Whether your clients want to sunbathe and spa or putt and party, Malta’s the spot. Jane Dunford reports
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Blessed with a balmy climate, beautiful scenery and fascinating history, Malta, Gozo and tiny sister island Comino draw holidaymakers looking for a great-value short-haul getaway.
Some may want to just fly and flop, taking advantage of the lovely beaches, warm water and pampering spas. Others may be seeking action-packed fun, from diving and hiking to visiting museums or painting the town red at night. Whatever their wishes, here’s our pick of activities to suit all needs.
AT SEA
Pause: For sea lovers wanting to take it easy, a leisurely sailing trip or cruise is just the ticket.
Charter a yacht with Classic Collection Holidays through the concierge service prior to departure or in resort. The daily cost for a skipper and crew is €600 and a typical day’s charter could take in the Grand Harbour in Valletta, the three cities of Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa, and a swim, or you could sail around Comino or Gozo.
Attraction World offers commissionable watery excursions, including a Comino Tour, cruising on the Captain Morgan to the island’s famed Blue Lagoon.
Take in the picturesque scenery then sunbathe or paddle in the lagoon – and enjoy a delicious lunch. The trip costs £42 for adults, £17 for children aged two to 12.
Play: With warm, clear water, spectacular underwater scenery and a host of marine life, Malta and its islands are perfect for snorkelling or diving. Divers with more experience will love the underwater tunnels and shipwrecks off Malta, while the gentler shores of Gozo are suitable for beginners. Among options with Regaldive is a Padi Open Water learn to dive course on Gozo from £279 or, for experienced divers, six days of unlimited shore dives from £79 a day. B&B accommodation at St Patrick’s Hotel costs from £447, with flights, through Regaldive.
Thomson Excursions offers a range of dive options, from a half-day introduction for £62.99 to a 10-day package exploring caves and wrecks across the three islands for £217.99.
GOURMET GETAWAY
Pause: Long leisurely lunches or decadent dinners are a true holiday treat – and Malta has a host of fantastic restaurants. Among the best is De Mondion, the rooftop restaurant at the gorgeous Xara Palace Hotel in atmospheric Mdina, the only Relais & Chateaux property in Malta.
Open just for dinner, executive chef Kevin Bonello serves up delectable Mediterranean fare that’s worth splashing out on. Kirker Holidays offers three nights on a B&B basis with flights and private transfers from £869 in high season.
But clients are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Belleair Holidays’ new Dine Around programme entitles guests to savings on lunch and dinner each day at a variety of specified hotel and non-hotel restaurants in Malta and Gozo, including luxury addresses such as the Kempinski, Westin, Le Méridien and Hotel Phoenicia. Priced from £8-£38 per night in the summer, the Dine Around card is available for a minimum of three nights.
Play: Instead of simply sitting down to eat, how about heading out to learn more about Malta’s delicious cuisine? Visitors can discover the art of cheese-making with local farmer and restaurateur Rikardu, at Ta’ Rikardu in Gozo. After trying to milk a goat, guests learn to make tasty Gozitan cheese.
Maltese wine is fast-gaining a reputation for its quality – with some producers now making world-class bouquets from homegrown vines, instead of using grapes from Italy.
Tours of the 47-acre Meridiana Vineyard in Attard, with wine tasting, can be organised by Classic Collection Holidays’ concierge service, from €11. Pre booking is essential as tours operate for a minimum of six people.
WAY TO WELLNESS
Pause: Kicking back and being pampered is part of the holiday experience and there’s a great range of spas for rebalancing mind, body and spirit.
Among the best are Le Spa at the Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Mellieha, with its fabulous treatments and modern facilities, and the Spa Sante at the Fortina Spa Resort in Sliema, another haven of tranquillity.
But perhaps la crème de la crème is the Quintessence Spa at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Gozo. The signature Ayurveda programmes use ancient Indian techniques and run from two to 21 days – a two day retreat costs €270.
Mercury Direct offers seven nights’ B&B from £451 in November, flying from Gatwick.
Play: Rather than just lying back for a massage, clients can boost their wellbeing by getting active. Many hotels offer wellness activities such as yoga and aqua aerobics – usually included in the price. The LivingWell Club at the Hilton Malta has over 32 fitness classes a week.
Belleair Holidays offers seven nights with breakfast in a Seaview Deluxe room, transfers, flights departing June 30 and complimentary entrance to a Malta attraction, from £1,150.
Or how about a round of golf? It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air and Malta’s beautiful scenery at a leisurely pace. The Royal Malta Golf Club dates from 1888 and is one of the oldest golf clubs outside of the UK. Green fees for 18 holes start at €60.
FESTIVAL TIME
Pause: Malta’s big on festivals of all kinds, but among the most chilled is Birgufest, held in October in the historic walled maritime city of Birgu.
There are historical re-enactments and food stalls, but the highlight is the magical Birgu by Candlelight, when the streets and houses are lit only with candles, and traditional music and choirs entertain.
Jazz lovers shouldn’t miss the Malta Jazz Festival, held in the open air at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta, taking place this year on July 17-19.
Play: There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malta. Carnival in March turns the streets into an explosion of colour.
But the must-do music event of the year is Isle of MTV on June 25 in Il Fosos Square. This year’s line-up includes big names such as Rita Ora (pictured) and Jesse J – and it’s free. It’s part of Malta Music Week, from June 20-25, with live music and DJs playing at beach parties, nightclubs and street concerts.
Hotel Phoenicia is ideally located near the action, and Prestige Holidays offers five nights with breakfast from £729 including transfers and flights from Gatwick, departing June 21.
BREAK A SWEAT
Pause: Laze on the beach and you may break a gentle sweat simply chilling, before plunging into the sea to cool down.
For sandy beaches it’s best to head to the north of Malta. Ghadira Bay and Golden Bay are among the best for families, while Paradise Bay draws a younger crowd. In Gozo, Xlendi beach is a lovely, quiet bay for chilling out.
Play: The Maltese islands’ beautiful scenery lends itself to cycling or hiking trips. Last year, the tourist board launched nine walking and cycling trails as part of its MaltaGoesRural project, colour-coded according to themes, and maps and apps are available too (maltagoes rural.com).
Ramblers Worldwide has a 10-night holiday exploring both Malta and Gozo, walking through farmlands, along steep valleys and on coastal paths. Prices start from £879 in October including flights from Heathrow.
The all-inclusive four-star Seabank Hotel organises hikes led by experts, where guests discover culture and heritage as well as the gorgeous countryside, and offers bike hire from €5 for one hour.
