12 Best Resorts in Malta

If you love beautiful beaches and lovely resorts, and are fascinated by history, Malta is a great place to visit. The island (well, technically it’s an archipelago, a group of islands) is right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Africa.

This special destination provides a wide range of landscapes for travelers to enjoy and beautiful places to stay. You can visit the Saflieni Hypogeum, a prehistoric underground tomb, sail through the geologic wonder of the Blue Grotto, or hike along the cliffs of Dingli.

You’ll find a wide range of hotel and resort types in Malta. Some visitors may like the mega-resort beach experience at a place like the Kempinski San Lawrenz on Gozo, while others may seek something more historic, like a stay at the Xara Palace, a 17^th-century palazzo in Mdina.

Malta has English as its primary language, allowing English-speaking visitors to get that Mediterranean beach experience you find in Spain or France, without a language barrier.

For ideas on where to stay for your next vacation see our list of the best resorts in Malta.

1. The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux

Accommodation: The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux

Immerse yourself in history with a stay in a real palace resort. Xara Palace, a member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux group of luxury boutique hotels, was created in a 17^th-century Maltese palazzo.

It’s the only hotel within the walled ancient city of Mdina. Known as the “Silent City,” it’s a fascinating place to visit—it feels like the typical Arabic medina for which it was named. Mdina is rich in history as it was Malta’s capital during the Middle Ages.

Foodies love the Xara Palace, as it’s home to the De Mondion restaurant, one of only three Michelin-starred restaurants on Malta. The hotel also hosts food walking tours—a popular itinerary explores the food of Mdina and Valletta in a half-day trip.

This boutique urban resort has 17 rooms and suites, each with a distinctly different style and design. Some have panoramic views of the countryside, and others face the walled city. Some views stretch all the way to the sea.

The style is classic, with modern colors, accessories, and touches. Suites add marble bathrooms, and some feature large outdoor terraces with private Jacuzzi tubs.

Address: Misrah Il Kunsill Mdina, Mdina MDN 1050, Malta

2. Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo Malta

Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo Malta

Gozo is the sister island to Malta—part of the same country but much less visited and developed than the main island. There is a large Kempinski luxury resort here, and it makes a great destination to complement a visit to the island of Malta itself.

It’s easy to reach Gozo, there is a ferry from Cirkewwa on Malta to Mgarr Harbour on Gozo; the trip takes about 30 minutes.

Standard rooms at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz face a hillside, while Deluxe rooms have balconies and pool or garden views. Suites have more space, and the two-bedroom Family Suites are, of course, great for families.

There is also a separate Kempinski Residences wing, where you’ll find one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments offered as shared ownership properties but also available for nightly rental as hotel rooms. The Residences offer spacious, luxurious units with full kitchens, en suite laundry, and other amenities.

When it’s time to relax, there are three outdoor pools and an indoor pool. The Kempinski has a full-service luxury spa providing a range of body and skin treatments, as well as Ayurveda therapy. There’s a big fitness center, yoga classes, and a full hammam.

When you get hungry, there are three main restaurants: L’Ortolan is the casual buffet, Trattoria San Lawrenz is a Mediterranean spot, and Gazebo is an alfresco seafood grill. You can also dine at the pool or get a snack at the lobby lounge café.

Leave the resort to explore Gozo, and you’ll find deserted beaches, quaint villages, and spectacular natural scenery. There’s a complimentary shuttle that will take you into Victoria (the capital of Gozo) and to several popular beach areas.

Address: Triq ir-Rokon, San Lawrenz, Malta

3. Radisson Blu Resort Malta, St. Julian’s

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Resort Malta, St. Julian’s

One of two Radisson Blu resorts on Malta, the stylish Radisson Blu Resort St.Julian’s faces the beautiful ocean in the resort city of St. Julian’s. There are 252 rooms and suites, and all have a private balcony or terrace. Most face the sea, but some face back toward the hills.

The suites have huge, private furnished terraces facing the ocean, some with private outdoor Jacuzzis. Family rooms have two double beds, easily accommodating two parents and two children.

The Radisson Blu has a large, oceanfront pool, but there is no beach at the hotel. It’s on the ocean, but the coast has large rocks. A small beach is close by, and the popular Golden Bay beach area is about 10 minutes away.

You can also swim in either of the two, large outdoor pools or try the indoor one. There’s a compact spa, a big fitness center, and two tennis courts. The resort even has its own dive school.

There are three on-property restaurants: a buffet, a steakhouse, and a Mediterranean spot.

Address: St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s STJ 3391, Malta

4. The Westin Dragonara Resort

Accommodation: The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

The Westin Dragonara is a large, modern resort, right on the waters of St. John’s Bay in the town of St. Julian’s. It provides a great vacation experience with ocean views, its own beach club, and lots of things to do and places to eat without leaving the property.

The resort has two beach club areas, known as lidos. Each has a large free-form pool, with sundecks, a kiddie pool, and a Jacuzzi. You can also access the sea for swimming. There is a small sandy cove and beach in the Reef Club lido. Larger beaches are a 10-minute drive away. The hotel has a spa and fitness center with its own heated indoor pool.

There are over 400 rooms and suites at the resort, ranging from basic garden-view rooms to Luxury Bay Suites located in their own private annex. Tower Rooms, located on the corners of the building, boast large oceanfront patios. You can also book an Executive Club room, which gets you access to the club lounge with a free breakfast and food served throughout the day.

Suites offer additional living space and large terraces. Luxury Bay Suites have chef’s kitchens, private plunge pools, and their own sun lounging areas.

Guests have a choice of five different dining options: Quadro is their seaside fine-dining option, with a Mediterranean menu. The Terrace Restaurant is their buffet, and Palio’s serves Italian and Maltese specialties. There’s also a seasonal (summertime) tapas bar in the old boathouse.

Address: Dragonara Road St. Julian’s, St. Julian’s STJ 3143, Malta

5. InterContinental Malta

Accommodation: InterContinental Malta

The InterContinental Malta resort is also on St. George’s Bay in St. Julian’s, an upscale beach town offering some great dining and shopping. As with other InterContinental hotels, you get five-star accommodations, amenities, and service at barely four-star prices.

All the rooms and suites have private balconies and a light, modern style. The bathrooms are exceptionally modern and stylish. Executive rooms come with lounge access.

The Club InterContinental lounge serves a free breakfast, daily snacks, and hot hors d’oeuvres in the evening. You can also check in and out in the lounge. Suite guests get access to the lounge and to the hotel’s rooftop VIP area, with an infinity pool and restaurant called SKYBEACH.

The resort has its own private sandy beach on the protected bay (a few minutes’ walk from the hotel), with all kinds of fun activities and water sports. There’s also a huge, lagoon-style swimming pool.

The InterContinental has two main restaurants: Paranga serves Sicilian-inspired cuisine made with local seafood (Malta is close to the Italian island of Sicily), and Waterbiscuit is their contemporary, all-day dining option.

Address: St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s STJ 3310, Malta

6. Corinthia Palace Malta

Accommodation: Corinthia Palace Malta

This grand resort is in the town of Attard, located just outside the capital city of Valletta. The resort is directly adjacent to the San Anton Palace (Malta’s White House).

To make it easy to explore the area, the resort has a complimentary shuttle, which takes you to popular tourist areas like the Valletta waterfront, St. Julian’s, and the Royal Malta Golf Club. Downtown Valletta is about 15 minutes away by car.

Rooms and suites at the Corinthia Palace have a modern style, and all have private balconies. Suites have private furnished terraces. Executive rooms and suites come with lounge access (free breakfast and food served all day). The exterior of the hotel is grand and ornate, a bit of a contrast with the modern, corporate design of the rooms.

The Wi-Fi is free, as is the guest parking. This resort has a salon, a spa, a few shops, and a big fitness center. There’s also an outdoor heated pool to enjoy, plus some tennis courts. The hotel is pet-friendly, with a program called Palace Pets with all kinds of services and amenities for your furry friends.

There are a lot of things to eat at the Corinthia. Rickshaw is their Asian restaurant serving food from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The Orange Grove Brasserie is their lobby café, which also has afternoon tea. On Sundays, the hotel opens Villa Corinthia for their popular Sunday Brunch, and during the summer, the Summer Kitchen is a garden pop-up.

Address: De Paule Avenue, San Anton BZN 9023, Malta

7. The Phoenicia Malta

Accommodation: The Phoenicia Malta

Facing Grand Harbour and just off the main entrance to Valletta, the Phoenicia Malta is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection. It is an architectural beauty done in 1920s style and sits on more than 7 acres of manicured gardens.

There are 132 rooms and suites. These come in quite a few different configurations, including some that work well for groups of friends. The Three Cities 2-Bedroom Deluxe is one such option. It has two bedrooms with four twin beds. There is also a lovely two-bedroom Tritoni Suite with fountain and harbor views that can sleep four.

One of the most impressive perks of staying here is taking a swim in the Bastion Pool. This infinity swimming pool appears to drop off over the city’s original fortification walls and has stunning harbor views.

Other amenities include the Deep Nature Spa, which offers a range of treatments in relaxing environs. It also has an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, and gym in its complex.

Dining options include the award-winning Phoenix Restaurant, which has a terrace area facing the gardens. And, the Palm Court Lounge does a proper Afternoon Tea service and serves light meals.

If your family includes a dog, the hotel is pet-friendly.

Address: The Mall FRN1478, Floriana, Malta

8. Corinthia St. George’s Bay

Accommodation: Corinthia St. George’s Bay

This large luxury resort overlooks the turquoise waters of St. George’s Bay. It’s one of Malta’s largest resorts, with several large accommodation blocks, six swimming pools, and multiple dining experiences.

Rooms and suites are bright and modern; all of them have furnished balconies. Family rooms have two queen-sized beds and can accommodate four adults. Executive rooms and suites come with lounge access, and suites are available with separate living areas.

Some rooms face the town; others have sea views. There’s also a large Grand Suite with a living room, dining room, and multiple balconies.

You can stay for a week at the Corinthia and never have the same meal twice, as there are nine restaurants on-property. They serve various cuisines and have varying levels of formality.

The resort helps you capture memories by offering guests the free use of a GoPro 7 camera. There are a wide array of water sports available on the beach. The hotel has its own private dock with Jet Ski rentals, as well as yacht and boat charters. It also has its own dive school with dive excursions and equipment rentals.

Address: St Georges Bay, St Julians STJ 3301, Malta

9. Hilton Malta

Accommodation: Hilton Malta

The Hilton Malta is an excellent mid-range resort choice. It’s part of the upscale Portomaso development on St. George’s Bay in St. Julian and offers a great vacation experience at a reasonable price. There are 413 rooms and suites, and each one has a private, furnished balcony or terrace. Views are of the sea or the adjacent yacht club marina.

For fun, there are four different outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool that’s part of the spa. There’s a large gym with a schedule of aerobics and yoga classes along with outdoor tennis and squash courts. The resort also has a private man-made beach area by the pool. It overlooks the sea, but the actual coastline leading into the sea is rocky.

When you get hungry, there are three main restaurants: a large buffet, a popular Thai restaurant, and a seaside Mediterranean-influenced seafood place. You can also grab a bite at the seasonal (summer only) beach grill or the beach club. The lobby lounge serves coffee, sandwiches, and other light fare.

Address: Vjal Portomaso St. Julian’s PTM, San Ġiljan 01, Malta

10. Casa Ellul

Accommodation: Casa Ellul

This boutique hotel puts you in the heart of the historic city of Valletta in a carefully restored Victorian palazzo. There are only nine sumptuously decorated suites and an abundance of staff, guaranteeing an extremely personal experience for every guest. Meals, excursions, walks—everything can be personally curated by the hotel staff.

Suites have a luxurious modern style, in wonderful contrast to the building’s outward appearance. High-end features abound, and the bathrooms are glorious spa-like spaces with freestanding tubs, rain showers, and other things to enjoy. The suites have original artwork, and all have their own balcony or terrace. Some have private outdoor Jacuzzi tubs.

Address: 81 Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta

11. Domus Zamittello

Accommodation: Domus Zamittello

Inside a 17th-century palazzo, Domus Zamittello has an ideal location in the heart of historic Valletta.

This 4-star boutique hotel is located right at the beginning of Republic Street, in the pedestrian-only portion of the city, and is within walking distance from many attractions, restaurants, and high-end shops.

The building, which has served as a residence for knights over the centuries, has been meticulously renovated and offers a range of elegantly decorated rooms and suites. These come with fine linens on comfy beds and period furnishings. The public spaces here are equally alluring. Head to the open-air terrace on the third floor for views of Republic Street and Freedom Square.

The property is family-friendly with babysitting services offered. Breakfast is complimentary. The front desk is open 24 hours, and laundry services are available. There is also a restaurant on-site.

Address: 7 Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1111, Malta

12. AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa

Accommodation: AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa

This aparthotel in the fun village of Qawra near Saint Paul’s Bay really delivers a wonderful resort experience at a very, very low price. It faces the ocean but is a two-minute walk from the beach itself. The resort’s location is convenient—it’s only 20 minutes from the airport or 10 minutes from Valletta.

There are all kinds of amenities to enjoy, including an indoor pool, a big outdoor pool with rock features, and its own sand beach. This budget resort even has a restaurant, open all day, with a menu serving seafood and Western classics like burgers and fish and chips. Other amenities include daily housekeeping service and free Wi-Fi.

Accommodations start at studio suites for two people. The resort then offers one-bedroom units, with a sofa bed to accommodate up to three adults.

The two-bedroom units are great for families or groups, as they comfortably accommodate up to five adults. There’s a double bed in one bedroom, two single beds in the other bedroom, and a sofa bed in the living room. All the units have balconies, and apartments are available with a sea view or a town view.

Address: Dawret Il – Qawra, Qawra, St Paul’s Bay SPB 1981, Malta