Transformation of an out-of-date hotel into a five star mediterranean resort with thalassotherapy spa.

An extensive enlargement and renovation of this hotel was undertaken to transform an undistinguished mass-market hotel into an exclusive five star resort. Key to the renovation was imbuing the landscape areas with a Cypriot character, using traditional Greek Cypriot architectural forms & materials, outdoor artwork and colorful plants under the blinding sunlight of clear mediterranean skies.  

The hotel was greatly expanded over several seasons with new guest wing, renovated bunglows, pools, dining facilities, sports activities, spa, children's area and outdoor amphitheatre.

The hotel's entry was completely recreated with a 1970s-era roadway and parking plaza transformed into pedestrian-friendly outdoor spaces. The new entry has a remote check-in pavilion with golf-cart transit through landscaped garden areas. The plaza, which sits atop an existing basement carpark, was remodeled with trellis-covered seating areas adjacent to a nearby wedding chapel. The new plaza also cater to emergency vehicles and tour buses in the low season.

In addition to renovating an existing swimming pool, multiple new pools were added in a vertical arrangement to segregate users and create privacy where desired.. A saltwater 'family pool' sits adjacent to a large seaside sunning lawn.Niches within an arched stone arcade provide quiet, sheltered in-pool seating areas.  A private, freshwater  'adults-only' grotto pool one story higher is reserved for guests in a new spa wing,. Several outdoor thalassotherapy pools were created in traditional stone pavilions further up the slope, overhanging the upper grotto and family pools

As the Cyprus market caters primarily to long-staying package tour groups and families, creating amenities to retain guests on-site was important. An outdoor entertainment amphitheatre was designed to host evening entertainment; multiple remote dining options were added; a children's play village and sports & recreation 'club' were added. For long-staying families, multiple villas were remodeled and an enclosed, private swimming pool was added.

Throughout the property an extensive plant palette of colorful mediterranean trees, shrubs & groundcovers was used, especially in the more sheltered areas behind the building. Seaside areas, facing salt-laden breezes, featured a hardy plant mix of Washingtonia Palms, Oleander, Bougainvillea and iceplant.

Le Merdieien Limassol was honored as "Europe's Leading Spa Resort" in 2002 at the World Travel Awards meeting.