Hello, sunshine!
Vicky Lissaman finds Malta’s hottest spots for the brighter days ahead
Europe’s sunniest destination packs a punch when it comes to fascinating history and culture, action-packed activities and glorious natural wonders. Now that international travel is restarting, it’s time to plan your trip to this alluring Mediterranean archipelago.
Stay in style
Hotly anticipated hotels have been opening up all across Malta, each with their own unique style, exceptional dining experiences and five-star facilities.
The Iniala Harbour House hotel has launched in St Barbara Bastion with views across capital city Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Imagine staying in one of its 23 rooms and suites set within four Maltese houses, then dining at its rooftop restaurant ION –
■■Malta from £489pp: depart Heathrow on selected dates between September 4-29 for a week on room-only at the five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana. Includes 23kg luggage allowance, book by May 11. ba.com/malta
■■Portugal from £419pp: a seven-night self-catering break at the three-star Vilamoura Golf Apartments in Vilamoura, Algarve, departs from Manchester on July 7 and includes 22kg baggage and transfers. jet2holidays.com
LONG HAUL
HAUL
■■Dominican Republic from £688pp: an 11-night all-inclusive stay at the four-star Whala Boca Chica resort in Boca Chica comes with flights from Heathrow on November 14; Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester also available. holidaypirates.com
■■Dubai from £549pp: three nights on B&B at the five-star JW Marriott Marquis hotel saves 60% on the accommodation and includes flights from Heathrow plus one-day access to Dubai Parks and Resorts theme parks. Travel on selected dates in September, book by May 26. emiratesholidays.com
STAYCATION
■■Birmingham Ball & Boe show from £179pp: depart on November 29 from various pick-up points around the South of England for a two-day coach break including one night’s B&B accommodation, a ticket to the duo’s concert, transfers and an excursion to Stratford-upon-Avon. justgoholidays.com
■■ Hampshire from £457: arrive on May 14 for a three-night self-catering stay in a Superior Caravan (sleeps eight) at the Sandy Balls Holiday Village in the New Forest. awayresorts.co.uk
STAR BUY
■■Jamaica from £1,099pp: fly from Heathrow on November 25 and save 50% on a seven-night all-inclusive getaway at the four-star Sunset at the Palms hotel in Negril, comes with fast-track security and transfers. bluebaytravel.co.uk
*Prices correct at time of publication and based on two sharing unless stated
otherwise.
The Harbour, with views over the water. inialamalta.com
Hyatt Regency Malta is a new premier resort in the heart of vibrant St Julian’s with city views and the ocean beyond. Savour the thought of relaxing by the rooftop pool, indulging in spa treatments then dining al fresco at Seed restaurant overlooking the square or watching the sunset at GIN-ger. hyatt.com
Following a £25million renovation, the Malta Marriott Hotel and Spa, Balluta Bay, St Julian’s, is a fantastic place for a coastal getaway.
The contemporary 301-room hotel has five restaurants and three bars, including the signature dining venue of Taro set in a 19th-century palazzo. marriott.com
Fabulous food and drink
The culinary masters of Malta have been busy creating new menus to welcome back travellers to their superb array of restaurants.
To celebrate the islands’ gastronomic history, three Michelin-starred restaurants – Noni, Under Grain and the De Mondion – have been working with Heritage Malta’s Taste History project to cook up traditional dishes that tell the story of their location. tastehistory.org
Island farmers have also been reinventing Malta’s farm-to-table concept by reviving old techniques and traditional vegetables.
Vegetarian and vegan food here has never been more exciting. Indulge in a tailored picnic experience on Malta’s