When most people visualize Malta’s coast, they see dramatic cliffs leading down to swimming pools. That’s an accurate picture to be fair, but there’s another side to Malta that seems to have remained a secret — one that I was lucky enough to be in on end of September. I’m talking about one of the best luxury hotels in St. Julian’s, The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta featuring a sandy cove and beach lidos with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea.
With details like cozy sun beds and umbrellas by the sea, you wouldn’t be blamed for not leaving the hotel at all.
As is usual at the Westin Hotels & Resorts, the exceptional service comes with bags of charm. Staff members have worked from Australia to US, so all of them are offering memorable welcomes. Those who are looking for guaranteed relaxation and luxury are in the perfect location!
Luxury Nights
When it comes to accommodation, The Westin Dragonara Resort offers well-appointed rooms and suites. If you want to go big, choose one of the 29 luxury suites which are located in their own private annex right on the water’s edge. The suites are spacious and light, featuring big glass doors opening to furnished balconies with sea views. The decor keeps with the hotel’s elegant vibe and contemporary furniture is paired with cream- and pastel-colored seating.
WHAT WE LOVED: beds are extremely comfy with super plush pillows and crisp linens. The bathrooms have every woman’s stamp of approval with inviting bath tubs or huge showers.
Alternatively, choose the Tower Room featuring 42 sqm and offering an unobstructed panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Best part? All of the rooms and suites offer excellent value for money and this hotel is the perfect spot to relax in St Julian’s.
Beach & Pool Vibes
When you’re on an island and surrounded by crystal clear water, it’s inevitable that most of your day will be spent sunning yourself and floating happily. But the real draws here are the diving, snorkeling, boating, and other water activities, all of which can be arranged at the resort. So start each morning with a turquoise view as far as the eye can see! And you’ll dream in colors borrowed from the sea…
What I loved most about our stay in St. Julian’s was the fact that I spent hours in the sea – the water was ultra warm, around 27 degrees. Neither Cyprus or Greece can keep up with it end of September.
And there are the tempting pools… Loungers and palm trees line both the Reef Pool Deck and the BayView Pool Deck. No matter which you choose, you are sure to get relaxation in huge doses.
Delicious Eats & Drinks
The Westin Dragonara Resort boasts 5 of the Island’s best restaurants. Located in the lobby, The Terrace offers a range of delicious drinks and mouth-watering Maltese and International dishes in a classic-meets-modern atmosphere. You’ll love experiencing their ever-changing breakfast menu which always comes with a wide selection of pastries, coffee, tea, fresh juices and fruits and a rotating selection of Maltese style options.
However, when the sun goes down the best place to watch the sunset is from the ORVM Lounge & Piano Bar or from the Boathouse Lounge.
Last but not least, one of the best options for lunch is the bar next to the BayView Pool. I highly recommend the Halloumi Cheese plate, it’s delicious!
Quadro is the resort’s flagship restaurant and is renowned for its contemporary Mediterranean cuisine served in an elegant waterside setting. The main thing that strikes you when you eat here is how colorful it all is. Who doesn’t love BLUE decor by the sea?
To Dos While You’Re Here
Visiting Malta in autumn opens up a different type of island than in the summer – one that is more relaxed, hospitable and charming. You won’t have line ups or cities overrun with tourists. And what’s better than a vacation in a luxury hotel with turquoise waters, and some exciting casino action? At Westin Dragonara you can couple fine dining, and beach time with gambling opportunities.
For those of a non-beachy disposition, there is plenty of interest inland – Valletta, the capital city of Malta, feels like a huge open-air museum. You won’t run out of gorgeous cathedrals, handsome museums and fine art shows to fill your days with.
DON’T MISS OUT: head to Café del Mar, you won’t regret it! In perfect harmony with the restaurant’s décor and atmosphere, the infinity pool will leave you speechless. This hip place is hugely famous around the world for its chill-out compilation albums which have been released annually since 1994, pioneering the chill-out genre.
While there’s plenty to explore in Malta, if you fancied installing yourself on a sun lounger for a few days (I did this) you’d have everything you need at The Westin Dragonara Resort. With the perfect mix of beach lidos and gorgeous views, a stay here is a no brainer! Ready to book? Click here!
Header photo courtesy of The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta. Though this post has been created in collaboration with The Westin Dragonara Resort, opinions are, as always, my own.
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