Malta
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Once again i have had the privilege of attending another familiarisation trip, this time to Malta. I set out on Sunday evening the 10th of May for the 4 day break. Our purpose was to stay and view hotels of 4/5 star standard, gaining knowledge to sell Malta and these properties on my return. I would like to thank Belleair holidays for there invite and professional approach throughout the trip. Especially a big thank you to Leishea and Marie.
The 4 day itinerary started from Heathrow Airport, travelling to Malta International Airport. We all checked in to the 5 star Portomaso Hilton for the duration of our stay.
Our itinerary consisted of hotel visits, city walk-arounds with Malta experts, visit by ferry to neighbouring island Gozo, local craft visits and complimentary hospitality at the afore mentioned hotels.
Malta is inhabited by approx 350,000 people and lies 60 miles South of Sicily at the foot of Italy. It has 2 adjacent islands, Gozo and Comino. Gozo has a fifth the population of Malta on an island a quarter of the size. Comino has only a handful of houses with no motorised vehicles.
Settlers arrived from Sicily as early as 5300BC They are farming people: independant and self sufficient. The Brittish evicted the french at the turn of the 18th century and ruled the islands - with some limited self-determination for its inhabitants - until 1964, when Malta gained independance. The islands were declared a republic in 1974 and then became a part of the European Union in May 2004.
The best place to meet Maltese and Gozitan people is at the village festa, when the Parish Saint's Day is celebrated, usually over the weekend. Every village has a festival, usually over a week of celebrations. These festivals occur between May and October.
Although tradition still plays an important part of daily life, tourism has has become the focus of income on the islands. A happy balance between farmland and fishing communities and tourism is the main responsibility of the goverment.
Valletta
The capital of Malta enclosed within towering bastion walls, guarding the entrance to its natural deep harbours. Within the city, walls and streets all run straight in a grid pattern. it is a gracious city built with the monies sent by the grateful monarchs of Europe. It houses magnificient convents, churches, civil and military buildings. The streets are pedestrianised with many fine shops, cafes and open markets. Places to visit include the National Museum of Archaelogy, Republic Square, Grand Master's Palace and National War Museum. Steeped in history, it is a must to wander through the streets whilst on vacation. I really enjoyed the sense of history and a few bargains to be had in the market stalls. Definately a highlight of the trip.
Mdina
Mdina used to be the Maltese capital many centuries ago. It is a completely walled city and when you enter you take a step back in time. It is full of narrow alleys and high city walls with wonderful French Baroque style buildings. Places to visit include the Natural History Museum, Mdina Dungeons and the Chapel of St Agatha. Attractions to attend incude : Tales of the Silent City, The Mdina Experience and The Knights of Malta. Again steeped in history and a wonderful place to visit for an afternoon. Plus close by, at the foot of the walls, is the Ta' Qali craft village. Here artisans work in the former air base. Lacemaking, glassblowing and potting are specialities and prices are cheaper than in the shops.
Gozo
Gozo, Malta's smaller sibling, is less than a quarter the size of Malta. The capital is Victoria which is the administrative, business and social hub. Again well worth a wander through, visiting the local market and explore the imposing Citadel overlooking the capital. Visit the Azure Window, a giant stone archway that stands with one foot in the deep, blue sea. Nearby is the inland sea, modest in size, but nonetheless picturesque sight.
Gozo is a destination to get away from it all. It has some fantastic 5 star hotels: Kempinski San Lawrenz and the Ta Cent hotel to name but a few. I would recommend both the spa centres in these hotels. If you visit Malta make the effort and visit the neighbour Island of Gozo. Well worth the journey.
Malta Hotels
We visited a number of 4 and 5 star properties throughout Malta and Gozo. Every hotel was excellent, with all of them being of suitable standards to match their rating. All were unique in their own way and I would recommend each and everyone of them depending on who I was booking a holiday for. One thing that stood out was the quality of the menus and the emphasise on local products, including first class wines grown in Malta and Gozo. We had agents who were vegetarian and the choices created for them were imaginative and beautifully presented. Most of the 5 star properties have spa facilities which again are all unique and offer all the usual treatments and homopathic remedies. The Kempinski in particular has its own resident doctor.
Malta as a Holiday Destination
I would highly recommend Malta as a holiday destination. It has something for everyone: The usual sun, sea and sand, sight seeing, history, culture, shopping, international cuisine, nightlife, day cruises to Sicily, land cruises, diving, golf, children activities, seaplane excursions, helicopter flights .... and much more.
I would definately return and sample more of Maltese culture and hospitality.
