vineyards of Commandaria await wine lovers, while shoppers gravitate toward My Mall Limassol—a sprawling complex of designer boutiques, bowling lanes, and even an ice rink. Nearby airports? Both Larnaca and Paphos are under an hour away, with chauffeured transfers via an army of glossy black sedans, naturally.

Style and Character

Pools at City of Dreams Mediterranean.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment

Step into the lobby and you’re enveloped in a kind of Dubai-meets-Mediterranean glamour—towering marble pillars, sky-high ceilings, and cascading glass everywhere. The casino channels pure Monte Carlo fantasy, with gilded ceilings, velvet-lined salons, and jackpot screens flickering in every direction. Meanwhile, luxury boutiques—think Cartier, Hublot, and Damiani—line the corridors, selling everything from couture to Cypriot-crafted gold. Outside, a sweeping courtyard nods to Limassol’s old town, threading between al fresco restaurants and anchored by a grand Mediterranean wall stacked with terracotta pots—snug between glass-boxed boutiques and a chic ice cream parlour (be sure to try the espresso flavor).

Rooms and Suites

Presidential Suite at City of Dreams Mediterranean.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment

With 500 rooms and suites spanning a 14-storey tower, City of Dreams reimagines island luxury on a grand scale. Its crowning glory is the rooftop Presidential Suite—an ultra-glam showstopper spread across two floors and 425 square meters of glass-walled indulgence. Velvet sofas, abstract artworks, and Cypriot ceramics set a mood of modern elegance—while a 75-inch TV and 24-hour room service stand ready for indulgent nights in.

Step outside to your rooftop infinity pool, framed by thick-cushioned loungers and cocoon daybeds—perfect for lazy afternoons or twilight cocktails. Here, an elegant banquette table seats eight for alfresco feasts under the stars, with chef-served soirées on request. Upstairs, a glowing marble staircase—lit like a runway—leads to a panoramic gym for sunrise stretches, and two palatial bedrooms with four-poster beds, walk-in wardrobes, and sheer curtains that glide closed at the touch of a button. Bathrooms, however, are lavish marble sanctuaries with twin vanities, deep soaking tubs, and walk-in rainfall showers that feel like tropical downpours.

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Extras? Think pillow menus tailored to your sleep style, on-demand personal fitness and yoga instructors, and preferred tee times at the soon-to-open Limassol Greens golf course next door (debuting this November). Wake-up calls arrive with fresh coffee in hand, and chauffeured airport transfers are standard—while private excursions to Limassol, Kourion, or the Troodos Mountains are offered in the resort’s own Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Spa and Wellness

Spa at City of Dreams Mediterranean.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment

Beneath the surface lies a hidden sanctuary: an underground spa where vitality pools shimmer under candlelight and eucalyptus steam drifts through stone-clad chambers. It’s moody, indulgent, and quietly cinematic. Sensory showers cascade like tropical rain, while treatment rooms offer rituals steeped in Mediterranean botanicals. The signature experience—Luxury Moments Together—is a 140-minute duet for couples in a serene double suite, beginning with a full-body buff, followed by side-by-side massages and express facials. The indoor pool, dressed with swim jets, invites gentle laps, while wellness junkies brave the cold plunge pool. Beyond the spa, the fitness center offers treadmills, exercise bikes, a stair climber, rowing machine, and ellipticals—all overlooking panoramic views—and also hosts sunrise yoga and aqua aerobics. But for finishing touches, the on-site beauty salon offers expert hair styling, nail care, and grooming.

Food and Beverage

Prime Steakouse at City of Dreams Mediterranean.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment

Dining is ambitious and theatrical. Anaïs, the resort’s French fine-dining flagship, serves oven-baked snails, braised monkfish, and grilled lobster bathed in tarragon butter. Prime Steakhouse is a darker, moodier affair—think dry-aged cuts, rare whiskies, and a cigar menu that feels curated rather than showy. Amber Dragon brings flair to pan-Asian cuisine, with dragon murals, Japanese lanterns, and Cyprus’s only wood-fired oven. Here, dishes like honey-glazed Iberico pork and lobster dumplings are served with precision—and chopsticks. Aura, however, offers a buffet that’s more curated than chaotic: Cypriot mezze, handmade pasta, and fresh pastries. The Lounge is a quieter space for live saxophone, craft cocktails, and desserts that look like they belong in a gallery. Prefer privacy? In-room dining is available 24/7—whether you’re craving souvlaki at midnight or a smoothie at sunrise.

Entertainment and Activities

Platinum Club at City of Dreams Mediterranean.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment

The resort hums with energy, day and night. At its center, the casino is sleek and expansive—roulette wheels spin beside high-tech slots, and the mood is electric without being overwhelming. For those seeking discretion, the Platinum Club offers a quieter, invitation-only enclave—with private tables, select slots, and exclusive events. Step outside, and the tempo shifts. Lagoon-style pools curve through manicured gardens, flanked by cabanas and low-key poolside bars—while the entertainment programme brings international flair, with monthly concerts and DJ-led parties featuring names like Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand, and Nawal El Zoghbi. For active guests, there’s a Waverider surf simulator and 12 floodlit tennis courts—including access to the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy. But if you’re craving a deeper taste of Cyprus, cultural excursions—whether to ancient ruins, vineyard tastings, or catamaran cruises along the coast—can be arranged by the concierge team.

Kids and Families

Waverider at City of Dreams Mediterranean.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment

Despite its grown-up glamour, City of Dreams is impressively family-friendly. Its Adventure Park is Cyprus’s largest outdoor play zone, with climbing walls, rope swings, ziplines, and mini-golf. Meanwhile, its large pool complex adds high-octane slides, and Kids’ City caters to younger children with soft play zones, sensory areas, and interactive games. Babysitting services are available too—perfect for slipping off to the spa or catching golden hour with a cosmo in hand.

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Final Impressions

Whether you come for the suites, the spa, the casino, or the fine dining—City of Dreams offers Cypriot charm, royal-level hospitality, and Vegas-style buzz in abundance. It’s a place where high-rollers and honeymooners, families and foodies, can all find their rhythm. Every corner hums with spectacle, every detail whispers luxury, and every experience—whether poolside or penthouse—is curated to dazzle.

How To Do It

City of Dreams is just a 45-minute transfer from both Larnaca and Paphos airports. Rates start at $574 for a Premier Mountain View Room, based on Bed & Breakfast. To book, visit cityofdreamsmed.com.cy

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