TRAVEL
NEXT LEVEL LUXURY AND A FEAST FOR THE SENSES AT CITY OF DREAMS MEDITERRANEAN , CYPRUS
THE ALLURE OF CYPRUS IS UNDENIABLE – AN ISLAND STEEPED IN HISTORY , FRAMED BY CRYSTAL SEAS AND BATHED IN GOLDEN MEDITERRANEAN SUNLIGHT . BEYOND THE POSTCARD- PERFECT LANDSCAPES AND RICH CULTURAL TAPESTRY HOWEVER , THERE ’ S A NEW REASON TO VISIT : CITY OF DREAMS MEDITERRANEAN . AS THE LARGEST INTEGRATED RESORT IN EUROPE , IT IS A HAVEN FOR THOSE SEEKING UNPARALLELED LUXURY , INDULGENCE AND , PERHAPS MORE SURPRISINGLY , WORLD-CLASS DINING .
BY SAMANTHA READY
More than just a hotel , City of Dreams Mediterranean is an allinclusive world unto itself that caters to every kind of traveller . Whether you ’ re a high-stakes player looking for the thrill of the casino , a foodie indulging in fine dining , a family in search of adventure , or a couple seeking a tranquil retreat , the resort has something for everyone , which , let ’ s face it , is no mean feat ! Every aspect of the guest experience has been carefully curated , offering an impeccable balance of leisure , entertainment and relaxation all under one roof .
Founded by Melco Resorts & Entertainment , a global leader in premium integrated resorts , City of Dreams Mediterranean is a testament to innovation and luxury . Boldly embodying Melco ’ s ethos of creating unique and immersive hospitality experiences that blend cutting-edge design , sustainability and top-tier entertainment ( a vision evident throughout the property , from its meticulously curated interiors to its worldclass facilities ), the resort is actually a clever paradox . Extensively vast , think London Olympia-sized function spaces that play host to the biggest names in the Cypriot and Arabic performance sphere , suites that tower in an architectural mast skyward ( blue , of course ), a pinnacle Presidential Suite that is more entire luxury villa than hotel room , and a 24-hour liveliness thanks to its extensive casino , private member ’ s club and world-class restaurants and terraces that play host to acclaimed DJs , City of Dreams is surprisingly intimate .
The resort is spacious and contemporary , with triple-height lobbies , double-height shopping and dining experiences , and fivestar rooms and suites , of which there are 500 , including Sky Suites with panoramic views and Presidential Suites with private infinity pools that are the epitome of luxury living spread across two separate wings , each served with their own bank of high-speed lifts . With an expansive run of interconnected pools , splash zones and slides , all served by outdoor bars , a plethora of dining options and a subterranean spa , you could quite easily wander in the offpeak season as if you were the resort ’ s sole exclusive resident … Yet , just as quickly and if that ’ s your MO , you can find yourself vibing to the latest chill-out tunes alongside other revelatory diners in Anaïs , toasting the sunset to heavier beats on the terrace , or hanging out with the high rollers to the backdrop of the casino ’ s resident showgirls ! Either way , the resort truly is setting a new benchmark for luxury in the Mediterranean .
Boasting Europe ’ s grandest casino , City of Dreams Mediterranean offers an unrivalled gaming experience with a vast selection of table games , slot machines and a dedicated poker area . The casino features private salons for high-stakes players , a lively open casino floor and the exclusive Platinum Club for VIP members seeking the utmost in luxury service . Beyond gaming , the Centre Stage area provides live entertainment throughout the night alongside a lounge menu of elevated bar snacks and cleverly curated cocktails , including their latest ‘ dessert ’ range which included a luringly tiramisu-inspired take on an espresso martini , I mean … wow .
Naturally with high-stakes and luxury vacationing comes high-end designer shopping , and the promenade at City of Dream is a masterclass in couture wrapped in a contemporary aesthetic package . Brands such as Cartier , Bang & Olufsen and Michalis Diamond Gallery ensure that guests can indulge in the finest retail experiences . While for wellness seekers , the Renu Spa offers a rejuvenating retreat with signature treatments and incredible products courtesy of Natura Bisse . It came as no surprise after my first visit that the others on my trip carved out daily spa time to indulge in the indoor pool , sauna , steam room and cold plunge pool . Though to complete the R & R process and unwind in complete serenity , you must indulge in one of the signature treatments ; my full-body massage was 90 unadulterated minutes of stress-releasing bliss .
For all its adult-only perks , families are not forgotten here . The resort features an expansive Adventure Park , a 5000m ² outdoor experience with a zip-line coaster , high ropes course , climbing walls , trampoline zones and an 18-hole miniature golf course . The Kid City club operates daily , offering supervised activities including arts and crafts , gaming rooms with PlayStation consoles and an outdoor play area . The island ’ s largest pool complex also includes four outdoor pools , a splash park , waterslides and the exclusive Waverider , where guests can test their surfing skills .
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