Yahoo News The luxury five-star hotel loved by celebrities that's only a four hour flight from Manchester Airport
Overlooking the skyscrapers of the city of Limassol, which is situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, you can just about make out the Troodos Mountains from a distance. But despite appearances, you're only ever a 40-minute drive away from swapping the city for a treehouse café situated at the top of the highest peak.
Offering a perfect mix of modern day beach bars and Old Stone Age ruins, Limassol has had a renaissance in recent years. It's now regarded as the second largest urban area in Cyprus after the capital of Nicosia - and its set to draw in close to four million tourists this year alone.
Compared to some locals as a small Dubai, the mediaeval port city is situated between both Paphos and Larnaca Airports (and a four-hour flight from Manchester Airport), meaning it's a perfect destination for visitors.
One of the most impressive stays in Limassol, with its unique architecture instantly recognisable amongst the city’s skyline, is the appropriately-named City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel.
Taken in immediately by the Pyramid-esque design, my first reaction after seeing the five-star resort was that it felt like a city within one - and exploring it further proved that to be true.
Without naming every single feature on site, there’s eight dining outlets (including four premium restaurants), a family adventure park, an amphitheatre, a casino, designer shopping, a spa, and four outdoor pools, laying claim to the largest aquatic complex on the island.
The hotel’s 500 deluxe rooms and suites add to the serenity of the site and fully encapsulate its relaxed and scenic surroundings, with elegant interiors and balconies offering postcard-worthy snapshots of Limassol. My hotel room offered a view of the pools (ideal when you’re sizing up the right opportunity to go and claim a sunbed), alongside the busy port harbour.
The City of Dreams hotel has only been open for about ten months, but it's already become a firm favourite with celebrities from around the world, having hosted the likes of Lebanese singer Nancy Arjam and Greek star Anna Vissi. It was even the backdrop for the music video of Cyprus' Eurovision entry this year too.
It's a hotel which feels like both families and couples can enjoy. There’s ample opportunities to bask in the sun, but the Adventure Playground’s zipline coaster and high ropes course offer something for those up for a challenge or those with younger ones to entertain.
On the flip side, there’s spa treatments and fine dining for those looking to cosy up and feel treated.
Whilst many guests may decide to stay on site for the whole trip, I’m someone who does like to go and take in the nearby surroundings - especially when it’s somewhere I’ve never travelled to before.
Thankfully, there’s loads of things to explore around Limassol and beyond - including attractions, historical sites and wineries, of which there are many, that are currently thriving on the popularity of Cypriot and Mediterranean wine.
Just 1km away from the hotel are some of Cyprus’ finest beaches, including the stunning clear seas and golden sand that can be found on Lady’s Mile Beach, which I later discover is named after a British governor’s horse, named Lady, who liked to trot along the coastline there. Amongst the many excursions available at the hotel, you can also book onto a trip to Lady’s Mile Beach via a safari jeep.
But by far one of the most stunning spots to visit were those aforementioned Troodos Mountains. The largest mountain range in Cyprus, and home to the Mount Olympus peak at 6,404 ft high, the Troodos offer undisturbed views of the country and a chance to bask in a wealth of greenery.
Along the winding roads, you'll find mountainous villages, like Platres, which has a population of less than 300 people. Originally home to shepherds and vine growers, the village has become a tourist's retreat during the winter months for those wanting to take advantage of the rare snowfall and go skiing.
The village is also home to the Forest Park Hotel, which is where author Daphne du Maurier wrote the majority of her 1938 novel Rebecca.
Amongst the many other villages in the mountain range, you’ll find local traders selling off freshly-harvested figs, olives, and fruit. The picturesque village of Omodos features vineyards, cobbled side streets and Themelio Tavern Café, which has one of the best meze platters I’ve ever enjoyed due to its huge variety of tasty and freshly-grilled meats and salads.
I visited the Kourion Archaeological Site and was left in absolute awe of the stunning excavations of Roman and Early Byzantine buildings, including the Greco-Roman theatre used to host plays. Today, it is still occasionally used as a theatre and is home to the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.
In addition, the city of Limassol offers coastline bars and restaurants, alongside shops, boutique traders and other popular attractions. Offering yet another parallel between then and now, centuries-old churches and castles of the Old Town are casually situated alongside modern builds and nightclubs and the port harbour.
My favourite part of the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel is undoubtedly the food on offer.
There’s Anaïs, which is Europe's first ever French Gastro Club - meaning you can enjoy hors-d'oeuvres, like caviar and camembert, as well as fresh seafood, cooked meats, foie gras, escargots, and truffle pates as, in my case, two fire dancers extravagantly defy the law of physics beside you. At night, the venue also doubles up as a club with local DJs and premium drinks available to order until late.
There’s also Pan-Asian cuisine to be found at Amber Dragon, which will often also host Michelin-star chefs on occasion too. During my visit, Otto Wong, the Executive Chef at the Pearl Dragon Cantonese restaurant in Macau, delivered a six-course dinner described as an ode to the flavours of China, featuring the likes of steamed lobster, beef short ribs with longjing tea leaves, and unagi fried rice.
A personal favourite was eating at the newly-opened Prime Steakhouse, featuring signature steaks cooked over charcoal using a Mibrasa oven, including prime black angus from Creekstone Farm in the USA, Omaha Bison and crossbred Wagyu. The meat was cooked and seasoned to perfection, with staff expertly pointing out the best wine pairings.
It’s fair to say there is a lot to be found at the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel. For some, it may serve as a bit of a sensory overload to have so much at your beck and call, but for others, it is like a Mecca waiting to be explored.
Limassol really does feel like a place that is on the cusp of becoming bigger than it has ever been. And the City of Dreams Mediterranean is helping speer that movement with a resort that has everything you could possibly want from a holiday spot, without ever feeling like a carbon copy of what can be found in other countries.
Travel factfile
Adam was a guest at City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel, where rooms 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.
Cyprus is only a four-hour flight away from Manchester Airport, with Paphos Airport a 40-minute drive and Larnaca about 50 minutes away from Limassol and the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel. Flights via Jet2 (from Manchester to Pathos) are available from £89.
