My trip to Malta in April was absolutely beautiful. While I was there for a fintech conference, I got to experience the diverse culture, history, and unique perspective of the Maltese, who have been influenced by many different cultures. I ended up spending a solo trip there for the weekend and enjoyed it to the fullest. Just for a history minute, the small island nation in the Mediterranean dates back to around 5900 BC. Its strategic location has made it a coveted possession throughout history, with a succession of rulers including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the Knights of St. John, which is evident in much of the architecture and the beautiful historic cities.

The capital, Valletta, was fortified by the Knights, leaving a legacy of impressive architecture around the center. It is a must-see as you wander around and feel as if you have stepped back in time. Notably, in 1798, Napoleon's forces seized Malta, but British control was soon established in 1800, lasting until independence in 1964. This explains some of the food and the unique accent of the Maltese, who have a light British twang. Malta joined the European Union in 2004, reflecting its modern role as a vibrant cultural and historical hub. It is even now seen as a fintech hub for many European companies. There is so much to do and see, and I highly recommend you add this place to your list for a summer, spring or fall trip. Thanks to Noe for her great recommendations and to all these places for their amazing hospitality.

Find my wellness recommendations below:

Where to stay:

Luxury: Iniala Harbour House

The Iniala Harbour House was something out of the ordinary. When I went to check the hotel out, it felt like walking into a peaceful cave; the smells, the art, and the architecture were so unique. From the curved lines on the walls and the marble desks to the way the lights lit up the art, this hotel had a special air to it. It feels like a boutique hotel but is quite large, made up of four townhouses facing the water from Valetta. It hosts a few restaurants, as well as a stunning spa. If you really want to enhance your experience in Malta, the rooms go for about $600 a night, but it's worth it if you love luxury and being central to all the sights while still enjoying a quiet area and beautiful details. https://inialamalta.com/

Off the Beaten Path: Deep Blu Boutique Hotel

The Deep Blu Hotel is brand new, and it has a family warmth to it, not only because it's a family-run boutique hotel where I spent time with both the matriarch and the patriarch, who were all hands-on deck to host, fix, and serve anything I was looking for. The heart they put into designing this beautiful place is deeply felt. The rooms were not too big but a perfect size for a couple, with the balcony window of your hotel looking out at the sea. This hotel brings elegance and grace to a part of the island that was probably rarely visited by tourists. The marble is imported from Italy, and the pool and spa area downstairs even had an infrared sauna (my absolute favorite detoxifying treatment!). Uniquely, I went for a little wander at 6 a.m. and met some fishermen who were 90 years old! They told me about this sleepy fishing town that never used to have a hotel, and shared stories about how they made their fishing nets by hand and tried to feed me spiked coffee (haha). But this little interaction taught me so much about this little island and how everywhere it's old world meets modern, competing for attention. https://deepblu.mt/

Central and affordable :1926 hôtel Le Soleil and Spa
The 1926 hotel is located in Sliema and a perfect place to stop for a sunny weekend in the summer. The hotel has an adjacent beach club that sticks out over the boardwalk, with pool access and sea access. I think this was what I was hoping for when I went in the end of April and thought I was going to be fully relaxing by the pool but either way this hotel was lovely, easy to access all the sides of the island and a beautiful spa as well for those R&R moments we all crave on vacation. https://1926lesoleil.com/

The perfect work trip: Marriot Hotel & Spa

The Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa, situated in the lively St. Julian’s district near Balluta Bay, is an ideal choice for business travelers. Its strategic location provides easy access to both the serene seaside and Malta’s bustling business hubs. The hotel features state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a fully-equipped business center, and high-speed internet, catering to all professional needs. Guests can unwind in spacious, well-appointed rooms, enjoy diverse dining options, and relax with amenities like a luxurious spa and fitness center. Exceptional hospitality and personalized service ensure a seamless and productive stay, making it a top spot for a work trip. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlamc-malta-marriott-resort-and-spa/overview/

Wellness pause:

The Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious retreat with its modern wellness facilities. The spa features a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind and body, including massages, facials, and body scrubs, all provided in a tranquil, serene environment. Complemented by a well-equipped fitness center, an indoor pool, and a relaxing sauna, the spa ensures a comprehensive wellness experience, making it a perfect escape for business travelers and vacationers alike.

The Essensi Spa at Iniala Harbour House provides an exclusive, high-end wellness experience set against the stunning backdrop of Valletta’s historic Grand Harbour. This boutique spa offers personalized treatments using premium products, including massages, facials, and holistic therapies, designed to promote relaxation and well-being. The massage I got was exactly what I needed to truly rewind on my solo weekend trip after the conference. The ladies served me a beautiful hummingbird tea and let me feel like home in this little underground spa. The elegant and intimate setting, combined with exceptional service, ensures a deeply rejuvenating experience, making it a standout destination for those seeking luxury and tranquility in Malta.

Stroll:

Around Valletta and the Three Cities: Just going to Valletta was special for me, as the place oozed old-world beauty, with the unique windows sticking out from every building (as in the photo), giving Valletta and Malta that unique ancient architecture. There are also so many landmarks and things to explore. The sloping streets and vertical roads make the walk a beautiful experience, with secret areas bringing you to magnificent churches. From one moment to another, you could turn onto a street and walk up to an enormous new statue, church, or ruin that was beautiful. Like any Mediterranean European city, I love to spend time on the terraces just enjoying and people-watching.

Ferry from Sliema to Valletta: If you like a boat ride and seeing a place from the water, I highly recommend you rent a boat for a boat tour or even just take the ferry from Sliema to Valletta, which literally takes 10 minutes but gives you a whole new perspective of this historic island. I never did it, but friends did, and they said it was a must-see.

Go to:

My reccomended areas to explore other than the capital were the Blue Grotto, Mdina, and Gozo. Mdina, often referred to as the "Silent City," is a beautifully preserved medieval town in Malta, offering narrow winding streets, stunning palaces, and panoramic views of the island. Its serene atmosphere and rich history make it a must-visit for travelers seeking a glimpse into Malta's past. Then just a short ferry ride away lies Gozo, Malta's sister island, known for its scenic landscapes, charming villages, and the impressive Ġgantija temples, which are older than the pyramids of Egypt. Gozo's relaxed pace and natural beauty provide a contrast to the bustling main island, a destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Do your sports:

Outside: Truly, so much of the island is walkable, with a huge boardwalk encircling areas where people walk all day (and night)! They even have outdoor workout stations in some places where I was tempted to do a few squats and lunges. I am always encouraged to work out outside if I can. If you walk in the morning, you will see tons of locals doing their morning laps, from old people to young teens. I really love to see a place through the morning time as I feel it’s just a different energy.

In2Pilates: This cute, new Pilates studio in Pembroke was a perfect little haven after a day at the conference I attended. With only a few reformers, the class feels almost private, allowing for bespoke corrections and attention. Especially since I was sitting all day, it felt amazing to stretch and elongate my muscles and use my body intuitively. In2Pilates is brand new, and the owner and teachers are so kind it was hard not to keep coming back. There's amazing attention to detail during the class as well! I highly recommend you check them out. https://in2pilatesmalta.com/

Restaurants

OKA's by the Villa: Located inside the Marriott Hotel, this was my go-to dinner a few nights, and it had the perfect vibe as a restaurant. The space had an outside bar with a beautiful view of the sea, which was perfect for a little pre-dinner aperitif and sunset. The staff and the meal were also phenomenal; the staff were extremely attentive to my gluten-free needs and had GF bread and great dessert options too. I ordered an amazing fresh fish with veggies, and it was truly such a nice solo dinner. I brought my journal to spend a little time in self-reflection in the evenings. https://okas.xaracollection.com/

Alto: This delicious dining option was located at the Deep Blu hotel, which is about 20 minutes from the center of Malta, closer to the coast and the Blue Grotto. You will always catch me studying the menu of a hotel before I book because I love a lunch or a dinner in the hotel restaurant. This place had an amazing selection of options, both with pasta, fresh fish, and Mediterranean dishes. I am boring at times and love to stick to my usual fresh fish selection, but here it was hard to choose what I wanted. Again, the restaurant catered amazingly to GF and DF (actually, everywhere in Malta did), and the fresh fish was grilled to perfection!

The Black Egg: This little spot is located in Central Malta and is amazing for a little Sunday brunch. It reminded me of a little brunch spot in London with modern and trendy seating and options. Even just for a pause and a latte, it’s great! http://www.theblackegg.com.mt/

Zizka: Set in downtown Valletta on a hidden side street, this place did not disappoint. Their staples were the rabbit (a Maltese must if you are not vegan or vegetarian - I did not try but others did) and their house pasta! They also had some delicious homemade aperitif-style appetizers that we loved. This place felt authentic!

Rubino: If you want to try a traditional Maltese kitchen, this came highly recommended by my lovely friend Noe, who spends time in Malta visiting her parents. I unfortunately never made it there but heard that the pasta and local dishes are exceptional. https://www.rubinomalta.com/

Muza: Another amazing recommendation that was inside the Muza museum located in the capital of Malta. It was such a beautiful courtyard to sit in, off the touristic side streets, that you felt you had a private museum terrace to yourself. The food was excellent, and then I decided to do a little tour of the art as well. A lovely two-in-one when you're in downtown Valletta. https://muzarestaurant.com.mt/

U2bistrot: Healthy salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more, find yourself here for a quick brunch or lunch when in Sliema.

ION Harbour House: I did not manage to go to this one, but it's a Michelin-star five-course meal inside the Iniala Harbour House hotel. If you are a foodie and looking for an extra special experience in Malta, then I highly suggest you try this restaurant out. Not only for the food but for the stunning view from the Valletta rooftop. Next time I am in Malta, I will definitely be going to check it out. https://ionharbour.com/

Quick Bites:

If you are on the run, which I was a few times, I grabbed some Eeet Well, just a little healthy bowl located on the boardwalk in St. James, Sliema, and Valletta. I highly recommend it if you just need a quick snack; their smoothies, salads, acai, and granola bites are a quick energy boost during a jam-packed day of sightseeing.

Grab a Coffee or a Drink:

I probably cannot even list all the amazing places where you could go grab a coffee or a drink and sit outside on the steps in Valletta, but little places stuck out like Lot61, Kir Royal Cafe, Cafe Maroc, Elephant Shoe and The Greenhouse. I was also amazed at how many places had vegan and gluten-free options; there were full menus with noted acronyms included, which is quite rare for me to see, so I was doubly impressed.

While I did not manage to go to many beaches since my trip was during a period where it was not warm enough to swim I researched and had a huge list of amazing beaches to explore as Malta's beaches are renowned for their stunning beauty and diverse offerings.

Golden Bay, with its golden sands and clear waters, is perfect for both relaxation and water sports, providing modern amenities such as beachside bars and restaurants.

Nearby, Ghajn Tuffieha offers a more secluded retreat, accessible by a steep staircase, rewarding visitors with its pristine sands and tranquil atmosphere.

Mellieha Bay, the largest sandy beach in Malta, is ideal for families due to its shallow waters and extensive facilities, including sunbed rentals and water sports centers.

For a unique experience, St. Peter’s Pool near Marsaxlokk features flat limestone rocks and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for diving and snorkeling.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is a must-visit for its mesmerizing blue waters and picturesque surroundings, while Ramla Bay in Gozo, with its distinctive red sand, offers an unspoiled, scenic backdrop.

Paradise Bay near Cirkewwa caters to an intimate beach experience. Each beach presents a unique aspect of Malta's coastal charm, ensuring a memorable visit for every type of traveler.

Malta is a destination I have been wanting to explore for a while, and it’s easy access from many European countries. It’s attractive due to its the history and culture, the natural beauty, as well as convenience and safety which made it an amazing solo weekend wellness adventure. I hope you will manage to put it on your list for a solo, couples or family trip as it truly has something for everyone.

If you have not seen our Mexico City Wellness Guide, take a look here. And stay tuned for more Wellness guides coming soon.

The Malta Wellness Guide