Given its small proportions, Malta has handsome historic towns built by the Knights of St John, forts, pretty villages and beaches. Opting for one of the island’s all-inclusive resorts lets you dive straight in. Most play up the sea, with breezy designs and views out over the water from their restaurants, rooms and sun loungers. All have pools — a necessity when the temperatures regularly hit 30C over summer. Beyond that, there is a hotel to suit every mood and moment, as well as resorts that offer everything from entertainment to spa treatments and diving, without the need to set foot outside the grounds. Check with your tour operator what’s included in your all-inclusive package in terms of activities, premium or non-premium drinks and other amenities.
Become a subscriber and, along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times, you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners, especially for Times+ members
This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue
1. Qawra Palace Resort & Spa, Qawra
£ | SPA | POOL | Best for seaside cool
Waves rock you to sleep at this seafront number overlooking Salina Bay on Malta’s northern coast. Surrounded by palms, the hotel is just a ten-minute stroll along the shore from Malta National Aquarium, sunset hotspot Café del Mar and craggy Qawra Point beach, where you can swim and snorkel in glassy waters. And there’s plenty happening at the resort: show-cooking in the main buffet restaurant, themed restaurants dishing up Caribbean, Asian and South American food, a saltwater pool for children, and a spa with sauna, steam room, whirlpool and treatments. There’s a full roster of activities and entertainment, too, from bike hire and mini golf to jet-skiing, waterskiing and parasailing. And the adults-only roof terrace with infinity pool is the clincher.
2. Db Seabank Resort & Spa, Mellieha
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for families
The db Seabank is a four-star all-inclusive hotel just moments from the broad sweep of beach curving around Mellieha Bay and is the kind of place you can check into and not leave until it’s time to head back to the airport. You could rotate through the seven themed restaurants over a week’s holiday and not return to the same one twice, picking from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Brazilian and American options, among others. It’s well set up for families too, with rooms that can sleep six, a kids’ club, a fun jungle-themed restaurant, kids’ pools, a bowling alley and a games room. For a quieter break, grown-ups might prefer the adults-only pool or a treatment in the hotel spa. Many of the 536 rooms, each decorated in nautical style, have sea views from their balconies or terraces.
3. Labranda Riviera Hotel & Spa, Mellieha
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for the water
Right on the northern tip of Malta, the Labranda looks out over the neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino. All the bright, comfortable rooms have a balcony or terrace; the superior options and the suites have sea views. There are several restaurants and bars, and two outdoor pools here (plus an indoor pool), but this is also a great place to move off the sun lounger and do a bit of exploring. Reception staff can help with excursions and activities, including trips to Gozo — the ferry terminal is close by — and bookings at local water sports centres. This part of Malta is also known for its excellent diving; the Labranda is connected to a dive centre that has courses for beginners.
4. DoubleTree by Hilton Malta, Qawra
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for activities
Formerly the Dolmen, this hotel — refurbished over the past few years — has smart, contemporary styling throughout, from the guest rooms to the terrace bars. It’s well placed for the many facilities of the popular holiday resort of Qawra in St Paul’s Bay, but there’s more than enough to keep you busy at the hotel too. There are several indoor and outdoor pools, on-site restaurants including an international grill, direct access to a sandy beach, and a choice of water sports. Opt for a room with a balcony or patio overlooking the gardens or sea.
5. Db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Qawra
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for the pool
The second db resort on this list, the San Antonio lies further south than its sister hotel, in the heart of Qawra and just a few minutes’ walk from Bugibba Perched Beach. There’s a host of pool options here — families will want to head to one of the two kids’ pools, while adults should make a beeline for the tenth-floor infinity pool. You’ve also got access to the beach and a relaxing beach bar, Nine Lives. There are five restaurants to choose from at the hotel, including ones serving Italian and Moroccan dishes. The Moroccan theme continues in the public spaces and the rooms, which have modern, gently Moorish styling. The duplex suites, with beds sleeping four set across two floors, are perfect for groups of friends or families.
• Best hotels in Valletta
• Best hotels in Gozo
6. AX ODYCY, Qawra
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for sea views
Sitting right on the waterfront overlooking Salina Bay in Qawra, AX ODYCY is one to note for a 2024 holiday following a massive revamp. Slickly contemporary, light-flooded rooms and suites big up natural materials and sea views. There are several layered decks for dining and lounging, and six restaurants, ranging from chilled trattoria to gourmet Mediterranean fusion. Several pools (including a Med-gazing infinity pool and one for kids with waterslides), a spa and access to a nearby water sports centre make this one of Malta’s most enticing escapes.
7. The Preluna Hotel, Sliema
££ | SPA | POOL | Best for Valletta
Sliema is just across the water from the many delights of Valletta, which is accessed by a short ferry ride across the bay. You’re less than ten minutes’ walk away from the terminal at the Preluna, making this a great option if you want to spend some time exploring Malta’s beautiful capital on your holiday. At the waterfront hotel itself, it’s a story of two levels. On terra firma, you’ve access to a private beach club, with pools, sunloungers and a bar and grill; head up to the rooftop and you’ll discover a sun terrace with hot tub, and another bar and grill. Other dining options include Japanese cuisine and the show-kitchen buffet. Guest rooms are bright and cheerful; it’s worth paying more for one with a balcony and sea view.
• Best hotels in Malta
• Best villas in Malta
Additional reporting by Kerry Walker
Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals here
