Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Limassol, Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, stands as Cyprus’s crown jewel of hospitality — a place where discerning travelers come to indulge in sophisticated elegance, curated experiences, and the island’s most exclusive ambiance. This summer, Alina Dyachenko, the Editor-in-Chief of Chic Icon magazine, had the pleasure of stepping into this refined sanctuary to sit down with its visionary General Manager, Mr. Yannis Stefanou, for an intimate conversation about what makes Parklane more than just a resort — but rather, a world of its own.
From lavishly renovated villas with private pools to immersive family escapes, from high-end fashion boutiques nestled beside renowned restaurants like Nammos and La Petite Maison Limassol, to new culinary adventures that promise to surprise even the most seasoned gourmands, Parklane continues to set the benchmark for luxury on the island. During our visit, we discovered not only what’s new this season but also the passion and dedication behind every thoughtful upgrade, collaboration, and indulgent touch that makes a stay here unforgettable.
In this exclusive interview, we invite you to peek behind the scenes of Cyprus’s most iconic address, to discover how Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa reinvents itself year after year — always guided by its guests, always exceeding expectations, and always ready to craft the island’s next chapter in timeless chic.
Let’s start with the latest – what’s new at Parklane this season? Are there any exciting updates guests should know about for summer 2025?
Of course there are! As in previous years, these updates – or upgrades as we like to call them – are inspired by the constructive feedback of our guests.
Our guests’ feedback every year sets the framework for our strategy. We listen to what they share with us carefully and decide accordingly.
I believe this is the easiest way to evolve, in complete alignment with our guests’ and stakeholders’ wishes.
Back in 2024, we realized that we do not offer a lot of activities to those between the ages of 10 and 18 years old. In early 2025, we signed a deal with the biggest provider of escape rooms and VR games in Cyprus. As of June 2025 and up until the end of August, our guests have the opportunity to enjoy an in-house escape room and a high-end VR experience.
Likewise, we decided to build a series of events for the whole family, as we believe Parklane is the ideal resort to connect not only with one’s own self but also with the rest of the family. Latin nights, family Olympics – my personal favorite – comedy shows with a magic twist, and mocktail making, are just a few of those activities that bring the family together.
Our team has put together a calendar with every single detail, and it is very easy for our guests to keep track of it and sign up in advance.
Parklane has always been a leader in luxury hospitality in Cyprus. Are there any new culinary concepts, restaurant pop-ups, or partnerships with celebrity chefs on the horizon?
We are in discussions with a top-tier international restaurant brand aiming to introduce our third signature restaurant soon. The success of Nammos and La Petite Maison has shown us the way.
In addition, we are currently developing our own Japanese gastropub concept, and I am excited to say that it will leave its mark once it goes live.
Finally, we are working on a gastronomic bar and street food square, which will become the meeting point of the resort. I was involved with the opening of the first Last Exit park in Dubai, so I would love to make something similar inside Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa.
Are there any newly renovated areas, additions to the suites or villas, or other upgrades that repeat guests will notice this year?
We actually did a lot this year! We renovated most of the private pools of the villas, as well as our main pool.
In addition, we have replaced all our sunbeds on the beach and redesigned our private cabanas, so I can confidently say the overall experience has been elevated.
Finally, we introduced a new room type, the lifestyle suites, with the option to add a 3rd guest (age 14 and above).
Can you tell us about any upcoming events, collaborations, or luxury brand activations planned for the second half of 2025?
Being a luxury lifestyle destination requires big changes year on year. Celine and Bottega Veneta have recently opened their doors in The Retail Village adjacent to Nammos, completing the missing pieces on that beautiful area of the resort.
Our guests can now enjoy five distinct monobrands such as Dior, Loro Piana, Loewe, Celine, and Bottega Veneta.
Have there been any notable changes in your guest profile recently – perhaps a rise in particular international markets or a shift in the way guests are experiencing the resort?
Traditionally, our main feeder markets are the UK, Russia, Israel, and Europe. Having said that, we have recently noticed an increase from the Middle East, which makes me very happy as I have lived in Dubai for seven years and I am very familiar with the needs of the guests from this region. The same applies to the US market, with our share being more than 10%, being the only 5-star Marriott hotel in Cyprus.
Is there a story or moment from this past year that particularly stands out to you – a guest experience, a team success, or a meaningful milestone for Parklane?
A few really, but the one that stands out for me is the day we reached the 2nd position on TripAdvisor, among all the hotels in Limassol (63 in total). We climbed 8 spots since I joined in 2023, overthrowing some of the oldest hotels in Limassol. I gathered the team to celebrate this achievement, and they all told me to hold my horses as there is one more battle left. This is the champion DNA and the commitment of the team. This is what makes Parklane truly unique.
And finally, what can loyal guests and new visitors look forward to in 2026? Any teasers you can share with us exclusively?
I haven’t received the green light yet, but I would love a pizza & pasta food truck as well as a private bar that I can offer as an upgraded meeting room to the companies that select us for their conventions and incentives.
Wouldn’t mind an Italian dinner experience in front of a massive movie screen, showing Italian classics. This would be a hit!
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