I exit the airport to a gush of hot summer Mediterranean air on my skin, welcoming me to the island of Malta. As I hurry to keep up with our driver, I look around trying to figure out this tiny piece of land, unknown to many. Like many airports, this first impression of a new destination can be underwhelming, a rush of uncertainty and disappointment hitting your mind. Did I make the right decision? Will this place live up the images of crystal blue waters and historic charm?
Stepping out of the cab at our hotel, with the deep blue waters to the left of me and the tan colored city to my right, all my worries disappeared. The salty smell of the sea permeated the air as we entered the Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay, our home for the next 4 days.
Boasting 4 pools, private beach access, a dizzying array of restaurants and bars, and its close proximity to the old city of Valletta, I was sold. Our room was spacious and included a couch, large closet, and a balcony overlooking the pools.
I was most excited to say hello to the Mediterranean sun at the popular Lido which features an array of lounge chairs perched centimeters away from the azure water.
The Lido is the hotel’s beach area. It is open to the public as well to the tune of $20. Guests of the hotel get a wrist band each day for access. There is plenty of space so finding a nice spot to soak up the sun was never a problem.
The refreshingly crisp water enveloped my body, as if welcoming me with a loving hug into its home, similarly to how you will be treated by the locals. One interaction that exemplifies the soul of Malta was embodied by a lovely woman named Martha. Martha was lounging with her boyfriend a few chairs away from my mother and me. They were sipping wine they had brought to the Lido, laughing and enjoying life. Both in their 60s, they started talking to us. We ended up spending an hour with them, sharing our travel stories, drinking wine and watching the sunset take the day. Coming from NYC, where avoiding eye contact on the subway is protocol, such an innocent and genuine meeting of 4 people who shared a blissful experience in nature never leaves you.
I am all for ditching the itinerary which allows for experiences you may have overlooked. However, I knew we had to see the famous Blue Lagoon on Comino, one of the biggest tourists attractions. Ideally, you want to arrive at 8am to avoid the crowds, but I love sleep too much. We boarded our boat at 9:30am and arrived at the lagoon around 10:30am. The icy blue water lived up to its lofty expectations.
I spent the time frolicking around like a child. The sea makes me feel free. For that moment in time, the world stops and all that matters are the sensations around me.
The days in Malta seemed to go on forever as my body, mind and soul indulged in well deserved relaxation.
As a horse Enthusiast, my mom has made it her goal to ride a horse in every country. The ride through Malta was an interesting way to see the rubble from War. Riding alongside the former British barracks and the beautiful Mediterranean was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For those of you that would like to experience the same ride go to Golden Bay horse stable.
The culinary scene in Malta is highly influenced by Italy since they are a mere 60 miles south of the country. One night we stumbled upon Il Pirata which interprets the influence perfectly.
Summertime in Europe equals soccer madness. You can’t escape it. Every restaurant, bar and hotel lobby will be showing the games to enthusiastic fans sitting on the edge of their seats, silent until their team scores, then a powerful roar echoes across the room.We found a packed bier garden with a full length projector where we decided to partake in the madness. I am by no means a sports fan, but I love being abroad during this time. Soccer, or football as they call it, isn’t as big in America. Even with the competition, that is the very nature of the sport, the spectators become one. We are witnessing greatness and that bonds us in an unexpected way.
We spent our last night exploring the historic city of Valletta. While a tiny capital in comparison to the rest of the world, the powerful looking walled city invoked visions of great battles, aptly called the “Fortress City.” While the city is bustling during the day, the night brings the city back in time. The grid of narrow streets feel like a real-life museum. Enchanted I moved about the city, envisioning myself there a hundred years ago.
Down a mysterious path, we found D’Office Bistro, serving Italian food of course! I recommend the Bruschetta Maltese and their Penne Maltese. As we were taking in the last bit of Malta we had left, there was an accordion playing, as if bidding us farewell in the most delightful way possible.
If you would like to visit Malta and have any questions, please let me know!
XO,
Sarah
Wandering Publicist 