TRAVEL
And then , of course , there is the food …
Offering seven standalone food and beverage outlets including a Parisian-style patisserie and coffee bar that transforms into a cocktail lounge by night , and the sprawling Aura which offers extensive buffet breakfasts before switching to an à la carte Cypriot lunch and dinner menu , it is the resort ’ s three main fine-dining restaurants that elevate the culinary experience to new levels .
At Anaïs , dining is an experience shaped by sustainability and craftsmanship , and that ’ s before you see the wine list bursting with extensive old and new world offerings . Every dish at this elegant French gastroclub is created with high-quality , seasonal ingredients from ethical sources , honouring its commitment to sustainable gastronomy . I began with ‘ Baby Romaine ’. The house take on a Caesar salad , Romaine lettuce was topped with chicken , the smoky crunch of bacon brittle and delicately shaved florets of Tête De Moine cheese before being generously doused in anchovy dressing . Understanding that good chicken done well is a top pick in French fine dining , I opted to share the roasted chicken , surprised with tableside theatrics from the team who carefully plated potato Dauphinous and asparagus before carving the whole baby chicken cooked in truffle butter with incredible skill and completing the dish with a rich chicken jus reduction . The dish was an earthy , rich and buttery triumph of complexity . Completing the show , any French dessert menu that offers apple and pastry is a surefire yes from me . To the awe of the table , my apple tatin arrived a caremlised delight of buttery , flaky pastry and delicate creme Anglais topped with a cloud of whipped cream .
And yet , Anaïs is not the most accomplished offering here . That acclaim goes to Amber Dragon . From the Michelin-starred Dragon restaurant stable , this atmospheric , sophisticated dining venue boasts an immersive experience complete with vibrant open kitchen , sushi bar and an elevated , expertly curated Pan-Asian menu . Opting to devour as much of the menu as possible in sharing format , we shared wagyu beef buns bursting with hints of chilli and offset with honey roasted sesame , the melt-in-themouth texture and rich umami profile setting the tone for the evening . The crispy pork belly was a masterclass in contrast - crunchy crackling yielding to buttery-soft pork , its richness cut through by the sweetness of apple and the piquancy of its Pommery mustard jus . While the wok-fried Black Angus beef tenderloin was deep , smoky and utterly indulgent with flavours of roasted garlic and butter soy , an extra flavour-packed finale came courtesy of the highly recommended Angus beef and egg-white fried rice bejewelled with pepper and spring onion .
And there was still more to come . For a true carnivorous experience , Prime Steakhouse delivered on every level . A menu centred around some of the best cuts from some of the top global cattle breeds , the menu read like a who ’ s-who of beef . Foregoing starters to concentrate on the main event , our shared Creekstone tomahawk was nothing short of legendary - expertly charred on the outside , perfectly medium-rare pink within , with a deep , buttery richness that only the finest beef can deliver , all presented and carved tableside for an extra rested-flavour flourish . Accompaniments of truffle fries , deliciously creamy mac and cheese , and peppercorn sauce elevated the indulgence factor , while the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Peymouton cabinet sauvignon provided the ultimate velvety complement with deep notes of blackberry , spice and just a whisper of oak .
Living up to its ‘ everything is here ’ resort ethos , you of course never have to leave , yet for those looking to explore beyond the resort , the Limassol Full Day Tour offers a captivating journey through Cyprus ’ s rich history and vibrant modernity . My adventure began at Ancient Kourion , a spectacular archaeological site perched atop cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean .
Walking through its grand amphitheatre and intricate mosaics is like stepping back in time to an era of Roman splendour .
From there , we ventured to Omodos Village , a charming mountain enclave renowned for its cobbled streets , traditional stone houses and famous monastery . The slow pace and warmth of the locals made it the perfect spot to soak in the island ’ s cultural heritage . Lunch at Katoi Restaurant was a delight ; under the helm of acclaimed local chef , Panagiotis Panayiotou , you ’ ll find rustic Cypriot cuisine in its purest form , featuring slow-cooked meats , fresh local cheeses and breads , heaving salads and robust wines that speak of the region ’ s centuries-old winemaking tradition .
The tour continued into Limassol Old Town , a lively blend of history and contemporary vibrance , where neoclassical architecture meets boutique cafés and artisanal stores , before concluding at Limassol Marina , a glittering hub of luxury yachts , waterfront dining and stylish promenades , which embodies the city ’ s transformation from a humble fishing village to a thriving , cosmopolitan metropolis . The marina ’ s chic cafés and boutique shops offer the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of Cypriot wine , gazing out over the gently lapping waters . My final evening was spent on my private 11th floor suite balcony , offering uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean horizon , where , with a glass of Nico Lazaridi King of Hearts merlot in hand ( again , the wine lists here are incredible ), I reflected on the unparalleled journey of taste and relaxation I had just experienced .
City of Dreams Mediterranean isn ’ t just a luxury resort – it is an immersion into the finest things in life and a demonstration that some places aren ’ t just visited , they are lived , savoured and remembered long after you leave .
cityofdreamsmed . com . cy cityofdreamsmediterranean
106 • www . insidekent . co . uk