Malta

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Travel Malta

Malta is one of those destinations that surprises you. With its crystal-clear blue waters, rich history, vibrant food scene, and dramatic limestone landscapes, it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
I visited Malta in July 2025 for a 4-night birthday trip, and it was ideal for a short getaway. With just a 3-hour flight from the UK, guaranteed sunshine, and excellent food, Malta is perfect if you’re looking for a quick trip that still feels special.
In July, daytime temperatures average around 32°C, with evenings cooling to a comfortable 22°C.

Hotel Overview: The Westin Dragonara Resort

  • Hotel: The Westin Dragonara Resort
  • Star Rating: 5-star luxury hotel
  • Location: St Julian’s, Malta
  • Distance from Airport: Approx 20-minute drive
  • Date of Visit: July 2025
  • Travel Style: Luxury, couples, friends, solo travel, family travel
  • Best For: Couples, friends, families, and solo travellers
  • Approximate Cost: 3-night stay in August 2026, 2 adults: approx £2,048 total per room
  • Flight Time from the UK: Approx 3 hours
  • Located on a private peninsula at the water’s edge
  • Direct access to the Mediterranean Sea via two private beach lidos
  • 3 swimming pools (1 outdoor, 1 indoor, 1 children’s pool)
  • Whirlpools and jacuzzis
  • Private beach access
  • 5 restaurants
  • 4 bars
  • Fully equipped gym
  • Spa & wellness centre
Tower Room with Outdoor Terrace
We were upgraded to a Tower Room, and it was stunning. The room offered beautiful sea views and a large outdoor terrace complete with sunbeds. One evening, there was a firework display on the shore, which we had front row seats to.
The interior felt like modern luxury, featuring:
  • A large king-size bed
  • Desk and seating area
  • Spacious layout with plenty of natural light
  • Large terrace with sunbeds
  • Evening turndown service
  • Robe & slippers
  • Bottled water
  • Luxury toiletries
Breakfast is served on the lower level of the hotel and offers a generous international buffet. There were good gluten-free options, alongside a wide range of sweet and savoury dishes.

There’s truly something for everyone, making it easy to fuel up before a day of exploring or relaxing by the pool.
Top tip: Do not skip breakfast — it’s worth waking up for.

malta itinerary 2025

Getting to The Westin Dragonara Resort

I used my British Airways Companion Voucher for this trip and only paid £1 for the flight. Multiple airlines operate direct flights to Malta International Airport (MLA) from London airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.

The flight time is approximately 3 hours.
Once in Malta, getting around is easy and affordable using Uber or Bolt. The Westin Dragonara Resort is around a 20-minute drive from the airport, making the transfer quick and stress-free.

First Impressions of the Hotel

The hotel sits on a large plot of land right by the sea, and the location immediately stands out. The reception area can get busy at peak times, but check-in was smooth and well organised.

While waiting for our room to be ready, we were able to grab food and drinks at the Piano Bar, located next to reception, a nice touch after travelling.

Getting to The Westin Dragonara Resort

I used my British Airways Companion Voucher for this trip and only paid £1 for the flight. Multiple airlines operate direct flights to Malta International Airport (MLA) from London airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.

The flight time is approximately 3 hours.
Once in Malta, getting around is easy and affordable using Uber or Bolt. The Westin Dragonara Resort is around a 20-minute drive from the airport, making the transfer quick and stress-free.

First Impressions of the Hotel

The hotel sits on a large plot of land right by the sea, and the location immediately stands out. The reception area can get busy at peak times, but check-in was smooth and well organised.

While waiting for our room to be ready, we were able to grab food and drinks at the Piano Bar, located next to reception, a nice touch after travelling.

malta itinerary 2025

Pools & Relaxation

I visited two of the pools as well as the private beach area, and there were always plenty of sunbeds available — no need to rush early in the morning.

My favourite spot was the Reef Club Pool, which was much quieter than the heated Bay View Pool. The Reef Club also has a bar and offers poolside entertainment in the late afternoon.

One thing I felt the pool areas were missing was background music to enhance the atmosphere, but aside from that, it was a very relaxing experience.

hcm p 6838757 16by9

Best Restaurants & Bars in Malta

  • Hotel: RivaReno Gelato
  • 8-minute walk from the hotel
  • Incredible gelato flavours
  • Favourite: Pistachio with crushed pistachios on top
  • Hotel: Palio’s Trattoria
  • Authentic Italian cuisine
  • Ask for a table by the water
  • Vegetarian & gluten-free options available
  • Hotel: Toro Toro
  • By Chef Richard Sandoval
  • Pan-Latin cuisine
  • 7-minute walk from the hotel
  • Moody atmosphere with window views
  • Visit after 8–9 pm for the best vibe
  • Must try: Smoky guacamole starter
  • Hotel: Blue Elephant
  • Thai cuisine
  • 11-minute walk from the hotel
  • Marina-side setting
  • Request an outdoor table
  • Vegetarian options available
  • Food was okay, though slightly oily
  • Hotel: Obi
  • Japanese fusion cuisine
  • 5-minute walk from the hotel
  • Intimate, moody vibe — perfect for date night
  • Vegetarian-friendly (ask to go off-menu)
  • Must try: Vegetarian spider roll

Things to Do During the Day

  • Hotel: Valletta
  • Approx. 20-minute drive from the hotel
  • Capital city of Malta
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Known for its Baroque architecture and rich history
  • Easy to explore on foot
  • Hotel: Blue Lagoon (Comino)
  • One of Malta’s most famous natural spots
  • Crystal-clear, shallow waters
  • 36-minute taxi ride to Ċirkewwa
  • Ferry from Ċirkewwa to Comino
  • Best visited early morning
  • Extremely busy and hot in the afternoon
  • Top tip: Wear your swimsuit and take water, and snacks

Final Thoughts

Malta is a beautiful destination with a strong English influence, making it feel like a home away from home. The people are friendly, the food scene is diverse, and there are activities suitable for all ages and travel styles.

Whether you want to explore historic cities, swim in turquoise waters, or simply stay within a luxury resort, Malta offers the perfect mix. It’s an ideal destination for a short but memorable escape, and I would happily return.

Gallery of Our The Westin Dragonara Resort
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