Relax, refresh, regenerate and reward yourself with some me-time at one of Malta’s spa hotels.
With no fewer than 16 spa hotels on Malta and Gozo, it’s safe to say the Maltese Islands are one of the most relaxing holiday destinations in Europe. If it’s pure R&R you’re looking for, we’ve got it down to a T!
From a boutique spa in an underground cellar to the largest Ayurveda centre in Europe, the Maltese Islands offer that perfect combination of restorative relaxation in a unique setting - the ultimate holistic break for body, mind and spirit. Here are a few of the many spa options on the islands that are certainly worth a visit.
At the top end of the indulgence scale you’ll find Malta’s own spa chain Myoka at six luxury hotels, including the award winning Myoka Lotus at Le Meridien St Julian's, which was crowned Malta’s leading spa resort in 2016 at the World Travel Awards - the Oscars of the UK travel industry.
A pioneer in Malta’s spa scene, the Corinthia Palace’s Athenaeum Spa in the quiet residential town of Attard is currently undergoing the final touches of its latest makeover, and we can't wait to check out what's new!
Meanwhile, the Apollo Day Spa at sister hotel Corinthia San Gorg in St Julian's organises themed spa parties and offers mother-and-daughter packages. Treatments include Ayurveda and facial rejuvenation acupuncture. Why not swap your Sunday brunch for their Easy Sunday Morning spa package? Sauna, healthy breakfast, massage - sounds like heaven to me!
Elsewhere, the Grand Hotel Excelsior on the doorstep of the capital Valletta specialises in luxurious facials for both men and women with a body treatment menu that includes chocolate, Thai herbs, coconut, orange blossom and, er, mud. Nice.
Across the channel on Malta’s sister island, the pace of life is already at chill-out levels, so it’s no stress easing into some proper downtime. Voted as Europe’s Leading Spa in the 2004 WTAs, the Kempinski San Lawrenz features one of the largest marine care centres in the Mediterranean and the largest authentic Ayurveda centre in Europe. Equally superlative, the celebrity favourite Ta’ Cenc Hotel in Sannat features a unique trullo-shaped spa, set amidst tranquil gardens full of ancient carob trees. Treatments include a five-hour 'walk along the cliffs' inspired by an unrushed stroll along the Gozitan coastline. No hiking boots required.
©viewingmalta.com - (Hotel Ta Cenc & Spa)
A spa holiday need not break the bank. While all the spas in the five star hotels are open to non-hotel guests, there is also a choice selection of competitively priced four star hotels with top class spas.
Among them, the FeelGood Wellness Spa at Preluna Hotel in Sliema combines a traditional spa with a fitness centre, providing a holistic approach to well-being. Meanwhile, set within one of the last remaining salt marshes on the island, the Salini Resort uses Mediterranean sea salt as a key ingredient in body scrubs at its a Myoka spa and fitness centre. Exclusive packages include treatments fit for royalty and a honeymoon experience for two.
The db San Antonio Hotel in St Paul’s Bay has a Moorish inspired spa, but one of its signature treatments has a decidedly local flavour, featuring a heady mix of Maltese honey, olive oil and orange juice. Neighbouring hotel Dolmen Resort also features a Myoka spa, offering a full range of treatments including Ayurveda and a stimulating massage with lava shells.
©viewingmalta.com - (Pergola Club Hotel & Spa)
Heading further north, the Pergola Club Hotel & Spa in Mellieha uses Germaine de Capuccini products in its Da Vinci Spa, and offers 'sinful indulgences' that are utterly heavenly. Occupying front row seats on Malta’s longest sandy beach, db Seabank Hotel at Ghadira Bay includes the Pearl Spa, which promises to be the “quickest escape from today’s daily pressures”.
The Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Mellieha as well as the five-star Palace Hotel in Sliema both have a Marion Mizzi Wellbeing Spa that caters even for the littelest ones, with a 20-minute baby rubdown for infants aged as young as eight months. The Elysium Spa at Labranda Riviera Premium Resort & Spa meanwhile, on Malta’s northernmost coast, offers thalasso therapy treatments.
Finally, possibly the smallest but certainly the most originally situated spa in Malta is found in the underground cellar of Palazzo Consiglia, a boutique hotel in Valletta, where its indoor pool is in the well of the old palace!