The five-star luxury hotel loved by celebrities, which is just a four-hour flight from Manchester Airport

Overlooking the skyscrapers of Limassol, which is located on the southern coast of Cyprus, you can almost make out the Troodos Mountains in the distance. But despite appearances, you’re only a 40-minute drive from swapping the city for a treehouse cafe perched atop the highest peak.

Offering a perfect mix of modern beach bars and Stone Age ruins, Limassol has had a renaissance in recent years. It is now considered the second largest urban area in Cyprus after the capital Nicosia – and will attract almost four million tourists this year alone.

Likened by some locals as a mini-Dubai, the medieval port city is located between Paphos and Larnaca airports (and a four-hour flight from Manchester airport), meaning it’s a perfect destination for visitors.

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One of the most impressive stays in Limassol, with its unique architecture instantly recognizable among the city’s skyline, is the aptly named Mediterranean hotel City of Dreams.

Immediately taken by the pyramid design, my first reaction upon seeing the five-star resort was that it felt like a city within a city – and exploring it proved that to be true.

Without naming every on-site feature, there are eight dining options (including four premium restaurants), a family adventure park, an amphitheater, a casino, designer shops, a spa and four outdoor pools, which claims the largest aquatic complex on the island.

The hotel’s 500 luxury rooms and suites add to the tranquility of the site and fully encapsulate its relaxed and picturesque surroundings, with elegant interiors and balconies offering postcard-worthy snapshots of Limassol. My hotel room offered a view of the pools (ideal when you find the right opportunity to go and claim a sunbed) alongside the busy harbor harbour.

The City of Dreams hotel has only been open for about ten months, but it has already become a firm favorite with celebrities around the world, hosting Lebanese singer Nancy Arjam and Greek star Anna Vissi. It was even the background to the music video of Cyprus’ Eurovision entry this year as well.

It’s a hotel that feels both families and couples can enjoy it. There are plenty of opportunities to relax in the sun, but the Adventure Playground’s zip line and high ropes course offer something for those up for a challenge or those with little ones to enjoy.

On the other hand, there are spa treatments and fine dining for those who want to relax and feel pampered.

While many guests may decide to stay on-site for the entire trip, I’m someone who likes to go and explore the nearby surroundings – especially when it’s somewhere I’ve never traveled to before.

Fortunately, there is plenty to explore around Limassol and beyond – including attractions, historic sites and wineries, of which there are many, currently thriving on the popularity of Cypriot and Mediterranean wine.

Just 1km from the hotel are some of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus, including the stunning clear seas and golden sands to be found on Lady’s Mile beach, which I later discover is named after a British governor’s horse called Lady. who liked to trot. along the coast there. Among the many excursions available at the hotel, you can also book a trip to Lady’s Mile Beach in a jeep safari.

But by far one of the most amazing places to visit was the aforementioned Troodos Mountains. The largest mountain range in Cyprus and home to the peak of Mount Olympus at 6404 meters high, Troodos offers undisturbed views of the country and a chance to enjoy a wealth of greenery.

Along the winding roads, you’ll find mountain 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 haven in the winter months for those looking to take advantage of the rare snow and go skiing.

The village is also home to the Forest Park Hotel, where author Daphne du Maurier wrote most of her 1938 novel Rebecca.

Among the many other villages in the mountain range, you’ll find local merchants selling figs, olives and freshly picked fruit. The picturesque village of Omodos has vineyards, cobblestone streets and the Themelio Tavern Café, which has one of the best meze platters I’ve ever tasted with its huge variety of tasty, freshly grilled meats and salads.

We visited the Kourion archaeological site and were in absolute awe of the amazing excavations of early Roman and Byzantine buildings, including the Greco-Roman theater used to host plays. Today, it is still occasionally used as a theater and hosts the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.

In addition, the city of Limassol offers bars and restaurants on the coast, along with shops, boutique traders and other popular attractions. Providing yet another parallel between then and now, the old town’s centuries-old churches and castles sit casually alongside modern buildings and nightclubs and the harbor harbour.

My favorite part of the Mediterranean hotel City of Dreams is without a doubt the food on offer.

There’s Anaïs, which is Europe’s first French Gastro Club – meaning you can enjoy starters such as caviar and camembert, as well as fresh seafood, cooked meats, foie gras, escargots and truffle pate, as , in my case, two fire dancers extravagantly defy the law of physics next to you. At night, the venue doubles as a club with local DJs and premium drinks available to order until late.

There is also the pan-Asian cuisine found at Amber Dragon, which will often host Michelin star chefs on occasion. During my visit, Otto Wong, the executive chef at Cantonese restaurant Pearl Dragon in Macau, offered a six-course dinner described as an ode to the flavors of China, with steamed lobster, beef ribs with longjing tea leaves, and fried rice. unagi

A personal favorite was eating at the recently opened Prime Steakhouse, with signature steaks cooked over charcoal using a Mibrasa oven, including prime black angus from Creekstone Farm in the US, Omaha Bison and Wagyu cross. The meat was cooked and seasoned to perfection, with the staff expertly pointing out the best wine pairings.

It’s fair to say there’s a lot to be found at the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel. For some, it can serve as sensory overload to have so much at your disposal, but for others, it’s like a Mecca waiting to be explored.

Limassol really feels like a place that is about to become bigger than it has ever been. And City of Dreams Mediterranean is helping to promote this movement with a resort that has everything you could want in a vacation spot without ever feeling like a copycat of what can be found in other countries.

Travel information file

Adam was a guest at the 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 from Manchester Airport, with Paphos Airport a 40 minute drive and Larnaca approximately 50 minutes from Limassol and the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel. Flights via Jet2 (Manchester to Pathos) are available from £89.