05 August 2025

Have you ever walked through a place and felt like you’d been there before, even if you hadn’t? Suddenly realising I was walking right into the scenes of some of my favourite films and shows. Malta isn’t just a Mediterranean gem full of golden stone buildings, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched views — it’s also one of the world’s most underrated film sets. Over the years, it’s doubled as Ancient Rome, King’s Landing, Troy, and even the wild west. The best bit? You can explore all these "sets" in real life — no green screens necessary! Here’s what it’s like stepping into the reel world of Malta... Gladiator Vibes at Fort Ricasoli First stop: Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara — aka Ancient Rome. If you've seen Gladiator, chances are you’ve already seen this place, even if you didn’t realise it. This was Maximus’ battlefield, and standing there gives you goosebumps (minus the crowds and CGI fireballs, thankfully). It’s not open every day, but even viewing it from the outside feels epic. I half expected Russell Crowe to storm around the corner in full armour. Game of Thrones Fans: Welcome to King’s Landing Yes, you read that right — Malta was the original King’s Landing in Season 1 of Game of Thrones! Walk through the silent city of Mdina and you'll recognise it instantly. The city walls, winding alleys, and dramatic city gates all played their part. I stood outside the Mdina Gate whispering “You’re in the great game now,” to myself like a total nerd (no regrets). Just nearby, in San Anton Gardens, you’ll also find the location where Ned Stark confronted Cersei. Go ahead and channel your inner Hand of the King. Popeye Village – Cartoon Magic Brought to Life This one is pure childhood nostalgia. Popeye Village in Anchor Bay is where the 1980 musical Popeye (starring Robin Williams) was filmed — and the set is still there, in all its quirky, colourful glory. It’s a weird and wonderful place with crooked houses, wooden piers, and a slightly surreal vibe. I climbed through the rickety buildings, met “Popeye” in person, and even watched a little live show. Whether or not you’re a fan of the film, it’s fun, kitschy, and completely unique. Bonus: the bay is stunning. Bring a swimsuit and have a dip with Popeye’s view. Epic Drama in Valletta’s Backstreets Valletta isn’t just Malta’s capital — it’s also a director’s dream. Assassin’s Creed, Munich, Murder on the Orient Express, World War Z, and By the Sea (with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt) all used the city’s dramatic baroque streets and harbours as their backdrop. Walking through Valletta’s old town, you’ll see why. Every corner has that “cinematic” feel — steep steps, worn limestone, pastel balconies, and sweeping sea views. At one point I genuinely paused and thought, Should I be in costume right now? It’s that atmospheric. Troy & The Sea at Ghajn Tuffieha Remember Troy with Brad Pitt as Achilles? That was filmed at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay — a golden sand beach flanked by dramatic cliffs. Standing on the edge, with waves crashing below, you can absolutely picture epic battles and sweeping romance (or just have a peaceful swim and soak it all in). It’s one of Malta’s best beaches — and one of my favourite places to watch the sun set. Small Island, Big Screen Moments The incredible thing is how much variety Malta packs into such a small space. One day you’re in ancient Rome, the next you’re in a fantasy realm or a sleepy fishing village that looks like it was plucked straight out of a Wes Anderson film. And everywhere you go, you hear “Oh, they filmed something here!” Even lesser-known spots like Marsaxlokk, with its colourful boats and seafood stalls, have been used in international productions. It’s like the island itself is a working actor, changing costumes from one era to another. Why I Felt Like the Star of the Show What makes Malta even more magical is that it doesn’t feel like a film set. These places are real, living, breathing parts of the island — and you can wander them at your own pace, no tickets or turnstiles required. And maybe that’s what makes it special. For a few days, I wasn’t just watching the movie — I was in it. Drinking coffee on ancient steps, sailing past fortress walls, watching the sun rise over a bay that once held Greek ships or Roman legions (depending on the script). Whether you're a film buff, a history nerd, or just love discovering new places that feel a bit different, Malta is the ultimate real-life movie set. No director shouting “cut”, no spoilers — just you, the scenery, and a little movie magic. Heading to Malta soon? Bring your camera, your sense of adventure… and maybe a gladiator quote or two. Because when you're in Malta, the story is yours to tell. “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” – Maximus, Gladiator

05 August 2025

Let’s be honest — one of the best feelings ever is clicking “confirm booking” and starting the countdown to your next getaway. That moment when you can set your ‘out of office’ and start mentally sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere? Pure bliss. But in all that excitement, there’s one thing many people forget to think about: financial protection. Yep, not the most glamorous topic, we know. But it’s absolutely essential to making sure your holiday stays as stress-free as possible — before, during, and after you travel. So, what is financial protection? And do you really need it if you’ve already got travel insurance or paid by credit card? Let’s break it down. Why Financial Protection Matters When you book a holiday, you’re investing time, money, and a lot of excitement. Financial protection gives you peace of mind that if something goes wrong — like your travel provider going out of business — your money (and your trip) is safe. Unfortunately, many travellers don’t find out what kind of protection they have until they need it — and by then, it can be a bit too late. What is ATOL and Why Should You Care? You’ve probably seen the word ATOL on travel websites or booking confirmations, but what does it actually mean? ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) is a UK government-backed scheme that protects holidaymakers when booking a package holiday with flights. It’s run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and it’s designed to make sure you’re not left stranded if your travel company stops trading. If your travel company goes bust before your holiday, ATOL ensures you’ll get a full refund. If they go under while you’re away, ATOL covers your return travel — so you can get home safely, without spending a penny more. ?? Tip: You’ll always get an ATOL certificate when you book a protected holiday. Keep it safe – it confirms exactly what’s covered and how to claim if needed. ATOL vs ABTA: What’s the Difference? They sound similar, but they’re not the same. ATOL covers package holidays that include flights. ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) supports holidays without flights — like cruises, coach or rail trips. ABTA also offers guidance and dispute resolution, but unlike ATOL, its protection is voluntary. Some travel companies use other trusted forms of protection like independent trust accounts — which are just as safe (we’ll come to that later). What If I Paid by Credit Card? Good question. If you paid with a credit card, you might be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. That means you can potentially claim your money back from your credit card provider if your travel company fails. To qualify: The total holiday cost must be between £100 and £30,000. You don’t need to have paid the full amount on the card — a deposit is often enough. If you paid by debit card, many banks offer a chargeback scheme. It’s not a legal right like Section 75, but it can still help recover your money if things go wrong. That said, if your trip is ATOL protected, always go through ATOL first. The card route is a good backup if needed. Doesn’t My Travel Insurance Cover This? Not always. Travel insurance is great for things like cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. But not all policies cover travel company failure. Especially if you’ve booked your holiday DIY-style (flights, hotels, transfers all separately), it’s worth double-checking if your policy covers all the individual parts. Is My Money Safe with Travel Counsellors? Absolutely. At Travel Counsellors, we take your protection seriously. We hold an ATOL licence (number 6751), so any package holiday including flights is fully protected. On top of that, we use an independent trust account to protect all bookings — even if your holiday doesn’t include flights. This means your money is kept securely in the trust account and can’t be accessed until your travel arrangements are confirmed — offering you another layer of financial peace of mind. It’s About More Than Just Protection Of course, financial protection is crucial. But we believe booking a holiday should feel exciting and completely stress-free from start to finish. That’s why, at Travel Counsellors, we go the extra mile. From personal, one-to-one service to 24/7 customer support while you're away, we’re here to make sure your travel experience is smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Final Thoughts Financial protection might not be the thing you’re dreaming about when planning your holiday — but knowing your hard-earned money is safe is priceless. So whether you’re off on a beach break, city escape, cruise or adventure halfway around the world, make sure your booking comes with the peace of mind you deserve. If you’re unsure about your protection or just want to chat through your options, feel free to get in touch. Your Travel Counsellor is here to help.

05 August 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a place that blends luxury, culture, and tropical beauty – the Four Seasons Koh Samui may be just the destination. Nestled in the serene Gulf of Thailand, this exclusive hideaway has become even more coveted as the backdrop for the highly anticipated new season of HBO’s cult-favourite series, The White Lotus. Set against a backdrop of lush jungle greenery and endless ocean views, the resort is a masterclass in understated elegance. Traditional Thai architecture flows seamlessly with modern comforts, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that is both stylish and soulful. Whether it’s the soft linen of your king-size bed or the curated details of local artisan craftsmanship, every element of your villa feels thoughtfully considered – and film-worthy. It’s no surprise the producers of The White Lotus chose this spot. Like the show, which explores the intersection of luxury and human connection, Four Seasons Koh Samui is full of contrasts: peaceful yet dynamic, secluded yet connected. Wander out from your villa and you’ll find the island teeming with opportunities to explore. Nature lovers can take a boat trip to the awe-inspiring Ang Thong National Marine Park, while those craving more energy can head to the buzzing beach life of Chaweng. The island itself plays a central role in the experience, offering a blend of tranquillity and vibrant culture that fans of the show will instantly recognise. For those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the White Lotus lifestyle, the sea-facing villas provide the perfect setting. Each comes with a private terrace and its own infinity pool overlooking the ocean – ideal for lazy mornings, sunset cocktails, or simply soaking in the surroundings in total privacy. If you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, the resort’s private residences offer more space and exclusivity, complete with a live-in personal assistant to take care of everything from dinner reservations to private excursions. Whether you’re a long-time White Lotus fan or simply in search of your next luxurious escape, Four Seasons Koh Samui offers an experience that’s as cinematic as it is serene. Here, every sunrise feels like a scene from your favourite show – and you get to be the star