Staggeringly beautiful and one of our favourite destinations in the region, the tiny Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo are so much more than a beach destination, with Roman ruins, medieval castles, walled cities and atmospheric forts dotted all around, and rugged landscapes giving lots of scope for outdoors activities, including boat trips, diving, hiking, mountain-biking and horse- riding.
This is also a destination with a fabulous food scene. Despite its size, Malta has no fewer than six Michelin-starred restaurants that make the most of the delicious local seafood and other outstanding local produce in dishes accompanied by the fruits of the island’s own vineyards.
Maltese wine can’t be found outside the island, so coming here is an excellent opportunity to taste something unique - the result of the island’s rich soil, light sea breezes and 300 days of sunshine a year. We highly recommend hiring a car to visit the local vineyards and taste their award-winning wares: Marsovin Cellars, the Tal-Massar Winery, Meridiana Wine Estate, San Niklaw, Marnisi Estate, Markus Divinus and Delicata Winery.
Global grape varieties grown on Malta include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato, and there are also the native varieties Gellewza and Ghirghentina, which are producing excellent wines with a distinctive body and flavour.
In semi-tropical gardens near iconic Dwejra Bay on Gozo, The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo is a fabulous hideaway with the indulgence of not only a spa but also an authentic Ayurveda centre – one of the largest in the region. Its three stylish restaurants offer Maltese and other Mediterranean cuisine, and there’s a pool bar for signature cocktails and global eats. Rooms, suites and apartments with full kitchens have charming Gozitan decor and up to three bedrooms – ideal for multigenerational holidays or other trips with family or friends.
Also on Gozo, the Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa stands out for Il-Kantra, its gorgeous, fjord-like rocky beach in a secluded inlet, 2km from the main hotel. Other lures include family and adult-only pools, a spa with a heated indoor-outdoor pool, and three restaurants including Il Carrubo with its table under a 400-year-old carob tree. Of the accommodation, our favourites are the Trullo Suites in detached buildings dotted around the grounds.
The Embassy Valletta Hotel is the perfect place for immersing yourself in the history, culture and convivial life of the Maltese capital, while on-site temptations include a seventh-storey rooftop cocktail lounge and deck pool with electrifying views over the city, an in-house cinema and a therapy room. There’s also dining in the intimate Courtyard with its great wine list, light bites and high teas.
Iniala Harbour House is spread over four Maltese houses and their ancient vaults, and its chic rooms, suites and ‘residences’ (extra-spacious suites) have picture windows, Maltese balconies and sometimes a private plunge pool on their terrace. Dotted with artworks, some based on the frescoes of nearby St John’s Cathedral, it also has a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant by British farm-to-table chef Simon Rogan.
Lastly, with a private boat jetty, a lido with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, private yacht hire, an extensive spa and six swimming pools, the Corinthia St George’s Bay in St Julian’s appeals to us with its glamorous feel. It also has five restaurants combining to offer barbecue grills, salt-baked fish served aflame at your table, Italian favourites and more.
To book your Malta holiday with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today.
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