Latest news with #Limassol
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went to Vegas-like holiday resort in Europe with glamorous concierges, adventure parks & island's biggest pool complex
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. 3 3 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. 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. 3 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!
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: Bafana winger and new number 10
Kaizer Chiefs target Mihlali Mayambela is seemingly remaining with Aris Limassol in Cyprus. The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a return to Amakhosi this winter. Before moving to Sweden's Djurgården aged 18, Mayambela played professional football in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with Cape Town All Stars. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates development player became a journeyman abroad via countries like Portugal, Israel and Cyprus in the Middle East. Kaizer Chiefs news: Lost relationship and new midfielder Mihlali Mayambela in action for Bafana Bafana at the FNB Stadium. Image: @ In Cyprus, with Limassol during the 2024/25 season, Mayambela played 23 times with four goals and five assists. According to this update, his club, Limassol, expected far more than Kaizer Chiefs expected for a player with one year left on his contract… Full story here. Orlando Pirates respond to R120m Mofokeng news This new Kaizer Chiefs attacker has never played in Mzansi but was born in Durban 26 years ago before establishing his entire professional career in England. Chislett made a name for himself with standout performances at clubs like AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale, where he became known for his goal contributions and playmaking ability. Now back in South Africa after joining Kaizer Chiefs on a two-year deal, the versatile Chislett has revealed his favoured playing position. Speaking to the club's media, Chislett was asked to describe himself as a footballer. 'Versatile midfielder, can sit deep, play further forward and wide right, even striker a few times, although more in a 'false 9' role,' he said… Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana winger: What happened?
Kaizer Chiefs target Mihlali Mayambela is seemingly remaining with Aris Limassol in Cyprus. The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a return to Amakhosi this winter. Before moving to Sweden's Djurgården aged 18, Mayambela played professional football in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with Cape Town All Stars. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates development player became a journeyman abroad via countries like Portugal, Israel and Cyprus in the Middle East. Timeline report: New Kaizer Chiefs kit unveiling In Cyprus, with Limassol during the 2024/25 season, Mayambela played 23 times with four goals and five assists. Mihlali Mayambela in action for Aris Limassol in Cyprus. Image: samsonmayambela/X According to this update, his club, Limassol, expected far more than Kaizer Chiefs expected for a player with one year left on his contract. Kaizer Chiefs to make a big announcement 'You know it's believed that personal terms between the player and the club were agreed but apparently his club were looking for a big transfer fee while he has only one year left on his contract,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . 'And looking at the other players they signed so far it's believed Kaizer Chiefs felt the asking price was too much and that's why they had to put the move on hold. But they were really interested in signing him, and the player was also happy to come back home,' the insider added. 'It's not over yet. It's apparently just for this window period. They are considering wanting for him to have a free agent status around January and make the second move. But that will also depend on whether Aris Limassol will already renewed his contract or not. That's what Kaizer Chiefs will be working on for now,' the source concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Why the Mihlali Mayambela move to Kaizer Chiefs may not work out
Mihlali Mayambela's potential move from Aris Limassol to Kaizer Chiefs faces challenges due to his key role in Cyprus, a high transfer fee, and Limassol's contract renewal option, despite interest from Chiefs and discussions with Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix With the rumours swirling that Mihlali Mayambela may be considering a move from Aris Limassol to Kaizer Chiefs, whether the player will actually make the move back home is now seemingly less likely. The 28-year-old Bafana Bafana player is currently filling a key role at the club in Cyprus, and a hefty price tag might dissuade the Soweto Giants from making a big move for his signature. According to Kick Off, Chiefs would have to fork out around R4 million for Mayambela. The website also reports that Limassol may also invoke the option to renew Mayambela's contract.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cyprus hotel groups seek private desalination amid water shortages
Eleven leading hotel chains across Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos have submitted applications to install on-site desalination systems, tapping into a €3 million subsidy scheme. The move supports an emergency plan to ease water stress on municipal supplies during Cyprus's busy tourist season. The Ministry of Agriculture launched its subsidy scheme in March to promote private desalination plants in the hospitality sector. Under the incentive, individual hotels building their own units may receive up to €300,000, while collaborative installations serving multiple properties are eligible for as much as €550,000. The Water Development Department (WDD) has simplified licensing, allowing permits for plants producing up to 1,500 m³ of water per day to be issued within a week of application. Hotels typically need between 200 and 500 m³ a day to meet guest demand. Dozens have already signed contracts with desalination suppliers, yet construction cannot begin until WDD issues a water abstraction permit and later inspects and approves the system before it goes live. Cypriot law requires establishments to notify authorities within 21 days of completing the installation to arrange the final inspection. Desalination units are estimated to cost around €200,000 for a system producing 200 m³ per day, plus approximately €30,000 for preparatory works. Suppliers say a return on investment is achievable within five years given rising water prices. However, some hoteliers are delaying installations until after the peak season to avoid noise disruption and logistical challenges. The hotels association has flagged concerns that rapid deployment may prove 'unfeasible' this year, citing technical, environmental and energy-intensity issues. Cyprus is facing critical water shortages following the second driest winter in a decade, with reservoir levels dipping below 25 per cent of capacity—significantly lower than the 47 per cent seen in 2024. The country currently operates four permanent desalination plants, each producing about 235,000 m³ daily, while a fifth remains offline after a fire. Mobile units from the UAE will add 15,000 m³ daily this summer, and another four mobile plants are expected by October, each adding 30,000 m³ per day. With tourism accounting for around 13.5 per cent of Cyprus's GDP and 4 million visitors arriving last year, hotels face growing pressure to secure independent water sources. The shift towards private desalination reflects the sector's role in national water resilience, complementing broader strategies to repair leaky infrastructure—where losses reach up to 40 per cent—and invest in new treatment plants. This push may signal a turning point for hotel water sustainability, aligning operational needs with long‑term environmental and resource planning. "Cyprus hotel groups seek private desalination amid water shortages" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
