Surrounded by sparkling blue waters Malta has long been an attractive all-year round destination for travellers, with lots of family-friendly activities and off the beaten-track spots for tranquil exploration, the islands have something for everyone.
Located in St Julians and overlooking a picturesque bay The Corinthia St Georges Bay Hotel occupies a commanding position with its design and layout taking full advantage of the natural landscape. We approached the Corinthia St Georges Bay in our chauffeur driven limousine and were impressed by the imposing portico. The moment we got out of the limousine our luggage was instantly taken by Mario, one of the many helpful staff we met during our time at the hotel. Mario took our luggage and escorted us to the Reception desk which is located in what can only be described as a spacious, light and airy Lobby. At the Reception we were directed to the separate Executive Club, located on the fourth floor where the Executive Club team provide a dedicated check-in and check-out facility for privileged Executive quests. The Executive Club is a private area for Executive status guests at the Corinthia St Georges Bay Hotel. The Club offers a quiet area, a work space with computers and high-speed Internet, lounges and social areas. Executive quests have access to a private wonderful breakfast room where you can find complementary refreshments and light snacks during the day, aperitifs and canapés in the early evening. At the Executive Club reception we were warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic Amanda who effortlessly booked us in, soon we were on our way to our Executive SuiteOur Executive Suite can only be described as superb. Upon entering we found a small lobby through which one enters the separate lounge area. Leading from the lounge is the wonderful bedroom in which Mario had carefully placed our luggage on the stands provided. In the bedroom we were delighted to find a king size bed with splendid crisp white sheets and sumptuous pillows, there was also lots of storage; dressing table come desk, bedside tables, bedside lamps and several comfortable chairs. In the wardrobe we found soft white robes and comfortable slippers which were much appreciated later on that evening. Off the bedroom was a very large en-suite bathroom with all the usual fixtures and fittings with a plentiful supply of toiletries and fresh white soft towels.
The bedroom also had access to a separate bijoux balcony which could be used for sipping your morning coffee. The spacious lounge area in the suite had a comfortable sofa and various armchairs, most exciting was a massage chair with infinite setting that we found certainly eased the aching body after all of our travelling. His Lordship decided to test the massage chair with an afternoon snooze, after all it was hot outside! In the lounge there was also a desk with Corinthia writing paper, Wi-Fi, telephone and another flat screen television. Everything in the Suite was spotlessly clean and all the furniture, marble surfaces and tiles shone, not a speck of dust to be seen. We later learned from the very helpful housemaid Antonia that the staff are issued with step ladders to ensure all the fixtures and fittings above head level, including the air-conditioning vents, are cleaned and dusted. This sums up the Corinthia St Georges Bay cleanliness attitude by showing a lot of thought is given to every little detail.Pulling back the heavy drapes in our lounge we found to our delight several sets of large floor to ceiling patio doors giving the effect of a glass wall which lead to the most magnificent wraparound balcony! This provided an aerial view of the Hotel, its pools, beach lido and beyond. We could see St Georges Bay, St Julians and in the distance Selima with the faintest hint of the skyline of Valletta, the magnificent capital of Malta. His Lordship and I contemplated the view, we sat there for some time in the warm sun gazing at our surroundings and watching the calm water, something one would never tire of looking at with the ever changing sea and sky. But we could not sit there forever; it was time to explore the rest of the Hotel.
His Lordship and I made use of the Lobby’s facilities by sharing a light repast from Le Café, this was superb and very welcome after our travelling. In the Lobby one could partake in a traditional afternoon tea from Le Café or for the more adventurous a full bar service is available from the stylish Pearl Lounge, with signature Corinthia cocktails and an extensive wine list. After being fortified we were set out to discover other areas of the Corinthia St Georges Bay Hotel. We decided to see what else was inside the building, we quickly found the Apollo Spa which is a quite oasis of calm and relaxation, very contemporary in style the Spa offers a large indoor pool, saunas and Jacuzzis and relaxation with a wide range of therapies. This includes a room with twin treatment tables were a couple can receive their therapies alongside each other, very romantic and something I intended to surprise His Lordship with later that day. Outside the spa and gym area in an out-of-the-way corner one can find an original watch tower erect by the Knights of St John being St Georges Tower. Just behind that is a small secluded pool which has seating areas, gardens and a view of the sea, perfect for relaxing in a calm and tranquil setting.The Corinthia St Georges Bay Hotel pool area is striking, designed to capture both sun and shade there are two large outdoor pools, here one can find a plethora of comfortable sun loungers to get that Maltese tan, for those wishing to relax in the shade the Corinthia provides lots of umbrellas. Around the pool area there are various bars and two restaurants called Oasis and Corsairs. We sojourned by one of the pools taking pleasure in the sun and discovered the clever concept of “Tweeting” from your sun lounger your food and drink order. His Lordship had to try this and before you knew it chilled champagne and canapés were delivered to our sun loungers, pure heaven! Near the pool area is located a very well equipped gymnasium run by the ever helpful Richard Geres (much to my upset it turned out it was not Richard Gere the actor). In addition to the fantastic gym equipment one can use the Corinthia’s own water club where water skiing, sailing and scuba diving can all be achieved, all this is available from the Corinthia St Georges Bay Hotel’s private jetty.
After a little sunbathing we made our way back to get ready for dinner. The suite was bathed in dappled sunlight as the evening drew in and we had drinks on the balcony. We watched the fading sun disappear over the horizon then headed to Grill 3301 a charming, warm restaurant offering Mediterranean fayre.Very late that night after dinner at Grill 3301 restaurant we retired to our room, before going to bed we took one final look at the wonderful view, even in the night sky this view was still to die for. Below us the hotel’s pool sparkled, looking over the now glossy dark waters the coastal lights were reflected like a mirror of the night sky. All too marvellous for words.
After a restful nights sleep we decided instead of breakfasting in our suite or the Executive Lounge we headed for the Fra Martino, located off the swimming pool. A buffet option is available, offering a wide choice of food and drink with a European edge. This restaurant also has an open air terrace which means meals can be enjoyed under the sunny blue sky or large parasols.
When the time come for our departure from the Corinthia St Georges Bay Hotel we made our way down to the lobby to say goodbye to the wonderful staff and out to the waiting limousine. Every member of staff at the hotel were always willing to help with the smallest of queries and always courteous. During our stay we met so many lovely people who helped with our requests from IT issues which Aaron who sorted out His Lordships mobile and tablet to room requirements like extra linen from our fantastic caring maids. Corinthia St Georges Bay Hotel is indeed a luxury hotel that will be difficult to beat. The Hotel has all the facilities that any traveller, whether for business or pleasure, could ever ask for – helpful dedicated staff, delicious food, luxury rooms and sumptuous surroundings, this hotel has it all and more . . . a view to remember.
The Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay
St. George’s Bay
St. Julians, STJ 3301
Malta