The Island of Honey
Club News visits Malta
First things first – contrary to popular belief, Malta’s capital export is not Maltesers! Malta is however, certainly one of the most beautiful destinations in the world – in fact, it has even earned the name of ‘Melita’, which means “the island of honey”.
The Maltese Islands are a group of three inhabited and three uninhabited Mediterranean islands strategically located 62 miles south of Sicily and 220 miles north of Africa, with a population of around 370,000. An independent, peaceful, relaxed and friendly country, with a wealth of history, culture and warm seas.
Of the three islands, Malta – home of the capital Valletta – is the largest, measuring 95 square miles (1/6th the size of central London). Gozo is the second largest at 26 square miles, with Comino being a tiny 1 square mile island.
- The Maltese Islands offer the best diving in the Mediterranean, and proving a strong draw for visitors wishing to explore the underwater world of Malta, Gozo and Comino. More than 35,000 divers now make the trip to Malta each year to see the spectacular underwater landscape and the healthy flora and fauna.
- The Coventual Church of the Knights, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, conceals a number of invaluable treasures behind its sober façade. You’re bound to be impressed by the profusion of colour, gold and elaborate designs, which adorn the eight chapels, dedicated to the different langues of Order.
- Mdina, the island’s ancient capital, is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of an inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Its labyrinth of narrow winding streets, studded with churches and palaces, is a must. The cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, with its beautiful baroque façade, definitely deserves a visit.
- The Maltese Islands are a haven for those seeking the ultimate relaxing and pampering holiday. The islands boast four spa resorts offering the latest treatments and facilities, some of which are unique in the Mediterranean. The resorts are: the Fortina Spa Resort, Sliema (Phone 356 213 429 76); Barcelo’ Riveria Resort and Spa, Marfa Bay, Mellieha (Phone 356 215 259 00); Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard (Phone 365 214 403 01) and the Kempinski San Lawrenz Leisure Resort and Spa, Gozo (Phone 356 215 586 40).
- Bars are divided into two distinct types, the well established and popular village bar, and bars catering especially for the tourist market. Tenpin bowling, an IMAX theatre, a multi-screen cinema complex and a theatre are among other leisure facilities available.
- For a unique taste of Malta, take a sip at the new Castille Wine Vaults housed in the secret tunnels that run through the very heart of the capital city Valletta. Visitors are treated to a selection of Malta’s finest wines. Email castillewinevaults@alpinemalta.com for more information.
- If you are visiting Malta in early spring, try to coincide with the Malta carnival week. Extravagant, gaudily coloured floats are perched on lorries ready for the procession day. And Malta’s main nightlife centre, Paceville, catches the late night carnival goers who pile into the clubs and bars. It is time to let your hair down, and go with the flow! For more information, go to www.visitmalta.com
- New on the scene is the 44-room boutique Juliani Hotel, a townhouse hotel overlooking the picturesque fishing bay of St Julians on the doorstep of Malta’s hip and trendy entertainment zone.
- The five-star Inter-Continental Malta Hotel is located in the popular resort of St George’s Bay, and offers 450 deluxe rooms, a fitness centre, a car park and a number of food and beverage outlets.
For more information on the Maltese Islands, please contact the Malta Tourism Authority on 020 8877 6990 or through the official website at www.visitmalta.com