Reservations

Luxury Travel

Reservations

Luxury Travel

Charitable Travel’s luxury expert Lizzi Trimble shares her top picks for an indulgent holiday in Malta and its sister Island Gozo.

This is a feature from Issue 6 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.

MURELLA LIVING

Lizzi says: “This designer B&B has quirky rooms and is set on a Gozo seafront a stone’s throw from many cafes and restaurants.”

A stylish property in Gozo’s main resort village of Marsalforn, Murella Living will please those who look for unique stays. The decor, though contemporary, reflects Gozitan life and culture, including the famous local lace. There are a choice of unique rooms, including suites, and each has a balcony and mod-cons like a coffee machine, mini fridge and TV.

THE WESTIN DRAGONARA RESORT

Lizzi says: “A great family hotel set on a peninsula in St Julian’s with an excellent pool area and direct access to the sea.

Double family rooms and interconnecting rooms cater for parents travelling with young children, while facilities like a kids club, playground and table tennis will keep them entertained. There are two pools, two private rocky beaches, a spa and a wellness centre plus three restaurants serving up European cuisine including Italian.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL SAN LAWRENZ

Lizzi says: “On the edge of a traditional village near a dramatic stretch of Gozitan coast, this low-rise five-star hotel is a great choice for all the family.”

Set in tranquil gardens, this terracotta hotel has lots to keep guests happy and is perfectly located near the dramatic cliffs of Dwejra Bay. On site are a trio of outdoor pools, and a spa with an indoor pool, hammam, steam room, and Ayurvedic treatments on offer. There’s also squash and tennis courts, and three restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine. Rooms are generous, neutrally decorated and with beautiful views.

DAR TAL-KAPTAN

Lizzi says: “This adults-only B&B in a traditional Gozitan village has eclectic, shabby chic-style rooms that are more like suites.

Nestled in the quiet village of Ghasri close to the Gozo capital is this 400-year-old farmhouse which has four quirky themed suites with outdoor terraces and features like a mini fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. The property is stuffed with eclectic paintings, sculptures and books and has a pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, a book and DVD library, relaxation lounges and a sauna. The breakfast is a sumptuous local buffet you can eat on the pretty terrace.

GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR MALTA

Lizzi says: “This hotel has a unique location by the edge of the sea and is nestled between the 16th century bastion walls of Valletta and Marsamxett Harbour, with simply stunning views.

Featuring large rooms with balconies or terraces which can sleep three, this hotel offers the resort experience. Facilities on-site include an outdoor, indoor and kids pool, a spa and a gym. Guests can hire bikes, sign up for watersports, and enjoy evening entertainment. There are several bars and restaurants serving Mediterranean, Asian, and Caribbean food.

INTERCONTINENTAL MALTA

Lizzi says: “Lovely landscaped gardens a three minute walk inland from St. George’s Bay, close to shops and restaurants and with a private sandy beach (a rarity in Malta) and excellent facilities.

Resting in a prime spot in lively St. Julian’s, this 481-room five-star resort hotel has three pools, including a rooftop infinity pool and a lagoon-style pool, a kids club, fitness centre, spa and a private beach club and bar. The rooms and suites are modern and spacious. Seven restaurants and seven bars serve everything from burgers to fusion food.

HOTEL TA’ CENC AND SPA

Lizzi says: “Set on a beautiful private estate within a bird sanctuary, this eco-friendly hotel has a private rocky beach and its trullo suites have great character.

This 74-room hotel has a dramatic cliffside setting on the south of Gozo, and offers indoor and outdoor pools, and walking and jogging trails. The spa has a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, and beauty salon. There are six room types including the Trullo Suite in a detached bungalow. Three eateries include a water’s edge fish restaurant.

THE PHOENICIA MALTA

Lizzi says: “A short stroll from Valletta’s highlights with stunning city and Grand Harbour views this hotel is ideal for a city break but still caters for families.

This elegant 1940s hotel’s Bastion Pool is hugged by the 16th century fortified walls of Valletta and has welcomed European royalty. Rooms and suites have pretty tiled floors and fresh Mediterranean colours. The grand colonial-style Phoenix Restaurant offers locally-inspired fine dining and there’s also a pool bar and lounge for afternoon tea. Onsite is a spa and gym.

THE XARA PALACE

Lizzi says: “This very special baroque hotel is perched on the medieval city walls of Malta’s former capital Mdina and is great for adult guests.

The 17 rooms and suites in this 17th century palazzo operated by Relais and Chateaux have been individually decorated with original paintings and antiques, boasting stunning hilltop views across the island. There are four restaurants, including the award-winning fine dining venue de Mondian and Trattoria A.D. 1530, serving pizzas. The hotel raises money for two charities, one helping disabled locals.

INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE

Lizzi says: “Spread over four exquisite Maltese houses and their ancient vaults, this exciting new hotel marries history with innovation.

The 23 luxurious, unique and designer-executed rooms and suites all have gorgeous Grand Harbour views and come with luxurious features like walk-in wardrobes, private plunge pools and free-standing bath tubs. Facilities include a Michelin-star rooftop restaurant, a lounge bar in the vaults, a gym and an indoor pool. The team can arrange bespoke experiences like wine tasting or an underwater photography workshop.

Ready to book a luxury family holiday?

Click here to visit our World of Luxury, or call Lizzi today on 020 3092 2558

This is a feature from Issue 6 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.