I went to Vegas-like holiday resort in Europe with glamorous concierges, adventure parks & island's biggest pool complex
SLOTS OF FUN I went to Vegas-like holiday resort in Europe with glamorous concierges, adventure parks & island's biggest pool complex
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SLOT machines flash and jingle as I soak up the atmosphere at the City of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus.
This vast five-star resort features a super-casino, restaurants, bars entertainment and 500 hotel rooms — and is the first of its kind in Europe allowing guests to roll the dice after a dip in one of its many pools.
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Test your surfing skills on the resort's Waverider
Credit: Supplied
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This vast five-star resort features a super-casino, restaurants, bars entertainment and 500 hotel rooms
Credit: Supplied
Insiders tell me it's just the start of ambitions to transform the area into a hybrid of Miami and Vegas within the next five years.
If my two nights at the resort, near Limassol, were any indication, they are well on their way.
Stepping inside, I was struck by the obvious luxury — guests are welcomed into a grand marble lobby lined with designer shops.
Within seconds a glamorous concierge appears with a hot towel for your hands as a bellboy collects your bags.
Moments later I was window shopping on my way to my suite, spotting Burberry, Gucci, and Dolce and Gabbana collections.
Decorated in pine tones, my room felt like my very own Nordic spa with a massive tub, separate shower room, and a huge bed with pillows I melted into.
The showstopper was the view from the balcony looking across the resort — the largest pool complex in Cyprus and a mecca for families and big kids like me.
As well as the sparkling multiple pools surrounded by palm trees for shade, water slides and rapids there's a dedicated adventure park that will keep even the fussiest child happy.
It features an 18-hole miniature golf course, zip-line coaster, climbing wall, high ropes obstacle courses and a huge playground.
The resort's Kids' City is open every day from 10am to 8pm with supervised activities for four to 12-year-olds and by night there are movie and theatre evenings with free popcorn.
All the free activities Cyprus has to offer
For those seeking a different type of thrill there is of course the casino. While Mum and Dad enjoy a flutter, a gaming room offers snooker and retro arcade favourites like Pac-Man and table hockey. Large sofas face wall-mounted TVs with gaming consoles on hand to keep the teenagers busy.
A short drive away from the hotel are sandy beaches and the vibrant city of Limassol with its regenerated marina and lavish yachts bobbing in the waters.
Arming myself with a coffee from Paul bakery, I walked along a boulevard of chic cafes and restaurants you would see on any posh British high street — Jamie Oliver's, a Wagamama, and multiple Greek tavernas.
From there it's an easy stroll into the old town along cobbled streets that lead to Kolossi Castle.
In the Middle Ages, Cyprus was a target for Crusader campaigns to the Holy Land, and this 15th-century fortress is filled with treasures from the time.
Exhibits of ancient pottery, oil lamps and coins from Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman eras are on display in the great hall. I found myself marvelling at tombstones bearing intricate carvings of Crusader knights and ancient symbols.
In the belly of the castle is an even older underground chapel which is dark, windowless and quiet. It was here that King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) married Berengaria of Navarre.
I felt time stop for a moment, and could picture the bride and groom standing next to the very stones of the ancient altar in this peaceful underground grotto.
Stunning frescoes
Amazingly you can taste the oldest wine in the world that was served at King Richard's wedding, called Commandaria, on a visit to the village of Agios Konstantinos.
The excursion can be arranged at the City of Dreams Mediterranean hotel's front desk. Another must-do trip is to the charming village of Omodos, in the heart of the Troodos Mountains.
Renowned for its traditional stone houses, Omodos is a picturesque spot and at its centre lies Timios Stavros Monastery, which dates back to the early 1800s.
The preserved Byzantine church is filled with wood carvings and stunning frescoes.
After a day spent exploring Cyprus's history, or enjoying the adrenalin rush of the casino, the City of Dreams Mediterranean's cave-like spa is the perfect spot to rest weary feet.
This was my favourite place and I could feel my muscles immediately relax in the sauna, before booking myself in for a massage.
With entertainment and relaxation options nailed down at the hotel, I couldn't wait for dinner at one of the four restaurants. As well as a buffet, there are three speciality restaurants serving French, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
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Try your luck on the resort's banks of slot machines
Credit: Supplied
The Amber Dragon, sibling of a two-star Michelin venue in Macau, serves up sushi and sashimi, dim sum and stir-fried classics as well as the best BBQ roasted duck I'd ever tasted.
A chef prepared shreds of the mouthwatering bird in front of us as little baskets of pancakes and dishes of greens were laid out — I was in food heaven.
Next up were the divine Shanghai dumplings that melted into a little soup, while dessert was a golden dumpling treat that resembled an ice-cream Scotch egg.
Afterwards I headed to the casino's roulette table. I was hoping it was my lucky night!
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