A stunning island packed with heritage, Malta offers the best of every world, with gorgeous beaches, spectacular food and incredible weather. We've put together our top 10 hotels list, so you can be sure to get the most from a trip to this tantalising destination.
Understated, chic and family-friendly, the Mellieha Bay Hotel is Malta at its best. Two large pools and separate kids' splash zones are nestled into perfectly landscaped tropical gardens that also house a fantastic restaurant and well-equipped gym. The beach is a hop and a skip away, as is a bus stop that takes you directly to Valletta, the capital. Mellieha village is just two miles away and has a good selection of bars and restaurants.
Overlooking the beach, the Seabank Hotel offers four pools, seven restaurants and three bars. With such a focus on entertainment, it won't come as a surprise that there are various day and night performances to enjoy, and thanks to the chic architecture, the hotel is popular for weddings. Mellieha Bay is a short walk away, as are numerous shops and bars, if a day out is on the cards.
A little over an hour from the airport, the Qawra Palace Hotel offers a varied holiday experience. With a rocky beach in sight and a sandy alternative less than a miles away, guests can enjoy a dip in the saltwater swimming pool before chasing some sun or relaxing in an unfussy bedroom. Kids are welcome, with a schedule of entertainment created just for them, although a short walk will take you to shops and restaurants outside of the hotel.
Cosmopolitan, different and exciting, the Sunseeker Holiday Complex is an apartment building situated over four floors, topped off with a rooftop pool, bar and terrace. A short walk to Bugibba and a rocky beach, it offers a perfect family-friendly base for exploring during the day and going out to eat at night. The apartments are all well equipped, however, so self-catering is absolutely an option, especially with a number of shops in the town centre.
A striking ombre building, the San Antonio Hotel is a beautifully maintained family-friendly complex that enjoys its own private beach, as well as a large swimming pool and separate kids' splash zone. Three restaurants cater for every palate and there is an adults-only terrace bar open from June to September. Rooms are sunny and fresh and the hotel is in the middle of Bugibba, meaning everything is on hand.
Located directly on the promenade in Sliema, the Waterfront Hotel has a distinctly fresh and nautical facade which is drawn through into the bright bedrooms. Having undergone extensive refurbishment, the indoor pool, harbour-view restaurant and beautiful lobby bar are all worth a visit, but the town centre is a mere 600m away for other entertainment options. Even the airport is under an hour away, so the positioning here is excellent.
An incredibly beautiful spot, The George Urban Boutique Hotel in St Julian's is sleek, luxurious and picture perfect. Just 500m from the beach and a range of shops, it boasts a sea-view rooftop pool, upmarket spa, a la carte restaurant and comfortable rooms. There are a host of recommended restaurants within easy walking distance, as well as some fun nightlife options and the airport is just one hour away, making for easy transfers.
Set on its own beach, the Ramla Bay Resort in Mellieha Bay is something special. Secluded in itself but offering incredible views, the private beach is a serious draw, as is the family-friendly pool area, which the entire complex is focused around. The restaurant offers a buffet service and two extra bars cater to all refreshment needs, but Mellieha is just three miles away, with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
Conjoined with the neighbouring Plaza hotel, the Plaza Regency Hotel gives guests access to double the facilities and benefits. With a rocky beach just across from the promenade and a family-friendly rooftop pool, there's plenty of opportunity to catch some rays before slipping back to an understated bedroom to get changed for dinner. The sea-view penthouse restaurant is a favourite with guests, but just 50m outside of the hotel, a selection of eateries and bars can be found.
Six miles from the capital city of Valletta, the Radisson Blu offers sea-view rooms, two outdoor pools, a spa and three fantastic restaurants. The airport is a pleasant 20-minute drive away and the bars and eateries of St Julian's are within easy walking distance. The bedrooms are spotless and chic and the ultimate treat for water babies is the onsite diving school that has various courses and boat trips on offer.