20 Dec Corinthia Palace

Corinthia Palace is in a quiet, traditional and classy residential area of Malta, just across the road from the President’s San Anton Palace and its public gardens with fountains, flowers, an aviary, hedge maze and free-range peacocks. There are a couple of public bus-stops nearby, readily available taxis, and the hotel offers free daytime shuttles into Valletta, Sliema, Marsa Golf Club and, in summer, Malta’s other Corinthia Hotel in lively coastal Paceville. There is also a year-round evening shuttle to St Julian’s for the restaurants and nightlife.

Rooms are well-maintained, traditional and comfortable (if not tip-top luxury). All have a balcony, most overlooking the garden. Standard rooms are 30 square-metres; executive suites are double that.

The Villa Corinthia, now a fashionable place to dine, was the very birthplace of the Corinthia brand. It is a striking 19th century building that effortlessly combines delicious contemporary cuisine with charming elegance. As the flagship restaurant, it promises an eclectic international menu crafted using delectable seasonal and local produce, as well as an ambience that never fails to impress. Rickshaw restaurant is one of the most popular Oriental restaurants in Malta and it is very good as well.

I’ll definitely be recommending it to family and friends and will hope to revisit very soon.