MALTA’S continuing development as a short-break destination has been boosted by Thomson Breakaway’s decision to include the destination in its 2000 Cities and Short-Breaks programme.
Thomson features a range of properties from the three-star Imperial in Sliema to the five-star Corinthia Palace at San Anton and newly opened Xara Palace in Mdina.
Product director Jane Colledge said: “We’re looking for destinations where people can enjoy a short break by the sea. Malta fits the bill as it’s a fascinating mix of culture and relaxation. Malta has a strong UK following and terrific potential – and it’s only just over three hours from the UK.”
Prices for a three-night break at the Corinthia Palace lead in at £319 per person next year, on a bed-and-breakfast basis. The deal includes flights and return transfers.
City-break operators cite the island’s excellent five-star accommodation as another of its advantages; most feature the five-star Meridien Phoenicia, just 3mins’ walk from Valletta’s City Gate, and a popular choice with short-stay clients.
British Airways Holidays Cities product manager Julie Groome said: “The Phoenicia sticks out as one of the genuine five-star hotels in Malta. It’s come out on top with us over the past couple of years. It has the right location and good facilities – everything that’s expected of a five-star hotel with good friendly service.”
Prices for next year lead in at £299 for a two-night stay at the Phoenicia on a bed-and-breakfast basis. The deal includes flights and return transfers.
BAH customers stay in Malta for an average 4.8 nights – a third longer than in other short-break destinations.
The same applies to Crystal clients, according to Cities product director Alan Betty. He said: “It’s surprising how well Malta has sold since we introduced it last year. People wanting to escape for a few days hadn’t previously thought of Malta for a short break.”
Next year’s prices lead in at £249 for two nights at the three-star Imperial hotel. The deal includes flights, return transfers and breakfast.
Malta short breaks
Belleair Holidays: four-night break at the five-star Meridien Phoenicia in early January, £309.
British Airways Holidays: two-night break at the four-star Kennedy Nova in Sliema or four-star Lapsi in St Julian’s, £245.
Cresta Cities: three-night break at the new Golden Tulip Vivaldi in St Julian’s during April, £313.
Premier Short Breaks: our-night break in early December at the three-star Windsor in Sliema, £288.
Thomson Breakaway: two-night break at the three-star Osborne in Valletta, from £249.
Villa holidays
Meon Villas: one week at three-bedroom Villa Palma 1 on the Santa Maria estate, near Mellieha, from £315per person (based on six sharing). Includes return flights and car hire.
OSL: two weeks at Ta San Girgor, a restored four-bedroom farmhouse in Kercem, Gozo, from £487 a person (based on eight sharing). Includes return flights, Gozo ferry transfers and car hire.
Gozo Holidays: one week in June at Bella Vista, a converted farmhouse in Xaghra, Gozo, £390 a person (based on six sharing). Includes return flights and Gozo helicopter transfers.
First Choice Villas and Apartments: two weeks at Villa Ta Cenc in Sannat, Gozo, from £539 a person (based on four sharing a two-bed unit). Includes return flights, Gozo helicopter transfers and car hire.
Sovereign: one week in the Village Tal Fanal villa costs around £336, based on four sharing. The price includes return flights, car hire and ferry transfers between Malta and Gozo.