Top 5 Romantic Getaways in Malta

You will find hundreds of hotels and rentals in Malta, but only a selected few have that unique atmosphere that will make your romantic retreat truly memorable. Below is the list of my personal favorites with that special blend of luxury and pampering you are looking for.

About the country

Malta is the place to be if you are looking for an exotic escape to the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. About 60 miles from Sicily, the 95 square mile island is a completely independent island republic, with it's own language, history and unique culture. Tourism is one of the pillars of the economy, and tourists are seen with a very positive eye by the very hospitable locals.

All of the below resorts cater both for romantic getaways and wedding receptions, so if you are looking for a place to dazzle your guests with an overseas wedding, any of the below choices will be great picks. These resorts also happen to be a secret hideaway for many celebrities and if you're lucky , you might do some star gazing at the hotel bar.

My number 1 personal preference goes to the Westin Dragonara Resort in St.Julian's, on the north eastern part of the island. This 5 star luxury complex is considered one of the best on the island and has won several awards. It is within walking distance to the island's nightlife yet far enough for visitors to enjoy quiet rooms and a good night rest. The Dragonara Casino, one of the oldest casinos in Malta, is on the hotel's property and you can try your hand at gambling or enjoy the shows of top class entertainers who are occasionally invited to perform here.

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Whenever I visited this hotel, the staff was extremely hospitable and went out of their way to help. If you decide to stay at the Westin, ask for a room with sea view. Trust me you will not be disappointed, as this resort is built on a private peninsula and the sea views are breath taking. Another thing to check out is definitely the heavenly bed - if you are used to an American style luxury mattresses this will be a great option.

Insider's Tip: Even if the cuisine at this hotel is remarkable, don't be afraid to explore the restaurants in St Julian's. Many specialize in fish and the restaurants here are some of the best you will find in Malta.

The Hilton Malta is possibly the most luxurious hotel on the island and another one of my favorite picks. A beautiful Mediterranean style yacht marina is close by and the ideal place for a moonlight stroll. If you are looking for gourmet cuisine, check out the restaurants on the resort site (The Blue Elephant is my pick for high end Asian cuisine, Buffalo Bill for a western dinner). The views from this property are also good and the swimming pools are impressive. If you are visiting the country in the summer months, try dining al fresco. It will be a unique experience to eat delicious food overlooking the marina as a lovely sea breeze cools off the summer heat.

This hotel is also situated in Saint Julian's and is within walking distance to the island's hottest nightspots. The atmosphere here is ultra posh, and one of the ultimate places if you want to relax in style.

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Insider's Tip: The Hilton Malta is often fully booked during the summer months so if you are planning to visit during peak season, don't leave it to a last minute booking.

The Corinthia San Gorg is the third mega resort in the St Julian area and is also another of my favorites. I have also found the staff here to be very friendly and the spa is an ultimate place to be if you want to be pampered. This five star resort offers great sea views, a private beach and good food. I have found the atmosphere to be much more relaxed than the other two resorts and a great place to unwind.

The Corinthia San Gorg is definitely elegant and I would recommend it to anyone seeking a luxurious and romantic retreat. It is also within walking distance to the island's best clubs and restaurants.

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Insider's Tip. If you are staying at this hotel, you must try the spa - it is the ultimate pampering experience.

The Hotel Phoenicia is a unique blend of grandeur and elegance and is considered one of the island's landmarks with its amazing art deco architecture and century old reputation of exquisite first class service. It is nestled between five hundred year old bastions and the views are truly spectacular. Even though I have never slept here, I attended several events and the atmosphere is a unique blend of traditional hospitality and old world style elegance .

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Situated within walking distance from Valletta and about 20 minutes away from Sliema (the commercial heart of Malta) it is in a great location to start your shopping expeditions. It's close proximity to Valletta also makes it the ideal place to explore the unique capital city with it's world famous St John's cathedral and baroque palaces.

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Insider's Tip. Though this hotel is within walking distance to the Valletta bus terminus, hiring a car will give you a better chance of exploring the island, especially if you plan to visit beaches and stay out late.

The recently built Radisson Blu Golden Sands Resort is the ideal place to relax on a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Built on a solitary cliff overlooking beautiful Golden Bay, one of the most sought after beaches in Malta, this five star luxury resort is designed to be the ultimate escape from the islands busy traffic and metropolitan hot spots. The views from most of hotel rooms is spectacular and the tranquility of this place is unparalleled.

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The hotel amenities are also great. The 1000 square meter spa has open windows overlooking the sea, (an unparalleled advantage since most indoor pools in Malta are in the hotel's basement) and the treatments are divine. Most of the staff is international, so if you ask for a Thai massage, you are likely to get a Thai girl to work on your sore muscles. The cuisine at the resort's restaurants is good but one of the hotel's best features is the tranquil and highly manicured sandy beach at the foot of the cliff. Nothing beats a cool mojito sipped in the shade of your mini cabana.

Insider's tip: The only down side here is that you will need transportation if you want to visit the rest of the island, and the night life in Mellieha is not the best. The Radisson Golden Sands Resort is at least 20 minutes away from major tourist attractions such as Mdina (the old capital city) or the ferry that will take you to Gozo,(Malta's picturesque sister island) so if you are planning to book this hotel you have to add up the cost of hiring a car or taking organized excursions.

Works citied

Personal experience